Episode 4 - Letting go of a Punitive God with Brian Recker
Episode 4: Letting go of a Punitive God with Brian Recker
If fear is how we first met God, what does it take to unlearn that?
In this episode of Blessed Uncertainty, we talk with writer and former evangelical pastor Brian Recker, author of Hellbent, about how beliefs about hell shape our inner lives, our parenting, our politics, and the world we are building together.
This is a conversation about letting go of punishment as the foundation of faith and trusting in the God who restores. We explore hell as something we create here and now, the harm fear-based theology does to children, and why grace, not punishment, is what actually changes people.
We first recorded this episode in October, when Brian’s book was released. But with conservative evangelicalism doubling down on embracing a tyrannical and authoritarian regime more and more each day, this conversation feels even more urgent now than it did then.
Chapters:
0:00 — Welcome + Introducing Brian
Celebrating Hellbent and setting the stage for a conversation about fear, grace, and freedom.
3:10 — Release Day, Vulnerability, and Writing for Many Audiences
Why Brian wrote Hellbent with evangelicals, progressives, and deconstructed readers all in mind.
8:45 — The Problem with Hell After Death
How focusing on hell in the afterlife distracts us from the hells we create here and now.
13:30 — Gehenna, Jesus, and Hell on Earth
Reframing Jesus’ language about hell as a warning about the worlds we build through our failure to love.
18:40 — Fire and Brimstone Reconsidered
Why Brian still believes in urgency—and why the real fire is already burning in our political and social systems.
24:10 — Fear, Formation, and Childhood Faith
How meeting God through fear shapes our inner lives and leaves lasting marks on children.
31:20 — Children, the Kingdom of God, and Grace
If the kingdom belongs to children, what does that reveal about worth, love, and belonging?
38:00 — Punishment vs. Restoration
Why justice is not the same as punishment, and how restorative justice reflects God’s character.
45:30 — Parenting Without Hell
Releasing control, trusting love, and healing our own inner children along the way.
52:40 — What Do We Do with Jesus Now?
Letting go of punitive theology without losing Jesus—and learning to hold faith with curiosity.
58:30 — Liberation, Privilege, and Listening to Marginalized Voices
Why deconstruction often means finally hearing voices we were taught to ignore.
1:04:00 — Closing Reflections and Gratitude
About Our Guest:
About Our Guest:
Brian Recker is a writer, former evangelical pastor, and the author of Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Drawing from his experience in fundamentalism and evangelicalism, Brian explores how fear-based theology distorts our understanding of God, justice, and love—and invites readers toward a more humane, restorative faith. You can find Brian and a free discussion guide for Hellbent at www.brianrecker.com.
Transcript:
Read the full transcript here.
Podcast production by Kyle Lock, logo by Adam Lock, and theme music by J Lind.
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