(Note: This is a guest post written by “Berean Crossroads” who blogs here and his audio Bible recording can be found here. I am currently away and thank the brother for this guest post.)
Book Review: The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, And How To Respond
Authors: Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
I highly recommend the book written by Alisa Childers (YouTube Channel) and Tim Barnett (Red Pen Logic) on a movement sweeping through Christianity called Deconstruction. Before diving into this review, it is worth noting, in my opinion, many people worship their golden calf with a JESUS label slapped on it rather than the Lord Jesus Christ of Holy Scripture.
In the 2022 The State of Theology report, while 70% of respondents either strongly agree or somewhat agree to the question: There is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, 59% of respondents either strongly agree or somewhat agree to the question: The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being. When asked, God learns and adapts to different circumstances, 52% of respondents either strongly agree or somewhat agree. Another question on the broad way leading to destruction had 67% of respondents stating they either strongly agree or somewhat agree to: God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In reality, people are just leaving one doctrine of demon for another.
The authors invested a lot of time in various areas of the social media landscape learning about deconstruction. “From Twitter, Tik Tok, YouTube and Instagram to various Zoom meetings with advocates of deconstruction. The authors “main objective in writing this book is to analyze the phenomenon of deconstruction and provide a biblical analysis and critique of its methods, trends, messages, and impact on the church.”[1]
Quickly the authors understood there was some difficulty in trying to land on the definition of deconstruction. Some people view it as a departure away from historic Christianity while others view it simply as questioning various aspects of their faith. The former would be dangerous while the latter would be a normal development in examining oneself to see if the individual is in the faith.
Whether it is Rhett McLaughlin, Link Neal, Joshua Harris, Michael and Lisa Gungor, Jon Steingard, Kevin Max, Marty Sampson, Phanatik, Derek Webb or some other famous individual within the evangelical world communicating they are “happily” departing or in the process of deconstructing from Christianity, people are left scratching their heads and saying: “what is going on?” It became quite apparent to the authors, there were various groups and meanings within the deconstruction landscape. People using the word but with different meanings thereby talking past each other as two ships passing in the night.
Philosophically, the term has roots back in the “twentieth-century French philosopher Jacques Derrida…who meant [deconstruction as] dismantling our excessive loyalty to any idea and learning to see the aspects of the truth that might lie buried in its opposite.”[2] Such postmodern origins led the authors to abandon the use of the term deconstruction in a positive manner. Deconstruction is at odds with Christianity. Why?
- “[D]econstruction has little to do with trying to achieve correct theology,
- There is no end goal, or destination, to the deconstruction process and
- With deconstruction, there is no external authority to tell you what your view should look like. You are the ultimate authority.”[3]
After all the exhaustive research, the authors defined deconstruction as follows:
“Faith deconstruction is a postmodern process of rethinking your faith without regarding Scripture as a standard.”[4]
#Exvangelical
While the Exvangelical hashtag identifies the fact a person has left evangelicalism, it does not necessarily state what has been left since evangelicalism is very broad with many ideas, opinions, issues and personalities. A working definition of what is being left behind by exvangelicals has been written by Blake Chastain “under five basic points:
- A literal reading of the Bible.
- A belief that women should be submissive to men.
- A belief in the sanctity of heterosexuality / heteronormativity and a rejection of homosexuality as sinful.
- The assumption that the American way of life is best.
- Identification and partnership with political and social conservatism.”[5]
Next, the authors point out in Rerun the satanic origins of this movement. They discuss how Satan challenged the authority of God’s Word in the garden of Eden. The individual is autonomous in deconstruction.
Today, we live in a culture where human beings are defined by their individual inner feelings and desires. We are encouraged to live in a way that lines up with those feelings and desires, which become our ultimate authority. Anything that challenges that notion is considered to be oppressive, especially Bible verses that contradict your own personal expression.[6]
The authors state the importance of Holy Scripture as the ultimate authority and the supremacy of God’s Word in the life of Christians. For those who are examining themselves to see whether they are in the faith, they should dive deeply into God’s revelation of himself which is the Bible. God is true and His Word is truth.
#Deconstruction
At this point the authors go more in-depth into deconstruction in this section. “Every act of deconstructioncontains three basic components: (1) a process of deconstruction, (2) a belief being deconstructed, and (3) a person deconstructing. In other words, every act of deconstruction has a how, a what, and a who.[7]
There is a usually a crisis event in the life of the individual that starts them on the deconstruction journey. While not an exhaustive list, various events are explored as triggers for deconstruction such as: foundation + crisis, suffering, doubt, politics, purity culture, the Bible, morality/toxic theology and abuse. Nevertheless, the authors point out that deconstruction is NOT inevitable.
In Upper Story, the authors discuss what Francis Shaeffer wrote about truth. “The problem with communicating Christianity to a new generation was centered on a new view of truth that detached it from objective and knowable reality…”[8] Objective truth and relativism are contrasted and explored as these are pervasive within society.
