The Deconstruction of Christianity | W/ Alisa Childers & Tim Barnett

You may have come across the terms “deconstruction” or “exvangelical” in recent years, or have perhaps seen high-profile Christian leaders walk away from the faith.
But what is deconstruction, and why does it seem to be a growing problem?
On this episode of the podcast I’m talking with ‪@alisachilders‬ and Tim Barnett, who have just written a new book together called The Deconstruction of Christianity: What it is, why it’s destructive, and how to respond.”
Alisa is a wife, mom, author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and worship leader. She’s the author of two other books “Another Gospel” and “Live your Truth and other lies” which we have had conversations about on previous episodes of the podcast.
Tim has worked as an apologist for Stand to Reason since 2015. Tim trains Christians to think clearly about what they believe and why they believe it.
He’s also the host of the popular KZbin Channel ‪@RedPenLogic‬.
On this episode we’ll talk about:
○ What’s deconstruction is
○ What factors into a person’s decision to walk away from the faith
○ The role of social media in fueling this phenomenon
○ How we can rightly respond to those in our lives who are struggling with or have walked away from the faith they once professed.
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See the Show Notes for this Episode: ReasonableTheology.org/Decons...
Pick up a Copy of The Deconstruction of Christianity: amzn.to/3sXTiC9

[@reinoehlz]

I made fun of the answers. I mocked the answers. I was hurt by the church, but more than that, I was overwhelmed by the living reminders of my own iniquity. The hatred of my own evil deeds and inability to bear them led me to a bitterness that pushed me to the brink of destruction. But mow i know. Now I understand. I'm the servant with the larger debt. And how can I not love Him more?

[@robertramsey653]

That's where I'm at, I'm overwhelmed by my past sin, and even the sin that I commit now. Not that it's anything like my old life, but I truly do hate the sin I committed before coming to know CHRIST. I just dont know how to get past it, how to know I'm forgiven and let it go. If you have any advice, I would surely appreciate it.

[@sheilaj3769]

Great conversation! That chapter on advice will be priceless to many parents. Tim made a great point about 20 minutes into the video: “Truth is not central in the deconstruction movement. It’s really about personal happiness, or the authority of self.”

[@ItsSageof]

Exchristian here. It should not be about happiness, nor comfort, or feelings: truth doesn't care how much comfort or meaningful, whether it produces purpose.. Actual Proper Reexamination: Seeking what is true and real is supposed to be the mission. This, I think, is making sure you aren't seeking to defend god or the bible while doing it, and you can't really seek if you start off with the bible as your guide in the back of your mind, because you are assuming it to be true, it's kind of tainting the journey. It seems they want you to seek within the boundaries set by the bible. That's not a good way to begin. Leaving the faith, for me, is the lack of sufficient evidence to warrant all the supernatural beings and the claims of supernatural intervention.

[@andrewschafer8986]

Deconstruction doesn't actually mean "demolition;" instead it means "breaking down" or analyzing something (especially the words in a work of fiction or nonfiction) to discover its true significance, which is supposedly almost never exactly what the author intended.

[@THEEArmoredSaint]

To God be the glory! Excellent and timely conversation. I thought I was deconstructing twenty years ago when coming out of the word of faith movement, but like Alisa, it ended up being more of a reconstruction via the seeking of capital T, truth. Still, praise God I didn't perish in my doubting and am in a place of peace with the reality the scripture reveals. Gonna treat myself to their book for Christmas. May God richly bless your ministry and thanks for the upload.

[@LR-ly5yb]

On the flip side, if you look at a large portion of conversions TO Christianity, alot of the times people turn to it in a crisis as well. It seems like people who grow up in evangelicalism turn away in crisis and people who do not grow up this way turn TO Christianity. Just an observation.

[@chrismoore7365]

Also, one point you guys forget, [Religious] Deconstruction is a continuous process; Yes there is no end goal; but there is also no end point either (major or minor changes in the issues). So buckle up folks...

