Deconstructing the Myth

In 1 Corinthians 11 we read Paul telling women to cover their heads as well as giving commentary on marriage and gender. While many churches are intent on taking Paul’s commands seriously, the command on head covering is usually ignored. Why? And what are we to make of the rest of Paul’s thoughts on gender, women, and marriage in this controversial chapter? Join us, Liz Mall (Biola M.A. in Christi...

Some would consider accounts of genocide in the Old Testament to be the greatest hurdle to the Bible’s (and Christianity’s) validity. It raises big theological questions about Biblical inerrancy, the character of God, and the morality of mass killings. But has the key to correctly interpreting these passages been lost due to our misunderstanding of ancient literary and journalistic conventions? Or...

The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is often dubbed as a “clobber passage” by the LGBT community, as it is commonly cited as a clear example of the Bible condemning homosexual practices. But is the point of Genesis 18-19 really to illustrate that God doesn’t approve of homosexual behavior, as so many of us have been taught our whole lives? Or have we missed some important details along the way? Join...

What can you expect in Season 2 of DTM the podcast? This season we are joined by Jenny White, a recent Harvard graduate and M.A. in Museum Studies. We will be unpacking the history, archaeology, and theology around some of the Bible’s most difficult passages.

In our final episode this season, listen to your host’s own story of deconstruction and her current spirituality, as well as what she found to be Christianity’s most compelling arguments. We also share what to expect in season 2 of DTM. Elizabeth references The Resurrection of Jesus by Michael Licona.

Amanda Smith is my guest today, and we discuss her experience living in the middle of deconstruction, what she needs (and doesn’t need!) from the church right now, and how her journey was deeply impacted by sexism and sexual harassment in the church. She mentions the book, “Out of Sorts” by Sarah Bessey and “A Woman Called” by

Nathaniel shares why injustice in America led to him reevaluating everything he believed to be true about God. We explore the question, “Can God be real, good, just, and all-powerful and still allow evil and suffering?” Nathaniel references YouTube Channels Holy Koolaid and Religion for Breakfast.

My guest Kenny White (not to be confused with his wife Jenny from earlier this season!) discusses being part of a church plant gone horribly wrong and why the structure of non-denominational Evangelical churches so often harms its members, focuses on the wrong aspects of Christianity, and eventually fails.

My guest Stephanie discusses growing up Evangelical and seeking to follow hard after Jesus even after trauma and unanswered questions. Eventually though, the political landscape of America caused her to turn her attention towards whether or not her faith was based in truth.

Jenny White discusses purity culture from a Christian perspective, including the topics of modesty, abstinence before marriage, and Christian men objectifying women. She discusses ways we might move forward as Christians from the damaging effects purity culture has left on our society. Jenny references Sheila Wray Gregoire who wrote “The Great Sex Rescue,” “A Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex,” and “...

My guest Jenny worked at an evangelical church and experienced spiritual manipulation and abuse. She discusses how someone can tell it’s time to leave their church and what it’s like for her now as an Eastern Orthodox Christian.

Rachel Harrold was happy with her Evangelical faith and not looking to deconstruct in the least, but deconstruction snuck up on her. She shares her journey to Catholicism and some beautiful lessons she’s learned along the way. She mentions “Mama Bear Apologetics” by Hillary Morgan Ferrer and “Evangelical is Not Enough” by Thomas Howard.

Maria Stewart is my guest today, and we dive into the background of purity culture and why it’s so damaging in the church today, as well as why we so often misunderstand and misapply the Bible. Maria mentions the podcast “Unbelievable” and the books “How (Not) to Read the Bible” by Dan Kimball and “Pure” by Linda Kay Klein

Today, my guest Dillon Stewart describes his spiritual background growing up in the Church of Christ, his thoughts on hell and science vs. religion, and what happens when religion becomes our basis of identity. Resources and quotes mentioned in today’s episode: Richard Dawkins Demonstrates Laryngeal Nerve of a Giraffe https://youtu.be/cO1a1Ek-HD0 “All truth passes through three stages. First, it i...

What is Deconstructing the Myth the podcast all about? We dive into what to expect this season!