One of the big things in the “Christian landscape” the past couple of years has been what is called “deconstruction.” It has been seen in many ways and involving many different kinds of people. It has involved “celebrities” as well as what I will call the “normals.” It might involve a complete dismantling of one’s faith to the point where they might say, “I am no longer a Christian” (Josh Harris as an example). Or it might be someone saying, “I believe in the Universal Christ” i.e. Kevin Max mimicking Richard Rohr’s heresy. It might involve someone choosing a bedroom lifestyle, or a move to agnosticism or atheism or universalism, or a denunciation of all things God, or maybe even a total abandonment of family, friends, career, etc.
Questions are not wrong. I’m convinced every person must eventually come to their own faith. Hear me well as I say that: growing up we will tend to adopt the faith of our parents, pastor, or someone we love. But somewhere along the line we must forge our own faith. So we question. We investigate. We observe. We discern.
The problem many of us get into is that we are often taught what to think, but not how to think. Everything is laid out for us in 4 Spiritual Laws or “10 Easy Steps to…” Meanwhile, thinking seriously and questioning honestly is not encouraged. So we have young people and adults who become parrots instead of harbingers. We can spout off the “party line” but only because we have been told “You must believe this or that.”
I never went through a crisis of faith where I questioned by biblical moorings. I never doubted the existence of God. (I’m not smart enough to understand it all anyway). I never doubted the veracity of the Virgin Birth and that God became flesh in Jesus, the God-Man. But I did question my “essential doctrinal beliefs” like baptism, who was saved and who wasn’t, etc. I HAD to. The other way was killing my spirit. If not for the questioning, I would still be stuck in the legalism I was mired in.
Because of the mentality of what to think and not how to think, questions are not encouraged. But even sadder is we have no idea where to stand and what we stand on, especially when times get tough or our faith is challenged by life situations. So we start jumping ship. Little by little we start jettisoning the things which matter, the non-negotiables, for temporary safety. We deconstruct because we no longer believe. It’s no wonder since our foundation was not on solid footing.
I do think it is good to question and investigate. But I also think it is absolutely essential to weigh all things against the Scriptures and that which has eternal value.
Jesus once said, “Search the Scriptures for in them you have eternal life.” (John 5:39) Don’t just take something at face value. Seek. Find. God has promised to meet you there.
“Father, may my searching be always grounded and come back to You and Your Word. May my faith grow as I question and grow.”
One of my former pastors encouraged us to have questions, but to always bring them to God, trusting Him for the answers that are grounded in scripture. I took that to heart, thankfully. Sounds like deconstructionists are trying to remake God into man’s image.
Blessings, Bill!
Sadly Martha that is what many of them are trying to do. your former pastor was a wise man. 🙂
I did not really grow up in the Church, though I attended very infrequently with friends, grandparents, etc. I was “saved” more times than I can count as a kid when the call to bow your head and raise your hand came. I confessed my lying, my fighting, my bad words… But the one thing that I missed, the one thing that I failed to receive was a relationship. I think it sowed seeds in my life, but my decision to follow Christ didn’t come until a major crisis hit me. –That said, I didn’t have to undo or rethink what I had been taught. What I have come to believe has “evolved” as I have continued to mature. One thing I know, Jesus’ dying on the cross Is and Always will be sufficient for my salvation, no ifs ands or buts about it. God made it easy to accept His gift. I think many get wrapped up in the works aspect, the legalism, even shall I say it the water Baptism… I know that may be heretical in some circles. That said, salvation is just the first step. Salvation opens up the door to MUCH greater things and only when we choose to die to self, pick up our own cross, and follow Jesus will we truly EXPERIENCE what life is like as a Christian. That said, I like the KISS principle… Keep It Simple 4 Salvation
Sometimes someone coming to Jesus as you did has an advantage that us “lifelong” followers don’t have: a joy and hunger for Jesus. I’m with you on the one thing you know Ryan. I was once tied up in the water baptism thing. I am so glad that although I feel it is an important way to express my love for Him, it is not tied to my salvation. I like the “faith only” principle saving us and not our works.
‘But somewhere along the line we must forge our own faith. So we question. We investigate. We observe. We discern.’
And the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth as we seek Him with all our heart. He will be found.
Thank You, Jesus.
Thanks for adding that linda. That, of course, is absolutely true.