SummaryIn this conversation, Matt and Hayne discuss various topics including their personal lives, parenting, faith, and their experiences with religion. Hayne shares his background growing up in a conservative Southern Baptist home and his journey into faith and the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). They also touch on the influence of Christian nationalism and the cult-like aspects of certain religious groups. Hayne shares his journey of deconstruction and reconstruction in his faith, starting with his experience as a firefighter and his exposure to suffering. He began questioning the theology he had been taught and started exploring alternative perspectives. He delved into books by authors like Greg Boyd, Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, and Pete Enns, which helped shape his evolving beliefs. Hayne also discusses his experience attending an Episcopal church and the significance of the Eucharist in his spiritual journey. In this final part of the conversation, Hayne shares his journey of reconstruction and his evolving beliefs. He discusses his experience with an Episcopal church and how it helped him soften and embrace grace. Hayne also talks about his wife's diagnosis with stage four metastatic breast cancer and how it has shaped his beliefs. He describes himself as more agnostic than ever and explores the idea of healthy spirituality being a combination of great psychology and religion. Hayne emphasizes the importance of treating others with love and compassion, especially the marginalized and the least of theseTakeaways* Hayne shares his experience growing up in a conservative Southern Baptist home and his journey into faith* They discuss the influence of Christian nationalism and the cult-like aspects of certain religious groups* Hayne emphasizes the importance of spending time with his children and having open conversations about social issues* Matt and Hayne reflect on their experiences with religion and the impact it has had on their lives Exposure to suffering can lead to questioning and reevaluating one's beliefs* Exploring alternative perspectives and reading books by different authors can help shape one's evolving beliefs* Attending a different church or religious community can provide new insights and experiences* The Eucharist can be a significant practice in one's spiritual journey The journey of reconstruction involves moving from construction to deconstruction and then to reconstruction, and it is necessary for personal growth.* Experiencing grace and love from others can soften our hearts and lead us to embrace healthier beliefs.* Facing a life-threatening illness can challenge our beliefs and lead us to question the nature of God and faith.* Healthy spirituality can be a combination of great psychology and religion, focusing on love, compassion, and caring for the marginalized.* Treating others with love and compassion, especially the least of these, is a central teaching of Jesus and an important aspect of living a meaningful life.LinksPlease leave a rating or review on your favorite podcasting platform!!!!!Support the Show by subscribing on at Substack for only $5/moMatts Socials: Facebook | Insta | Twitter | Youtube | TikTokHayne’s InstagramJamin Coller’s book (from Episode 5) , “If I’m Really Honest” available on AmazonCheck out our other show at PWNA.net Get full access to The Great Deconstruction at thegreatdeconstruction.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m joined by Jamin Coller, author of Finding God Despite Religion and Almost a Cult. Jamin discusses the trials and tribulations of being a PK (Pastor’s Kid) who has left the fold. Jamin is a piano teacher and former worship leader, former camp counselor at a Christian camp, and left his parent’s church in 2020 - and now has no contact with his family. Please hit like, subscribe, or leave a rating on your favorite podcasting platform - it helps the show GROW!Read The Great Deconstruction BlogYour Host is Matt Oxley: Twitter | Facebook | Substack ————Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/moonshineLicense code: BPAMRQFWC9EZXTXU Get full access to The Great Deconstruction at thegreatdeconstruction.substack.com/subscribe

