The Eremos Podcast

My adopted dad recently passed away as I was already working on thoughts to share about my adopted mom who died 6 years ago. So, I put them all together. "Don't wait until I'm dead to give me flowers!"Outline:00:46 --Intro4:06--Honoring James/Dad17:51--Honoring Vangie/Mom28:53--A Fitting Conclusion

Brian talks with Laura Wilson about her Ph.D. dissertation on St. Dominica, an early deaconess in the church. Get a general intro to the Orthodox church as they discuss Icons and church history. Learn about Hagiography. Laura's undergrad degree in Art with a minor in Greek influenced her transition to the Orthodox tradition and her faith in general.

Welcome back! In this episode of the DwJ series, Zach and Brian explore chapters 6–8 of Deconstruct with Jesus: “Take Me Back to Eden,” “The Wounded Healer,” and “We’re in the Endgame Now.”They unpack the opening chapters of Genesis—not as a science debate, but as a poetic, theological vision of God’s intent for creation, humanity’s vocation, and what went wrong. Along the way, they reframe sin as a shortcut and a sickness to be healed, wrestle with the hope that God’s endgame is restoration, and offer practical ways to resist despair in a chaotic world.Timecodes[00:00] – Intro: Why combine chapters and move beyond literalism debates[06:00] – Genesis as ancient myth: God’s intent for creation and humanity’s role[14:00] – Not perfect—just good: why perfection was never the point[20:00] – Humanity’s vocation: expanding the garden with God[23:45] – The fall as shortcut: wanting good things in the wrong way and time[33:00] – Gratitude as the antidote to temptation[36:30] – Consequences, exile, and the hope embedded from the beginning[43:00] – Deconstruction and letting go of old Bible baggage[49:00] – The Wounded Healer: reframing sin as sickness, not crime[52:30] – Salvation through solidarity: Christ as the one who takes on our sickness to heal us[55:00] – The endgame: choosing hope over despair and nihilism[58:30] – Signs of hope in the world (even if they don’t make the news)Key Takeaways​Genesis offers a symbolic vision of God’s intention for creation and humanity’s calling, not a science textbook.​Sin is best understood as taking shortcuts—grasping for good things before their time—instead of trusting God’s process.​Viewing sin as sickness shifts the focus from judgment to healing, with Christ entering our brokenness to restore us.​Faith in God’s “endgame” invites hope and purposeful living, even when the world feels chaotic.Buy The Book!Deconstruct with Jesus by Zachary BryantMore podcasts and resources at eremosnashville.comIf you found this episode meaningful, leave a review, share it with a friend, or support our work at eremosnashville.com/donate.

After a long hiatus, Zach and Brian reconnect to reflect on where they’ve been, what’s going on, and how they’re navigating life lately. In this episode, they talk about dealing with sad news—from personal losses to the daily weight of the world—and share an honest conversation about how to stay emotionally and spiritually grounded. They reflect on the life and work of Walter Brueggemann, explore the tension between awareness and overload, and share small but meaningful practices that help them care for their hearts and minds.Topics Covered & Timestamps:[00:00] – Welcome back & life updates[06:29] – The problem with hot takes in our culture[11:37] – Remembering Walter Brueggemann and what he taught us[21:29] – How sad news impacts us personally and spiritually[29:46] – Coping strategies: limits, boundaries, and breathing room[36:52] – The role of self-care in times of grief[48:31] – Encouragement for staying grounded and hopefulResources Mentioned:​Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann​The Prophetic Imagination by Walter BrueggemannSupport the Podcast:If you found this episode meaningful, leave a review, share it with a friend, or support the work at eremosnashville.com/donate.

