The Deconstruction of Christianity: What it is, why it’s destructive, and how to respond—a book review. Co-authors Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, and published by Tyndale House (Paperback 304 pages).
In the Foreword, Carl Trueman briefly talks about the rebellion against God’s Word in its original, historical and modern manifestations; for example, starting from Eden to the TikTok influencers. This snippet sums up his concerns,
…the language, or idiom, for this rebellion changes over time, which means that the church must keep two things in mind. First, she must not lose sight of the fact that the current problem with apostasy is not fundamentally different from the past. Demas rejected the faith for the same reason the TikTok apostate does: He loved the world more than he loved Christ.
Why do people deconstruct?
What is deconstruction and why do people deconstruct? One of the first things the authors do is survey the differing possible definitions for deconstruction. I found this helpful given the current trend of redefining what words mean and the fluidity of definitions. The understanding in terms of this book is that deconstructionism is a departure from the Christian faith.
The causes vary: sometimes it might be abuse experienced by the person deconstructing. At other times it might be challenging life experiences, grief and bitterness. And then there’s the Demas factor—people love the world more than they love Christ.
The secular and apostate culture constantly fires darts designed to destroy your faith. The TikTok questions aren’t always sincere; they’re most often meant to create doubt. Heck, they’ve even come up with Deconstruction Apps!
The authors point out that, at the crux of deconstructionism, is a heart issue (page 182). But they also remind us that these people are still God’s image bearers, having intrinsic worth. They write that,
This truth should inform our relationships. We ought to treat those deconstructing their faith with love and respect.
A needful book
Childers and Barnett are Christians who have interacted with the Deconstruction and TikTok Theology Culture. The book is replete with examples of memes and video laced with “Gotcha” questions. They’ve also listened to and interacted with those who’ve struggled with, or left, their faith.
If you are struggling with doubt, or if you’re concerned about friends or family members (children, grandchildren etc) navigating the antichristian minefields of this world, get this book. Part 3 is especially helpful.
“The Deconstruction of Christianity” by Childers and Barnett is highly recommended. Every Christian ought to read it.
Contents
Foreword by Carl R. Trueman
Part 1: #EXVANGELICAL
1: Explosion
2: Exvangelical
3: Rerun
4: Fallout
Part 2: #DECONSTRUCTION
5: Crisis
5: Upper Story
7: Reformation
8: Toxic
9: Faith
10: Deconstruction
Part 3 #HOPE
11: Questions
12: Advice
13: Saturday
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Authors
Maranatha!
Further reading
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What it is, why it’s destructive, and how to respond !
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What it is, why it’s destructive, and how to respond
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