Review – The Deconstruction Of Christianity

Another One Fights The Trust

“At one point, I was sure of who God was, and how God operated. But I am not that way now.” That was Dan Haseltine, lead singer of Jars Of Clay, back in 2012. In the years soon after, he would “deconstruct” his “faith” in more public tweets and comments. Just like many other artists and celebrities who claimed to be Christian in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

It was a familiar pattern I would see repeated over and over again. The public questioning of Scripture. The comments hinting at “problematic” doctrines. Tweets that aligned with the shifting cultural winds instead of timeless truths. Then, inevitably, there would be, in most cases, a full blown abandonment of their “Christian faith.”

The deconstruction process was: public, predictable, and plentiful.

Defining A Breakdown

Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett wrote The Deconstruction Of Christianity to describe this exact process. Their book documents the tweets, the message boards, the quotes, and the familiar hallmarks that have come to define the “deconstruction” movement.

What is it though? In my opinion, they get it exactly right. Deconstruction is: “a postmodern process of rethinking your faith without regarding Scripture as a standard.” 

From there, Childers and Barnett trace the roots back to philosophical grounds laid back centuries ago (and even to the Garden of Eden). In other words, deconstruction isn’t some cool new thing – it has been around for ages. The “influencers” and celebrities may have created new hashtags and names for this…but they are repeating the same mistakes as many have before them.  The book also presents some of the common issues the deconstructors rally around such as: objective truth of Scripture, the patriarchy, homophobia, and Christian nationalism or conservatism. The authors also share their personal stories and offer a way forward for those dealing with these same issues.  

Answers And Exists

The book is well-researched and thorough. It would be a book I’d recommend, for Christians and non-Christians alike. 

One particular section I thought was excellent was about “answers and exits.” What they described is how there are many who are real questioners who desire answers (I wrote about how to be a good skeptic here). Then, there are those who wants exits, that is, they want to raise questions/doubts about Christianity…but they don’t want answers, they are just looking for an exit so they can abandon the faith.

I’ve had conversations with both types of people and it becomes rather apparent who you are dealing with. Sincere questions and actual searching is one thing. Just bringing up something you think is “problematic” and bailing is quite another.

Almost Deconstructed 

There is a Christian from long ago who almost slid down the pit of deconstruction. He was a song-leader and musical artist in his time and wrote songs we still know today. He was a person of influence in the faith. And at one point, he was moments from abandoning it all. He knew if he went public with his deconstruction, it would bring so many others down with him.

Then, he went to church. Maybe the very place he was dreading. He went back into the sanctuary and eternity came flooding back into view.

All at once, he remembered and enjoyed the presence of God. He saw the future for those who reject Him. He saw the reality that God never let him go.

It made all the difference.

His name is Asaph and you can read his story in Psalm 73. That would be a great companion piece to this book. Read them both, think well, look for answers, and go back to the sanctuary.

Tested And True

The longer I live the more I appreciate those in the faith who stay true. I know there will always be hard times, trials, tribulations, and seasons of spiritual dryness. Questions do come. Doubts can arise.

But there is something deeply encouraging when I see brothers and sisters in the faith who press on. Who keep the faith. Who remain. Who abide.

I draw strength from those people. Like Asaph, they saw may have peered down the canyon but they instead found their footing once more on the Solid Rock who is ever-present. 

The Bible is real. Jesus Christ is Lord. You will stand before Him shortly. Eternity awaits. Don’t deconstruct, but believe.

Believe in Him. Believe in His Word. And build your life on Him.

BONUS – – One extra companion piece to go along with this book and Psalm 73 would be the song called “I Set My Hope” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa, and Matt Boswell. It is (literally) a song for a deconstructing friend.

******

Have you read this book? If so, what was your reaction? Have experience with deconstruction? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading. Your comments and insights are always welcomed. If you enjoyed this, please share it. Want more content? Check the archives, my youtube channel, or listen to me on the Cross-Cutting Culture Podcast. Follow if you want to subscribe and always get the latest.