The Disturbing Movement You Need to Know About | With Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers

There's a movement of deconstruction that is crashing through our churches. I talked with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett about it. I personally have felt the sting of people I care about deconstructing and found myself MUCH more confident in what this movement is and how to respond after reading this very timely book. In light of what Christians are dealing with today, this is probably one of the most important interviews I've done so far.
● Get the book here: alisachilders....
Timestamps:
02:58- What is deconstruction, and what is it *not*?
13:50- Toxic theology and the baggage with the term "evangelical" being synonymous with "God, guns, and Trump."
18:45- Why do people deconstruct?
22:53- Deconstruction from false Christianity vs. deconstruction from biblical Christianity
30:42- Why do those who deconstruct seem like they're joining a whole other religion of "deconverting the converted?"
34:18- Why are there so many connection between deconstruction and Critical Theory?
42:19- How to doubt well and not be afraid to ask questions.
47:46- A personal question about deconstruction and advice for viewers.
👀WATCH👀:
● My interview with Monique Ducson: • Critical Race Theory, ...
● What is Critical Theory and Postmodernism?: www.youtube.co...
● Alisa's KZbin: / @alisachilders
● RedPenLogic with Mr.B: / @redpenlogic
📚RESOURCES📚:
●www.amazon.com...
🤗DONATE🤗:
If you are led, consider donating:
paypal.me/Meli...
📲FOLLOW📲
Melissa-
Facebook: / newagetochristianity
Instagram: @melissaldougherty
Twitter: / meldougherty77
My Website: www.melissadou...
Alisa-
Facebook: / alisachilders
Instagram: / alisachilders
Tim-
Facebook: / redpenlogic
Instagram: / redpenlogic
💡SEMINARY💡:
Looking for a solid theological education? Look at Southern Evangelical Seminary: ses.edu/melissa/

[@RedPenLogic]

Such an important topic. Thanks for having us on your channel, Melissa. Appreciate you and your ministry!

[@haydenwalton2766]

so, not believing something because all the evidence points away from it, is 'postmodern' now. wow, that's an absolute torturing of the term

[@AndrewJohnH]

@@haydenwalton2766 So "someone told me it's not true but I haven't looked into it for myself", is 'all the evidence points away from it' now. Wow, that's an absolute torturing of a phrase.

[@haydenwalton2766]

@@AndrewJohnH wow, that's some pretty desperate speculation there, andrew. and just a tad ironic, if it's coming from someone who's bought the entire life view package

[@AndrewJohnH]

@@haydenwalton2766 Well, you literally said that all the evidence points away from it, and it doesn't, so you can't have looked into all the evidence, now, can you? Not only is there good evidence for the claims of Christianity, which you would have to ignore, or just be ignorant of, but there are evidences that will be seen in different ways depending on your point of view. The total package (including science, reason, and logic) does make more sense to me in the context of Christianity. As a Christian, I can admit that. Is that something you can admit as a non-Christian? If not, then my educated guess (not desperate speculation) is that you've believed what someone told you instead of looking into it for yourself. And before you assume that I don't do what I'm suggesting you do, and that I just buy into what I've been told without questioning, I can assure you that assumption is uninformed. I have looked into a number of claims and evidences brought to bear by the other side (some quite deeply). I have nothing to fear from discovering the truth. Do you?

[@haydenwalton2766]

@@AndrewJohnH oh andrew, you are the very personification of dunning - kruger in action. but you are still young, so there's that. and I'd kick that david wood habit if I were you - that stuff will rot your brain

[@cateclism316]

I came out of the Word of Faith in the early 1990s. Instead of "deconstructing", I went back to the Scriptures and gradually reformed to biblical Christianity.

[@carriestout6422]

I also came out of the faith movement and felt devastated after finding the truth. However I knew that Jesus is real and I could never deconstruct. Instead, I repented and read the Bible the way I should have read in the first place. I'm closer to Jesus than I ever was in the faith movement.

[@elizabethryan2217]

Beautiful.

[@naomiluvgodandfamily]

Same. ❤

[@daleyvargas9854]

I did the same after spending 26yrs in word of Faith. Still doing it. Best thing i ever did

[@ben.s.harper89]

So having faith and praying for healing isn’t biblical?

[@pinkglasses52]

I've been learning what it means to follow The Lord rather than follow other Christians. Was heavily influenced by a "Christian" couple who, unfortunately, were both spiritually aggressive and manipulative, causing much fear and confusion to my faith, because even though many of their beliefs were technically biblical, they used them as a weapon for their own gain. Thankfully I've been able to leave that spiritually abusive relationship to sort things out with the Lord. And one thing I've learned, Christians, whether genuine or not, will let us down at some point, but God never will. God and His Word are NEVER the ones we need to "deconstruct" from. Thankfully now I'm at a solid Bible believing and teaching fellowship, learning and growing in His truth and learning what it means to be a genuine follower of Christ.

[@barbs1298]

So glad you have found a good church & are in the Word which is God's heart as to what He desires for His children.

[@LouisaWatt]

Very true. I’m grateful for the instruction of the Lord when I encountered a number of pitfalls

[@roman_kofyno]

Why would you learn from any man in the first place and didn´t go straight to Bible in the first place? Simple. Why my Christianity should depend on others, on how others act, operate... it doesn´t even make sense and it´s huge logical fallacy in my book. But not offense.

[@ronlanter6906]

Amen to that pinkglasses ✝

[@CarolineAnandSiddiqui]

I wish I heard this 15 years ago when I was first born again. Learnt it the hard way! But God never gave up on me. Thank you for sharing

[@mariebo7491]

Crazy you just posted this. I spent yesterday watching several KZbin videos on “why I left Christianity” or “why I deconstructed from Christianity” etc. My conclusion on all of them was someone failed to answer their questions, or they didn’t want to hear the answers, or complete lack of understanding of scripture. None of them gave any reason that could not be easily explained. I want to add that there are many churches teaching things that are not in the Bible so as adults who grew up in church we do need to study the Bible for ourselves for better understanding. But many instead walk away thinking that what they were taught is absolute gospel truth and no other way to see it. Calvinism pops up a lot as their reason and they don’t seem to realize there are other views. That’s heartbreaking.

[@JesusisliterallyHim]

Same conclusion I got to 😅

[@Window4503]

Sadly, the answer is right there in Scripture. Paul writes about teachers and pastors "equipping the saints." Simply making people reliant on a particular person isn't "equipping" any more than a parent who pays the rent for their grown, able-bodied child (with liveable income) is giving them "independence." If believers don't feel able to lovingly correct any leader on the basis of God's Word at any given time, then something is terribly wrong.

[@grimlund]

No. Its about thinking. Being a free thinker. People who deconstruct their faith are people who dare to think for them self. They dare to think outside the tiny little box called christianity. Most christians dont dare to do this. Why? Because if they start to question their belief system they might backslide. And backsliders are going to hell. So the main core of christianity is the fear of hell. Its not about the love of Jesus and all that crap that christians talks about. If it wasnt for the fear of hell christians wouldnt do this crap. Think about that.

