Ep. 215 - Kerstin Hedlund "Faith on the Frontlines" pt. 1
Episode SummaryIn this two-part conversation, John sits down with Pastor Kerstin Hedlund, a U.S. Army Chaplain whose story offers a rare window into what faith looks like when it’s lived out in the hardest and most human places.From her path into military chaplaincy to the deep questions that arise in the presence of trauma and moral injury, Kerstin’s perspective brings theology down to earth — into barracks, hospitals, and battle zones — where hope, compassion, and grief often collide.Together they explore what it means to serve others in a system defined by hierarchy and discipline, how empathy and faith can survive amid loss, and why doubt and mystery might actually make us more compassionate people.Why It MattersPastor Kerstin’s story reminds us that faith isn’t tested in seminaries or sanctuaries — it’s tested in the trenches of real life. Her honesty about doubt, fatigue, and renewal challenges the neat formulas we often attach to belief and invites us toward something deeper, more embodied, and more human.Listen Now🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 More episodes at TheDeconstructionists.comFollow & Support📸 Instagram — @thedeconstructionistspodcast🐦 X / Twitter — @deconstructcast☕ Patreon — Join for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and community Q&AsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep. 214 - Hell, The Devil, and Atonement Theories
Episode: Hell, the Devil, and Atonement TheoriesWhat exactly do Christians mean when they talk about hell? Where did the idea of the devil come from, and why does it look so different across the Bible? And why are there so many different theories of atonement—Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—when most of us only ever hear one?In this episode, we dig deep into the history, language, and theology behind three core ideas that have shaped Christianity for centuries:Hell – from Sheol and Gehenna in the Hebrew Bible to Dante’s Inferno and modern evangelical preaching.The Devil – tracing the figure from the Hebrew Bible’s “accuser” to the cosmic enemy of God in later Christian thought.Atonement Theories – surveying models from Christus Victor to Moral Influence to Penal Substitution, and asking how these different views reveal the diverse ways Christians have tried to understand salvation.This conversation explores how these concepts developed over time, why they remain so influential, and what happens when we step back to ask whether we’ve been handed the whole story.Helpful Resources & Further ReadingIf you want to dive deeper, here are some books and articles we recommend:On HellEdward Fudge – The Fire That ConsumesRobin Parry – The Evangelical UniversalistJerry L. Walls – Hell: The Logic of DamnationOn the Devil & SatanElaine Pagels – The Origin of SatanHenry Ansgar Kelly – Satan: A BiographyArchibald Robertson – The Devil: His Origin and His FallOn Atonement TheoriesGustaf Aulén – Christus VictorN.T. Wright – The Day the Revolution BeganFleming Rutledge – The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus ChristTony Jones – A Better Atonement (shorter, accessible resource)Broader ResourcesBart Ehrman – Heaven and Hell: A History of the AfterlifeC. S. Lewis – The Great Divorce (a classic imaginative take, though not academic)The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entries on “Hell,” “Satan,” and “Atonement” (for an open-access scholarly overview).Connect with UsWebsite: thedeconstructionists.orgInstagram & X: @deconstructcastSpecial music by Forrest Clay from the Recover EPSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep. 213 - Is Deconstruction Bad? (...it's not)
Episode DescriptionIn this episode, John takes on a question that’s been floating around the public conversation for years — often asked with fear, frustration, or misunderstanding: Is deconstruction a bad thing?After years of listening to the debate unfold online and in church spaces, it felt like time to finally respond. This conversation is part of our current series tackling some of the most frequently requested topics from listeners — and few have come up as often as this one.John explores what “deconstruction” actually means, why so many people are drawn to it, and how it’s often mischaracterized by those who haven’t walked through it. From faith crises to intellectual honesty, this episode invites listeners to see deconstruction not as the end of faith, but as a deeply human and often necessary process of growth.🔍 Topics CoveredWhy the term “deconstruction” has become controversialHow faith communities have responded — and why many get it wrongThe philosophical roots of deconstruction (Derrida, Foucault, and beyond)Why deconstruction doesn’t equal destructionThe emotional and spiritual side of rethinking beliefRebuilding after the unraveling — what comes nextListener questions: “Can you come back from deconstruction?”💬 Key TakeawaysDeconstruction isn’t rebellion — it’s reflection.Asking hard questions doesn’t destroy faith; it refines it.Healthy faith can withstand curiosity, doubt, and nuance.The goal isn’t to tear down belief, but to let go of what’s untrue so that something more honest can take root.📚 Recommended ResourcesBooks & ArticlesFaith After Doubt — Brian D. McLaren (Amazon)The Sin of Certainty — Peter Enns (Amazon)The Great Spiritual Migration — Brian D. McLaren (Amazon)Out of Sorts — Sarah Bessey (Amazon)Theology in the Raw — “Is Deconstruction a Bad Thing?” podcast episode (theologyintheraw.com)Essays & Think Pieces“Deconstruction Is Not the Enemy” — Sojourners Magazine“When Faith Falls Apart: Why Deconstruction Can Be Holy” — Relevant Magazine“The Difference Between Deconstruction and Destruction” — Religion News ServiceFollow the ConversationInstagramX / Twitterthedeconstructionists.com🎧 Listen & SubscribeAvailable now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Don’t forget to leave a review and share the episode with someone who’s wrestling with their faith journey.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep. 212 - Does the Bible Really Condemn Same-Sex Relationships?
