Spiritual Misfits Podcast A More Christlike God: Bradley Jersak on Faith After Deconstruction
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Jul 19, 2025 
Bradley Jersak, a theologian and author known for his impactful works on faith transitions, shares his transformative journey from a Baptist background to Mennonite and Orthodox influences. He discusses the reinterpreting of controversial theological concepts like penal substitutionary atonement and the nature of God as fundamentally loving. Jersak advocates for a hopeful universalism, emphasizing Jesus' reconciliatory role. He also explores interfaith dialogue, the virtues of liturgical practices, and the importance of navigating contemporary spiritual tensions with humility.
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Journey From Dispensationalism To Healing Ministry
- Bradley Jersak recounts growing up dispensationalist then moving through Mennonite ministry and renewal contexts where he saw Jesus heal trauma.
- These ministry experiences reshaped his theology from punitive images of God to a more restorative, compassionate gospel.
Burnout, Recovery, And A Monk's Influence
- In 2008 Bradley hit a crisis from cumulative trauma and burnout that led him to step down from pastoring and enter recovery.
- A monk, spiritual director, and therapy team carried him through healing and influenced his shift toward Orthodox spirituality and recovery practices.
Read Scripture Through The Lens Of Jesus
- Jersak argues we must read all scripture through Jesus, who perfectly reveals the Father's character as love.
- He says the Jesus-on-the-Emmaus-road lens corrects literal, retributive readings of God found in modern interpretations.
