The Biblical Mind

Faith deconstruction has become one of the defining conversations in modern Christianity—but what does it actually mean to deconstruct your faith? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with pastor, YouTuber, and book reviewer Joel Wentz to explore why so many Christians are questioning their beliefs and how those questions can lead to deeper spiritual maturity rather than cynicism.
Drawing from his own experience growing up in evangelical Christianity, Joel shares how wrestling with doctrines like hell, eschatology, and biblical interpretation led him through a season of deconstruction before discovering a richer understanding of historic Christian faith. Together, Dru and Joel discuss the difference between sincere faith exploration and tearing down beliefs for their own sake, the role of church culture and church hurt, why asking difficult questions is deeply biblical, and how the Nicene Creed and church history provide stability amid uncertainty.
The conversation also explores theological humility, the importance of Christian tradition, the dangers of intellectual arrogance, and how pastors, churches, and Christian communities can create safe spaces for honest questions without abandoning biblical orthodoxy.
Whether you're personally deconstructing your faith, walking alongside someone who is, or simply want to understand one of today's most important conversations in Christianity, this episode offers thoughtful, compassionate, and biblically grounded wisdom.

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Deconstruction and Faith
04:56 Different Understandings of Deconstruction
06:03 Interrogating Inherited Beliefs Without Negativity
08:16 Biblical Questions and Cultural Fears
09:39 The Skeptical Mood of Scripture
10:53 Questioning in the Bible: Examples from Scripture
12:26 Personal Stories of Faith and Questioning
16:30 Deconstruction of Eschatology and Hope
19:11 The Compelling Vision of the Renewed Earth
21:24 The Impact of Eschatology on Personal Hope
23:42 Starting the YouTube Journey During COVID
25:03 Sharing Faith and Books Online
27:24 Encouraging Questions and Faith in Community
28:51 Balancing Questions and Faithful Answers
30:38 The Dangers of Going to Foundations Without Humility
31:48 The Role of Sincerity and Humility in Deconstruction
33:10 The Pool Analogy: Standing in the Water
34:41 Rich Christian Thought on Deconstruction Questions
36:24 Historical Answers to Faith Questions
38:31 Healing Through Confession and Love
40:30 Trust and Gentle Care in Discipleship
42:00 The Continuum of Beliefs and Non-negotiables
44:32 The Nicene Creed and Core Doctrines
45:58 Evolving Views on Doctrine of Hell
49:00 The Journey from Open Theism to Classical Theism
52:31 The Impact of Doctrine on Prayer and Spiritual Life
55:09 The Richness of Christian Thought and Tradition

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Dr. Michael W. Austin is a Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, an author, and a speaker. He has published 12 books; most recently, he co-edited and contributed to QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross: Christianity and Conspiracy Theories.

Most of his teaching, writing, and speaking is focused on ethical questions related to character and human flourishing. He believes that philosophy has much to offer us, in our individual, social, and spiritual lives. For many years, he's also been a speaker for the Kentucky Humanities Council, and he contributes to a blog for Psychology Today, “Ethics for Everyone.”

The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the world's most complex and emotionally charged issues—but how should Christians think about it with both historical honesty and theological humility?

In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson welcomes Robert Nicholson for a thoughtful response to a previous conversation about Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza. Together, they explore competing historical narratives surrounding Israel, Palestine, Zionism, Hamas, the Oslo peace process, and the lasting impact of October 7. Rather than reducing the conflict to political slogans, they examine the fears, aspirations, and failures on both sides while asking what responsible Christian engagement should look like.

The conversation addresses difficult questions about Palestinian leadership, Israeli security concerns, Christian perspectives on nationalism, colonialism, and violence, as well as the role of Palestinian Christians within a predominantly Jewish-Muslim conflict. Throughout, Robert argues that genuine understanding requires careful attention to history, humility in theological judgment, and a commitment to seeking peace without ignoring reality.

Whether you're wrestling with Christian ethics, biblical theology, Middle East history, or contemporary geopolitics, this episode offers a nuanced framework for thinking beyond headlines and ideological caricatures toward wisdom, empathy, and faithful discipleship.