[@LaurenSheehan]

I'm trying to understand the problem with calvinism. It does seem like a lot of adults I see who grew up Christian are deconstructing and "leaving" calvinism... But what I find so interesting is as a new Christian I can't unsee calvinism in the scriptures ...

[@mariebo7491]

@@LaurenSheehan aside from the fact that it’s not biblical, it maligns God’s character and distorts the gospel, and contradicts so much of the Bible. It makes God the author of all evil and blames Him when someone rejects the gospel because ultimately, in Calvinism, God determined that. Calvin got his ideas from Augustine’s teachings. Augustine was a determinist and brought that philosophy to certain scriptures. But when you read the Bible as a whole, you do not get Calvinism. You get that the gospel is for all, the gift of salvation is for all, and man is responsible to respond to it or reject it. I almost fell into it as most of my friends are Calvinist, but then I studied for myself and realized it doesn’t make sense. A friend of mine who is married is a Calvinist. His wife no longer calls herself a Christian and it’s been hard for him. After 3 years, she’s open to the gospel again and I’ve been trying to show there are other views. Oh, and I am not Arminian either 😆 They are practically cousins.

[@adriannalatta5928]

I do college ministry and unfortunately am seeing this a lot in students coming in, or students who were part of our ministry and left. A student from Italy who grew up catholic told me, “maybe I’ll call myself a Christian again when the church lines up with my political beliefs” (specifically about lgbt and abortion issues). I told her that we should be aligning our beliefs with God, not expecting Him to conform to us. It’s just sad that this is a prevalent attitude in young people “deconstructing.” Thanks for tackling this topic!

[@MultipleGrievance]

Inevitable. It's just another form of rebellion. The vast majority of mankind was always going to rebel against god.

[@kladies3021]

We have to remember that in the last days many will fall from the faith and follow deceptive spirits that aren't from God.

[@withlove6973]

What a difference there is between practicing Christianity and KNOWING our Father.

[@rickytavilla4259]

When you truly know the father you won’t have to practice being a Christian you will be living it

[@withlove6973]

​@rickytavilla4259 I left out the "a". And I agree with you

[@withlove6973]

@@janellemarierose YES!!

[@germaan1]

John 17:3

[@barbs1298]

​@@janellemarierose Yes, it's first & foremost a relationship w/our heavenly Father, Jesus & the Holy Spirit. Reading the Word helps us in that relationship because it contains the heart of God & what He desires for our lives.

[@LouisaWatt]

If people want to deconstruct bad theology, I’m all for it. If what they’re seeking is self-righteousness through woke ideology and they’re sacrificing faithfulness in the process, that’s a problem.

[@porschegriffin9646]

Yes, I’ve witness this in seminary. Many of whom are pastors and have deconstructed their faith or turned away. Mostly due in part to not agreeing with God’s Word thus reinterpreting the Bible.

[@FireflowerDancer]

Well said

[@FireflowerDancer]

I could have spent an hour trying to sum it up but you did it beautifully ❤

[@DivineDissident]

When people use the term “deconstruct” that’s often exactly what they mean. When someone talks about this it’s always good to ask them to define what they mean instead of jump to conclusions. I have videos on my channel about healthy deconstruction, but really it’s more like being a good berean

[@Manservant2011]

I would love to do a book on one of the issues you brought up. "Untethering Church hurt", how do we move from church hurt to God's love.

[@waynehampson9569]

Deconstruction - The words of the serpent in the garden - "Did God really say?"

[@lkqgirl3121]

I've heard christians say that before about deconstruction and it's gaslighting to keep you from questioning them

[@tvp8501]

@@lkqgirl3121 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Prov.26:4,5 Depends upon the premise of the question and the motives of the questioner. Jesus’ answers to the various questions put to Him illustrates this principle perfectly. He never just shut down the question, although sometimes His answer stumped them, but always gave the truthful answer exactly appropriate to the premises of the question and the attitude of the questioner. People poise the same questions with the same hidden premises to this day. Learn from Jesus in the Scripture how to answer them.

[@chalmapatterson544]

Yep.

[@thejohn17project15]

The postmodern word "Deconstruction" simply means Destruction. The goal is to destroy the truth in order to believe the lies each individual wants to claim as "Their Truth".

[@lizziehough8396]

Exactly! Nothing new under the sun since God spoke the world into existence.

[@chalmapatterson544]

Amen.

[@ShiniGuraiJoker]

I think you are being intentionally inflammatory against those who have deconstructed. I stopped believing because I no longer accept the Abrahamic god or the validity of the bible. I don't necessarily want to protest Christianity or prove it wrong to everyone. I just seek answers to understand this world more and if there is a god.

[@ShiniGuraiJoker]

@@snackler6102 How do you get that?

[@thirstonhowellthebird]

1984

[@psalmone8953]

Reconstruction is a better word. Backsliding is more of a falling away from the faith. Every second generation Christian raised in a Christian home, needs to come to their own walk with the Lord, not because others expect it.

[@chalmapatterson544]

Backsliding is the result.

[@stevewaldman371]

no such thing as backsliding

[@Dhorannis]

I don't get why deconstruction is such a big issue. The same goes for doubt in general. If something is true, taking it apart and analysing the pieces is only going to lead to a deeper understanding. The only positions that have any reason to be afraid of deconstruction are positions that contain contradictions or are based on lies. And if I learned one thing during my life, it is this: People who don't want you to question and think are never your friend.

[@2Snakes]

Well said.

[@davidhoward618]

It is not that simplistic. Does everyone who deconstructs that which is true still hold it to be true? Obviously not. So there needs to be more to it than the idea that everyone should deconstruct.

[@artistocracy]

At around 50 mins when Alisa began to say why people are confused when dealing with someone who is having a problem that they are unsure about how to help or address correctly, I immediately knew it is almost always an emotional problem the person is having and how scripture might be derailed because of their emotional crisis. The thing that I have recently come out of, and repented about and been healed by Christ, was a romantic love situation, although not engaging in sex, I was in that I told myself was perfectly alright when it was biblically wrong because we both have ungodly, narcissist husband or wife. We have separated because ultimately there was guilt but we still love each other and pray that one day we will be free to be together. Through it all, our faith in the word of God and his commandments was, and is, very strong and by these we forced ourselves to wait on the Lord because love is a gift of God. Our home lives are very painful and destructive because of each spouse, for us, but we still chose to honour God even though life is worse staying with the ungodly one and us not communicating in our love anymore. The heartache we both feel for missing each other is not going away. Btw, we are both around 60 years old, so it is really tough to go through. It is an emotional and spiritual crisis that people are having. Some like us experience strength from God’s word, while others abandon it.

