DE- (AND RE-) CONSTRUCTED (6)
Scripture: Acts 9:1-31
This content is part of a series.
Title: De- (And Re-) Constructed (6)
Series: Unstoppable
Author: Patrick Edwards
Text: Acts 9:1-31
Introduction
In last few years there has been growing talk of "deconstruction", particularly on social media.1 Many of you have likely heard the word, which really is just a catch-all term for a wide range of spiritual experiences. Depending on who's using the word, deconstruction can be a complete demolition of Christian belief, a critical re-appraisal of one's faith tradition, or an honest acknowledgment of doubt and questions. To some, deconstruction is a message of salvation from the oppressive patriarchy of historic Christianity. To others, deconstruction is a boogey man that's not even to be flirted with.
For example, for some people, deconstructing means losing their faith altogether-becoming atheists, agnostics, or spiritual-but-not-religious nones. For others, deconstructing means still believing in Jesus but struggling with how religious institutions have failed. And there are also many for whom deconstructing means maintaining an ongoing commitment to orthodox Christianity, as well as a robust commitment to the church-but without the cultural-political baggage associated with the label "evangelicalism."
And, as I just said, there are a spectrum of opinions on whether or not this is a good thing or something that Christians should even consider. You see, on one hand every cause or outcome of deconstruction is equally valid and justified for the record. Left unchecked, deconstruction can spiral into destructive cynicism, self-righteous judgment, and empty nihilism (not to mention full-blown deconversion). But on the other hand, I think church leaders owe it to themselves (and their congregations) to honestly evaluate the institutional reasons that could catalyze or accelerate someone's deconstruction. And as a Millennial who has wrestled with spiritual doubt, I think it's essential for the church to open up space for the ske ...
Series: Unstoppable
Author: Patrick Edwards
Text: Acts 9:1-31
Introduction
In last few years there has been growing talk of "deconstruction", particularly on social media.1 Many of you have likely heard the word, which really is just a catch-all term for a wide range of spiritual experiences. Depending on who's using the word, deconstruction can be a complete demolition of Christian belief, a critical re-appraisal of one's faith tradition, or an honest acknowledgment of doubt and questions. To some, deconstruction is a message of salvation from the oppressive patriarchy of historic Christianity. To others, deconstruction is a boogey man that's not even to be flirted with.
For example, for some people, deconstructing means losing their faith altogether-becoming atheists, agnostics, or spiritual-but-not-religious nones. For others, deconstructing means still believing in Jesus but struggling with how religious institutions have failed. And there are also many for whom deconstructing means maintaining an ongoing commitment to orthodox Christianity, as well as a robust commitment to the church-but without the cultural-political baggage associated with the label "evangelicalism."
And, as I just said, there are a spectrum of opinions on whether or not this is a good thing or something that Christians should even consider. You see, on one hand every cause or outcome of deconstruction is equally valid and justified for the record. Left unchecked, deconstruction can spiral into destructive cynicism, self-righteous judgment, and empty nihilism (not to mention full-blown deconversion). But on the other hand, I think church leaders owe it to themselves (and their congregations) to honestly evaluate the institutional reasons that could catalyze or accelerate someone's deconstruction. And as a Millennial who has wrestled with spiritual doubt, I think it's essential for the church to open up space for the ske ...
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