

The Deconstructionists
John Williamson
A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 12, 2023 • 38min
Ep. 158 - Jodi Magness ”Archeology & The Dead Sea Scrolls” pt. 1
Guest Info/Bio:This week’s guest is Dr. Jodi Magness. Jodi is the Kenan Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a Classical and Biblical archaeologist specializing in ancient Palestine (modern Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories) from the time of Jesus up to the tenth century. Her research interests include Jerusalem, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient synagogues, Masada, the Roman army in the East, ancient pottery, the Byzantine-early Islamic transition, and Diaspora Judaism in the Roman world. IShe has participated on over 20 excavations in Israel and in Greece, including co-directing the 1995 excavations in the Roman siege works at Masada. Since 2011, she has directed excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee, which are bringing to light a monumental Late Roman (fifth century) synagogue paved with stunning mosaics (for more information visit: Huqoq.Jodi is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Past President of the Archaeological Institute of America.Guest (selected) Publications: Her most recent books are Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth (2019) and The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls (2nd edition 2021). I am currently writing a book on Jerusalem Through the Ages (under contract with Oxford University Press).Guest Website/Social Media: www.jodimagness.org Special Theme Music by: Forrest ClayInstagram: @forrestclaymusic Twitter: @clay_kYouTube: www.youtube.com/claykmusic Songs featured on this episode were: “Does God” and “This Water I am Treading” from the Recover EPYou can find Clay’s music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh - America’s #1 meal kit! My daughter and I swear by it and have our favorite recipes that we make together every week! Go to www.hellofresh.com/deconstruct16 for 16 FREE meals PLUS free shipping! This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social mediaJoin our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen PfluigT-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner. Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamsonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 5, 2023 • 52min
Ep. 157 - Dr. Dan McClellan ”Data Over Dogma” pt. 2
Guest Info/Bio:This week I had the chance to talk one of my favorite scholars, Dr. Dan O. McClellan in part 2 of 2 episodes. Dan received is bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in ancient Near Eastern Studies, where he focused on Biblical Hebrew and minored in Classical Greek. He completed his master of studies in Jewish studies at the University of Oxford in July of 2010 and his mater of arts in biblical studies in 2013 at Trinity Western University. In early 2020, he defended his doctoral dissertation written for the University of Exeter on the cognitive science of religion and the conceptualization of deity and divine agency in the Hebrew Bible. He later worked as a scripture translation supervisor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City from 2013-2023, and has occasionally taught courses at Brigham Young University as an adjunct professor. Dan’s areas of specialization are Second Temple Judaism, early Israelite religion, textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible, early christology, the cognitive science of religion, cognitive linguistics, and religious identity. Check out Dan’s social media channels and his new podcast, Data Over Dogma Guest (selected) Publications: YHWH’s Divine Images Guest Website/Social Media: www.inktr.ee/maklelan www.maklelan.org www.danielomcclellan.wordpress.com YouTube: @maklelan Instagram: @maklelan Twitter: @maklelan Special Music by: Forrest Clay from the Recover EPYou can find Clay’s music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social mediaJoin our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen PfluigT-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner. Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamsonThis episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh! Go to www.hellofresh.com/deconstruct16 and use the code deconstruct16 or 16 FREE meals plus free shipping!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 29, 2023 • 38min
Ep. 156 - Dr. Dan McClellan ”Data Over Dogma” pt. 1
Dr. Dan McClellan, a scholar in ancient Near Eastern studies, discusses combating misinformation about the Bible and religion using social media. They explore democratizing access to religion through technology and the challenge of condensing complex research into short videos. The podcast also shares a story of finding strength in unity despite rejection. Stay tuned for part 2!