[@Pippy-f8r]

Abba Father will heal you and carry you through ❤ I went through an abusive marriage with a young child. I had to leave because we were not safe. Abba made it VERY clear to me that I had to stay single because I had a living spouse. My relationship with The Lord is my everything. He truly is my husband. He comforts me and helps me through. He meets my needs and carries me through when my heart aches or I get lonely. He will do the same for you! I am so proud of you for loving Him and yourself enough to leave a sinful relationship with the other person. Ask Him to heal your heart and to change your spouse. Keep seeking Him for direction and wisdom. He will not fail you ❤

[@musclemama3941]

You made the right decision- ultimately we are to find our satisfaction in God and His love. Praying you can keep strong in this decision that honors God. Praying you can take it a step further and pray that God will transform your spouse into a person who loves the Lord and you can have a God-honoring marriage with 🙏 Praying for you!

[@artistocracy]

@@musclemama3941 Thank you for your warm support. Only God knows what today may bring ❤️🙏✝️

[@wondering_stars_in_oz8462]

Yes. I watched a number of deconstruction videos a few years ago when i first came to Christ and i noticed straight away it was mostly complaining about their parents or other Christians within the church or their desire to 'play with boys' in their teenage years because of course the world encourages them to go to parties when their parents probably said no. The few that DID raise questions about theology could have easily been answered by a pastor. People refuse to accept the word 'no' these days, it does say the final generations will be exceptionally rebellious. This is just the start as these young adults will now have kids of their own.

[@MikeKBar13]

… or maybe they won’t (have children) [so many of the upcoming generation have no interest in raising children or even forming lifelong partnerships let alone traditional marriages] … but that’s another topic.

[@nonaccount4684]

Sounds like the most important thing we are to do is to slow that young person down and ask them questions about what they mean when they use those "words". I think we'll find out most of them don't even know themselves and are just repeating fad words on social media.

[@Window4503]

Carefully though. There's often a lot of emotion that leads to that point. It's not just that they're mindlessly repeating words and following a trend. It's more often than not a cry for spiritual help and for someone to help them figure things out. I have a younger friend whose father basically kept debating her when she just wanted to have a calm conversation. Even though what he said was true, she felt unheard and confused and left the church anyway. Much of the conversation really needed to be about helping her see that God is good both in general and to her personally, not JUST that she didn't know what she was talking about.

[@mramirez5239]

Do ask but also remember that slowing someone's roll is God's job. Please don't call their words "fad words" to them. They are, but saying so will not safeguard the relationship. I noticed in this chat, if you are able to pre-order the book, you get to either read the chapter on how to best approach this, or you can simply listen to it with a 60-day pass. That may be just what's needed for your situation.

[@corybritton1966]

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, forever

[@jamesjacksonll1798]

Truth

[@sarareeves3035]

The bottom line to a long story, my 37 year old daughter told me that she was not chosen, not elected by God. I’m maintaining the relationship with a gentle spirit. For me, that’s the Holy Spirit!

[@AlexanderosD]

Thank you for your ministries! Notice a significant theme of the "deconstructing" bandwagon: It's NOT about the holiness of God and trying to genuinely love Him, but primarily focuses on personal interests.

[@droe2570]

Of course. Deconstruction was created by Derrida. The whole idea is that meaning and language is subjective and fluid. There is no objective reality for us, no morality, only propaganda, lies, shifting meanings and personal desires and goals.

[@betharnold2125]

I was involved in churches where it was very much looked down upon to “question authority”. In other words if you questioned them you “were looked down upon” and you”were being rebellious!”

[@CountryGirl.64]

Two of my children have walked away from their faith in God, and it's heartbreaking to watch. Raised in a Christian home, they've decided to raise their children as atheists, needless to say, I'm heartbroken and is asking for prayer.

[@LoveLove-rd9mo]

I'm sorry your children left God. Pray for them and be encourage. Sometimes it's best for young people to find God on there own in there own way once in a blue moon pray with them with life gets tough and reassure them that God loves them. Loving someone means loving them in all seasons. Don't push the bible on them just love them and pray.

[@tvp8501]

God still loves them and is merciful toward them and enables you to continue to love them too. Love, true love, never fails. We pray one day God’s love melts their hearts.

[@janice9230]

@Countrygirl I am so sorry the enemy has led your babies astray. I am praying in the mighty name of Jesus, that He will reach them with His mighty right hand! I pray He draws them back to Himself, In Jesus mighty name!!!! Praise you Jesus! 🙌❤

[@CountryGirl.64]

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I feel encouraged. ♥️

[@janicehaskell21]

You are not alone😢

[@DennisSlone]

Thanks for video. Very helpful and informative. Deconstruction is nothing more than Critical Theory Applied to Faith and the Christian walk. It’s Marxist at its core. I am currently in seminary and seeing this applied to some classes.

[@chalmapatterson544]

Spot on. Critical Christianity. Jacque Derrida all over again.

[@Sooner-im9qf]

Marxism is a poison that is seeping into many areas. The goal is to deconstruct/destroy Western countries and culture by attacking foundational institutions such as marriage, Judeo/Christian religion, to give rise to socialist states where the state is god and those persons running the state have total power. If the citizens have an allegiance to any god, or religion above the State, that cannot be tolerated. Citizens must be sheep and obey only the State without question. Marxism only destroys. Look at Venezuela.

[@Indian21ubet]

Boom !

[@moosechuckle]

We’ve seen a few couple going through this, primarily brought on by the pandemic and not being in church. From what I’ve seen, people who claim to be deconstructing have a lack of knowledge when it comes to church doctrine, history, and Christian philosophy. These folks would rather pick up a new age book, than read writings of the early church fathers (or even more recent apologists like CS. Luis or GK Chesterton. ) Overall, deconstructing is taking the longest slowest road you can, to get to atheism.

[@moosechuckle]

⁠@teslinjoe5938can’t tell you how happy it makes me to read that. Both my wife and I cling to God during the pandemic, while many of our couple friends step away. And a few of them have started deconstructing. It’s a very isolating feeling. For me, the pandemic provided me with more time that I could ask for, and I dove head first into apologetics. My wife, was dealing with a few new age ideas at the time, but she held onto the belief that her husband is head of the household (I never asked her to do that) but thank the lord she did because it allowed me to lead her down the same path as I. Now, it’s like we’re standing on this weird island where we have grown more fundamental, steadfast in our belief, and closer with God. While everyone around us are floating in the waters of sin trying to justify their own and others debauchery.

