The Deconstructionists

• Ep. 208 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control: Hillsong from the Inside" (Part 2)

  🧵 Episode Summary:In Part 2 of our conversation with Bailey Krawczyk, we move from the experience of life inside Hillsong to the harrowing process of getting out. Bailey opens up about the aftermath of leaving, the emotional toll of speaking out in the Hillsong documentary, and the backlash from those still inside the movement.We also explore the broader systems that allowed abuse and control to flourish unchecked—and why naming these systems is the first step toward healing.🔑 Key Themes:The trauma of leaving a high-control religious groupPsychological aftermath: shame, guilt, grief, and recoveryThe media spotlight and what it didn’t showHow systems of power protect abusive leadershipDeconstructing your faith after spiritual betrayal🧑‍💼 About the Guest:Bailey Krawczyk continues to advocate for survivors of spiritual and institutional abuse. Her story has resonated with thousands of others who have walked away from toxic faith environments in search of something more whole, more honest, and more human.📌 Resources Mentioned:Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed [Discovery+ / Hulu]https://www.instagram.com/baileykrawczyk/Film: https://vimeo.com/1088719956[Book recommendation] When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat[Podcast] Leaving Hillsong[Resource] ICSA: International Cultic Studies Association – www.icsahome.com🔁 Follow & Subscribe:If this conversation resonated with you, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review The Deconstructionists wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with someone who might be ready to hear it.Special music by Forrest Clay from the Recover E.P. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Ep. 206 - Zionism, Gaza, and the Western Church: Untangling a Complicated History

  🔍 Episode SummaryIn this episode, we step into one of the most emotionally and politically charged issues in modern history—the war in Gaza and the roots of Zionism. With so much confusion around the history, theology, and current events, we take a step back to examine how we got here and why it matters.We trace the origins of modern Zionism, the rise of the state of Israel, and how Western Christianity—particularly American evangelicalism—has shaped both the theology and the politics that continue to impact real people on the ground. This episode isn’t about taking easy sides. It’s about understanding the deeper story beneath the headlines.🎧 Key Topics CoveredWhat is Zionism and where did it come from?The Balfour Declaration and British colonial influenceThe founding of the state of Israel in 1948The Nakba and its lasting impact on Palestinian peopleHow American evangelicalism helped shape U.S. foreign policy toward IsraelThe role of Dispensationalism and the Scofield BibleChristian Zionism vs. ethical Christian responsibilityThe ongoing humanitarian crisis in GazaWhy understanding this history matters for people of faith today📚 Resources & Recommended ReadingBooks & Articles“The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” by Ilan Pappé“A Wall in Palestine” by René Backmann“Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews” by Alan Hart“Blood Brothers” by Elias Chacour“The Bible and Zionism” by Nur Masalha“The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood” by Rashid Khalidi“Christian Zionism: Road-map to Armageddon?” by Stephen Sizer“The Bible, The Jews, and the Death of Jesus” by Adele ReinhartzDocumentaries & MediaThe Law in These Parts (documentary)Al Nakba (Al Jazeera English documentary series)Occupation 101 (2006 documentary on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict)With God On Our Side (Christian Zionism documentary by Porter Speakman Jr.)Other ResourcesB’Tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied TerritoriesJewish Voice for PeaceIfNotNow MovementKairos Palestine Document (2009)🧠 Listener ChallengeAsk yourself: What narratives have shaped the way I view this conflict? Whose voices have I been taught to prioritize—and whose have I never heard?🙏 Support the ShowIf this episode challenged or inspired you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with a friend.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Teaser Episode: History on the Margins - The Corpse Synod

