{"id":1800,"date":"2024-07-02T16:55:37","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T16:55:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/?p=1800"},"modified":"2024-07-03T21:17:35","modified_gmt":"2024-07-03T21:17:35","slug":"deconstructing-faith-deconstruction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2024\/07\/02\/deconstructing-faith-deconstruction\/","title":{"rendered":"Deconstructing Faith Deconstruction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cAnd He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I walked into the classroom and took my seat among a hundred or so seminary students, I could hear a man singing. He was singing an old hymn like this one. At the time, I did not know the man singing the song, but I did know that when I was in his classroom, I felt like I was with Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The class was Contemporary Evangelism, and the man was Dr. Roy Fish. I only spent one semester in his class, but his impact on me was profound. On one occasion, I remember being so moved by one of his lectures that I became emotionally overwhelmed and had to excuse myself from the room. His love for people was palpable and compelled him to share Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was so compelling about a man like Dr. Fish? Was it that he was a great speaker? Was it that he was influential? Or successful? I believe it was his character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People today are desperate to encounter real, genuine love and acceptance. We all live in a world marked by crisis, abuse, fear, inner turmoil, loss, and disappointment. What happens to people exposed to these difficulties for a prolonged period? They become disillusioned.  If this person is a Christian, they may even begin to question God.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In their book The Deconstruction of Christianity<\/em>, Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett discover that it is most often suffering or a crisis that ultimately leads a person to deconstruct their faith.1<\/a><\/sup>  Some examples are the death of a child or loved one, sexual abuse at the hands of a spiritual leader, physical suffering, or prolonged emotional and spiritual abuse, to name a few. I want us to take a quick look at faith deconstruction to understand it better and ultimately to begin contributing to its remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is faith deconstruction?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An accurate and authoritative definition of faith deconstruction does not exist. Those who identify with faith deconstruction tend to vary in their opinion of what it means to \u201cdeconstruct.\u201d Childers and Barnett suggest that there is a spectrum under the overarching umbrella of faith deconstruction, and there is a significant amount of variation from one end of the spectrum to the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his book After Doubt<\/em>, AJ Swoboda defines faith deconstruction as the \u201cprocess of dismantling one\u2019s accepted beliefs.\u201d This definition encompasses the broadness of the deconstruction spectrum. On one end is the total rejection of scripture and traditional Christian beliefs taught by the church, accompanied by the active desire to de-convert others. On the other end is simply rethinking your beliefs, engaging doubts, and asking hard questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do people deconstruct faith?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People who deconstruct are alike in a few ways, regardless of where they stand on the deconstruction spectrum. First, they seem to share some form of disillusionment due to the church or its pastors. Many who once were dedicated, passionate supporters of the church were met with unhealthy, toxic, or ungodly behavior within the church. They witnessed a pastor teach about love from the pulpit yet abuse the power they were given to act harshly, manipulate a staff, or participate in an extramarital affair. They\u2019ve seen churches teach servant leadership yet loyally support political candidates characterized by arrogance and egotism. They\u2019ve watched a church that taught about giving to the poor spend too much of its money to benefit itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, they seem to share hurt at the hands of God. They have been taught that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, yet they endure the tragic death of an innocent child or the unbearable pain of a chronic disease. They delve into complex questions to which the scriptures don\u2019t specifically speak, leaving them with more questions. They have been taught that God listens when we pray and responds, yet after many years of begging God for something, they hear no answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can we respond to faith deconstruction?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I believe people who deconstruct are ultimately asking the question, \u201cWho is God, really?\u201d Is he the person the church has told me he is? How do I reconcile the awful things that happened to me with a God who is described as loving, personal, attentive, and benevolent? I believe some of them are saying, \u201cIf God is like the Christians I have come across, then I don\u2019t want to belong to him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My purpose here is not to determine if faith deconstruction is good or bad. It is to acknowledge that it is happening and offer ideas on how to remedy it. So, what can Jesus\u2019 followers do? I believe there are three ways Christians can respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important things we can do is own up to our failures. Perfection is unattainable, so we must prepare ourselves to admit when something we have done hurts someone else. When we take responsibility for our part in the hurt, we validate the other person and agree it wasn\u2019t right. We communicate, \u201cI may represent Jesus, but what I did to you did not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second thing we can do is place a high value on character over charisma. To have good character, a person is tested by life’s difficulties and develops patience, wisdom, and long-suffering. A person of good character is gentle, content, and self-controlled. Often, it takes many years to mature in this way. We can check ourselves and see if we value our character over impressing people with our words, wealth, or status. Externally, we can train our eyes to see people’s character rather than be dazzled by their words or the wealth and influence they may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final thing we can do is admit we don\u2019t have all the answers. This is counterintuitive. Many Jesus followers feel that they have an obligation to have an answer to all of life\u2019s questions. In some ways, this is part of what leaves de-constructioners so disillusioned. We tend to make blanket statements derived from scripture, assuming it will be sufficient for their needs. We say a prayer or two and send a person on their way. Instead, we should sit with a troubled person and confess that we don\u2019t know why God would allow this to happen. We should acknowledge that it is awful and cry with them, believing we can pave the way for God to do what only he can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Fish was a tangible example of how human godliness can perpetuate belief and trust in God. Conversely, it is the very tangible examples of human ungodliness that seem to perpetuate the faith deconstruction movement. I want to be a Roy Fish. After all, what good is it to share the gospel with someone if, in the end, they walk away?<\/p>\n\n\n

  1. Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity<\/em>, (Tyndale House Publishers, 2024). \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    \u201cAnd He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.“ As I walked into the classroom and took my seat among a hundred or so seminary students, I could hear a man singing. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":1804,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

    Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Empowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    B&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    All followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    She spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Empowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\"Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity<\/em>, (Tyndale House Publishers, 2024).\",\"id\":\"0ce0d99b-7a3e-46de-8411-60c07baf7cad\"}]"},"categories":[29,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-church-life","category-worldview-culture","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\nDeconstructing Faith Deconstruction<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is faith deconstruction, why are so many people deconstructing their faith, and how should the church respond?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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