A Case for Deconstruction
Western evangelicalism, especially conservative circles of Western evangelicalism, has waged war against people in crisis.
Western evangelicalism, especially conservative circles of Western evangelicalism, has waged war against people in crisis. By damning deconstruction and those experiencing significant loss as it relates to changing beliefs, the evangelical church has isolated the very people they are called to love.
While in seminary, I recall a conversation with a professor of mine where we talked about the church's future. In 2014, I said something to the effect that “this deconstruction thing is the modern reformation of the church” and, in a way, committed to encouraging those enduring the process.
A few things on deconstruction.
Deconstruction is a deeply rooted biblical motif. In the Torah, we are offered an update to the 10 Commandments from generation to generation. Notably, additions to the commandments were first given in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. Specifically, look at how the 4th commandment changes based on changes in social location, generation, and geographic regions. Backing up a little bit, the book of Deuteronomy means “second law” or law again. But why would there be the need for a second law? Isn’t what was written first good, perfect, and true?
Jesus is an advocate for reconsidering principles of belief. We see repeatedly in the Gospels that Jesus offers an instructional formula: “You have heard it said, but I say to you…” This is a recapitulation of the faith system once held, offered to a new generation in a new way. Culture changes, generations change, and the language of our faith needs to be adopted in new, engaging ways.
With the dawn of so many advances in technology, thought, activism, and inclusivity, it is no wonder that my generation is experiencing a renewed vision of faith. We have been handed a new lens for interpretation, looking toward how theology, biblical interpretation, and ministry practice have been used to protect abusers, silence survivors, and used to horde power. Our lens for truth has become, “Does this doctrine/interpretation/practice lend itself toward loving self and others, or does it exclude others for the sake of power?”
Deconstruction is lonely. We did not enter these spaces because we wanted to have fun. We have found loneliness, isolation, shame, and condemnation from those who told us there are none of those things in Christ. It is my hope this can be a safe place for authentic community.
The greatest irony is that those who have taken the journey toward deconstruction have found what Jesus promised: life and life abundantly. Not without first experiencing pain and sorrow, anguish and excommunication. The irony is that the prayers for revival, a renewed understanding of God, are being answered. The answers just aren’t profitable for high-control religious environments.
I hope this substack is more than a blog of my thoughts; it is a dialogue in community with you. I invite you to join the conversation in the comments below.
Please note, due to my commitment to nurture deconstruction and rebuilding, comments will be monitored, and violaters of the community guidelines will be removed.