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 dynamic
• Jesus as the full revelation of God—why this changes how we understand divine justice
• If 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 love

Get Deconstruct with Jesus by Zachary Bryant on Amazon

Visit eramosnashville.com for blogs, events, and spiritual direction resources.

Support the show with a tax-deductible donation

Share this episode and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Thanks for listening!