  Episode Description:In the year 897, Pope Stephen VI ordered the rotting corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be dug up, dressed in papal robes, propped up on a throne, and put on trial.Yes, this actually happened.This bizarre and macabre moment in church history—known as the Cadaver Synod or Synodus Horrenda—is one of the most infamous (and grotesque) episodes of the medieval papacy. In this episode, John Williamson dives deep into the political chaos of 9th-century Rome, explains how the corpse trial came to be, and breaks down why the church literally put a dead pope on the stand.Get ready for a tale of revenge, power, posthumous punishment, and one of the most unhinged trials in recorded history.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Who Pope Formosus was, and why his enemies hated him• Why Pope Stephen VI risked total scandal to hold the corpse trial• What actually happened during the Synod—from propping up the corpse to cutting off its fingers• How this event caused riots, a papal overthrow, and a historical backlash that shaped future church policy• How the corpse trial symbolizes the violent politics of the medieval churchSources & Research References:1. Duffy, Eamon. Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes (Yale University Press, 1997).2. Norwich, John Julius. Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy (Random House, 2011).3. Mann, Horace K. The Lives of the Popes in the Early Middle Ages, Vol. IV (1902).4. Partner, Peter. The Pope’s Men: The Papal Civil Service in the Renaissance (Oxford University Press, 1990).5. Collins, Roger. Keepers of the Keys of Heaven: A History of the Papacy (Basic Books, 2009).6. De Rosa, Peter. Vicars of Christ: The Dark Side of the Papacy (Crown, 1988).7. Catholic Encyclopedia (1913 edition) – “Pope Formosus” and “Cadaver Synod” entries8. New Advent: “Synod Horrenda” entry9. History Extra – BBC History Magazine: “The Cadaver Synod: Why a Pope Went on Trial After Death”10. JSTOR Daily – “The Time the Catholic Church Put a Dead Pope on Trial”11. Atlas Obscura – “The Cadaver Synod: The Time a Dead Pope Was Put on Trial”Listener Questions & Reactions:Have thoughts on the corpse trial? Theories? Favorite pope gossip?Drop John a message at [email protected], or join the conversation online using the hashtag #CorpseSynod or #HistoryOnTheMarginsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Ep. 205 - Dr. Paul Swindle "Religious Trauma"

  📌 Episode Summary:In this deeply insightful episode, John sits down with Dr. Paula Swindle—a licensed therapist and professor who has spent a career studying religious trauma —to unpack the concept of spiritual bypass, the psychological consequences of religious trauma, and the subtle ways churches often silence dissent.Dr. Swindle brings decades of experience working at the intersection of psychology and faith, offering a compassionate and deeply informed perspective for anyone trying to untangle their religious experience from their identity and healing journey. If you’ve ever been told to “just forgive and move on,” this conversation is for you.Originally recorded for Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, this interview felt too important not to share here as well. For the full series: www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com🔑 Topics Covered:• What is spiritual bypass and how does it show up in churches?• Why “positive vibes only” culture can be harmful in religious spaces• The long-term impact of suppressing anger, grief, and doubt• How faith communities often retraumatize survivors of abuse• Practical ways to reclaim your story and find safe support📚 Recommended Resources:• Our boy Dan's podcast: You Have Permission: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-religion-hurts-you-229/id1448000113?i=1000640316552🗣️ Join the Conversation:Have you experienced spiritual bypass or church-related trauma? We’d love to hear your story. Tag us on social media or reach out privately.#DeconstructionistsPodcast #SpiritualBypass #ChurchTrauma #ReligiousRecovery #FaithAndHealingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Ep. 204 - Adey & Tom Wassink "Sanctuary: Queering a Church in the Heartland" pt. 2

  📌 Episode Summary:In Part 2 of this powerful and emotional interview, Adey and Tom Wassink continue their story of navigating faith, integrity, and exclusion. After years of dedicated service in the Vineyard Movement, their decision to affirm LGBTQ people came with real consequences—not just within the church, but in their community, friendships, and calling.They speak candidly about the silence that followed, the weight of institutional disappointment, and how they found freedom on the other side. This is a story of courage, conviction, and ultimately—hope.📚 Recommended Follow-Up:• Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power – Episode 6• Resources on LGBTQ-affirming theology• [Music by Q Jones] "Before I Go Home"🙏 Support the Show:If this conversation moved you, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a review, or tagging us on social media. These stories matter—and your voice helps amplify them.#DeconstructionistsPodcast #FaithAfterEvangelicalism #SpiritualIntegrity #AffirmingFaithAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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