Listen to the episode Robert is responding to: Click Here

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Chapters:

00:00 Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
03:45 The Role of Christians in the Holy Land
06:14 Perceptions and Misconceptions of American Christians
10:03 The Complexity of Palestinian Sentiments
14:04 The Impact of Leadership on Peace Efforts
15:21 Historical Context of the Conflict
18:57 The Need for Strong Leadership
21:51 Fear and Victimhood in the Conflict
25:11 Breaking the Cycle of Violence
28:05 The Path Forward for Peace
40:48 Crafting a New Narrative for Peace
43:48 The Israeli Perspective Post-October 7th
52:08 Understanding the Conflict: Historical Context and Narratives
01:01:59 The Experience of Arab Israelis and Palestinians
01:11:54 Christian Perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Can Christians watch horror movies? Is horror merely entertainment, or can it reveal profound theological truths? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with theologian and film scholar Dr. Kutter Callaway to explore why horror has become one of today's most influential storytelling genres—and why Christians should take it seriously.

Drawing from his new book, Be Afraid: What Horror Reveals About Facing the Darkness, Callaway argues that great horror doesn't simply frighten audiences; it exposes deep truths about evil, suffering, trauma, sin, and the human condition. Together, Dru and Kutter examine the horrifying stories already found in Scripture—from the Levite's concubine in Judges to the crucifixion—and ask what these passages have in common with modern horror films.

The conversation also explores why supernatural horror resonates with younger generations, how films like Get Out, The Babadook, Hereditary, and Midsommar wrestle with inherited trauma and cultural fears, and why interpreting films in community resembles reading the Bible in community. Whether you're skeptical of horror or an avid fan, this episode offers a thoughtful biblical framework for understanding fear, art, and the stories that shape our imaginations.

Learn more about Kutter Callaway at his website! (Click Here)

Order his latest book (click here)

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Chapters:

00:00 Defining Horror: A Genre Exploration
02:46 Horror in Biblical Texts: A New Perspective
06:14 The Role of Horror in Understanding Humanity
09:00 Personal Experiences with Horror and Its Impact
16:09 The Supernatural vs. Slasher Horror: A Comparative Analysis
21:12 Cultural Reflections in Horror Films
22:16 Exploring Horror and Societal Trauma
25:12 Artistic Truths in Horror Films
28:01 Parent-Child Dynamics in Horror
30:26 Emerging Voices in Horror Cinema
32:42 Reflections on Personal and Societal Sin
35:31 Horror as a Reflection of Societal Fears
37:02 Engaging with Horror: Questions to Consider
41:11 Community Interpretation of Art and Scripture

What were synagogues actually like in the time of Jesus? Were they places of worship, centers of local government, or something entirely different?

In this episode, archaeologist and New Testament scholar Dr. Jordan Ryan joins Dru Johnson to challenge common assumptions about ancient synagogues. Drawing on archaeological discoveries, ancient texts, and the writings of Josephus, Philo, and the New Testament, Ryan explains why synagogues in the first century looked and functioned very differently from both modern churches and modern synagogues.

The conversation explores the origins of synagogues, their possible connection to city gates in the Hebrew Bible, and their role as “town halls with Torah” in Judea and Galilee. Ryan discusses ritual purity, mikva’ot (ritual baths), Torah and prophetic readings, public debate, and the surprising evidence that synagogue gatherings were highly interactive communal events rather than passive worship services.

Listeners will also hear fresh insights into the ministry of Jesus, including what happened when he taught in synagogues, whether men and women sat separately, why rabbis were not yet a formal office, and why Jesus seems to have avoided major cities like Tiberias and Sepphoris.

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into Jewish life, worship, and community in the world of Jesus and the early church.

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Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Synagogues: Misconceptions and Functions
05:00 Origins of Synagogues: Historical Perspectives
07:48 The Role of Synagogues in Ancient Jewish Society
11:39 Worship Practices in Ancient Synagogues
14:21 Ritual Purity and Preparation for Synagogue
20:37 The Experience of Attending Synagogue on Shabbat
25:21 Scriptural Readings and Teachings in Synagogues
28:12 The Role of Discussion in Torah Readings
33:44 Understanding the Origins of Rabbis
39:08 The Structure and Function of Ancient Synagogues
44:15 Jesus in the Synagogue: A Cultural Perspective