A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into a Bar
When Seeking Jesus Drives You Out of the Church: Interview with Scot McKnight & Tommy Preson Phillips
Feb 1, 2025
Scot McKnight, a New Testament scholar and author, joins newcomer Tommy Preson Phillips, a pastor, to discuss their book 'Invisible Jesus.' They dive into faith deconstruction, positioning it as a necessary exploration rather than a failure. Highlighting issues like power abuse and rigid beliefs, they advocate for a faith that feels genuine. Their conversation tackles how many Christians are seeking a deeper connection to Jesus outside traditional institutions, raising crucial questions about the future of the church and the need for inclusivity and meaningful faith conversations.
01:12:43
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Quick takeaways
- Deconstruction is often misunderstood; many are not abandoning faith but seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with Jesus beyond church structures.
- Dissatisfaction arises from how Jesus is represented in church practices rather than dissatisfaction with Jesus himself, prompting individuals to find genuine experiences of his teachings.
Deep dives
Understanding Deconstruction
Deconstruction is often misunderstood as simply leaving the church, but many individuals engaging in this process are not abandoning their faith. Instead, they seek a deeper connection with Jesus that they feel is lacking in their current church environments. Statistics indicate that the majority of those going through deconstruction do not desire to leave the church entirely; rather, they are searching for authenticity and a genuine encounter with Christ. This perspective challenges the notion that deconstruction is a negative phenomenon, instead framing it as a necessary exploration for many believers.
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