The Deconstructionists

Episode OverviewIn 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 whom society has condemned and often forgotten. Joe shares stories from his time working with incarcerated individuals, the end-of-life moments he has witnessed, the failures and blind spots of our justice system, and the surprising ways grace and humanity still break through in the darkest circumstances.This is not a conversation about abstract theology or distant policy — it’s about presence, dignity, and the costly practice of seeing people when no one else does.In This Episode, We Explore:

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 it was saved on died unexpectedly. Miraculously, the file was recovered just in time — and we are finally able to share Part 1 of this important two-part conversation.Following our recent episode with Chaplain Kerstin Hedlund, who offered insight into spiritual care within the military, Joe continues our exploration of ministry in difficult, often unseen places — where grief, hope, and humanity collide in profound ways.In This EpisodeIn Part 1, we cover:Joe’s early call to prison ministryHow he became involved with individuals facing executionWhat it actually looks like to walk with someone on death rowThe spiritual, e

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 real human complexity.This conversation is for anyone who has wrestled with suffering, loss, or disillusionment. It’s also for those who care deeply about someone who has served.Kerstin’s insight offers a grounded and deeply humane perspective on what it means to stay present with one another through the hardest parts of life.Resources & Further ReadingIf you’d like to explore more about topics mentioned in this episode:“Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral Injury After War” – Rita Nakashima Brock & Gabriella LettiniThe Moral Injury Project – Syracuse UniversityVA National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov

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 hu

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 s

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.

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

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.

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 to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), invites readers to rediscover ancient wisdom and reimagine what faith can mean in the modern world.In Part One, we talk about:Sarah’s path from politics to spirituality.What drew her to reconnect with her Jewish roots.The inspiration and process behind writing Here All Along.Why ancient traditions can still speak powerfully today.About Sarah HurwitzSarah Hurwitz served as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and as chief speechwriter for First L

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 scholars think wrote them• Why certain books were included or excluded• The political and theological forces that shaped the canon• How translation is never neutral• Why inerrancy is a recent idea in Christian historyBy the end, you’ll see the Bible not as a static, untouchable artifact, but as a living record shaped by people, history, culture, and language.Key Topics Covered• The Bible as a library, not a single book• Timeline of Old and New Testament composition• The development of the Jewish Scriptures and Christian c

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 corpse trial came to be, and breaks down why the church literally put a dead pope on the stand.Get ready for a tale of revenge, power, posthumous punishment, and one of the most unhinged trials in recorded history.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Who Pope Formosus was, and why his enemies hated him• Why Pope Stephen VI risked total scandal to hold the corpse trial• What actually happened during the Synod—from propping up the corpse to cutting off its fingers• How this event caused riots, a papal overthrow, and a

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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 faith with authenticity and courage.Whether you’re encountering Richard Rohr for the first time or revisiting his wisdom, we think this conversation will challenge and inspire you.