Deconstruction, or Reconstruction - Renovating Your Religious Views

[St. SteVen]

Deconstruction is a very scary word to most Christians. Granted, it sound destructive and harmful.

When I discovered some deconstructing Christians, I felt as if I was going through a similar process. So, the word didn't bother me too much. I did feel that some of them had taken it too far. Which spawned a few topics about that concern.

DECONSTRUCTION - How far is too far?

This is somewhat of a follow-up to my previous topic from June 23, 2023: https://www.christianityboard.com/threads/is-there-a-cure-for-my-religious-upbringing-other-than-atheism-i-mean.56346/ Here's another video that talks specifically about the process of deconstruction that Sara Martin went...

www.christianityboard.com

Is there a cure for my religious upbringing? - other than atheism, I mean.

Hello deconstruction. Atheism, is the obvious over-reaction to escaping a religious upbringing. Study on this issue shows people going in many different directions both toward and away from religion. This video outlines the frustration involved in deconstruction. Let's discuss.

www.christianityboard.com

Therefore, I wanted to approach this topic from a more positive and constructive view.

Anyone familiar with a major home renovation project knows that some deconstruction, or demolition is required before building or, reconstruction can happen. This means the bulldozers and sledge hammers are used to remove unwanted items from the construction area. Once the demolition is completed, the reconstruction can begin. The path has been cleared for the new plan to take shape.

And some may be fine with their present religious views. Which is fine, (for them) Reconstruction is for those who see some issues and are brave enough to face them head on. A hard hat may be required, as this can be a potentially dangerous project. You can expect some friendly fire. And some VERY unfriendly fire. Yikes!

- Having a plan in place is helpful on a reconstruction project.
- But envisioning the finished product is easier in a physical reconstruction than a spiritual reconstruction.
- It requires some courage to embark on such a mission, with no destination identified.
- Taking things one at time will make it more manageable.
- But you will be motivated by the firm conviction that you can't stay where you are any longer.
- So, demolition may have to start before the finished product is visible.
- After the dust settles you can see where you are and the path ahead somewhat.
- You will need to determine to what degree things need to change.

Discussion questions;
1) Do you see anything in your religious life that is questionable?
2) What can you do to reconstruct your religious life?
3) Count the cost. What will you gain, what will you lose?

Take A Stand - Stand to gain, or stand to lose?

I was asked a question recently about why I am still in the church? Good question. This led to me thinking about the larger subject of taking a stand. What does that look like? Or what could it look like? Over the years I have known many individuals that have taken issue with the church and...

www.christianityboard.com

]

 

[Behold]

2) What can you do to reconstruct your religious life?

The Christian is to construct their walk of faith, by studying the NT, and specifically the word's of Paul.
If they want to supercharge that, so that they can learn His Doctrine, quickly, the find a '"Pauline Theology" Teacher who can do that for you.

Also.,
If a Christian, needs to Deconstruct their Christianity, then that means they built it wrong, after they were born again.
So, now in a cult, or worse, if they discover all this regarding themselves......and 3 of the ways you can find this out about yourself... that prove it....

1.) Do you believe you can lose your salvation?

2.) Are you confessing sin to try to stay saved?

3.) If you read Hebrews 6:1, and you realize.. ."wow, that is me"...


So, in that case, you are going to need to find some help, and you can't find it by going to what led you into the situation, to try to find your way out.
You have to get OUT of THERE.... away from THEM...........and that begins your "reconstruction", that can lead you into Real Faith, that is the true walk of faith, that is subsequent to becoming a CHRISTian.

 

[Wynona]

Deconstruction is a very scary word to most Christians. Granted, it sound destructive and harmful.

When I discovered some deconstructing Christians, I felt as if I was going through a similar process. So, the word didn't bather me too much. I did feel that some of them had taken it too far. Which spawned a few topics about that concern.

DECONSTRUCTION - How far is too far?

