Deconstruction: Trendy brand name for falling away from belief in God? Or a process essential to authentic faith?Liberation or trauma? Prison break or exile?It’s complicated. Just like you. Christian history records a Great Reformation and a Great Awakening. But today’s “Great Deconstruction” will surely leave an equally profound impact. In Out of the Embers, Bradley Jersak explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction―how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light and life of Christ himself. In this collection of vulnerable memoirs, philosophical memos, and candid provocations, Jersak resists both the hand-wringing urge to corral stray sheep and the exultant desire to play the happy-clappy Ex-vangelical cheerleader. He employs the wisdom and expertise of the great deconstructionists―Christianity’s ancient influences (Moses, Plato, Paul, and the Patristics), “beloved frenemies” (from Voltaire to Nietzsche), and the masters of deconstruction (Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, and Weil)―to double down and deconstruct deconstruction itself. Where is faith after deconstruction? The author’s heart is to engage and empathize with the bereft and disoriented, stoking the brittle ashes for live embers. In this quest for the resilient gospel of the martyrs, the marginal, and those outside the threshold...inexplicably, in this liminal space, life stirs. A Light shines through the ashes. We find, often for the first time, that living connection Jersak calls “presence in communion.”There is a sea change occurring across the Western church and civilization. Whether we’re watching a radical course correction or a complete collapse remains to be seen, and how it pans out will likely depend on how we see what’s happening, who we are becoming, how we live in response―and, most important, where we find Christ situated in this storm.

In this episode of Pages of Godlight, host Christine Whitaker sits down to explore Healing Prayer: God’s Idea for Restoring Body, Mind, and Spirit by respected pastor and teacher David Chotka, with contributions from Maxie Dunnam. With decades of pastoral experience, Chotka has served congregations across Canada and led countless individuals into deeper intimacy with God through prayer. As the founder of Spirit-Equip Ministries, he has trained leaders worldwide in biblical healing, spiritual gifts, and discernment. This conversation unpacks how Chotka’s hands-on ministry experience informs his practical theology of healing. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and the rich traditions of the Church, Healing Prayer offers a roadmap for understanding how God still works to restore the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—through prayer. Whether you’re in ministry or seeking personal renewal, this episode invites you to discover how healing prayer is not only possible but central to God's loving nature.

While others often respond to the cares and concerns of our day through anger, And: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World attempts to offer a response steeped in the heartbeat of Love.This book is an invitation to encounter the lived experience and philosophical musings of another as a human, not as a project or agenda to conquer. Without apology, it embraces humanity and all the emotions, back stories, and history that come along with who we are and who Love is inviting us to be. This book is for those who want to think more deeply, those who are asking questions of how, what, and perhaps even why, and those who want to engage in deep listening and empathyAnd: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World is an invitation to move beyond binaries, beyond hierarchy and comparison to embrace the concept of "AND," with inclusion and generality that allow for more than one perspective and/or way of being.Touching on issues of race, body, motherhood, church, and wonder, these writings are from the stirrings of the authors own soul, extending an invitation to sit with Spirit in the process of mindful meditation, to humbly sit with compassion and curiosity in ways that evoke honesty and healing so that one might move beyond either/or and discover how the restorative power and uniting thread of Love might be stitching each of us to the world and to each other.

In this episode of the Pages of Godlight Podcast, Christine Whitaker sits down with author Laurel Mathewson to discuss her thought-provoking book Intimate Good: A Skeptical Christian Mystic in Conversations with Teresa of Avila. Laurel shares her unique journey as a modern Christian wrestling with skepticism, doubt, and the mystic traditions of the faith, engaging in a spiritual dialogue with one of the Church’s great mystics, Teresa of Avila. The conversation explores Laurel's personal reflections on prayer, intimacy with God, and the search for authentic spirituality in today’s world. Through the lens of Teresa’s writings, Laurel opens up about her struggle to reconcile doubt with faith and how these ancient teachings can still offer wisdom and transformation. Join us for a deep, insightful exploration of the intersection of mysticism, skepticism, and the pursuit of divine intimacy. Tune in for an enriching discussion filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and spiritual discovery.