[@ari3lz3pp]

​@@moosechuckleYES this makes sense. My husband didn't want to lead and I grew up in a toxic matriarch family of single women and I didn't see a point in a man leading. Until my husband was led to faith my another man, then in my jealousy I started to recognize the truth in the Word by trying to show I knew better. Lol I stumbled upon "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real. (Only song of theirs I know) and it made me cry. I needed that. The more he was willing to (respectfully) lead, it helped us grow. Our marriage and family life is so much better since. It's only been about 6 years now but feels like much longer. ❤

[@Not2daysatan]

⁠The pandemic had my husband I running back to Christ simultaneously. It was wild! We were blessed to find an awesome solid biblical church. We were definitely struck by what happened in churches in pandemic. They folded and bowed at the feet of government so they would not lose their 501C3 tax exemption most likely. My old church required reservation for Christmas service 😮This is God's house! I could only imagine someone depressed and alone, deciding to go to church and being turned away. Same church did trick or treating and carving pumpkins for the next Halloween 😣💝How far they fell when the old pastor left💔

[@TheHeggert]

Yes, watched a dear family member "deconstruct" and she even said a couple of years ago, "I tried atheism and I didn't like that." She was raised in a God-fearing home and spent her early adult years in ministry, her husband pursuing being in pastoral ministry. But she lost a baby to sids and it was a very slow process of deconstructing. Now she has remade God in her own image and even goes so far as to say that my husband and I "idolize" the Bible. She is so blind to the fact that she is God now. The only thing she worships is her own beliefs and her subjective idea of morality, which changes whenever her adult children do something new outside of God's plan for them. We just keep praying, but she's a difficult person because she disdains us and is haughty. But that's the attitude our Lord was continually met with, so we should not be surprised.

[@TheHeggert]

Yes, watched a dear family member "deconstruct" and she even said a couple of years ago, "I tried atheism and I didn't like that." She was raised in a God-fearing home and spent her early adult years in ministry, her husband pursuing being in pastoral ministry. But she lost a baby to sids and it was a very slow process of deconstructing. Now she has remade God in her own image and even goes so far as to say that my husband and I "idolize" the Bible. She is so blind to the fact that she is God now. The only thing she worships is her own beliefs and her subjective idea of morality, which changes whenever her adult children do something new outside of God's plan for them. We just keep praying, but she's a difficult person because she disdains us and is haughty. But that's the attitude our Lord was continually met with, so we should not be surprised.

[@Dr.4386]

I recently had a Pastor who was moved on from his position in our church family that I feel has gone and been going through this "deconstruction" Every thing is and was challenged and not in love to the point I unfriended and unfollowed the person due to the toxic nature of their own falling apart so to speak.

[@2024Hope]

I didn’t even know this was a thing! Very interesting, and definitely something to think about! Could this be why we are seeing so many leaving the church? So now, like Tim says, I can’t un see it! I want to know more, so I know how to pray and help someone who’s experiencing the deconstruction world. This breaks my heart. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@Yesica1993]

How can you not? It's nothing new. The Bible speaks on it.

[@mramirez5239]

I hope you get to read the book they are talking about, soon. :) I am going to as well.

[@coltrxne2154]

Any Christian who defines one set of deconstruction practices as bad and another as good has already lost the plot and does not even respect the basic idea of asking questions and changing their minds

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

There is another problem in the church. Many Christians feel others should fall into their line of thinking about a particular topic. Even adult students want a Sunday School teacher to affirm what the student already believes to be true. To be challenged about their beliefs is problematic. When the opposite happens many students leave that church for a more liberal one.

[@ronlanter6906]

Or the reverse could be true. Many leave that church for a more biblical one.

[@DivineDissident]

This is a huge problem. I talk about topics like this on my channel

[@Farfromperfection]

I took my family in the opposite direction. Shortly after George Floyd died one of our pastors went on a rant about social justice and systemic racism. After the service I approached him and asked him to provide examples of systemic racism because I was confused why the topic was brought up in his sermon. He talked about how more black people are in jail for the same crimes as white people, how schools in majority black communities are failing to educate their students and how unarmed black men are killed all the time by police. I asked him if he thinks anything else could be the cause of those things? He said he supposed so. Then I asked how many unarmed black men are killed by police in a year? He guessed 500-600. I said it’s actually around 20 on average and almost all of them are deemed justified when the entire situation was considered. I explained to him how the discrepancy in sentencing is easily explained when you consider the fact that most of those sentences are because of prior convictions or the criminal taking plea deals to avoid other more serious charges. I explained to him that all those schools that are failing to educate their students actually spend far more per student than any other school districts and all those school districts have around 80% single mother households. His answer? That’s how racists think! I have never set foot in that church again and most of the congregation has left that church for other more biblically rooted churches. That church has a 400 seat auditorium that used to be at capacity for 2 service every Sunday. Now it can’t fill it for one service and has stopped the second service all together.

[@sarahbrome5564]

Leaving the church is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

[@ronlanter6906]

@@sarahbrome5564 Finding and attending a Biblical church is better ✝

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

At 11:22. Re. Deconstruction vs. Reformation. He is right. Many Christians are looking for answers that fit into their personal line of belief. I lead a workshop for Sunday School teaches in my church. One of the biggest issues they deal with from student of all ages is a pushback on doctrine and rules found in scripture. For example, teachers often have student saying there is nothing wrong with same sex attraction, gay marriage and transgender surgery. They are students who reject truths found in the Bible and instead base their beliefs on the world and local leftist culture.

[@Outrider74]

In truth, that is a symptom of a rather insidious cause: far too often, Christian parents do not use real discernment with their children in their entertainment venues. I know FAR TOO MANY Christian parents who let their adolescent kids watch things that had blatantly anti-Christian ideals. And I don't just mean sexual matters. Watch how many times a villain in a television show or movie is a Bible-Quoting psychopath. The current HBO series "The Last of Us" has a main antagonist like this, and that's not the only one.

[@ZUGTFO]

This is all part of what Jesus warned us. All part of the plan for the future Great Falling Away....

[@carahindes4341]

I really agree about the Q&A idea - not having any space to ask questions of the most spiritually mature believers (in theory, the senior pastor and elders) really stunts the growth of the congregation. Also can cause the leadership to become lazy in their own study of the Word and in fact checking their sermons! So many issues could be solved if more churches would just allow people to ask questions! So easy to do online these days as well, could gather questions in the week and select say 10-20 to answer after the service, or before the service starts. Why do we not do this?🤷‍♀️

[@Indian21ubet]

Most believers struggle with reading and the study of the Bible .You make some great points , our relationship to GOD is the MOST important decision we will ever make . I took it so lightly in my initial contact with teachers and followers ,I’m so grateful GOD has allowed me time to embrace my relationship with Him..

[@bruceschultz8674]

Much appreciation for you delving into this topic. As a person with a lot of miles on my odometer, I am concerned about people leaving their faith. Along with the prevailing cultural influences that contribute to this phenomena, I see something else. The church itself in many ways has divorced itself from intellectual pursuit and the search for truth in favor of emotional appeals. For thinking persons, there isn’t much beneath the thin veneer to satisfy the intellect. Add to that the aesthetics of the church today with its rock concert services replete with smoke machines and rah, rah, music and light shows and the whole scene is simply not worshipful. Many in the senior citizen cohort have also deconstructed after trying to go along to get along, but eventually they quietly tend to go away, at least that’s what I’ve observed. I have more questions than answers about all of this, but I am so pleased to see a serious conversation about all of this - it is encouraging. Best to you as as you continue to discuss the reason for the hope that is within you.

