I rarely agree with many of the step-by-step programs to get to anything. And the same goes for deconstruction. There are many, perhaps an infinite number of starting points in deconstruction, but it looks the same.
In seminary, we took a class on spiritual formation that talked through the various levels of spiritual formation that were an attempt to mirror the stages of human growth and development. A person can grow from infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, etc., often physically, but developmental pauses can occur. The professor of the course outlined how, in many ways, there are similar stages of development to what he termed “sainthood.” Categorically speaking, most people, in their spiritual development, made it to loyalty, which was offered as loyalty to what a pastor, denomination, or other type of group believes. The next step for this professor was questioning. He remarked that very few made it beyond fundamental loyalty to what they taught, but this was an essential step for spiritual maturity.
Whether in the classroom, prayer meeting, worship night, or Sunday service, folks are entered into deconstruction regularly, and to be honest, rarely are there environments deemed safe and trustworthy for deconstruction. Too much is at stake, whether it be ego, pride, or profits. Deconstruction is heaped with shame, and so are those who stumbled into questioning on the pathway toward spiritual growth. It is warned against. Fear tactics for the sake of control have no place in a loving God's theology.
In my assessment, western Christianity has conflated the meaning of the terms “faith” and “belief.” Belief is the theology, the content of our faith, and faith is the relational aspect of trust. Yet, repeatedly, people ask questions about the belief system they have been handed and are met with shame. Not always, but in most cases, the questioning is shunned. Shame creates a sense of loneliness and isolation, the opposite of a generous, warm community that nurtures doubt.
That is where I hope this Substack can enter the conversation. I want this to be a place that nurtures doubt and does not shame one another for navigating the sacred spaces of uncertainty.
In my last post on deconstruction (linked here), I talked a bit about what it is, and I hope you’ll read it.
Here are a few more of my thoughts:
Finding a safe place for deconstruction is hard. While this may not be the best place for you, I’d be glad to help you find a space that supports you and your journey. I am available to you. Use the direct message feature here or find me at www.center4dignity.com
Finding a sacred space for deconstruction requires the community to be informed about trauma. So much of the trauma we ensure comes from the shame of deconstruction as well as the shame and harmful beliefs we were taught to be true. This Substack community will be a place that doesn’t gaslight, doesn’t attempt to correct, but is like a trellis, supports new plant growth, and is a nurturing environment for you.
Understanding how trauma and PTSD work. Teresa Pasquale wrote something like, “Like beauty, trauma is in the eye of the beholder.” It means that folks can experience the same event, and leaves a lasting mark for some. Knowing and learning how this trauma lives in your body is vitally important for a regulated nervous system, that is, a nervous system created in the image of God.
The goal of deconstruction is congruence. Most of what sent us on the journey of questioning and discovery is seeing the incongruence between belief and practice. In my view, those who deconstruct are trying to make honest sense of their environment and are relearning how to live faithfully with what they’ve discovered.
What would you add to this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments below. Comments are currently reserved for paid subscribers of this Substack. I’d love to have you as part of the community!