Finding truth after deconstruction

If you’ve deconstructed from Christianity, you’ve critically dismantled all things Christianity, church and God and are now entertaining other avenues of life that you believe will fit your current paradigm. If the title of this column and that definition describe your experience, you’re not alone, and know that I’m genuinely appreciative of you for continuing to read.

Deconstruction has many factors: You may have been raised in the church but not in a Christian home; had spiritual and life questions that were never answered; maybe endured spiritual abuse; didn’t have the best Christian role models; misunderstood what the Bible says; maybe didn’t fully pursue truth; or had various difficulties with believing.

The point is, you’re on the brink of leaving the biblical God, or you’ve left him and all that has to do with him. This article is meant to gently challenge your current decision while asking you to reconsider genuine grace, truth, love, holiness and beauty that can only be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Where you are right now is in a place that is difficult for some within the church to understand, but it doesn’t negate our love for you and our desire to walk with you, as you’ll allow us, through this journey. But do understand that God is fully aware of the path you’re on now, and he cares. The biblical God gives room for doubters to investigate. He has not softened his standards, but he does care about who you are and how you’re processing all things spiritual, biblical, in life and about his son, Jesus Christ.

As you’re on this journey, it will be helpful to disentangle from the wrong ideas and examples you may have experienced, and maybe indulged in, by rediscovering who God truly is.

If I could recommend a few points that will be to your advantage: 1. Be authentic in your search for information, ready to hear things, even things with which you disagree. 2. Compare what you find with biblical text. 3. Be careful of the following: “always learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). 4. Find an authentic Christian who will take time to answer your questions but lovingly challenge you biblically. 5. Receive truth; though it may anger you and be offensive to your lifestyle, receive truth. 6. Be objective and use critical thinking.

John 14:5-6 — “Thomas (the doubter) said to Him (Jesus), ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going. How do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

May the grace of God guide you in your journey, and may you find truth.

Scott Welch, pastor

Christ Community Church

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