Joshua S. Porter (stage name Josh Dies) joins Mark Legg to discuss deconstruction, offensive Christian art, orthodoxy, objective truth and relativism, and how Jesus’ ministry was like a rebellion. 

Show notes: 

Josh Porter begins by defining deconstruction, and why we can’t neglect the emotional, personal side of the issue (1:20). They talk about why Death to Deconstruction feels dark and provocative, and the place of offensive, Christian art, and literature in church tradition (9:30). They move on to discuss how faithfulness is an act of rebellion, and how Jesus was radical (16:13). Porter discusses the book’s unique, but orthodox, perspectives and his own belief in pacificism (28:41).  They talk about why Porter personally arrived at orthodoxy and the process of his deconstruction (33:24). Although intellectual arguments are important, they consider the personal, emotional side of the deconstruction movement (44:59). The end by reflecting on truth itself, relativism, worldview, and apologetics (52:06).

Resources and further reading:

• Death to Deconstruction: Reclaiming Faithfulness as an Act of Rebellion - Joshua S. Porter

• Joshuasporter.com
• “Deconstructing your faith? Feeling deeply hurt by the church? Read Death to Deconstruction by Joshua S. Porter” - Mark Legg
• “Digging into doubts and how to minister to Gen Z: A conversation with Barnabas Piper” - Podcast
• ‘“Where the Light Fell”: A conversation with Philip Yancey’ - Podcast
• Showbread - Spotify

About the hosts 

Mark Legg is an Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies.

About the guest 

Joshua S. Porter (Josh Dies) is the lead singer of the American Christian hardcore punk rock band, Showbread. Though the band disbanded, he continues to take on alternative musical side projects. He is a prolific fiction writer, and pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church.