[@mrmcgowan]

"Church hurt" is such a cop out for people who just want to remain in a sinful lifestyle. When I came out of the gay community after 30 years, "church hurt" was primary complaint that I received when trying to share my testimony... HOWEVER, no one EVER mentioned the "gay hurt" that is perpetuated by the LGBT community. They will cast blame onto the church when it comes to trauma, but they will never own up to its own abuse including drugs, alcohol & sex addiction.

[@YeseniaElizabeth_]

Thank you for sharing

[@Mr.PeabodyTheSkeptic]

Sin is a man-made construct to justify guilt thrust upon you by people who don't want you to be who you are because they are uncomfortable. You are letting people define who you are. An invisible god is just the bully stick. When I'm sick. I go to a doctor. When I'm sad, I find comfort in friends and family. When I'm agitated, I think, contemplate and put on my running shoes. No god necessary. I hope you find comfort. Some of Christian philosophy has validity. Much of it is just bad advice. You can pick up similar philosophies from much older religions and more informed ancient societies. Good luck on your journey.

[@mrmcgowan]

@@Mr.PeabodyTheSkeptic - How am I letting others define who I am? I made the decision myself by reading the scriptures alone. No church influenced me as I was not raised in a church nor coerced by any person. Also, you insinuate that others should not define who we are, yet in the next paragraph you say that you find comfort in friends & family, who most definitely have an influence. Finally, what do you mean when you say "be who you are"...? What if "who I am" is determined by my faith in Christ? How can you justify dismissing that simply because it isn't "who YOU are"....?

[@ItsSageof]

Actual Proper Reexamination: Seeking what is true and real is supposed to be the mission. This, I think, is making sure you aren't seeking to defend god or the bible while doing it, and you can't really seek if you start off with the bible as your guide in the back of your mind, because you are assuming it to be true, it's kind of tainting the journey. It seems they want you to seek within the boundaries set by the bible. That's not a good way to begin. Leaving the faith, for me, is the lack of sufficient evidence to warrant all the supernatural beings and the claims of supernatural intervention.

[@angelaturner4901]

I do not have church hurt because I took the journey myself with God but church hurt is real. People do things in the name of God, that have nothing to do with God, a lot of times from the time a person is young. It is able to taint who the being of God is to them and that could surely prove hurtful. There are plenty of people who say that people believe in God as a copout to handling things on their own. No one knows the heart of a person but God.

[@ItsSageof]

Leaving the faith, for me, is the lack of sufficient evidence to warrant belief in all the supernatural beings and the claims of supernatural intervention. N9 the desire for meaning or desire to sin, nor disappointment in Christians or god. Echo chamber, don't just reexamine within Christian or religious circles or communities or tables. Reexamining assuming the bible to be true, it taints the journey. It should not be about happiness, nor comfort, or feelings: truth doesn't care how much comfort or meaningful, whether it produces purpose..

[@kirbysmith2187]

So…..maybe deconstruction (analysis) is not the exact term that needs to be used here. I would use the term apostasy instead, as the culture, at the moment, tends to value “self” and self-centered beliefs while trying to find meaning and purpose in such an empty, vain worldview. Humility is not a characteristic that many desire to possess in a “look at me” social media moral trash pile.

[@robertramsey653]

I certainly can't disagree with anything you said here. Nor would I even if I could. The scriptures are gold to me, there isnt a single word of the BIBLE that I dont believe. Living those words on the other hand, is definitely not as easy as believing them, atleast not for me.

[@kirbysmith2187]

@@robertramsey653 I can understand what you said regarding living up to biblical standards. I fail miserably at times at living up to them. However, if I continue to worship the Lord and read his word and not be conformed to this world (its lusts, carnal behavior, chasing the wind so to speak with idle and useless pursuits) I will, as it says in Romans 12:2, be transformed and be able to discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is a good verse of gold to me to wade through the muck of my own flesh to be more Christ-like and equipped for every good work! Blessings to you.

[@robertramsey653]

@@kirbysmith2187 and you as well.