When Deconstruction Leads to Rediscovery
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
Recently, I listened to an interesting podcast by Julie Roys featuring Scot McKnight, where they discussed the deconstruction trend. What struck me was their shared belief that many who embark on this journey aren’t walking away from Jesus. Instead, they’re shedding the layers of cultural expectations, institutional failures, and traditions that have obscured Him. Far from a rebellion against faith, deconstruction is often a deep yearning to rediscover Jesus and His teachings in their purest form.
This isn’t about doubting your salvation or tearing down your faith for the sake of it. Instead, it’s about honest reflection. Are our beliefs rooted in the gospel, or have they been shaped by cultural expectations or traditions that distract us from Jesus? Examining our hearts isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of faith—drawing nearer to Christ and aligning our lives with His truth.
It leads me to wonder: what role should the church play in this process? While I don’t have all the answers, I believe the church can—and should—play a healthy, supportive role in helping people examine their faith.
The church should be a place where people can experience Jesus, not just hear about Him. It should be a community that fosters openness, where questions and doubts are met with compassion and understanding rather than judgment or dismissal. Instead of clinging to rigid traditions or cultural assumptions, the church has the opportunity to point people back to the heart of the gospel: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus
.Here are some practical tips to help us consider our role in this process. Read the full article at: (https://angelajherrington.com/a-christian-response-to-deconstruction)
Listen Without Judgment
People who are questioning their faith need to be heard, not lectured. Listening shows respect for their journey and creates a safe space for honest conversations. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say, but it does mean valuing their thoughts and struggles as they wrestle with their beliefs.Acknowledge Their Pain
Many who deconstruct are wrestling with pain caused by unhealthy church experiences, spiritual abuse, or misrepresentation of Jesus. Acknowledge their hurt and avoid minimizing their experiences. Empathy can be a bridge that helps them see Jesus’ love through you.Point Them to Jesus, Not Just Answers
The goal isn’t to fix their theology or resolve all their questions—it’s to walk with them as they seek Jesus. Focus on fostering a relationship with Christ rather than defending traditions or doctrines that might not reflect the heart of the gospel.Be Patient
Deconstruction and spiritual growth take time. Avoid rushing them or expecting immediate clarity. Offer ongoing support, remembering that God’s timing and work in their lives might look different than what we expect.
So whether you’re in a season of certainty or one of questioning, the aim remains the same: to seek Jesus. Scot McKnight’s words in the podcast beautifully captured this: “Many who deconstruct aren’t leaving faith; they’re leaving behind the things that smother Jesus.” Deconstruction, when rooted in a desire for Christ, can be a prophetic call to renew our focus on Him and His kingdom.
Here is the link for the podcast. https://julieroys.com/podcast/deconstruction-problem-or-prophetic-voice/