On Today’s episode of The Great Deconstruction podcast I’m joined by Dr. Miguel De La Torre; Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.  2012 President of the Society of Christian Ethics and Executive Officer for the Society of Race, Ethnicity and Religion (2012-17). Dr. De La Torre is a recognized international Fulbright scholar who has taught courses at the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development (Mexico), Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (Indonesia), University of Johannesburg (South Africa), Johannes Gutenberg University (Germany). Additionally, he has lectured at Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (Costa Rica), The Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (Thailand) and the Council of World Mission (Mexico and Taiwan). Advocating for an ethics of place, De La Torre has taken students on immersion classes to Cuba, Guatemala, the Peruvian Amazon, and the Mexico/U.S. border to walk the migrant trails. Among multiple yearly speaking engagements, he has also been a week-long speaker at the Chautauqua Institute, and the plenary address at the Parliament of World Religions. De La Torre has received several national book awards and is a frequent speaker at national and international scholarly religious events and meetings. He also speaks at churches and nonprofit organizations on the intersection of religion with race, class,  gender, and sexuality . In 2020, the American Academy of Religion bestowed on him the Excellence in Teaching Award. The following year, 2021, the American Academy also conferred upon him the Martin E. Marty Public Understanding of Religion Award. De La Torre is the first scholar to receive the two most prestigious awards presented by his guild and the first Latinx to receive either one of them. Dr. De La Torre joins us today to discuss his new book Resisting Apartheid America: Living the Badass GospelResisting Apartheid America assesses the past and present threads of systemic racism in American politics, from Plymouth Rock to the Capitol on January 6. Sweeping and unsparing in his critique, De La Torre takes on authors revered in Christian theology, including Paul, Augustine, and heroes of the Reformation, aiming to uproot the ideological foundations of racism in Christianity. Following these through lines of oppression, he warns of a decline in democracy and rise in political violence—but equips us with the nonviolent ethical framework to resist this bleak future. Resisting Apartheid America is a clarion call to Christians to remake America in the image of the God of liberation.Buy the book: AmazonFollow Dr. De La Torre: Website | TwitterSupport this show and access exclusive content and community by subscribing at SubstackYour Host is Matt Oxley: Twitter | Facebook | Substack Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/moonshineLicense code: BPAMRQFWC9EZXTXU Get full access to The Great Deconstruction at thegreatdeconstruction.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is the one and only David Hayward, also known as The Naked Pastor. David is a former pastor and now full time artist who’s cartoons have been seen all over the world because of their often poignant yet simple messages. David has been someone I call a friend since 2010 and I’ve been a member of The Lasting Supper community since day one. We talk about coining the term Deconstruction, from which we get the title of this show, leaving the ministry, and dealing with the fallout of deconstruction for those in the ministry. David’s Links: nakedpastor.com/Insta/Facebook/Twitter/The Lasting SupperSupport the The Great Deconstruction and join the conversation on SubstackLeave a review to help the show out: Spotify| ItunesFollow Matt at: Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Mastodon/YoutubeMusic: Used with permission Into the Jaws of Dread by Zao Get full access to The Great Deconstruction at thegreatdeconstruction.substack.com/subscribe

Today we’re joined by Joe Quigley - son of two missionaries in Guatemala who were also Wycliffe Bible Translators, as he details his early life and eventual deconstruction. Joe’s Bio:”Software engineering consultant who grew up in Latin America as a sheltered missionary kid with Bible-translator parents, baptized at age 6, went to a Christian college, got married, had kids, did everything right, and found himself rapidly and violently deconstructing over the course of two years after holding it back for over a decade. The 2012 and 2016 elections laid the groundwork for 2020 when he realized that his faith community didn’t share (or uphold) the values they taught him as a child.After spending well over 500 hours listening to podcasts and reading books by evangelical and non-evangelical theologians, and Christian scientists and historians he finally found the words and context to put his cognitive dissonance to rest.”Joe’s Social Media and blogs can be found at Quigs.LinkBooks and Podcasts mentioned in the show:The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires Our Trust More Than Our Correct Beliefs by Peter EnnsThe Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan HaidtWhy I Believed: Reflections of a Former Missionary by Kenneth W DanielsThe Evangelical Universalist by Gregory MacDonald Dr. Michael Heiser and the Naked Bible PodcastAn evangelical biblical scholar who is an expert in biblical Hebrew culture with a focus on ancient civilizations' supernatural beliefs and how they shape their scriptures.Why you should read the Bible as if it were fictionSupernatural Seminar with Dr. Michael Heiser (Part 1):The Great Deconstruction is hosted by Rev. Matt Oxley on Revoxley.substack.comBecome a contributor or subscribe for freeIntro Music: Into the Jaws of Dread by Zao (With gracious permission) Get full access to The Great Deconstruction at thegreatdeconstruction.substack.com/subscribe

Lars, a former member of the Plymouth Brethren, shares his compelling journey of deconstruction and deconversion from a strict Christian upbringing steeped in fundamentalism and purity culture. He candidly discusses the moment he began questioning foundational beliefs, spurred by his understanding of evolution. Lars reflects on the challenges of unlearning past doctrines and the impact of purity culture on sexuality. He emphasizes the importance of community support and the freedom found in embracing a more evidence-based approach to morality and human values.

Welcome to The Great Deconstruction! What is this podcast about? Who is it for? It's for YOU! Get full access to The Great Deconstruction at thegreatdeconstruction.substack.com/subscribe