[@MultipleGrievance]

When you say "the church" who exactly are you referring to? Christianity has been splintered for as long as i've been alive. I go to a lutheran church and then I go to a baptist church and then I go to an evangelical non denom And they have very little in common. Some differences are major some are minor, They often feel like completely different religions. So when people say "the church" I have no idea what they're talking about...... The pentecostal church I used to go to is nothing like The calvary chapel I've been frequenting lately. I just don't understand how you can consider them all united under Christ

[@bruceschultz8674]

@@MultipleGrievance Thanks. My frame of reference here was the evangelical strain of Christendom in America. Those would be too many to name, but I hope that helps clarify.

[@MultipleGrievance]

@@bruceschultz8674 A bit. Even they aren't united however. The weird thing is even those who stick to the mainstream orthodox bodies call thier groups "the church"

[@robertcastro6588]

The apostate priest says, "It is better to travel hopefully than it is to arrive." The bright one responds, "If that were true, and known to be true, how could anyone travel hopefully?" C. S. Lewis THE GREAT DIVORCE

[@acolley2891]

My son has fell for the deconstruction movement. May the Lord bring him back!

[@LennyCash777]

I pray he returns home like the Prodigal Son.

[@chargreen9940]

Praying for your son!

[@ghostwalker5644]

Also praying ✝️♥️

[@clearstonewindows]

Give him a book of Mormon. Our faith is not loosing as many as a %. It changed my life

[@janetkope4459]

Any god other than the real Biblical Lord Jesus Christ from Nazareth the Gid-Man, fully God, fully Man, is a god of a humans making, an idol, that cannot save from the True God's wrath, forgive our sins, deliver us from going to Hell. Romans 10.

[@AmyNWike]

I agree. I also was looking for answers. It was a prayer I prayed twice in my life. Both times I got and answer I was not expecting but was grateful for receiving. As a result my faith was deepened.

[@MrsBridgette2012]

There are thousands of children praying to be rescued from abusive situations and they don’t get helped, but your prayers were answered. You weren’t an innocent vulnerable child begging for mercy. Seems a bit odd to me.

[@AmyNWike]

@@MrsBridgette2012 you don’t know about my childhood. My childhood was full of abuse and neglect. No one helped me out of that. My answer to pray wasn’t for getting me out of that situation. It was for understanding what Gods word said. I have dyslexia, two teachers took the time to teach me how to read using a method that they were never taught to use Called the Orton method. The next prayer was basically the same prayer just focused more on Which bible version to use that would be easier for me to understand. I need to tell you I was an innocent child over looked by the police and unheard by family. But it was my faith that carried me through. But here I am. I guess you need me to share my story because sometimes life sucks. Sometimes the people in our lives that are supposed to protect us don’t. Sometimes faith comes and shows us that there is something worth living for. And that not everyone is out to hurt us. I hope this helps. God bless.

[@Ms.noelp453]

@@AmyNWike- ❤️✝️🕊️

[@PeterCianci]

Great discussion! I think it's so dangerous the way Millennials and Gen Z's get their information which is largely based on opinion shared on Social Media. For me, God's the potter and I'm the clay; I stay in Word, pray / spend quiet time with the Lord and have childlike faith. The Holy Spirit is sure to guide me as a result. Happy New Year, Melissa!!!

[@krissyhall2838]

Yes!I asked where did you get or hear that from.,Tik tok!We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in the times we are living.

[@timaridavis400]

I absolutely love this interview. I love you Melissa and I have mad respect for you and Alisa Childers. and now Tim! Incredible people in The Lord!! ALL OF YOU. Also, I can’t thank you enough for acknowledging the pain that people have gone through. This is such an important issue, that is often glossed over in the church, sadly. I know that, in spite of our pain, ( Jesus NEVER forsakes us )and I have had plenty of my own, the betrayal out of the church in my own 20 year marriage was absolutely brutal. However, just the acknowledgment is so very helpful. Bless you all!! I am all over that book. Also, Alisa Childers, you have inspired me so much in my pursuit of apologetics. It’s always been a desire of mine, but I am more actively pursuing it and it’s largely because of you.

[@kiva2156]

One of the worst things that can happen to an apologist is gaining a reputation, a large following, and a dependency on apologetic work for income. Never become a “celebrity” apologist.

[@MultipleGrievance]

And yet you are watching three celebrity apologists right now

[@carlgrimeseyepatch27]

It’s observation and opinion people are entitled to that. As well it is very important to watch content that you may not agree with to stay open-minded and educated. It’s not great to stay in an echo chamber which unfortunately is what most apologists do.

[@westleybenson1188]

​@carlgrimeseyepatch27 Does Kiva actually sound open minded to you?

[@freeinhabitant2422]

@@carlgrimeseyepatch27 That presupposes that the echo chamber is wrong. I mean, if some one echos over and over that we need to deny self, pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus, is that a bad echo chamber? What about this echo chamber: Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deut 11:18-19, KJV)

[@tvp8501]

Never become or even pursue becoming a “celebrity minister, or clergyman” of any kind. The Lord’s mandate for us is to make disciples of Him, who are His followers, not to build a following of our own, built on a reputation of our own making.

[@PaulVanZandt-o9x]

I'm trying hard to understand the distinction between “reformation” and “deconstruction”. The host said, “When you are 'reforming' your faith you have your Bible in your hand.” So does that mean that if some of what one is questioning centers around the Bible itself, such a process is by definition NOT reformation? On the other hand the idea that “deconstruction is looking for exit” seems like a really harsh judgment to put on those who are engaged in the deep, sincere, and painful process of looking for Truth. It seems almost like the panel is saying that it's “reformation” (the good kind of questioning) when the searcher ends up agreeing with them, and it's “deconstruction” (the bad kind of questioning) when the searcher ends up disagreeing with evangelical orthodoxy. Am I being unfair? If so, help me understand.

[@donaldfincher3417]

Wow, you have really (unintentionally it would seem) hit it on the button.

[@chelsealovingbooks5961]

I think a good way to look at it is that "reformation" is looking for "the truth" regardless if it turns out to be something you want it to say or not ; and "deconstruction" is looking for "your truth" with the ultimate outcome of making your faith align with what you want it to say.

[@PaulVanZandt-o9x]

@@chelsealovingbooks5961 Thanks for responding. So you're saying that "reformation" COULD end in leaving the faith?

[@chelsealovingbooks5961]

I suppose theoretically it could, but there is just too much evidence and support for Biblical truth that I can't imagine that anyone truly seeking would ever end up turning away from God.@@PaulVanZandt-o9x

[@vincestapleton703]

What we should be doing is deconstructing from the WORLD and NOT Christianity. 1 John 2:15-16. Remember Luke 9:23? “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him DENY HIMSELF, take up his cross and follow me.” This de-construction just sounds like another term for following your own plans and desires, not God’s.🤷🏼‍♂️ I like the term reformation instead. Thank you Melissa and guests for this interview and giving us a “heads up” on this issue!

