Deconstruction

There’s a new trend among Evangelicals called “Deconstructing.”  This is when a person who believes in Yahweh and Jesus go through a process of examining their faith and often reach the point that they no longer believe in either Yahweh or Jesus.

In an article I read recently in Christianity Today, regarding deconstructing, the following was mentioned: “The language of ‘deconstructing one’s faith’ shares the idea that true knowledge delves beneath simple affirmations, asking what social commitments, political assumptions, and gender politics might reinforce what appear to be otherwise straightforward assertions.” According to the author of this article, deconstruction seems to be quite popular these days just by looking at her Instagram feed. She said, “It is, judging by my Instagram feed, quite popular to identify as ‘deconstructing’ one’s faith. Individuals note that they are deconstructing as if they were heading out to get a haircut or waiting for a load of laundry to dry.” Sometimes deconstruction is called “Deconversions.”

Many so called “Big Name” Evangelical authors, preachers, and church leaders have gone down this path. After going through the deconstruction process of their faith, many become atheists. What’s the reason behind this trend? Maybe they have some doubts concerning the trustworthiness of scripture. Maybe some kind of abuse or tragedy has happened, that has caused them to question everything. For others, it may be following what their friends are doing.  Then for some, it could be to fit into culture and to live how they desire to. Here's why we need to be aware of deconstruction. While it is good to examine our faith, to know why we believe what we believe, “deconstructing one’s faith” seems to be different. Yes, a Christian will have doubts at some point in time. The apostle Thomas did in John 20. Yet, when presented with the evidence concerning Jesus and His resurrection Thomas said, “My Lord and My God.” He believed and continued to walk with Christ. How we respond and what we do with our doubts matter.

What else seems to be behind this new trend is that truth can’t really be known. Skeptics often shout this from the roof top. They say, “Truth can’t really be known” and yet they want people to take their statements as truth! What many people are doing in the name of “deconstruction” is taking apart the faith and throwing out what they don’t like (sin, judgment, obedience, hell) and only keeping the good things they may like (the love and compassion of Jesus). A better way to describe this would be apostasy, Galatians 1:8; 1 Timothy 4:1. Sadly, I’ve seen Christians fall away throughout the years. I know of at least three who are now atheists. When doubts and questions arise, we must turn to scripture and not away from it. We must turn to God and not away from Him! Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” We are to walk with Jesus, not the world.