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PODCAST

The Deconstructionists

John Williamson

A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...

religion & spirituality religion

All Episodes

43:29

Ep. 214 - Hell, The Devil, and Atonement Theories

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/10/27

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

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32:08

Ep. 213 - Is Deconstruction Bad? (...it's not)

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/10/20

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

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30:10

Ep. 212 - Does the Bible Really Condemn Same-Sex...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/10/13

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

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33:51

Ep. 211 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/10/06

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

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35:38

Ep. 210 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/09/29

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 Jewish identity.Her latest book, Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection

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26:51

Ep. 209 - The History of the Bible: How We Got the...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/09/22

Episode SummaryThe 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 today has ever held an original manuscript.We’ll talk about:• When the books were likely written• Who

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40:26

Ep. 208 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control:...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/09/15

🧵 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 to flourish unchecked—and why naming these systems is the first step toward healing.🔑 Key Themes:The

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41:03

Ep. 207 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control:...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/09/08

🧵 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, Bailey gives us a raw, unfiltered look at life inside one of the most influential—and

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41:41

Ep. 206 - Zionism, Gaza, and the Western Church:...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/09/01

🔍 Episode SummaryIn 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 Christianity—particularly American evangelicalism—has shaped both the theology and the politics that continue

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13:56

Teaser Episode: History on the Margins - The Corpse...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/08/26

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 papacy. In this episode, John Williamson dives deep into the political chaos of 9th-century Rome, explains how the

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64:43

Ep. 205 - Dr. Paul Swindle "Religious Trauma"

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/08/18

📌 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 psychology and faith, offering a compassionate and deeply informed perspective for anyone trying to untangle

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46:42

Ep. 204 - Adey & Tom Wassink "Sanctuary: Queering a...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/08/11

📌 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 silence that followed, the weight of institutional disappointment, and how they found freedom on the other side

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49:29

Ep. 203 - Adey & Tom Wassink "Sanctuary: Queering a...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/08/04

📌 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, resilience, and deep spiritual reflection, they illuminate the cost of integrity within systems resistant

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0:38

Trailer: New Season!

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/07/11

Subscribe now so you don't miss a single new episode! www.thedeconstructionists.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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101:47

Adam & John "Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power"

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/05/06

🎙️ 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 research, interviews, and late-night editing sessions, Spoiled Fruit is ready to be heard. In this episode, we

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85:00

RE-RELEASE - Richard Rohr "Rohr 101"

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/04/28

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 contemplation, non-duality, spiritual transformation, the Universal Christ, and how we move through the stages of

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79:47

RE-RELEASE - Father Richard Rohr "Falling Upward"

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/04/04

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 interconnectedness of all things. Whether you’re hearing this dialogue for the first time or revisiting it, Father

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37:59

RE-RELEASE - Walter Bruggemann "Struggling with...

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/03/25

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, Brueggemann’s insights remain as timely and transformative as ever. Musical Features: This episode is enriched

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01:02

Introduction: From The Void Season 7!

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/03/03

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 existence. Plus, with the increasing number of UFO sightings, are we closer to uncovering the truth that could

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28:29

Dr. Garrick Allen "Words Are Not Enough" pt. 2

The Deconstructionists ·

2025/01/20

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 over time.In this engaging episode, unearth the hidden stories and personal imprints left by

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