May 22, 2023 • 51min
Ep. 155 - Stephen Prothero ”God The Bestseller”
Guest Info/Bio:This week I had the chance to talk one of my favorite scholars, Dr. Stephen Prothero. Stephen Prothero is the C. Allyn and Elizabeth V. Russell Professor of Religion in America in the Department of Religion at Boston University. He is the author of numerous books including Religion Matters: An Introduction to the World’s Religions (W.W. Norton 2020), Why Liberals Win the Culture Wars (HarperOne, 2016), God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions that Run the World—and Why Their Differences Matter (HarperOne, 2010), and the New York Times bestseller Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know—and Doesn’t (HarperOne, 2007). His books have been published on five continents and translated into eight languages.Prothero has commented on religion on hundreds of National Public Radio programs, and on television on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, PBS, and all the major networks. He was also a guest on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart, "The Colbert Report," and "The Oprah Winfrey Show." A regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, he has written for the New York Times, Slate, Salon, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and the Boston Globe.Prothero was the chief academic adviser for the critically acclaimed six-hour WGBH-TV series, "God in America." He also worked as a Senior Fellow at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, and as the chief outside writer for CNN's "Belief Blog." He received his BA from Yale in American Studies and his PhD in the Study of Religion from Harvard. He lives on Cape Cod, and he tweets @sprothero.Guest (selected) Publications: American Jesus: How the Son of God became a National Icon; Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs To Know - And Doesn’t; God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run The World; The American Bible: How Our Words Unite, Divide, and Define A Nation; God The Best Seller: How One Editor Transformed American Religion A Book At A Time. Guest Website/Social Media: www.stephenprothero.com Twitter: @sprothero Special Music by: Jayne Sugghttps://jaynesugg.com www.linktr.ee/jaynesugg Instagram: @seejayne Songs featured on this episode were: “It’s So Dark” and “Can You Love Me?” from the It’s So Dark EP. You can find Jayne's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social mediaJoin our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen PfluigT-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner. Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamsonThis episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh! Go to www.hellofresh.com/deconstruct16 and use the code deconstruct16 or 16 FREE meals plus free shipping!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 15, 2023 • 44min
Ep. 154 - Pete Enns - ”Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming” pt. 2
Guest Info/Bio:This week we wrap up our conversation with friend of the pod, Dr. Pete Enns! Dr. Enns (PhD, Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University, St. Davids, PA. He has taught courses at several other institutions including Harvard University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Enns is a biblical scholar, theologian, and author who has written on topics like hermeneutics, the relationship between science and religion, Christianity and evolution, and Old Testament interpretation. He is also a contributor to the Huffington Post and Patheos and a regular blogger at www.peteenns.com as well as being co-host of the Bible/Faith for Normal People podcast.(Selected) Guest Publications: The Bible Tells me so…; Inspiration and Incarnation; The Evolution of Adam; Telling God’s Story; The Sin of Certainty; How the Bible Really Works*; and more… ; Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming...*or How I Stumbled and Tripped My Way to Finding a Bigger God.Guest Social Media:www.peteenns.comTwitter: @peteennsFacebook: @PeteEnnsAuthorCheck out Pete’s podcast The Bible For Normal People anywhere you find your podcasts! It’s terrific! We listen to it, and so should you!Them music by Forrest Clay. You can find his music on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, or anywhere good music is found.This episode of the Deconstructionist’s Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson.Stay on top of all the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com! Go there to read our blog, snag a t-shirt, follow us on social media, or join our Patreon family!Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogo designed by Joseph ErnstT-Shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 8, 2023 • 49min
Ep. 153 - Pete Enns ”Curveball: When Your Faith Takes a Turn You Never Saw Coming” pt. 1
Guest Info/Bio:This week we kick off our 2023 scripture series with friend of the pod, Dr. Pete Enns! Dr. Enns (PhD, Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University, St. Davids, PA. He has taught courses at several other institutions including Harvard University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Enns is a biblical scholar, theologian, and author who has written on topics like hermeneutics, the relationship between science and religion, Christianity and evolution, and Old Testament interpretation. He is also a contributor to the Huffington Post and Patheos and a regular blogger at www.peteenns.com as well as being co-host of the Bible/Faith for Normal People podcast.(Selected) Guest Publications: The Bible Tells me so…; Inspiration and Incarnation; The Evolution of Adam; Telling God’s Story; The Sin of Certainty; How the Bible Really Works*; and more… ; Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming...*or How I Stumbled and Tripped My Way to Finding a Bigger God.Guest Social Media:www.peteenns.comTwitter: @peteennsFacebook: @PeteEnnsAuthorCheck out Pete’s podcast The Bible For Normal People anywhere you find your podcasts! It’s terrific! We listen to it, and so should you!Them music by Forrest Clay. You can find his music on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, or anywhere good music is found.This episode of the Deconstructionist’s Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson.Stay on top of all the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com! Go there to read our blog, snag a t-shirt, follow us on social media, or join our Patreon family!Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogo designed by Joseph ErnstT-Shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 1, 2023 • 52min
