The Deconstruction of Christianity | A Book Review (sort of)

In my early twenties, I was told I couldn’t defend what I believed. My faith was challenged. I was asked some difficult questions. My defensive response was proof that this person was right. I couldn’t correctly defend my Christian beliefs. I could barely define certain core principles of my faith. One of the reasons was I had never questioned my beliefs. I was thankful for the spiritual heritage that I was given, but I failed to make it my own. But at the root of it all, I was defensive when challenged because I had not properly studied the Word of God.

Over time, I began to seek the answers to my questions and measure everything against the standard of God’s Word. I even tried to question the things I really didn’t doubt. Like, why did I feel an assurance of my salvation? Why am I confident in my identity in Christ?

Taking the time to properly evaluate my faith and spending time in the Bible was just about me and God. I didn’t look to outside sources because the one thing I did know was where I could find those answers. At times, Scripture led me to different conclusions on theology. I even had to unlearn things that were not biblically based but denominationally driven. Many times, it led me to ask God’s forgiveness and repent for ways I didn’t love as Jesus taught. And repeatedly, Scripture reminded me what a gift the gospel is to me and why I can confidently say I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

Eventually, I came to a place of assurance in my salvation. There was no need to become defensive because profound confidence came from digging deeper and contemplating my doubts and questions with God alone. He met me with every question and doubt. He still meets me with my questions. And I am still learning and growing in Him daily.

Today, there are many walking away or deconstructing their faith. Most deconstruct from the point of hurt or bitterness from the church. I feel for them. Church hurt cuts deep. It feels like the ultimate betrayal next to marriage betrayal. Others deconstruct because they see the Bible and Christianity as irrelevant to living in today’s culture. Others see Christianity as a standard that they feel they can never measure up to. Ultimately, everyone has a different reason for walking away.

I understand all those reasons. But all those doubts and questions are starting points to construct your faith or perhaps, like me, reevaluate and measure based on Scripture. In their book The Deconstruction of Christianity, Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett get to the root of this new deconstruction movement. In many ways, it’s a new term but an ancient idea. 

Deconstructed beliefs nearly always begin with questions. It’s not that questions are bad. Questions can be good. Jesus himself asked over three hundred of them in the Gospels alone. But not all questions are honest questions. When it comes to faith, some questions seek answers, and some questions seek exits. There are questions that seek after truth, but other questions seek to avoid truth.

Looking back, I wonder if that person who challenged me about my beliefs wanted me to take the exit route. Regardless, I am grateful that he called me out to seek after the truth.

Do we give enough space in the church to ask our questions and bring our doubts? Do we challenge each other in discipleship to define and defend our biblical worldview? There is no fear in questioning if we genuinely pursue the One who provides those answers. Understanding what I believed became a confidence—I know “my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).  

I came out on the other side with more assurance of my faith but with much more empathy for the doubters and those stuck in all the hurt. I am drawn to the people in the deconstruction movement, which is why I read Childer’s and Barnett’s book. I’ve seen my fair share of hypocrisy in the church. I’ve witnessed spiritual manipulation and spiritual pride. I have seen loved ones hurt by church leaders. But if I attempt to elevate myself above all those whom I reject because they don’t represent my “brand” of Christianity, that’s pride and puts my faith (or non-faith) in a category that looks nothing like righteousness.

The apostle Paul talks about our unrighteousness (Romans 3), but at the same time he shows how valuable we are in the sight of God. So valuable that God offered up His Son on the cross to forgive our sins. Why would I want to take the exit off that redemption path? When Christians or the church let me down, I go back to the Source that connects me to my faith. Every time God meets me. Following Christ is dying to self; part of that is laying down our hurt and bitterness and forgiving those who have hurt us. When you experience that letting go, it’s incredible how much freedom in Christ you gain.

The Deconstruction of Christianity is an important book for the church today. I think every Christian should read it to know how to respond to those who are walking away. But sometimes, a book can trigger a memory. It reminded me of the person who led me to question my beliefs and find the answer: the gift of my salvation. But the book also calls me to be a disciple maker of Jesus Christ and to love those who have been hurt by the church and those who have done the hurting.  

I leave you with Tim Barnett’s message of hope that resonates with me:

I still have lots of questions. Christianity isn’t tidy, and neither is the church. As long as there is a church, there will be church hurt. As long as there is cursed creation, there will be suffering. As long as there is mystery, there will be unanswered questions. But as long as there is a risen Savior, there is hope.

I am so thankful for that hope in my life!