We welcome doubters and deconstructors. Have you ever been around a church or group of Christians where it wasn’t safe to be honest about your doubts and questions that you may have about things in the Bible? I once worked at a Christian organization that spent millions of dollars to settle a dispute over whether we could be absolutely certain of our beliefs. Knives came out, scores were settled, and relationships were ruined over a ridiculous debate about doubt. That’s because some viewed doubt or reevaluating one’s faith as something very dangerous. It can be, but I’ve found that, more often, it is a passageway to a deeper, more mature faith.
“Deconstruction” is a term bouncing around Christianity right now that refers to people questioning and reevaluating what they believe about God. Some people question the traditional understanding of hell. Others throw out all their old “Left Behind” books and become embarrassed about things they used to believe about the rapture. Some even question the existence of God or wonder why God seems to condone so much violence in the Old Testament.
Sometimes, people are led to deconstruct their faith as a result of an intellectual process. Other times, it’s a natural emotional reaction for people whom the church or other Christians have hurt. Sometimes, I think it can result just based on how we are wired; for some, faith comes easy, while others are wired to question everything; it’s just how your brain works.
Here at Central, we place a very premium on honesty and authenticity about faith. We encourage people to be open about their doubts and open to change. We encourage people to ask questions. One thing that I really love about pastoring this church is that the congregation allows me to ask questions and talk openly about some of my own doubts. They allow me to say, “Hey folks, I’ve been thinking about such and such, and I’ve changed my mind.” I’ve done this recently about tithing and about the end times.
I love what Scot McKnight said about deconstructors in a recent Kingdom Roots podcast. He said something to the effect of “I thank God for deconstructors. They give me hope for the future of the church.” He said this because sometimes the church picks up baggage that needs to be tossed out, like teachings that limit the role of women in the church, embrace various forms of Christian nationalism, or demonize people for being gay or being of a different faith. Deconstruction can also lead to an awareness that things need to be added back into our faith, such as a recommitment to social justice and racial reconciliation or a return to some of the spiritual exercises taught long ago by Catholic monks and mystics. Whatever the case, we believe that church should be a place where no one has to pretend and no question is unwelcome.
If you are looking for a church like this, visit Central, allow me to meet you for a cup of coffee or a cold beer, and together, let’s pursue a faith that welcomes our questions and isn’t freaked out by our doubt.