This is somewhat of a follow-up to my previous topic from June 23, 2023: https://www.christianityboard.com/threads/is-there-a-cure-for-my-religious-upbringing-other-than-atheism-i-mean.56346/ Here's another video that talks specifically about the process of deconstruction that Sara Martin went...

www.christianityboard.com

Is there a cure for my religious upbringing? - other than atheism, I mean.

Hello deconstruction. Atheism, is the obvious over-reaction to escaping a religious upbringing. Study on this issue shows people going in many different directions both toward and away from religion. This video outlines the frustration involved in deconstruction. Let's discuss.

www.christianityboard.com

Therefore, I wanted to approach this topic from a more positive and constructive view.

Anyone familiar with a major home renovation project knows that some deconstruction, or demolition is required before building or, reconstruction can happen. This means the bulldozers and sledge hammers are used to remove unwanted items from the construction area. Once the demolition is completed, the reconstruction can begin. The path has been cleared for the new plan to take shape.

And some may be fine with their present religious views. Which is fine, (for them) Reconstruction is for those who see some issues and are brave enough to face them head on. A hard hat may be required, as this can be a potentially dangerous project. You can expect some friendly fire. And some VERY unfriendly fire. Yikes!

- Having a plan in place is helpful on a reconstruction project.
- But envisioning the finished product is easier in a physical reconstruction than a spiritual reconstruction.
- It requires some courage to embark on such a mission, with no destination identified.
- Taking things one at time will make it more manageable.
- But you will be motivated by the firm conviction that you can't stay where you are any longer.
- So, demolition may have to start before the finished product is visible.
- After the dust settles you can see where you are and the path ahead somewhat.
- You will need to determine to what degree things need to change.

Discussion questions;
1) Do you see anything in your religious life that is questionable?
2) What can you do to reconstruct your religious life?
3) Count the cost. What will you gain, what will you lose?

Take A Stand - Stand to gain, or stand to lose?

I was asked a question recently about why I am still in the church? Good question. This led to me thinking about the larger subject of taking a stand. What does that look like? Or what could it look like? Over the years I have known many individuals that have taken issue with the church and...

www.christianityboard.com

]

The Hubs and I are deconstructionist. But we are the Bible thumping kind, not the "question every doctrine" kind. We don't go to church and do Bible study at home.

 

[St. SteVen]

We don't go to church and do Bible study at home.

So, you are not a part of a Christian community? (not a criticism, just a question) I still attend church, but wouldn't have to.

]

 

[Wynona]

So, you are not a part of a Christian community? (not a criticism, just a question) I still attend church, but wouldn't have to.

]

I wouldn't say that. I love zoom bible studies with other believers. But no official church membership in the past 2-3 years.

"Wouldn't have to"?

 

[St. SteVen]

Excerpt from the OP.

Deconstruction is a very scary word to most Christians. Granted, it sound destructive and harmful.

When I discovered some deconstructing Christians, I felt as if I was going through a similar process. So, the word didn't bother me too much. I did feel that some of them had taken it too far. Which spawned a few topics about that concern. (links in post #1)

Therefore, I wanted to approach this topic from a more positive and constructive view.

Anyone familiar with a major home renovation project knows that some deconstruction, or demolition is required before building or, reconstruction can happen. This means the bulldozers and sledge hammers are used to remove unwanted items from the construction area. Once the demolition is completed, the reconstruction can begin. The path has been cleared for the new plan to take shape.

--- MORE AT THE OP ---

Discussion questions;
1) Do you see anything in your religious life that is questionable?
2) What can you do to reconstruct your religious life?
3) Count the cost. What will you gain, what will you lose?

[

 

[St. SteVen]

Excerpt from the OP.

Discussion questions;
1) Do you see anything in your religious life that is questionable?
2) What can you do to reconstruct your religious life?
3) Count the cost. What will you gain, what will you lose?

