There has been a lot of talk about deconstruction when it comes to religious faith. Some people are very concerned about it. I think part of it is that some people equate “deconstruction” with “deconversion.”
It is true that some people who experience deconstruction of faith do become either agnostics or atheists. But that is not the case for all.
What is deconstruction?
In this context, I think this definition from Webster is helpful:
the analytic examination of something (such as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy
For some people, this may become a rethinking of Christianity as a whole or even theism, but it doesn’t have to be that. Much of the deconstruction that we hear about is deconstruction of evangelicalism. This has led to those who identify as ex-evangelicals or exvangelicals.
Again, many (mostly evangelicals) equate leaving evangelicalism with leaving Christianity. That is not necessarily the case. There are plenty of other orthodox traditions within Christianity outside of evangelicalism.
So is deconstruction good or bad?
Deconstruction is neither good nor bad, it is morally neutral. Deconstruction may lead to more our less favourable outcomes, but the process itself is not good or bad.
I have experienced deconstruction myself. My faith looks much different today than it did twenty-five years ago. Back then, I took for granted young earth creationism, the need for the sinner’s prayer, speaking in tongues for every Christian and pre-tribulation rapture as essentials of the faith. I didn’t see them as just theories or interpretations but as the clear teaching of Scripture.
Over time, I have deconstructed many of my beliefs. I have separated what I have seen as essential and what are the main themes of the gospel from the side issues and things that may have weaker support in Bible, tradition and reason.
Am I done deconstructing? I have no idea. My confidence in the truth of Christianity is as strong as it has ever been. I feel no draw to atheism or agnosticism. But I expect that my faith will continue to evolve.
I think deconstruction is a natural part of a world that is influenced by postmodernism. One of the affects of postmodernism is a questioning of sources of authority.
For centuries, churches could just tell the people what to believe and they would do it (or at least pretend to). Those days are gone. While there are pockets of Christians who will just believe what their pastors tell them, more and more are thinking for themselves.
As a pastor, this does not offend me. It excites me! I want people to listen to what I say and then test it. A message is not true just because I have a “Reverend” in front of my name.
As the positional authority of the church crumbles, people’s faith will deconstruct but not necessarily be destroyed. I’m hoping for a more thoughtful and Jesus-centred faith.
This is not the final word on deconstruction but it reflects my first thoughts.
