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
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Accidental Pastor
Tommy Preson Phillips became pastor of Watermark Church accidentally after the previous pastor left and elders resigned.
The church, initially around 1000 members, dwindled to under 200 after COVID, leading to restructuring and a focus on house churches.
insights INSIGHT
Deconstruction as Prophetic Voice
Many deconstructing Christians aren't leaving Christianity entirely; 86% remain in church.
Their deconstruction is often a prophetic voice, highlighting issues the church needs to address.
insights INSIGHT
Invisible Jesus
Deconstructors often critique the church's focus on abstract spirituality, neglecting Jesus's emphasis on physical needs like feeding the hungry.
They see a disconnect between Jesus's actions and the church's priorities.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present', Ruth Ben-Ghiat lays bare the blueprint followed by authoritarian leaders over the past 100 years. The book delves into the tools and tactics these leaders use, including propaganda, corruption, violence, and the weaponization of masculinity. Ben-Ghiat empowers readers to understand how these leaders obtain, maintain, and lose power, and how to prevent their disastrous rule in the future. The book is divided into sections on 'Getting to Power', 'Tools of Rule', and 'Losing Power', providing a comprehensive analysis of the strongman playbook.
What is the Church?
What is the Church?
Pitchy
New Testament Theology
New Testament Theology
Tom Schreiner
Invisible Jesus
Invisible Jesus
Tommy Preson Phillips
Scot McKnight
Invisible Jesus explores the reasons behind the deconstruction of faith among Christians. The authors examine various issues within the church, such as toxic leadership, legalistic thinking, and political partisanship, that contribute to this phenomenon. They highlight the experiences of individuals who are questioning their faith while still seeking a genuine connection with Jesus. The book offers biblical reflections and calls for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to faith. Ultimately, it encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and practices to ensure they align with the teachings of Jesus.
Faith deconstruction has become a defining trend in American Christianity, and disagreement persists about what’s driving it. In this episode, we talk with Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips about their book Invisible Jesus, which considers why so many Christians are critically re-examining their faith. Rather than treating deconstruction as a problem to be solved, they argue that it's a response to real issues—abuse of power, rigid fundamentalism, and a version of Christianity that often looks nothing like Jesus.
Drawing on research from Pew, Gallup, and other studies, McKnight and Phillips unpack what people are actually saying when they step away from the faith communities they grew up in. Some leave Christianity altogether, but most are trying to rebuild something more honest and life-giving. What does it mean to lose faith in the institution but still be drawn to Jesus? And how should the church respond to that tension?
This conversation is for anyone who has wrestled with doubt, walked alongside someone in deconstruction, or wondered what’s next for the church in light of these shifts. Join us as we dig into what’s happening, why it matters, and what a more faithful future might look like.
=====
Want to support us?
The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.
If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal.
A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into a Bar 