Welcome back! In this episode of the DwJ series, Zach and Brian dive into Chapter 5, “Paul Needs a Hug.” They explore how the theology behind "total depravity" has shaped the way many Christians view themselves—and why it might be time to let it go. Through humor, honesty, and deep reflection, they reframe grace as something we don’t have to grovel for and invite listeners to see themselves as already beloved.[00:00] – Intro: Why this conversation might ruffle some feathers[04:55] – Is Jesus changing God's mind about us… or ours about God?[10:25] – “What a wretched man I am”: Was Paul writing doctrine or just having a rough day?[14:54] – The Bible is for you, but it wasn’t written to you[20:19] – Redefining grace: God doing for us what we can’t do for ourselves[24:30] – Do we actually deserve God’s love? Reframing worthiness and gift-giving[35:22] – Identity matters: why believing you're beloved changes how you live[53:01] – Practicing receptivity: silence, stillness, and sitting in the loving gaze of GodSome Memorable Quotes from the Episode “What makes you deserving of a gift is the giver’s desire to give it.” – Zach“We’re not totally depraved. We’re totally loved.” – Zach“All God asks of us is regular consent to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves.” – Zach“If your theology isn’t emotionally and psychologically healthy, maybe it’s not good theology.” – Brian Buy The Book! Deconstruct with Jesus by Zachary BryantMore podcasts and resources can be found at eremosnashville.comIf you found this episode meaningful, leave a review, share it with a friend, or support our work at eremosnashville.com/donate.

In this episode, Zach and Brian continue their series on Deconstruct with Jesus, diving into Chapter 4: No Whipping Boy, No Mermaid, Just Love. This discussion explores how our understanding of God’s justice and love is often shaped by atonement theories—particularly penal substitutionary atonement—and whether that framework truly aligns with the heart of Jesus.Zach and Brian unpack the idea that many Christians grow up believing in a God who is inherently wrathful, with Jesus stepping in to shield us from divine punishment. They challenge this view by looking at Jesus’ own teachings, asking whether God’s justice is primarily about punishment or about restoration. They also explore how this affects our ability to trust God’s love, and whether Jesus’ mission was truly successful if most people are still lost.Using metaphors from history (the whipping boy) and pop culture (The Little Mermaid), they illustrate how distorted views of God’s nature lead to fear-based faith rather than real intimacy. Ultimately, they wrestle with the question: Does God always get what God wants? And if not, what does that mean for us?The "whipping boy" metaphor—Does Jesus take punishment on our behalf, or is something else happening?The problem with a wrathful God vs. loving Jesus dynamicJesus as the full revelation of God—why this changes how we understand divine justiceIf God desires none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), why do so many?Why many Christians struggle to feel loved by God despite believing in His loveGet Deconstruct with Jesus by Zachary Bryant on AmazonVisit eramosnashville.com for blogs, events, and spiritual direction resources.Support the show with a tax-deductible donationShare this episode and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Zachary and Brian continue the discussion on Zach's book, Deconstruct with Jesus, diving into Chapter 3. They explore how faith isn't about having all the right answers but about learning to sit with the unknown. From theological debates to personal experiences, they discuss how embracing mystery can deepen trust in God rather than weaken it.✅ [01:37] – Why embracing mystery is essential to faith✅ [03:00] – When “mystery” is used to shut down conversations✅ [04:44] – The Trinity as the ultimate mystery in Christianity✅ [08:58] – The “Mob Boss” view of God & manipulative salvation✅ [15:41] – Science vs. faith—why they don’t have to be in conflict✅ [17:29] – Trusting without knowing everything—faith as experience✅ [21:45] – Certainty vs. confidence—why certainty can hinder growth✅ [26:37] – Openness to mystery & experiencing more of God✅ [30:59] – How fundamentalism exists on both sides✅ [35:43] – Is belief in the resurrection “crazy”? Why it’s improbable but not impossible✅ [37:50] – Experience as evidence, not proof—how faith is built📖 Buy Deconstruct with Jesus 📜 Get TheEREMOS Lent Guide If you enjoy the EREMOS Podcast, consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and sharing it with friends. You can also support our work by donating at eremosnashville.com.