[@MultipleGrievance]

It's almost like your saying christians should be no part of the world.......

[@jpsphoto-vision8803]

It took me hitting my knees 3 different times before putting my trust in God. The first time I simply acknowledged that he was there: i hadn't read my Bible or been to church since I was a small child... How it happened: My mom passed away and I found her. This caused a flashback of every time my mom would tell me that this isn't going to be how I go, im going to go like this, its the only thing she asked for in prayer. She described how she would go and how peaceful it would be. I never listened or believed her. When I found her and she was just how she described, the many times she told me flashed in my mind, alongside my disbelief. June of 2013, i found her and dropped to my knees. I fell to my knees and apologized for not believing and thanked him for showing me and for doing that for my mom. Time 2 was my pride, I ended up moving to a new state. Time 3 was the same as 2, but I realized that the problem was me... That's when I decided to trust him, I put down my way and started trying to listen for his way. I had so much new information pop into my head, I hadn't read the bible but I could tell you what it said, not chapter or verse numbers but I could quote the word. But it was out of order. I thought I was going crazy and everyone else did too but everything was becoming so clear. Jesus is real, he died for me, I have been saved by grace and my faith in my inability to do anything that God doesn't already know, his ability to overcome all things and his love of me even with all my stupidity and weaknesses is what our relationship is built on. I read my bible now, infact that is how my husband and I start our day. We read aloud together in God's word with a cup of coffee and then we discuss it. I've been married 17 years now and I don't think we ever connected before we connected in Christ.

[@veronicapace7198]

At one point I had a sort of "crisis of faith" but what I really wanted was to sin without guilt. It took me many years to understand a Biblical worldview. God bless you Melissa.

[@charityyoung3969]

Thank you so much for going over this topic! I had a real light bulb moment talking about the relation to this and critical theory bc you made me realize that two people I have discussed theology with made that exact argument and at the time it threw me off kilter bc they were completely disregarding scripture and facts to argue that the Bible and church were trying to control people!

[@erinjaa6653]

3 of my favourite YT people all in one interview. This was wonderful. Thank you all for your contribution to this episode, I really enjoyed it.

[@immortalfool7627]

Deconstruction = falling away.

[@marykohler7085]

Not necessarily …

[@Anamericanhomestead]

They are looking for "answers" that "escape" accountability.

[@WRParker3]

Very interesting. Listening to this I can really see a need for true discipleship in the church. Many modern churches no longer offer Sunday School or true discipleship programs. The small group model has kind of taken over, but their effectiveness needs to be questioned. Fellowship is great, but how can we truly get closer to God if our small group is focused on other topics (hiking, health, parenthood, etc ). I am not saying the Bible doesn't speak on these topics, rather I am saying the central focus needs to be on growing closer to God, and a deeper understanding of the Bible. We can't afford to remain seeker sensitive.

[@Laughing-doves]

Abuse is abuse whether it at home, school, work or church - it is still abuse, mental emotoinal physical does not matter - The Holy Spirit abides inside of you, not in church building. Christians are requied to love one another - any abuse shoulid not be tolerated.

[@rrjohn5]

I clicked on your video so that I can watch it later. I’m not sure if I’m ready. My daughter is currently caught up in this. Pray for all the young 20-something’s who are listening to the garbage. 😔🙏🏼

[@nancymicklatcher117]

I understand 😢🙏❤

[@mramirez5239]

It was a very safe discussion. I'd encourage you to give it a listen, friend. :)

[@carriestout6422]

I pray for Millennials and Gen Z who grew up with social media and pressure to conform to the world system instead of Jesus. I pray you will watch this video. Jesus loves you.

[@FireflowerDancer]

​@@carriestout6422I deconstructed because of all the craziness and backwardness that I experienced in evangelical churches. Please do pray for us. We desperately need leaders that are willing to be approached with questions, and also that are willing to be kept accountable.

[@dingotomtom]

Hey Melissa!! Happy New Year!! Thanks so much for all u do! To God be the glory!❤

[@truthtransistorradio6716]

It's odd that they say they are going away from western/American culture. But they are actually moving with it, not away from it. They are shifting with the culture!

[@A.S2400]

Yes ! Blind leading the blind. Almost no independent thoughts.

[@missymurphy9996]

I have trouble with the word reformation because of the NAR and Calvinism, which I do not follow. But I do agree that deconstruction is the wrong word to use for changing your mind secondary issues. For example I have changed my mind about the pre-trib eschatology. That is not salvation issue.

[@lesparks126]

I would offer another term. Analysis. Deconstruct is to pull apart, break it into it elemental components. Then, Ironically, judge what is good, bad, or ugly and throw out. Analysis is to pull apart as well, but to understand. And understand its relation to the other parts. Reformation is something different. It is predicated on an assumption of error (I am a Lutheran, I know what it is) on the current Theology, Doxology, etc (insert 'ology du jour).

[@fishtail1129]

So good! I’ve come across people who claim to be followers of Jesus yet they claim that “feeling it in their body” is akin to knowing truth. And they follow the Naked Pastor and are militantly LGBTQ affirming. Oh and they embrace what Allie Stuckey calls toxic empathy. So frustrating. Thank you for this important conversation!

[@DivineDissident]

What deconstruction means can widely vary, it’s always good to ask people to define what they mean by the term before jumping to conclusions that they are deconstructing Christianity in general. Often times it’s more about deconstructing a particular belief to see if it’s true, just like the Bereans did.

[@ArnicaArnica-s2j]

Indeed; these three make HUGE assumptions about individuals’ motivations for “deconstructing”. Sad that they didn’t even choose to define a term like “postmodern”. Sadly also-there is a kind of Eurocentric “arrogance” to the tone and tenor of these individuals who speak from high places (at least in their own minds). “Deconstructing deconstruction” can also end up being a very destructive exercise that can result in stigmatization, judgment, and yes-biblical Xian arrogance (just look at how a person like john MacArthur functions with regard to his “objective” truthisms surrounding staunch double predestination Calvinism.

[@Indian21ubet]

⁠@@ArnicaArnica-s2jsounds as if you are guilty of that which you assume.Certainly a relationship with GOD is meant to be very personal . Everyone is interpreting what that is to them.What they are sharing is a filter to interpret the movement itself. Most don’t have a road to Damascus moment in developing their relationship to life’s meaning,it’s a process ,but make no mistake their are two sides to this eternal question Gods and His adversary ,,guess who works as fervently to distort the creators plans ?

[@ArnicaArnica-s2j]

They’re selling books.

[@Indian21ubet]

@@ArnicaArnica-s2j and there’s something wrong with that ?,how so ?

[@davidhoward618]

So you are anti- book selling?

[@emenem6131]

Great job guys. Ah, social media….a blessing and a curse. Every issue is now compounded by it but the Lord has his warriors working hard through the same platforms. Thank you for staying in the fight! God bless

[@aubrieweaver2302]

Such a great group of people for this topic!

