#74: Christian "Deconstruction"
Doug Anson's Apologetics Notes
Christian "Deconstruction"
I often include a short video in these monthly notes. This month is no exception. One reason for doing this is that some people better learn by what they hear and see, not by what they read. The other reason is these professional videos are usually much better at addressing an important matter than I! Where possible, though, I’ll attempt to clarify or expound on the teaching.
This month I offer the Colson Center’s recent What Would You Say video entitled, “What is Christian ‘Deconstruction’, and How Do We Respond?”
You are in a conversation and someone says they’re deconstructing their faith. [This means] reexamining or doubting their beliefs, especially their Christian faith. But it's sometimes not as clear cut as it sounds. How can we productively examine our faith, or help someone else to examine theirs?
Often this involves questioning core doctrines of Christianity such as the authority of Scripture or the divinity of Jesus Christ. But even more often it involves questioning the moral teachings of Christianity especially about sex.
Here are three things to remember.
Deconstruction should involve honest questions and an honest search for answers.
Deconstructing abuses of the faith is different from deconstructing the faith.
After deconstructing false beliefs, it’s important to reconstruct true beliefs in their place.
You may view the full 5.5-minute video here:
Deconstruction is a common term among Christians who consider walking away from their faith. Oftentimes, it’s used in the past tense; that is, former Christians describe their departure as a result of “deconstructing” their belief system. This popular term is a way of saying they examined their previous Christian beliefs and determined that they are untrue.
Questions we should keep in mind when responding to such claims include:
1. What caused the deconstructionists to reexamine their faith; i.e., what concerns or issues triggered their reexamination?
2. Did they genuinely (carefully, deeply . . .) examine their faith in an attempt to address their concerns before deciding to abandon Christianity?
3. What did they know and believe about their faith before these concerns arose? That is, did they actually embrace the essentials of the faith prior to deconstructing? [1] Were they genuine Christians before they deconstructed?
With these questions in mind, I suggest that we engage such persons in a manner similar to how we engage non-believers. We should first ask questions. We need to determine their concerns or objections (#1 above) before we consider how to respond. What specific issue suddenly arose and required Christian answers that were either not forthcoming or unsatisfactory from their perspective?
One such unfortunate example is the parental discovery that a child is a practicing homosexual. I have seen Christian parents understandably struggle with this difficult situation. Prior to the revelation they understood the act of homosexuality to be a sin, as antithetical to Scriptural teaching (Gen 2:24; Rom 1:26-28; 1 Cor 6:9; Col 3:5). But now, suddenly, they’re confronted with a child whom they love, who loves them, and who is willingly violating God’s law but seeks acceptance and blessing. I’ve seen parents respond by “reinterpreting” Scripture to conform to the child’s behavior. Others, believing God’s Word is clear, chose to prioritize the love of their child over God’s Word . . . over God . . . and left their Christian faith behind. It’s this latter group that is likely to say that they “deconstructed” their faith.
Questions #2 and #3 above are related. They both seek to determine what former Christians understood, and still believe, about Christianity. Were they genuine Christians before they deconstructed? Did they understand the gospel? Had they given their lives to Jesus? Did they believe in the authority of the Bible? It may very well be that they were Christian in name only, not in complete understanding or agreement (notitia and assensus) or heart-felt commitment (fiducia). If true, the temptations of this broken world were bound to confront their beliefs at some point. They were vulnerable because of a superficial faith (one with “no depth of soil” that “when the sun rose . . . withered away”, Matt 13:1-9).
Regarding question #2, did the deconstructionists genuinely seek to understand what God commands/Scripture teaches regarding the issue? Did they read Scripture closely? Did they seek counsel from their pastor or elders (were they even members of a church)? Did they consult reliable extra-Biblical Christian writings . . . or did they largely seek answers from the internet and social media and from others in like-minded situations? This is the first “thing to remember” according to the video: “deconstruction should involve honest questions and an honest search for answers.”
Armed with answers to some or all of these questions, we are ready to thoughtfully and respectively respond to their deconstruction claim. We may be the first person who explains the actual Christian view of the subject. With a correct understanding of the Christian worldview—and the Holy Spirit’s response to our prayers—we may be able to help them reconstruct their beliefs (as the video’s third point recommends) and bring them back to the Lord.
Examining one’s faith is important . . . in fact, it’s a necessary part of the faith journey. Believers continually seek to understand Scripture and learn what it means to be Christ-like in thought, word, and deed. Questions naturally arise during the journey and answers may not be immediately forthcoming. But we must persevere in the faith and be ready to help others when questions and doubts arise during their journeys.
In Christ, Doug
Academic & Military Outreach Director, AoM
“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . .” 1 Peter 3:15
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[1] In a previous monthly note I listed the “essentials” of the Christian faith. These, I argued, are what make us Christian . . . and are the core beliefs of Christianity. They’re worth repeating here.
1. Inspiration & Authority of Scripture
2. The Trinity
3. The Deity & Humanity of Christ
4. Creation Ex Nihilo
5. The Image of God
6. The Fall of Man . . . Original Sin
7. The Atonement
8. Christ’s Bodily Resurrection
9. Miracles
10. Salvation by Grace Through Faith Alone