In this episode of the Eremos Podcast, Zach and Brian dive into Chapter 2 of Deconstruct with Jesus—The God I Don’t Believe In. They tackle the gods they were handed—the vengeful, the transactional, the distant—and why rejecting those gods doesn’t mean rejecting God altogether.What if the God we’ve deconstructed wasn’t God at all? What if there’s a God more loving than we ever imagined?They explore the emotional weight behind deconstruction, the dangers of a faith built on fear, and why some people cling to the idea of hell so fiercely. If you’ve ever felt like the version of God you were given is more harmful than holy—this episode is for you.📖Get the book!Deconstruct with Jesus by Zachary Bryant →Amazon Link📩Join the conversation: Have thoughts or questions? Email us [email protected]🌎Visit Us Online:EremosNashville.comTimecodes00:00 – Welcome to the Eremos Podcast00:41 – The Problem with God: Deconstructing harmful beliefs02:22 – Polytheism & Atheism? The many gods we reject03:35 – The Emotional Arguments Against God: Why most deconstructions aren’t about logic04:54 – The “God Must Think Like Me” Trap: How we project our expectations onto God06:33 – Your God Sucks, But That Doesn’t Mean God Isn’t Real09:07 – The God of My Understanding: What we get wrong about belief12:33 – Progressive Revelation: Why our understanding of God is meant to evolve18:23 – Jesus as the Way, Not Just the Destination28:09 – The False Gods We Believed In: Genie God, Kidnapper God, Mascot God & More31:02 – If God is Love, Why Do We Believe He’s a Monster?36:28 – What if Hell is the One We Create? A new perspective on salvation42:08 – Religion as Control: How theology has been weaponized50:48 – Why Do Some Christians Cling to Hell? (Hint: It’s not about theology)57:10 – Jesus Is Not Your Mascot: How faith gets hijacked by politics1:02:59 – The Invitation to Rethink, Not Reject, Faith

In the second episode of the series, Zach and Brian dive into the real meaning ofrepentance. It’s not about guilt or shame—it’s about rethinking everything. They explore Jesus’ call to “repent” (Mark 1:15) as an invitation to deconstruct unhealthy beliefs and embrace transformation.Timestamps:00:02 – Intro04:18 – When did hellfire preaching take over?12:46 – Repentance as deconstruction22:21 – Why open-mindedness is a kingdom value40:07 – Faith isn’t about being rightReadDeconstruct with Jesus → https://www.eremosnashville.com/booksFeaturing music by Scott Simpson → https://www.scottsimpsonmusic.com/Enjoying the show? Rate & review us!

Lisa shares the story of her son Brendan, who died from an accidental overdose on fentanyl. It's a story of courage, continuing when it's dark, and healing. "Nobody Grieves Perfectly" is a statement we agreed on. Lisa appreciated her therapist reminded her, "Of Course!?" Lisa and I led some Griefshare groups together and we also talked about Compassionate Friends. Click on those links to get more info and find a group meeting near you. Information on Fentanyl The Center for Disease Control The Drug Enforcement Admin

In this kickoff episode of The Eremos Podcast series on Zach's new book, Deconstruct with Jesus, hosts Zach and Brian discuss the inspiration behind the book, the journey of faith and doubt, and why deconstruction doesn’t have to mean walking away from God. They explore how Jesus actually encourages questioning and rethinking, break down misconceptions about deconstruction, and set the stage for future episodes walking through the book chapter by chapter.📖 Grab your copy of Deconstruct with Jesus at https://www.eremosnashville.com/books .🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share to help others on their faith journey!

