My "Deconstruction" Story

Deconstruction. 

According to Merriam Webster, it means:

1: a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers

also : an instance of the use of this method

a deconstruction of the nature–culture opposition in Rousseau's work

2: the analytic examination of something (such as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruction (date accessed 4/3/21)

It is a term I was unfamiliar with until recently, when someone suggested I was going through my own deconstruction. 

If you're not familiar with the term, this is a brief (and simplified) overview.

Various websites and blogs will define it differently, though many connect it back to the philosopher Jacques Derrida (1930–2004), though he didn't necessarily have a consistent definition. Blogger Josh Dekeyzer suggests that a theologian by the name of John Caputo was the first to tie Derrida’s idea to Chrisitan faith. 

At first glance, faith deconstruction (in my mind) was the same as faith destruction, and indeed deconstructing can lead to a destruction of, or at least dismantling of what most recognize as faith. A new term, "exvangelical,"  has been coined to describe people from the Evangelical tradition who have "deconstructed" their faith and walked away from that style of faith practice and belief. It seems like much of the focus is on evangelicalism and the "social constructs" that prop up that faith. Truth, it seems, has become relative; deconstruction seems to leave little room for absolute truth or any clear definition of reality. 

In my reconstruction journey, though, I think my "deconstruction" has actually led to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the absolute truth of the Bible.

Yes. I believe God's Word has absolute truth. 

And I believe God's Word is inerrant, reliable, and complete. 

Those statements will cause some to dismiss me and disregard what I write from this point on. That's okay. I'm not responsible for how people respond, though I struggle with fear of rejection, especially when it comes to issues I am deeply passionate about. That being said, I am excited to share the journey I've been on and how God has, ultimately, reconstructed my faith. 

Recognizing that I don't tend to read long posts (even if they have pictures) the chronicles of my deconstruction journey will be broken into smaller, more easily digestible pieces. 

Come back tomorrow to read how my deconstruction journey begins...