[@shipwright6122]

Of course Jesus knew (knows) that we would get to this point. That’s why He said “I AM THE TRUTH” ✝️

[@ronlanter6906]

At 44:40, you bring up Tim Keller and his book. Let it be known that *Tim Keller* is a fallen person who agrees with and promotes the *WOKE* agenda.

[@mamabrucks2228]

Thank you for giving language to these thoughts...

[@indigatorveritatis7343]

Great video, love and greatly appreciate all three of these people. Such important work

[@randomcat4052]

The last part of this video really spoke to me. I have several friends actually that are pulling away from God. My weak reaction was to pull away from them. I don't hang out with them as much and instead spend more time with my church friends. But I'll never find that opportunity to talk with them if I abandon them out of fear of them pulling me with them. (It has happened to me before) but instead I need to spend more time in the Word and wait for God to tell me his timing. Thank you.

[@yankees4551]

Right. Flee temptation. I fled from some friends that touch my week points. Others might be strong to explain them more about Christ. I've seen people fall back into sin because they went too testify to their old friends...

[@CassTeaElle]

I've found myself pulling away from my family a bit as they've been falling into some dangerous beliefs. But it's more due to the pain and hurt of the way they have treated me throughout this whole mess, and just the fact that I don't know how I can have the same relationship with them if they don't share my core values anymore. I mean, I used to go to my mom and sister for advice or support all the time, but I can't really do that anymore when I don't trust their advice to be spiritually sound. It's all just really, really sad. I still spend time with them, but our relationship is very surface level now. I find it difficult to go deeper when I know we disagree on many core important beliefs.

[@yankees4551]

@@CassTeaElle Same with me.

[@CassTeaElle]

@@yankees4551 I'm sorry to hear that ❤

[@stevepruett542]

This is a great conversation, especially for modern day issue's where discipleship is being bogged down with feelings vs truth within a given conversation. I'll definitely be ordering this book. Thanks

[@lorieneighbors7092]

I listen to Melissa and Alisa all the time, but have never actually heard of Tim Barnett. Nice to hear a fellow Canadian (it was the abouts for me). 😊

[@pinkglasses52]

Genuinely asking... Isn't it risky to maintain relationships with those who've walked away from the Lord? Isn't that being unequally yoked? How can we help anyone whose goal is to bring us down to their level?

[@mramirez5239]

It was lightly touched on with the points made on maintaining the relationship the best you can, if it's possible/safe to. That's a good starting place. However, I think this is what they were saying is addressed in the chapter you get early access to by pre-ordering the book.

[@mr.wilson2127]

Sounds like itching ears to me

[@DanieljHusbands]

I like the idea of reforming your faith and making sure it lines up with scripture. I've seen a lot of videos about the Sabbath and Sunday, I hope people start to see what scripture says on this.

[@oldschool5]

Why is faith so important? Why cant facts be important. If we apply facts to the root of the situation then we wont need to keep having to reform our faith. Knowing is a lot different from believing.

[@charissekolcz8935]

Love this interview, but please don't mess with John the Baptist...he never had a crisis of faith..he was annointed from the womb and filled with the holy Spirit..(read Luke, chapter 1),...his questions were not for him, they were to prove to the disciples who Jesus was so they would follow him. At Jesus' baptism John speaks out that now he must diminish....why so the light of the world would be followed ..God bless you guys.

[@irreducibleBoogie]

AMEN!!!

[@tsukareppi]

I was caught up in WOF and was fortunate to come back to Biblical Christianity through the grace of God. Thank you for this important video. I was under the postmodern sway for many years. Now it makes me want to throw up. Sigh. But it needs talking about.

[@freeinhabitant2422]

I know people who watch too much Wheel Of Fortune too.

[@tsukareppi]

@@freeinhabitant2422 I know! They always solve everything without even having to buy one vowel. Disgraceful if you ask me.

[@AmericanWildBelle]

My husband started deconstructing ten years ago, along with most of his family when one of his brothers ‘came out’. His family was the model Christian family his whole life up until that point. I can tell you from experience that everything they said in this video is true. I also want to share that there is hope. My dad essentially deconstructed before I was even born. 30 years later I watched him change and struggle with God in a real way, and he became a Christian. When he met my mom he was a pastor and by all appearances seemed a true Christian, but he would say he never was. I hope that many people who thought they were Christians and have deconstructed will actually experience God in a way some day that will truly change their hearts. Then God can say one day that He truly knows them.

[@mramirez5239]

What a testimony he and you have to share.

[@LouisaWatt]

I grew up Christian and left at the age of 20 after my brother had come out. 15 years later I started to search and question, eventually coming back to the truth of God’s word. I still love my brother and know that God loves him too, but I don’t see myself as less fallible than my brother in God’s eyes and that’s the fundamental shift that helped me to reconcile the two.

[@marlonrodney2457]

What an unproductive conversation. Just a bunch of strawmanning, politicalization of those with whom you disagree, and theological presupositions mascarading as objectively determined truths.

[@kamidsjournee]

Just preordered the book. I’m excited to read it!! In 2017 I turned away from study Bibles with commentary to a Bible with only relevant scripture connections and no commentary from wo/man. I wanted to read God’s Word and hear from Him about my questions. Best decision ever!! Every person has an opinion and that’s just too fallible. I want one opinion and one Truth. Thank you for explaining this new hurdle. May God bless you and keep you. 🙏🏼

[@freeinhabitant2422]

I have a question for you. It sounds like you can read the Bible and come to the correct conclusion without any input from others. Is that what you meant?

[@tvp8501]

Does God in His omniscience, hold or share “opinions” ? Can He communicate what He knows with certainty? Commentaries by Bible teachers may and often do help, but no human commentary on the Bible can be complete as the truth it comments on. Bible context, established by divine inspiration, is the only sound and safe commentary, or explanation of Bible meaning. It is God the Spirit Himself by revelation thru His written word Who, by that inspired word, leads into all truth, God’s truth. All else is opinion.

[@jameshannaht]

Excellent interview! Melissa, you always ask the best questions. Thanks so much 👍👍

[@vaekkriinhart4347]

59 minutes of nothingness.

[@BDM55]

This is tough -- I appreciate all three of you. But - when I hear the word reformation -- I think Calvinism, a theology I think, at least in part, is unbiblical.

[@MarianneLandry]

Of course there are deconstructing coaches. It’s so helpful when you have someone who understands your background when you are losing your whole moral and belief system. It’s life saving. 😢 we get passionate about sharing our deconstruction stories because it’s truly like being born again. You feel at peace with yourself and truly free and you see all the teachings that pushed you to dissociate and live in fear (no matter the reassuring verses or truth you try to cling to so the fear would ease.) of course from a perspective of coming out of religious bondage we feel this strong desire to help free others. It’s not a power play. It’s the joy of sharing life changing experiences and related with those who went through that change.