[

 

[ElieG12]

A Christian does not deconstruct or reconstruct his religious views, because a Christian is only a tiny piece of something much bigger than his own person. A true Christian does not want to abandon what he belongs to, which is the people of God, if he has really proven that he is in the right place.

It is true that religious groups and their human leadership are very disorganized and do not seem to really be the people of God, both in beliefs and in practices, and even omission of things that they should be doing and do not do, which is also a sin... but when one fully trusts the organization to which he belongs and the human leadership that it has, it is not necessary to change anything but to be submissive and obedient to that leadership, because it has proven to be reliable and to have the truth and the right as principles.

When one is convinced that one is in the right place and fully trusts the direction one receives, one expects one's own guides to know what to change and rearrange, according to the divine direction that they themselves receive, according to God's appointment of them as stewards in a house/community that belongs to Christ, and not to any human. In that ideal case, there can be no "personal religious views" to deconstruct or reconstruct. What must exist is obedience to divine direction. It was like that in the first century.

 

[Jack]

Deconstruction is a very scary word to most Christians. Granted, it sound destructive and harmful.

Are you still trying to squeeze gays into Christianity? Jesus said it ain't gonna happen.

 

[St. SteVen]

Are you still trying to squeeze gays into Christianity? Jesus said it ain't gonna happen.

Are you still trying to squeeze gays out of Christianity? Jesus died for them too.
If he loved them that much, why do you hate them?

[

 

[Jack]

Are you still trying to squeeze gays out of Christianity? Jesus died for them too.
If he loved them that much, why do you hate them?

[

I Cor 6 Gays will burn in Hell forever!

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
Are you still trying to squeeze gays out of Christianity? Jesus died for them too.
If he loved them that much, why do you hate them?

I Cor 6 Gays will burn in Hell forever!

Are you a parrot? You seem to only have one thing to say?
I Cor 6 does NOT say that "Gays will burn in Hell forever!"
It says, "... will [not] inherit the kingdom of God." in reference to:
" the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men
nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers".
How many of those sins are you guilty of? "Judge not, lest ye be judged..."
Also see the footnote. both the passive and active participants in homosexual acts are included.
Are you condemning rape victims to "eternal hell"?

I Corinthians 6:9-11NIV
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men[a]
10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Footnotes​

1. 1 Corinthians 6:9 The words men who have sex with men translate two Greek words
   that refer to the passive and active participants in homosexual acts.

[

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
Are you still trying to squeeze gays out of Christianity? Jesus died for them too.
If he loved them that much, why do you hate them?

I Cor 6 Gays will burn in Hell forever!

You didn't really answer my question.
Why do you harbor such hatred?
Hatred against "gays" and possible against me?
The same judgment you make toward others, may apply to you as well.

Galatians 5:19-21 NIV
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before,
that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Luke 6:37 NIV
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Matthew 7:1-3 NIV
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,
and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

[ --- REPENT ---

 

[Jack]

Are you a parrot?

Yes, I'm Jesus' parrot and He said gays will burn in Hell fire, forever and ever and those who defend gays!

 

[Jack]

St. SteVen said:
Are you still trying to squeeze gays out of Christianity? Jesus died for them too.
If he loved them that much, why do you hate them?

No, I'm trying to pull them from the fire, unlike you.

Jude 1:22-23
22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction;
23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,

Why do you harbor such hatred?

The Bible is not hatred. How ironic!

Hatred against "gays" and possible against me?

If I hated gays I wouldn't warn them they are heading for Hell fire. YOU are the one not warning them. Do you hate gays?

The same judgment you make toward others, may apply to you as well.

I'm not gay.

Galatians 5:19-21 NIV
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before,
that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I don't hate anyone. Are you falsely accusing me?

Luke 6:37 NIV
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Matthew 7:1-3 NIV
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,
and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

[ --- REPENT ---

I don't know how to repent from believing Jesus.

You like the NIV? Enjoy!

Romans 1:26-27 (NIV)
26 God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

 

[RedFan]

Yes, I'm Jesus' parrot and He said gays will burn in Hell fire, forever and ever and those who defend gays!

I'm looking for the verse that says "those who defend gays" will burn in Hell fire. Can you point me to it?

 

[Jack]

I'm looking for the verse that says "those who defend gays" will burn in Hell fire. Can you point me to it?

Do you warn gays they are heading for Hell?

 

[St. SteVen]

I'm looking for the verse that says "those who defend gays" will burn in Hell fire. Can you point me to it?

The parrot seems to only have one thing to say:

I Cor 6 Gays will burn in Hell forever!

Bwack!

]

 

[St. SteVen]

I don't hate anyone. Are you falsely accusing me?

Really?
Where do you claim that gays will send eternity?

[

 

[face2face]

Deconstruction is a very scary word to most Christians. Granted, it sound destructive and harmful.

When I discovered some deconstructing Christians, I felt as if I was going through a similar process. So, the word didn't bother me too much. I did feel that some of them had taken it too far. Which spawned a few topics about that concern.

DECONSTRUCTION - How far is too far?

This is somewhat of a follow-up to my previous topic from June 23, 2023: https://www.christianityboard.com/threads/is-there-a-cure-for-my-religious-upbringing-other-than-atheism-i-mean.56346/ Here's another video that talks specifically about the process of deconstruction that Sara Martin went...

www.christianityboard.com

Is there a cure for my religious upbringing? - other than atheism, I mean.

Hello deconstruction. Atheism, is the obvious over-reaction to escaping a religious upbringing. Study on this issue shows people going in many different directions both toward and away from religion. This video outlines the frustration involved in deconstruction. Let's discuss.

www.christianityboard.com

Therefore, I wanted to approach this topic from a more positive and constructive view.

Anyone familiar with a major home renovation project knows that some deconstruction, or demolition is required before building or, reconstruction can happen. This means the bulldozers and sledge hammers are used to remove unwanted items from the construction area. Once the demolition is completed, the reconstruction can begin. The path has been cleared for the new plan to take shape.

And some may be fine with their present religious views. Which is fine, (for them) Reconstruction is for those who see some issues and are brave enough to face them head on. A hard hat may be required, as this can be a potentially dangerous project. You can expect some friendly fire. And some VERY unfriendly fire. Yikes!

- Having a plan in place is helpful on a reconstruction project.
- But envisioning the finished product is easier in a physical reconstruction than a spiritual reconstruction.
- It requires some courage to embark on such a mission, with no destination identified.
- Taking things one at time will make it more manageable.
- But you will be motivated by the firm conviction that you can't stay where you are any longer.
- So, demolition may have to start before the finished product is visible.
- After the dust settles you can see where you are and the path ahead somewhat.
- You will need to determine to what degree things need to change.

Discussion questions;
1) Do you see anything in your religious life that is questionable?
2) What can you do to reconstruct your religious life?
3) Count the cost. What will you gain, what will you lose?

Take A Stand - Stand to gain, or stand to lose?

I was asked a question recently about why I am still in the church? Good question. This led to me thinking about the larger subject of taking a stand. What does that look like? Or what could it look like? Over the years I have known many individuals that have taken issue with the church and...

www.christianityboard.com

]

If the destination was to lead a person to "your" position and understanding of Scripture, then I would certainly say to the doubting Christian - remain! However, if it led them deeper into a truer Gospel, then of course start the journey. We both know our history and how you have consistently been shown to be false in your beliefs, but you persist in ignorance. We could say you have deconstructed your faith and are yet to reconstruct it into God's Truth, which speaks to your fragmented knowledge on salvation and other Biblical themes.

No one person has the complete vision of God's revelation though some may present as though they do. We all look through a glass dimly...though some see clearer than others.

If reconstruction is gaining a more complete vision of God's revelation, then certainly, we all should go to work

F2F