Ep. 152 - Amy Bloom ”In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss”
Guest Info/Bio:This week I talk with New York Times best-selling author, Amy Bloom. Amy just released a deeply personal memoir about her journey with her husband after it was discovered he had Alzheimers and made the decision to end life on his own terms. Grief comes in many forms and those who have had loved ones with incurable diseases that slowly rob you of your loved one is one of them. Amy Bloom is the author of four novels: White Houses, Lucky Us, Away, and Love Invents Us; and three collections of short stories: Where the God Of Love Hangs Out, Come to Me (finalist for the National Book Award), and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You (finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award). Her first book of nonfiction, Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops and Hermaphrodites with Attitudes, is a staple of university sociology and biology courses. Her most recent book is the widely acclaimed NY Times bestselling memoir, In Love. She has written for magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Elle, The Atlantic Monthly, Slate, and Salon, and her work has been translated into fifteen languages. She is the Director of the Shapiro Center at Wesleyan University.Guest (selected) Publications: It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand” Guest Website/Social Media: www.amybloom.com Facebook: @amybloombooks Twitter: @amybloombooks Theme Music by: Forrest Clay found on the EP, Recover.You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social mediaJoin our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen PfluigT-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner. Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamsonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 24, 2023 • 48min
Ep. 151 - Dr. Jacqueline Bussie ”When Love Hurts” pt. 2
Guest Info/BIo:Welcome back for part 2 of my interview with Dr. Jacqueline Bussie. We talk more about the topic of grief and grieving and how society could do a better job of supporting those going through a loss.Dr. Bussie is an award-winning author, professor, theologian, public speaker, and student of life in all its messy beauty. Her books include “Love without Limits (2018) and “Outlaw Christian” (2016), which won the 2017 Gold Medal Illumination Award for Christian Living. Jacqueline teaches religion, theology, and interfaith studies classes at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota, where she also serves as the Director of the Forum on Faith and Life.Guest Social Media:www.jacquelinebussie.comTwitter: @jacquelinebussieInstagram: @jbussieFacebook: @jacqueline.bussieThis episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was mixed, edited, and produced by John Williamson.Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, follow us on social media, or join our Patreon family! Website by Ryan Battles All photos by Jared Hevron Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 17, 2023 • 45min
Ep. 150 - Dr. Jacqueline Bussie ”When Love Hurts” pt. 1
Guest Info/BIo:Our second guest this season is the amazing Jacqueline Bussie! Jacqueline comes on to discuss the topic of grief for our series on grief and grieving and how her own personal experience has impacted the words she wrote years ago.Dr. Bussie is an award-winning author, professor, theologian, public speaker, and student of life in all its messy beauty. Her books include “Love without Limits (2018) and “Outlaw Christian” (2016), which won the 2017 Gold Medal Illumination Award for Christian Living. Jacqueline teaches religion, theology, and interfaith studies classes at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota, where she also serves as the Director of the Forum on Faith and Life.Guest Social Media:www.jacquelinebussie.comTwitter: @jacquelinebussieInstagram: @jbussieFacebook: @jacqueline.bussieThis episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was mixed and edited by John Williamson. Special theme music by Forrest Clay.Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, follow us on social media, or join our Patreon family! Website by Ryan Battles All photos by Jared Hevron Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 7, 2023 • 41min
Ep. 149 - Dr. Dale Allison ”The Resurrection of Jesus” pt. 2
Guest Info/Bio:This week we wrap up our talk about the resurrection with Dr. Dale C. Allison. Dale C. Allison, Jr. is the Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. He earned his MA and PhD from Duke University. His academic research and publications include the historical Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew, Second Temple Judaism, and the history of the interpretation and application of biblical texts. His book, Constructing Jesus, was selected as “Best Book Relating to the New Testament” for 2009–2010 by the Biblical Archaeology Society. His most recent books are The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemic, History and Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age. He served for several years as the main New Testament editor for de Gruyter’s international Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception and has been on the editorial boards of multiple academic journals. On a more popular level, he has written books on George Harrison, religious experience, and death and what might lie beyond.Guest (selected) Publications: Constructing Jesus; The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemic, History and Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular AgeGuest Website/Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNm0D0I5gdQ&t=102sTheme Music by: Forrest Clay found on the EP, Recover.You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social mediaJoin our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists Website by Ryan BattlesAll photos by Jared HevronLogos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen PfluigT-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner. Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamsonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy