ATSS: Jody Washburn, “After Deconstruction: Cultivating Connection After Disentangling from High-Control Religion”
11 June 2025 |
Despite extensive conversations about how to deconstruct one’s faith and how to recognize harm in religious or spiritual contexts, very little has been written about what helps people thrive after distancing from high-control religion. Some people stay in the faith communities in which they were born; others completely disconnect from institutional religion, and still others plug into a variety of communities in various ways over the course of their unfolding spiritual journey.
In this presentation, Dr. Jody Washburn will explore some of the language used in conversations about what happens after “deconstruction,” and invite conversation on what elements people consider essential in the unfolding process of reclaiming wholeness and negotiating healthy boundaries—whether one remains embedded in or moves on from the religious community in which they grew up.
Teacher:
Jody Washburn, PhD (UCLA), is a teacher, scholar, musician, and life-long wonderer. Her training is primarily in Hebrew Bible and the languages and cultures of the ancient Near East. Washburn also has training in social science and archaeology, and a sustained interest in interdisciplinary work. She taught Hebrew and biblical studies at Walla Walla University for seven years, and now teaches in the School of Social Work and Sociology. For the past few years she has been studying intersections between trauma studies, attachment theory, and Hebrew Bible concepts of shalom/wholeness, compassion, and covenant love, and she is currently creating an interactive curriculum for processing spiritual abuse and religious trauma entitled “Reclaiming Our Spirituality.” Her hobbies include photographing patterns in nature, playing ragtime on the piano, crocheting, and camping with her family.
Moderator:
Cherri-Ann Farquharson is an alternative energy executive working out of Barbados.
How to join:
Join Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87574737068
Passcode: RELIGION {ALL CAPS}
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Charles Scriven
- Eric Anderson
- Tami Weise
- Laurence Turner
- Kevin Burton
