Deconstructing Jesus: History With A Heretic

About Deconstructing Jesus: History With A Heretic

Deconstructing Jesus: History With A Heretic is a trauma-aware, justice-centered reintroduction to Jesus for those who are deconstructing, disillusioned, or still curious. Host Bradley Havenar (“Bradley the Heretic”) draws on historical Jesus scholarship, liberation and feminist theologies, and his own journey through church hurt, war, and reconstruction to ask: Who was Jesus in his own world—and what does his rebellious, love-centered message mean for ours? Each episode blends story, scholarship, and honest reflection to explore empire, power, marginalization, and the possibility of a more humane faith. No guilt trips. No easy answers. Just a guided, thoughtful conversation where history, spirituality, and real-world justice converge. This show is for you if you’ve been burned by church or Christianity, still feel a pull toward Jesus, care about justice and the marginalized, and want to explore faith without manipulation, fear, or easy answers.

Publisher

Bradley Havenar ("Bradley the Heretic")

Category

history · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Mar 2024

Latest episode

22 Apr 2024

Latest episodes

4 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Apr 2024

   The Kingdom of God is Within You

   Welcome to Deconstructing Jesus: History With A Heretic, where we delve into the realms of historical inquiry and theological revelation. In this episode, "The Kingdom of God is Within You," we chart a course through diverse interpretations that have shaped this transformative concept over millennia. We begin by exploring the historical roots within the Judeo-Christian tradition, followed by a dive into the theological underpinnings across different Christian denominations. From historical context to mystical traditions, cultural interpretations, and philosophical implications, our journey is rich and multifaceted. We explore the mystical depths with insights from Christian history, describing the Kingdom as an internal experience marked by profound union with the divine presence. We also examine non-traditional theologies like liberation, feminist, and queer theologies, offering a reimagined Kingdom marked by justice, equality, and radical inclusivity. Our interfaith dialogue highlights the Kingdom of God through different lenses, drawing parallels with Islamic Jannah, Buddhist Nirvana, and Hindu Moksha, underscoring the shared ethical and spiritual goals across various faith traditions. We also ponder philosophical implications, particularly within existentialism and ethics, challenging individuals and communities to live out the radical teachings of Jesus in contemporary contexts. We close with actionable steps for applying Kingdom principles to contemporary issues, advocating for justice, compassion, and solidarity in our interconnected world. We also engage with the Jewishness of Jesus, understanding how His cultural backdrop shaped His mission and teachings. Join us as we seek wisdom and perhaps a glimpse of the divine within us all. Let this episode be not just informative but transformative, inviting you to engage deeply and personally. For more information, discussions, or to delve deeper into the themes explored, connect with us at bradleytheheretic@gmail.com (mailto:bradleytheheretic@gmail.com) or visit our blog at bradleytheheretic.com (http://bradleytheheretic.com). Until next time, may your pursuit of truth be relentless, and may wisdom guide your path.

2. 

   12 Apr 2024

   Unveiling the Man

   Episode Title: Unveiling the Man Episode Description: Welcome to another episode of Deconstructing Jesus: History With A Heretic. I'm your host, Bradley Havenar. In this episode, titled "Unveiling the Man," we dive deep into the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Move beyond the divine myths to explore Jesus as a historical figure—a man whose revolutionary ideas challenged the societal and religious norms of his time. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The socio-political context of 1st-century Judea and how it shaped Jesus's teachings. Insights into the everyday life and struggles of the people Jesus interacted with. A detailed look at the radical nature of Jesus's parables and teachings, particularly their implications for our modern world. The role and significance of Jesus’s diverse group of followers and how their stories contribute to the narrative of early Christianity. Reflections on how the enduring legacy of Jesus's message continues to influence our world across centuries. In This Episode: Delve into historical contexts with references from scholars and texts like Josephus's Antiquities of the Jews. Explore the implications of Jesus's parables, including the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, in challenging contemporary social values. Understand the early Christian communities' formation, struggles, and triumphs in embodying Jesus's teachings. Reflect on how Jesus's message of love, justice, and compassion can be applied to today’s global challenges. Join Us: Be part of our community and share how these insights resonate with you. Email me at bradleytheheretic@gmail.com (mailto:bradleytheheretic@gmail.com) or engage through our website at bradleytheheretic.com (http://bradleytheheretic.com). Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for our next episode, "The Kingdom of God is Within You," where we'll explore the spiritual and transformative aspects of Jesus's teachings and their relevance to personal growth and community welfare. Resources Mentioned: Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography by John Dominic Crossan The Historical Jesus by Gerd Theissen and Annette Merz The Misunderstood Jew by Amy-Jill Levine Let's continue to embrace the spirit of inquiry and empathy as we journey through the complex narrative of Jesus of Nazareth. Until next time, keep deconstructing and questioning, and as always, be good and be good to each other.

3. 

   3 Apr 2024

   Setting the Stage for Jesus

   Dive into 1st-century Judea to explore the world of Jesus of Nazareth. From the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the tranquil Sea of Galilee, uncover the historical and cultural backdrop that shaped his revolutionary teachings. Join us as we set the stage for a journey through ancient traditions, Roman occupation, and the enduring message of hope and justice that challenges empires and inspires generations.

4. 

   17 Mar 2024

   Series Intro

   Welcome to Deconstructing Jesus: History With A Heretic!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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