Deconstruction and AI with Scott Simpson, Part 2 of 2 Part 1 was published on Monday, January 13th. We continue the discussion on deconstruction, Scott's use of AI in creating this album, have a tangent on Parker Palmer, and more. Hear two more songs from the upcoming album, which will be available on Friday, January 17th, wherever you get your music. Scott Simpson ⁠Hymnautica⁠ kamala Parker Palmer 2:17:  Discussion on Parker Palmer 8:50:  Song: Baptizin’ the American Dream 12:23:  Discussion on AI and new Album 40:28: Song: Intimate Stranger Stone Campbell Revue album “Deconstructin’” 1.     Deconstructin’ 2.    My Paradox to Bear 3.    Baptizin’ the American Dream 4.    Rock and a Hard Place 5.    Remnant Theology Blues 6.    Thanks, but No Thanks 7.     Questions, Questions 8.    Circle ‘Round the Center 9.    The Pro-Choice God 10. Appearance or Substance 11. Intimate Stranger 12. Forget the Fine Print 13. The Great Escape

Educator, poet, and musician Scott Simpson sat down with Brian and Paula to talk about his deconstruction journey, and how he has used AI to create a Deconstruction Manifesto and an album about deconstructing. Scott Simpson Music Hymnautica A Manifesto for Deconstructed Christianity                 By Scott Simpson I. Faith Beyond Certainty: Embracing Doubt and Mystery We commit to:  • Holding space for unanswered questions.  • Living the paradox of belief and doubt.  • Trusting that God’s reality is larger than human comprehension.  II. Jesus Above Doctrine: Following a Living Christ We commit to:  • Prioritizing Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection over denominational distinctives.  • Viewing salvation as a lived experience of love, not a future escape plan.  • Practicing self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and peacemaking as central acts of worship. III. Deconstructing Ecclesial Power: Church Without Borders We commit to:  • Building communities rooted in grace, not rules.  • Practicing radical hospitality toward those society excludes.  • Sharing power and amplifying marginalized voices within spiritual communities. IV. Faith in Action: Rejecting Capitalist Christianity We commit to: • Resisting economic and political systems that exploit the vulnerable.  • Redistributing wealth and resources in ways that reflect God’s economy.  • Living simply so others may simply live. V. Open Questions, Open Hearts We commit to:  • Welcoming hard questions without fear or judgment.  • Honoring the spiritual journeys of others, even when they differ from our own.  • Living in humility, knowing that we are all seekers in the presence of divine mystery.   Conclusion: Living the Way of Jesus Deconstructed Christianity is not a rejection of faith—it is faith stripped of artificial constructs, false assurances, and exclusionary practices. It is a return to the simplicity and radical love of Jesus. It is about living the way of Christ here and now: embracing the hungry, loving the enemy, caring for the outcast, and trusting in God’s presence in both our certainties and our doubts. May we follow Jesus not into comfortable pews or theological security, but into the wilderness of grace, where love reigns, and all are welcomed at the table. Amen.

In this festive episode of The Eremos Podcast, Zach, Brian, and Kayla dive into a fun and thoughtful Christmas mailbag Q&A. From humorous hypotheticals to meaningful reflections, this episode has it all. Highlights include: Rudolph vs. Frosty: Who would win in a showdown, and does Rudolph's nose generate heat or lasers? Modern Gifts for Baby Jesus: Would wise men today bring Bitcoin, squishmallows, or diaper rash cream? Inventing Christmas Traditions: From mimosas to creative generosity, what new holiday customs would they create? Die Hard Debate: Is it a Christmas movie? Zach and Brian settle it definitively (spoiler: it is). The Joy and Hardship of the Season: A poignant discussion about balancing Jesus’ birth with the realities of grief, stress, and consumerism during the holidays. With plenty of laughs and moments of depth, this episode invites you to reflect on how to keep the spirit of Christmas alive amidst chaos, while also reminding you not to take things too seriously (especially when it comes to figgy pudding). Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Eremos Podcast! 🎄🎙

Tom shares about the loss of his mother 60 years ago and the death of his granddaughter from a brain tumor.  From his wealth of experience with grief and ministry, he talks about what’s helpful and not helpful to say to those who are grieving, how faith and faith communities blessed him during the difficult days of grief, and how his grief journey prepared him for ministry and work in hospice.

