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“[Deconstruction is] a crisis of faith that leads to either a reevaluation of Christianity or sometimes a total abandonment of Christianity.” Brian Zahnd
Have you ever been afraid that if you hold a magnifying glass to God, He won’t be able to stand the scrutiny? Or if you pull on that one thread, your whole belief system might come undone?
If you’ve ever needed to hear it before, we want to tell you now— you can pull on that thread, but the God of the Universe won’t unravel. He isn’t afraid of your questions, doubts, or even that one nagging thought that hangs around when you worship with your hands outstretched. His heart is now and always has been to meet you in even the messiest moments with an abundance of truth and grace. (John 1:14)
If you’re the person who is doubting your beliefs or feel as if an overwhelming tide of opinions and let downs has blurred your once clear view of reality, you aren’t the first. So, what do we do now? We have to rebuild our reality based on the truths of Scripture —and like any good structure, we need to start with the foundation.
The process of deconstruction doesn’t begin with dismantling your beliefs; it actually begins with doubting your beliefs. While you may feel your doubt is disqualifying, the reality is that doubt isn’t the enemy of your affection for God; it’s an opportunity to love God more.
Contrary to popular belief, doubt is not a sign that Christianity is flawed. Instead, it’s a sign that our understanding of Christianity is flawed. Which is actually good news, because it means God really is as unsearchable, unfathomable, and uncontainable as He says He is.
A.J. Swoboda once said, “There’s often no greater act of faith and fidelity to God than baring one’s deepest held beliefs to divine criticism so that God might be loved more. To put it more simply: kicking the tires doesn’t mean you hate the car.”
We “kick the tires” or even walk away from God for all sorts of reasons— you’ve been hurt by the church, slandered by Christians, watched pulpits become a political circus, heard other explanations that seem to make sense, etc. We can list any number of reasons – even good ones— and yet Jesus is anything but reasonable.
Time and time again, we see Jesus engage those who are disappointed, discouraged, doubtful, unfaithful, and unaccepted. Each time, we see that our Savior is unafraid of their questioning and quick to pursue them personally and relationally — the same is true of His heart for you. (Luke 24)
Maybe you haven’t experienced what could be considered “deconstruction” of your faith, but instead, you’ve feared the concept to the degree that you invalidate and push away those who have.
When Jesus found two disciples who were walking away from Jerusalem feeling disillusioned and disappointed in the perceived shortcomings of Jesus’ own resurrection, He didn’t pull rank or go into problem-solving mode. Instead, He does something that even the church fails to do at times: He makes conversational space for their curiosity, perplexity, and even their uncertainty — because He knows that when it comes to spiritual matters, questions and doubts are inevitable. (Luke 24:22-27)
As believers, we must cultivate spaces where not only are the right answers given, but real questions are asked. We have to allow places where skeptics, critics, misfits, and outcasts feel the safety to honestly process, sincerely seek, and hopefully find the same Jesus Who has found us. (2 Corinthians 3:14)
As you read earlier, your doubt doesn’t mean God is flawed — but your understanding of Him might be. So take a moment to consider: Who are you allowing to speak into your spirituality?
Rather than letting the deafening echo chamber of culture carry the vote, you have to, first and foremost, let Scripture inform your spirituality. Instead of just letting other people speak for God on your favorite podcast, at your church, in your relationship, on social media, within your family, or even in this article, you need to let God speak for Himself. (Hebrews 4:12)
As you stare down this beast of “deconstruction” that threatens to choke the life out of your walk with Christ, you’re going to open His word, listen for His voice, watch His life, and seek His Kingdom. You’ll find your faith again when you remember to look at the One who founded and perfected it. (Hebrews 12:2)
No matter how far or wide your doubt stretches, God stretches His arms out wider, ready to welcome His children and prepared to pursue them amid their wanderings. He doesn’t want unbreakable faith as much as He wants to build an unbreakable bond with us.
God has no loose ends, no thing He didn’t think through, no chink in the armor, and no other foot that He’s about to drop. So even if you grab your magnifying glass, the only truth that will ring true forever is that we have a good, all-powerful Creator who is worthy of our worship and desirous of a relationship with us. He doesn’t shirk from our questions, and He doesn’t leave you alone in them either.
God has an amazing track record of pursuing people who either doubted Him or didn’t know Him at all. Our very salvation is rooted in the fact that He first pursued us so we could have a reconciled relationship with Him. If your heart has grown cold in the darkness of disappointment, be encouraged that He will pursue you in the midst of your doubt until the flame of faith is rekindled again. (Luke 24:28-32)
If you’re going through deconstruction or want a safe place to ask questions that have been on your heart, make sure you check out our “Great Questions” class. This is a place where believers who’ve been equipped host a forum for attendees to ask honest questions with the expectation of receiving Biblically informed answers.