The Deconstructionists

Episode Summary In this deep-dive episode, we explore one of the most influential — and controversial — doctrines in the history of Christianity: Original Sin . For many of us, Original Sin was presented as a foundational truth. We were told it explained everything wrong with humanity: our impulses, our desires, our bodies, our failures. But where did this idea actually come from? How did early Ch...

Episode Overview In this second half of John’s conversation with Pastor Joe Ingle , we continue exploring the deeply human, often heartbreaking realities of prison ministry — particularly Joe’s decades of work with individuals on death row. If Part 1 introduced the calling and contours of his work, Part 2 steps fully into the emotional, spiritual, and ethical complexities of walking with people wh...

In this long-awaited and nearly lost conversation, John sits down with Pastor Joe Ingle , a longtime prison minister, advocate, and spiritual companion to people on death row. Joe’s work challenges our assumptions about justice, punishment, compassion, and what it means to show up for people society has thrown away. This interview was recorded last year and was almost lost forever when the laptop...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Army Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Kerstin Hedlund. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there for context. Kerstin has spent years serving alongside soldiers in moments of grief, trauma, transition, and deep personal struggle. Her work isn’t about offering easy answers. It’s about presence, listening, and holding space for r...

Episode Summary In 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 —...

Episode: Hell, the Devil, and Atonement Theories What 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 theol...

Episode Description In 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...

Episode Summary You’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 shap...

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 cha...

In this first half of our conversation with Sarah Hurwitz—author, former White House speechwriter, and chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama—we explore her journey from the political stage to a deeply personal exploration of faith. Sarah was part of President Obama’s speechwriting team, helping craft some of his most memorable addresses, before turning her attention to spirituality and...

Episode Summary The Bible is often treated as if it arrived perfectly bound, leather-covered, and gold-edged, straight from heaven. But the reality is far more complex—and far more interesting. In this episode, we dig into the real history of how the Bible was formed —from its earliest writings to the process of canonization, from the Apocrypha to translation controversies, and why no one alive to...

🧵 Episode Summary: In Part 2 of our conversation with Bailey Krawczyk , we move from the experience of life inside Hillsong to the harrowing process of getting out . Bailey opens up about the aftermath of leaving, the emotional toll of speaking out in the Hillsong documentary, and the backlash from those still inside the movement. We also explore the broader systems that allowed abuse and control...

🧵 Episode Summary: In this first of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Bailey Krawczyk , a former Hillsong member who bravely spoke out in the Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed documentary. Bailey shares what initially drew her to the movement—its music, its energy, its promises of purpose—and how that promise slowly unraveled. From inside the worship team to behind-the-scenes control tactics...

🔍  Episode Summary In this episode, we step into one of the most emotionally and politically charged issues in modern history—the war in Gaza and the roots of Zionism. With so much confusion around the history, theology, and current events, we take a step back to examine how we got here and why it matters. We trace the origins of modern Zionism, the rise of the state of Israel, and how Western Ch...

Episode Description: In the year 897, Pope Stephen VI ordered the rotting corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be dug up, dressed in papal robes, propped up on a throne, and put on trial. Yes, this actually happened. This bizarre and macabre moment in church history—known as the  Cadaver Synod  or  Synodus Horrenda —is one of the most infamous (and grotesque) episodes of the medieval papac...

📌 Episode Summary: In this deeply insightful episode, John sits down with Dr. Paula Swindle —a licensed therapist and professor who has spent a career studying religious trauma —to unpack the concept of spiritual bypass , the psychological consequences of religious trauma, and the subtle ways churches often silence dissent. Dr. Swindle brings decades of experience working at the intersection of p...

📌 Episode Summary: In Part 2 of this powerful and emotional interview, Adey and Tom Wassink continue their story of navigating faith, integrity, and exclusion. After years of dedicated service in the Vineyard Movement, their decision to affirm LGBTQ people came with real consequences—not just within the church, but in their community, friendships, and calling. They speak candidly about the silenc...

📌 Episode Summary: In Part 1 of this deeply moving conversation, John sits down with Adey and Tom Wassink—former Vineyard pastors who found themselves quietly pushed to the margins for their commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. The Wassinks share their story of faithful ministry, their transformation toward a more affirming theology, and the difficult choices they faced as a result. Through heartbreak,...

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🎙️ Episode Title: John Gets Interviewed: The Story Behind Spoiled Fruit 🎧 Episode Description: We’re back—and kicking things off with a role reversal. In this special episode of The Deconstructionists , Adam returns to the mic (yes, really!) to interview John about his new investigative podcast Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power , which officially drops Tuesday, May 6th . After over a year of resea...

Welcome back to The Deconstructionists Podcast ! Today, we’re excited to re-release one of our most beloved conversations with Father Richard Rohr — a deep-dive interview we originally titled “Richard Rohr 101.” This is different from the Father Rohr episode we re-released a few weeks ago — that earlier conversation gave a broad overview of his work. This one? It goes deeper — exploring contemplat...

Episode Description: In this special re-release, we revisit our 2016 conversation with  Father Richard Rohr , a renowned Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher celebrated for his profound insights into Christian mysticism, contemplation, and action. Father Rohr’s teachings have guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys, encouraging a deeper understanding of faith and the interconne...

Episode Description: In this special re-release, we revisit our profound conversation with renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann. Known for his influential work on the prophetic imagination, Brueggemann challenges us to envision a world rooted in compassion, justice, and a deep understanding of the Hebrew prophets. Whether you’re hearing this dialogue for the first time or revisiting it, Brueggem...

In this thrilling season of From the Void, join us as we delve into history's most perplexing mysteries. From the eerie disappearance of the Roanoke colony to the controversial fate of Adolf Hitler, we explore the stories that continue to baffle experts. We'll also tackle the age-old question of mythical creatures like Bigfoot and sift through new evidence that might finally reveal their e...

Welcome to the Deconstructionist Podcast! Join host John Williamson as he embarks on a captivating exploration of ancient biblical manuscripts with esteemed guest Dr. Garrick V. Allen. Delve into the intriguing world of historical texts, their annotations, and the fascinating doodles etched by past readers. Discover the significance of titles and how they shape our understanding of the scriptures...