Deconstruction and Reconstruction
I left Facebook a few days ago. It has been a process of liberation and self- reflection, but also of sadness. Those of you who know me, know that it is difficult for me to keep my empathy and my feelings about the current situation in America to myself. We did not become great by being silent and ignoring the problems of our society, yet here we are.
This is a response to an article I read titled – “Could it be that Christians are to Lay Low…” Here is the link if you would like more context. https://medium.com/biblical-christian-worldview/could-it-be-that-christians-are-to-lay-low-0f1094f37903
Deconstruction
I would like to offer another perspective. If I may in love, hoping it will be heard in the spirit of Christ like love. I am a Christian deconstructing with every intention of reconstructing, and there really are a lot of us out there. Not to say that there are not some without any intention of returning to faith. Christians are not asked to lay low nor or they asked to "fight back" in anger, retaliation, or without honoring the very commandment Jesus left us with. We are simply asked to go in love of God and each other.
I do not believe that American Christians are being persecuted - We are being questioned. Before I here but Charlie Kirk..... Charlie Kirk was killed by one man. Not a group. -or even a prominent ideology. While many would like to put blame on political parties etc... it was simply one man with complicated and confused views. But we have to acknowledge to the world that Kirk mocked others in a spirit that lacked Christ like humility and that created division. He belittled and hurt many people. I believe he was complicated and deserves grace - and did not deserve to die. And yes, he also taught about Jesus. But this duality is not helpful in the missional world. You see how this would confuse the non-believer? The best way Christians could have responded to his death was by taking a long look at the information and turmoil he put out into the world, before canonizing him. The world sees a huge disconnect there and as a result many do not want any part of this Jesus.
Let's talk a little about deconstruction and reconstruction. I have found in my reading that the Bible both condones and condemns, slavery, women's roles, following government institutions , etc..... The only way I can make that work is to see the Bible in a new light - look at is a book of wisdom, with the same Christian basics I know to be true. (trinity, etc) What I listed are pure contradictions. I love Jesus, and I want to be able to resolve these contradictions because people are going to ask me. The only way I can resolve this for myself is to read the Bible knowing that it was written to people who lived a long time ago. This does not dilute that it was meant for us as well, but it does present us with a problem if we try to make much of it make sense in our world today. It is my opinion, that we must take into account the culture and customs of the times in which it was written, and we must allow for advances is science, technology, etc. As a side note, I would like to add that several cultural ideals that many Christians have grabbed onto, have no specific mention in the bible. I like Jen Hatmaker's definition of deconstruction.
"At its heart, deconstruction of faith involves critically examining your beliefs, practices, and traditions to discern what feels authentic and what doesn’t. It’s about asking the hard questions, wrestling with doubts, and being honest about what no longer serves you .
This process can feel messy and isolating, but it’s also a deeply liberating act. Remember: You can’t out-wonder or out-wander God’s love. God is never threatened by our questions.
Why Deconstruction Is a Natural Part of Faith
Faith deconstruction is not a modern fad; it’s a natural step in spiritual growth. Historically, religious reformers, mystics, and theologians have gone through similar processes to challenge the status quo and rediscover a richer connection to God.
Here are a few reasons why people embark on this journey:
Cultural Shifts: Navigating the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice.
Church Wounds: Healing from experiences of exclusion, judgment, or abuse within religious communities.
The Bible: Struggling to reconcile contradictions in scripture or outdated interpretations.
Personal Growth: Feeling the need to evolve spiritually as life circumstances change.
The stages of faith deconstruction often begin with doubt and questioning but lead to reimagining and rebuilding."
https://jenhatmaker.com/blog/deconstruction-of-faith-is-natural/
People are confused because a large group of Christians' political and theological worldviews have become so enmeshed, that the spirit in which Christ presented his worldview is completely lost. So, what many people see is an angry, large group who can no longer present their beliefs in ways that others will see us as salt and light. As a Christian, if you chose to remain silent out of fear or “what will they think” I urge you to rethink how you are hurting the mission of God.
Let me end by repenting of my own anger and for any times that I presented the Gospel in a world already broken that caused it to break more. In love to all of God's children - a gentle reminder that we are made in His image.
Diane