[@nhartigan72]

Most Christian denominations are somewhat cults. Every week one or two leaders give sermons based on their own understanding/beliefs/agenda. The congregation doesn't get to question or add to the teachings. If there was discussion, there would be growth & probably fewer denominations.

[@hansmeisterschulz5941]

Implement the Berean principle! Start reading the Scriptures for yourself and discover what is True, accurate and correct! Acts 17:11

[@mottgirl13]

Bruce Gore does it too.. teaches after a service and have ppl ask questions or share their insights. It’s really cool. He’s a good teacher..

[@wgterry73ify]

1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

[@chrisjensen8446]

Please define "anti-intellectualism". IMO, a big part of the problem is human intellect trying to define spiritual things and falling short, thereby resulting in people walking away. It sounds like you are saying intellectualism is open dialogue.

[@mikewilliams5499]

Christ never established Christianity. Man did that.

[@roman_kofyno]

Nope.

[@mikewilliams5499]

@@roman_kofyno nope to what?

[@kcrcbest]

my pstor taught us Greek so that we could check him out and if he was off , he said, tell me

[@nealwright5630]

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

[@mikeschaller9233]

We all know that much of Western Christianity is shallow, what do we really expect when we’ve lost sight of what it means to follow Christ.

[@corybritton1966]

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, forever

[@jeffwilson4693]

Some people just love evil. And deconstructing is just an excuse or means to that end. Look at the war in heaven. Lucifer and a third of the hosts of heaven actually rebelled against the true and living God, in heaven and to his face no less. I can't fathom that. But I'm sure they had their excuses to deconstruct. What gets me is that their very existence and the priesthood like power of choice which they exercised to rebel, were gifts from God. So they turned that which he gave to them and used it against him. And that is totally unjustified.

[@АртурИванов-ч9э]

Why do you think people love evil?

[@jeffwilson4693]

@@АртурИванов-ч9э I suppose that it is easier because goodness requires patience, sacrifice, work, and faith. For instance it is quicker and easier to steal and often more beneficial than working.

[@gogos869]

I guess I would have fallen for this as well if I hadn't been saved outside the Church. In fact, no one around me was a Christian! When I was "regenerated", I knew 2 things for sure: Jesus is God and the Bible is true. The rest I had to learn! Providentially, I discovered Ligonier ministries and R.C. Sproul on the radio. You cannot fall for this stuff when you understand reformed theology!

[@lavadamorrison4569]

I think it is quite simple, they were never converted in the first place, they were putting their faith in a person and their teachings rather than in Jesus and his word, or they are part of the great falling away, because they want to do what they want to do with no accountability to God or even other people.

[@irreducibleBoogie]

Exactly, it's like they ignored Romans, Ephesians ,Corinthians, Thessalonians, etc and decided that God's grace alone wasn't enough in HIS own word.

[@dkadkins6545]

My church and, especially, my father stressed the importance of questions and Biblical answers. My dad always said, "You must know for yourself." I was never afraid to question or disagree. It has served me well.

[@dkadkins6545]

@eremiasranwolf3513 That wasn't my experience. I even disagreed with a church teaching in a membership class, and it wasn't a deal breaker for them. Then again, I could articulate a Biblically based objection, so we agreed to disagree. Truth be told, I've never agreed 100% with anyone or any church, but we 100% agree on the most essential, Jesus.

[@dkadkins6545]

@@eremiasranwolf3513 We shouldn't teach our children to fear questions since we know the one with the answers.

[@LadyoftheBunnies]

Great interview!

[@hollybroadway2017]

This was SO good. I can't wait to read this book. I especially loved Alisa's advice at 53:00+. Excellent. Thanks for doing this interview, Melissa, and thank you, Alisa and Tim, for writing this book on such an important topic.

[@williewiner4161]

Thanks for sharing this with us. I am ordering the book !

[@MAGAsnotAcurse]

It’s puzzling to me that Tim B. would use Tim Keller as a good example, knowing how “woke” he became.

[@Yesica1993]

Aw, no! (I haven't started watching this yet.) He does? That is disturbing. Jon Harris on Conversations That Matter did a deep dive into Keller's background and teaching through the years. It was disturbing! I loved Keller's teaching, back in the day.

[@MAGAsnotAcurse]

@@Yesica1993 yes, however thankfully he only mentions Tim Keller’s habit of holding Q & A session after his sermons. None the less, I just wish he hadn’t mentioned TK because of him going over to the “dark side” several years ago. The Gospel Coalition and John Piper swung to the “woke side” also.

[@RobynAnn]

I also wish he hadn’t mentioned Tim Keller without bringing up how a aberrant this theology became. I read how messed up and off he rewrote the Genesis creation account in the Bible. I hope they will find this out! And also John Piper has very questionable beliefs on many subjects.

[@Yesica1993]

I don't know anything about the Genesis issue. But, yeah, both Tim Keller & John Piper have broken my heart. @@RobynAnn

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

If you must "reform your faith" now you're admitting that what you first believed was _wrong._ Your presupposed "god" lead you to the wrong beliefs. Since you didn't know you were wrong before, how do you know you're right now?

[@yvonnetitus2]

Deconstruction is actually becoming its own religion.

[@A.S2400]

Minute 32:00 yes !!

[@Rabbinicphilosophyforthewin]

So sad that the concepts of deconstruction and postmodernism have been so misused. I studied deconstruction and postmodernism in their original forms, as anti-idolatry tools of deeply religious post-WWII Jews. What I found was the most eloquent description of Christianity I’d ever read-no one had ever explicated the two great commandments like Levinas did. So I deconstructed my own faith, letting go of my reliance on “objective” forms of morality and truth. I was left with a more beautiful relationship with the Lord that I’d never have been able to realize under the bondage of my former intellectual idolatry. It is possible to deconstruct well but most people using the term don’t know what they’re talking about.

[@warcraftaddict117]

So excited you tackled this! Looking forward to watching this. I just started watching.

[@jgar6643]

like, people are forced by fear to stay in a rleigion... and now they are learning how to undo whats causing so much stress.. simple.... if god is real then let God deal with the person without religion or pastors.. or cults.. or churches... they all cause oppression.. its simple melissa...

[@pinklavender12]

Very informative. Thank you. it just occurred to me, that some aren't really looking for answers but a sortof loophole, so they can justify not believing anymore.

[@TrakeM118]

I don't think that questioning your beliefs and demanding evidence for claims made is a bad thing and that includes when it leads to leaving your religion. We should seek the truth wherever that leads. If it leads away from religion and the bible, then it leads away from religion and the bible. The goal shouldn't be to continue believing in the bible, it should be to seek the truth wherever it leads. Let objectively verifiable evidence be your guide and question everything including your religion and the bible.

[@WilliamEllison]

With respect this movement has been going on for a very long time. At least since the beginning of time. Glad somebody finally Defined it.

[@milanka882]

I think they are referring to the modern incarnation of this movement.

[@InHIM564]

Thank you for this! Just pre ordered the book.