#135: The necessity, perils and possibilities of deconstruction (with Brad Jersak)

The wonderfully wise and gentle Brad Jersak returns to the show, with a guest co-host! This special episode was recorded live when I was visiting Jonathan Martin recently, and we co-interviewed Brad about his latest book, Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction. We reflected on the historical precedence of faith deconstruction, observing that it is both a current move of God in our time as well as an ancient tradition of idol smashing. We discussed the harm we can do to others in our deconstruction journey, and how deconstruction can liberate from toxicity while also being incredibly painful and destabilizing. We talk about the importance of not replacing one form of fundamentalism with another, and moving from alienation to communion. Brad left us with a ton of practical tools on how you can connect with God and feel God’s love, right now, wherever and whoever you are.

Jonathan PuddleFebruary 15, 2023deconstruction, jonathan martin, brad jersakComment

#129-B: Debriefing Jonathan Martin on the road away from God

Time for another B-Side! Tryphena and I kept the mics rolling after we bid farewell to Jonathan Martin, and we leaned into his thoughts on God walking with us, even as we think we’re walking away. We riff on the divine power revealed in human agency, finding peace in the knowledge that God is present in everything, discerning the simple next steps in front of us, and walking life out in community.

Jonathan PuddleJuly 18, 2022b-side, deconstruction, jonathan martin, god's love, faith, hope, holy spirit, community, freedomComment

#129: Finding hope on the road away from God (with Jonathan Martin)

Pastor, writer and social leader Jonathan Martin returns to the show to explain how the journey that we’re each on is the journey we need to be on. Using the story of the disciples leaving Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus, Jonathan explains that even when we think we’re walking away from God, love finds us on the road. Tryphena and I ask him about the risky nature of doubt, of how granting freedom works as a pastor, and how to be honest about the harm done to us, while holding on to hope that perhaps healing is possible after all. It’s beautiful and raw and real, if you’ve felt at all disillusioned by God or church or the world in the last few years then I commend this to you wholeheartedly.

Jonathan PuddleJune 28, 2022deconstruction, god's love, faith, hope, holy spirit, suffering, life, community, jonathan martinComment

#76: Death and rebirth (with Jonathan Martin)

Jonathan Martin is an author, pastor and host of The Zeitcast, and he is one of the biggest influences & encouragements in my life and work. Jonathan joined me on the show this week to chat about seasons of life, allowing things within us to die, and placing hope in a resurrection that we can’t orchestrate ourselves. We touched on grief, community, hope, church life and the importance of intentionally incarnating rebirth within our own lives.

Jonathan PuddleApril 23, 2020covid-19, death, resurrection, deconstruction, grace, community, jonathan martinComment