Three things to remember if you're in the middle of deconstructing your faith
Around the country, and around the world, churches are seeing their members flood out the door. You might have even seen it happen in your church.
The reason for this mass exodus? It’s not a cruel Pharaoh. It’s a popular movement within Christianity known as deconstruction. This term is used to describe individuals who are in a place where they’re challenging the Christian worldview and by extension the beliefs that flow from this worldview.
People who are currently involved in deconstructing their Christian faith should be encouraged and commended, but there are some things you should remember if you’re in the middle of this process.
You should remember these three things if you’re in the middle of deconstructing your faith:
1. You need to beware of getting stuck in a deconstruction loop.
Typically, people enter the deconstruction process with the goal of reconstructing their Christain faith. Then, they find some things about the Christian worldview that they question. Then, they find some more, and on it goes. In short, people often get sucked into a continual loop of deconstruction and forget that they’re aiming to reconstruct their faith on stronger foundations.
2. It can lead to new faith communities.
Many people feel completely comfortable in their faith communities or churches, and this is typically because those entities are based on love. They promote love of God, love toward ourselves and love of other people. Yet, deconstructing your faith may cause you to feel that your church or faith community isn’t as committed to these forms of love as you would like.
Some people who have such realizations will try to stay in their community or church and bring them back on track. However, others will leave to seek new faith communities or churches, and both reactions are just fine.
3. Deconstruction can bring you back to the heart of God’s message.
What exactly is the heart of God’s message? Many Christians would say that it can be found when Jesus lays out the two great commandments, saying:
“The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” (Mark 12:29-31 MSG)
Going through a personal process of deconstruction can help you return to these two commandments that are the heart of God’s message. It can also remind you that God calls you to be a living example of this message.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We understand how it feels to struggle to find a place to belong, which is why we strive to welcome people of all types and backgrounds into our community.
Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.