Zach and Brian welcome Kayla (EREMOS founding board member and Zach's wife) as they engage in a thoughtful and reflective (and sometimes silly) conversation about the holiday season, particularly focusing on Advent as a potential antidote to the stress, grief, and challenges that often accompany this time of year. Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation leading up to Christmas, offers a powerful opportunity for individuals to slow down, reflect, and practice self-care in a time that can often feel overwhelming. Advent may be just what you need to survive Christmas 2025! Bible Project: Advent Word Study Video Series The Anticipated Christ by Brian Zahnd Book of Common Prayer: Year C

In this second episode of the series, Jenna shares her journey of grief following the loss of her ex-husband in 2022, shortly after the family discovered he had a brain tumor. Brian and Jenna discuss the experience of grieving both with family and in solitude, near-death experiences, dream visitations, and the importance of generational growth as a way to honor our deceased loved ones by addressing generational trauma.

In this solo episode, Zach takes a moment to process the 2024 Presidential election results with you, sharing some personal reflections on the ups and downs of post-election emotions. Whether you’re feeling disappointed or hopeful, let’s talk about how to hold space for both perspectives as people of faith. He dives into some practical ways to keep our peace in a tense time—like managing media consumption and practicing self-care—while also exploring deeper, more lasting sources of hope that go beyond politics. Drawing on wisdom from Ignatian spirituality and personal experience, this episode is about staying grounded, compassionate, and open-hearted, no matter where we stand.

Finding Serenity in Election Week As election week 2024 unfolds, Zach and Brian tackle the question of how to engage with the news and political conversations in a way that protects our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. What does it look like for a grounded person of faith to navigate this intense week? We discuss practical ways to stay informed without getting overwhelmed, why it’s essential to avoid a constant media loop, and how focusing on love over political power can bring clarity and peace. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on staying steady through the chaos. Links: Serenity Prayer Bian Zahnd's Christian Voter Guide Saint Teresa's Bookmark

In this special Halloween-themed episode, Zach and Brian dive into the Christian origins of Halloween, exploring the holiday’s spiritual roots and how it evolved into the celebration we know today. They also open up their “fan mail” to answer some fun, spooky questions: from favorite Halloween memories to must-watch movies. Plus, they get creative with a discussion on which Bible stories could make the best horror movies! Join us for a mix of theology, nostalgia, and a few chills.

In this laid-back conversation, Zach and Brian unpack the "fruit test," inspired by Matthew 6 and Ignatian discernment. The Bible isn’t always as clear as we’d like, but don't worry! It'’s all about paying attention to the Fruit of the Spirit and remembering that God is love—so if something isn’t loving, it’s not from God. They also touch on how the truth sets you free, and if it doesn’t, well… it’s probably not the truth. Grab a cup of coffee and join in for some easygoing spiritual reflection!

Brian and Paula engage in a transparent discussion about the lives and deaths of their parents, exploring the lasting impact of early parental loss and dealing with a parent suffering from alcoholism and bipolar disorder. Key themes in their conversation include faith, shame, and healing, as well as spiritual bypassing, the concept of being "Wounded Healers," and the influence of grief on their roles as parents and their ministry.Links and Resources:https://www.aa.org/https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-alshttps://www.samhsa.gov/

Welcome back to the pod! In Episode Two, Brian and Zach each tell their faith story. Brian shares his experiences growing up around the church, how living overseas and being trained as a therapist have impacted his journey, and how he now understands it. Zach shares his journey from a Bible-thumping teen to a deconstructing college kid and temporary atheist and how spiritual formation and direction helped him to process the divine encounter that saved his faith. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the Eremos podcast! In the inaugural episode, Zach and Brian discuss:​A brief history of their friendship​How the Eremos nonprofit came to be ​The meaning behind the word eremos and the values/mission of the organization ​Introductory thoughts on deconstruction, contemplative spirituality, mental health, and contemporary culture ​What to expect from the podcast in the futureThank you for listening!