Episode SummaryYou’ve probably heard it before: “The Bible clearly condemns homosexuality.” But is that actually true?In this episode, we put that claim under a microscope. We dig into the six main passages most often cited against same-sex relationships, examine them in their original language and cultural context, and confront the translation choices and theological assumptions that have shaped centuries of Christian thought.We also respond to common accusations from fundamentalist circles—that affirming interpretations “don’t take the Bible seriously” or are just “twisting Scripture to fit modern culture”—and show how serious scholarship actually tells a different story.Key Topics Covered• Why the word “homosexual” did not appear in English Bibles until the 20th century• How ancient cultures, including those in the biblical world, understood sexuality and relationships• The difference between exploitative, non-consensual sexual acts in the ancient world and modern, loving, consensual same-sex relationships• Detailed breakdown of:• Genesis 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah)• Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13 (Holiness Code)• Romans 1:26–27• 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10• Why context matters: ancient hospitality codes, temple prostitution, and cultural purity laws• How fewer than a dozen verses address same-sex acts—compared to thousands on love, justice, and caring for the marginalized• Why serious biblical scholarship supports an affirming viewPrimary Sources & ScholarshipResearch for this episode draws from respected biblical scholars, linguists, and historians, including:General Context & Language Studies• Matthew Vines – God and the Gay Christian• David P. Gushee – Changing Our Mind• James V. Brownson – Bible, Gender, Sexuality• William Loader – The New Testament on SexualityTranslation & Language Issues• Ed Oxford – research on the history of the word homosexual in Bible translations• Dale B. Martin – Sex and the Single SaviorOld Testament Context• John J. Collins – Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (on Holiness Code)• Martti Nissinen – Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: A Historical PerspectiveDan McClellan - the Bible Says So: What we get Right (and wrong) About Scripture's Most Controversial Issues New Testament Context• N.T. Wright – various works on Paul (discussing cultural setting)• Robin Scroggs – The New Testament and Homosexuality• Ken Stone – Practicing Safer Texts: Food, Sex and Bible in Queer PerspectiveSpecial music on this episode provided by Forrest Clay and Que Jones Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep. 211 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story" (pt. 2)
In Part Two of our interview with Sarah Hurwitz, we dive deeper into the big questions raised in Here All Along. Drawing on her experiences in both politics and faith, Sarah reflects on the role of ritual, the meaning of community, and how spiritual practices can ground us in an unsteady world.In this episode, we discuss:How Jewish rituals and practices can bring balance to modern life.The challenge and beauty of faith communities today.Lessons from her time working with President Obama’s speechwriting team and Michelle Obama.How wisdom traditions can help us wrestle with meaning, identity, and purpose.About Sarah HurwitzSarah Hurwitz served as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and as chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama from 2010 to 2017. Since leaving the White House, she has become a leading voice in exploring spirituality and Jewish identity for a new generation.📖 Book: Here All Along (Amazon)website: https://www.sarahhurwitz.net/🌐 Author Page: Penguin Random House – Sarah HurwitzStay connected with The Deconstructionists and never miss an episode:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🌐 Official Website📱 Follow us on Instagram, X / Twitter, and FacebookSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...
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