Sunday Speaker: Deconstruction Zone with Justin

Sunday Speaker Topic:
What does the Hebrew Bible actually say about the Messiah - and does it align with the Christian claim that Jesus fulfilled its prophecies?

Description:
For centuries, Christians have looked to Jesus as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies - a belief that forms a cornerstone of Christian theology. From his birth to his death and resurrection, he is said to have fulfilled numerous predictions found in the Hebrew Bible.

Among the most frequently cited are the prophecy of the “Virgin Birth” and the “Suffering Servant”, often interpreted as vivid foretellings of Jesus’s crucifixion and redemptive suffering.

But what do these texts actually say in their original context? Were they truly intended to point to Jesus, or have centuries of interpretation shaped them into something they were never meant to be?

In this talk, we’ll take a closer look at the most well-known messianic prophecies and explore how they’ve been understood historically, linguistically, and theologically. By unpacking these layers, we’ll uncover a different, and often surprising, portrait of the Messiah that challenges conventional Christian readings and invites a deeper appreciation for the complexity of biblical prophecy.

Whether you're a believer, skeptic, scholar, or seeker, this talk offers a thought-provoking journey into the heart of one of the most debated topics in religious history.

Bio:
Justin is the creator and host of Deconstruction Zone, a livestream series on YouTube and TikTok since 2023 that explores the process of leaving behind religious belief and embracing critical thinking. He holds a B.A in Biblical Studies from Bethel University and a degree and a Master of Divinity from Ashland Seminary.

After spending more than a decade in Christian ministry, Justin began a personal journey of deconstruction that led to a dramatic shift in perspective. Through rigorous study and reflection, he concluded that Jesus does not fulfill the messianic prophecies found in the Bible and that the God presented in scripture could not stand up to scholarly examination. These realizations prompted him to step away from faith and ultimately embrace a worldview grounded in secular humanism.

Today, Justin identifies as an evangelical atheist and humanist. His mission centers on promoting personal autonomy, intellectual honesty, and the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between religion and government. Using his platform, he invites viewers into honest and often uncomfortable conversations about belief, identity, and the pursuit of truth.

Please Note:
Doors open at 9:00 am for optional buffet breakfast ($5 donation) and socializing. Speaker program begins at 10:00 am.

Important: $5 breakfast fee waived for awesome humans bringing in food to share!

If you can help with set-up, clean-up, and/or by bringing a breakfast casserole, please go to SignUpGenius HERE.

A Children's Program is available during the Speaker Meeting. Go to a separate Meetup to RSVP for your kids HERE.

Prefer to join us remotely?

1. Zoom Link: Zoom Here
2. YOUTUBE: You can watch live (15 second delay), or you can watch later. LINK HERE

Need help? Email humanist@hsgp.org before the day of this meeting.

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix presents its Sunday Speaker meetings twice a month on Sunday mornings. Meetings are free and open to the public.

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