In this episode of the Pages of Godlight Podcast, Christine Whitaker sits down with award-winning illustrator Phil A. Smouse to discuss his vibrant and engaging adaptation of A Pilgrim's Progress: An Illustrated Adventure for Kids. This beloved classic by John Bunyan is re-imagined for a younger audience, complete with captivating illustrations that bring Christian's journey to life in a way that both educates and entertains. Phil shares his creative process and inspiration behind transforming this timeless allegory into an accessible and visually appealing story for children. Join us as we explore how A Pilgrim’s Progress continues to inspire new generations, teaching kids valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and hope through a fun and colorful adventure. Tune in for an insightful and imaginative conversation about making classic Christian literature come alive for young readers!

In the continuation of Naghmeh Abedini’s gripping story, Pages of Godlight Podcast dives deeper into her journey of survival and transformation. Hosted by Christine Whitaker, Part 2 of I Didn’t Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, Persecution, and Hidden Abuse explores the aftermath of Naghmeh’s public battle for her imprisoned husband and the personal revelations that followed. Naghmeh shares how she confronted the hidden abuse she endured and her path to rediscovering herself in the midst of global attention, personal betrayal, and spiritual struggle. She co-authored this book with Eugene Bach, this episode delves into the difficult, yet liberating process of healing from toxic relationships and reclaiming a life of faith, dignity, and wholeness. Join us for an inspiring discussion on finding hope and freedom after darkness. Tune in for Part 2 as the story unfolds with raw vulnerability and a message of courage and grace.

Episode 1: The Beginning of Pages of GodLight – A Journey Through Words and Light Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Pages of GodLight Podcast, where we dive into the magic of books and the brilliance of storytelling. Hosted by Christine Whitaker of Whitaker House Publishers, along with special guests Amy Bartlett and Chip MacGregor, this first episode is a heartwarming introduction to the podcast's mission: to uncover the sacred light within the pages of the books we love. Christine, a lifelong book lover, shares her journey of how reading became more than just a hobby—it became a way to glimpse the divine, those “patches of GodLight” as C.S. Lewis described, where moments of truth and beauty break through. Alongside Amy and Chip, two industry veterans, Christine explores how their love for reading led them not just to a passion for stories, but into careers where they now bring books to life for readers worldwide. In this rich, thoughtful conversation, you’ll hear about the books that first drew these publishing experts in, the power of words to illuminate the human experience, and how stories have the potential to be transformational. Together, they reflect on the moments in their reading journeys that stopped them in their tracks—the spots of brilliance that seemed speak directly to them. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Christine, Amy, and Chip found their passion for books and the publishing industry. Their favorite reads that still inspire awe and wonder. Personal stories of how literature creates moments of light in the darkest times. What to expect from future episodes of Pages of GodLight. If you're a lover of words, storytelling, and the magic that books can hold, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Join us for a deep dive into the world of books, as we aim to uncover bright spots of wisdom, insight, and the divine light that shines through every carefully crafted story. Tune in and let Pages of GodLight bring inner peace and inspiration to all levels of book enthusiasts. 

In this episode of the Pages of Godlight Podcast, Christine Whitaker of Whitaker House Publishing sits down with Naghmeh Abedini to discuss this powerful book, I Didn’t Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, Persecution, and Hidden Abuse. Naghmeh courageously shares her personal journey through years of hidden abuse, deception, and spiritual persecution while being thrust into the international spotlight as she fought for the release of her imprisoned husband, Saeed. With raw honesty, Naghmeh reflects on the emotional and spiritual turmoil she endured and the transformative process of healing and wholeness that followed. This conversation dives deep into the themes of resilience, faith, and the path to restoration after profound betrayal. Don't miss this moving and insightful discussion on reclaiming identity, trust, and hope amidst unimaginable suffering. Tune in for Part 1 of this gripping episode.  And follow along for the conclusion of this story in our next episode.