Next, the authors insightfully discuss the Two-Story Building or “two-tiered truth” by Nancy Pearcey in her book Total Truth. Building on Schaeffer’s insight she explains:
As Schaeffer explains, the concept of truth itself has been divided-a process he illustrates with the imagery of a two-story building: In the lower story are science and reason, which are considered public truth, binding on everyone. Over against it is an upper story of noncognitive experience, which is the locus of personal meaning. This is the realm of private truth, where we hear people say, “That may be true for you but it’s not true for me.”[9]
The upper story is more related to likes and preferences. Where is religion? “[Nancy] Pearcey says contemporary culture has relegated religion (as well as morality) to the upper story, “which takes it out of the realm of true and false altogether.””[10]
In Reformation, the authors then discuss using the term reformation versus deconstruction for individuals who are sincerely examining the basis of their beliefs. Are their beliefs truth or tradition? Reformation places an emphasis on building up rather than tearing down. In this process, the Bible is the standard. For those who reject God’s Word, one must use apologetics.
It is also very important for to avoid assumptions when asking an individual about deconstruction. You need to understand what the person means by deconstruction and where the person is coming from so you know which approach to take. Some say they are deconstructing when in reality they are only questioning or examining their beliefs.
In Toxic Theology, the authors demonstrate how relativism versus truth leads to power. They then examine what occurs when this is linked to critical theory as follows:
“one of our current cultural zeitgeists, a popular ideology called critical theory, has reinforced the belief that truth claims are mere power plays. In the most simplistic terms, critical theory functions like a worldview that understands and critiques power and oppression along the lines of race, ethnicity, class, gender, ability, sexuality, and other factors. It primarily sees the world through the lens of oppressed groups and their oppressors and attempts to recalibrate power in favor of the marginalized.[11]
This chapter is full of information that details influences in the deconstruction movement: David Gushee (re: Evangelical Deconstruction Project), Michael Foucalt, Jacques Derrida, John Caputo, Rachel Held Evans and her husband Dan, Jeff Chu along with many others. For more in-depth information on critical theory and wokeness, I highly recommend reading Wimpy, Weak and Woke by John L Cooper and this blogpost on Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham.
In the chapter on Faith, the authors state that the “Christian faith isn’t merely propositional; it’s relational.”[12]“Deconstruction doesn’t just change your beliefs about Jesus. It changes your relationship with Jesus. There is a lot at stake.”[13]
In the chapter on Deconstructors, the authors explore various aspects of deconstructors such as: (a) image-bearers, (b) sinners, (c) seekers, (d) captives and (e) rebels.
#Hope
This section begins with a chapter on Questions. Many deconstructions begin due to questions not being allowed at church or the pastor or other leaders not being ready to provide an answer or say I don’t know but I’ll get back to you and do it. The church of all places should be a place for seekers to learn what Christianity is all about and discuss issues that arise as these individuals live throughout their lives in society. The authors discuss:
- Making room for questions
- No space for questions
- Vilified questions
- Bad answers
- Unaccepted answers
- Don’t be afraid of questions
- Answers or exits?
- How to doubt well
In the chapter on Advice, the authors state: (a) pray, (b) stay calm and stay in their life, (c) do some triage and (d) set boundaries (and respect theirs).
This book demystifies deconstruction and provides solutions. The authors genuinely want to counter this horrific ideology and strengthen people’s Christian faith. “Every deconstruction is unique, and each relationship dynamic requires wisdom. Thankfully, wisdom is one of those things God promises to give to those who simply ask:”[14]
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
(James 1:5 LSB)
Remember the proverb:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
(Proverbs 9:10 KJV)
[1] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 7.
[2] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 22.
[3] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), pp. 24-26.
[4] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 26.
[5] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), pp. 33-34.
[6] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 58.
[7] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 77.
[8] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 101.
[9] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), pp. 104-105.
[10] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 104.
[11] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), pp. 142-143.
[12] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 164.
[13] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 168.
[14] Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2023), 240.
Well, I’ll be the first to leave some thoughts……Rhett & Link, I believe (in the sense that it’s my personal opinion) “deconstructed” in part anyways, because they wanted to keep their show. We all know Hollywood is on a rampage to undermine Christ and anything Christian. So, I can be pretty certain they were given an ultimatum and Rhett and Link chose to side with their fear of losing whatever and not lose those things.
Some of the others, were tired of the Christianese bs. And when church has become big business and “pastors” are kings of their own little kingdoms and have become dictators and my way or the highway people, then of course, deconstruction is going to happen. We are in a free enough country that slavery of all kinds is recognizable to a decent amount of people.
Certain status quos, agendas, programs, strategies, mentalities, etc. can only be maintained for a time and then they don’t work anymore, not that they worked in the first place, but we pretend.
I also had to have a deconstructing of sorts, and toss out many teachings, understandings and perspectives that I grew up in and around. There is a renewing of our minds to do, often. I have left many Christianese things, but I have not left Christ. He and I are closer than ever. I often observe and question people who have “deconstructed”. There are many commonalities with them, though there is a different feel than to the prodigal child of pre 1990. Well, maybe. I was a kid back then, so maybe my perspective is skewed, based on lack of an adulting a factor.
I think there is just much idolatry going on and it looks different than in Biblical stories and pagan narratives. The idols of today are more ambiguous perhaps. They are more thought patterns, behaviors, and lifestyles that can look Christian, rather than physical items. Maybe not so different than the Pharisaical happenings of the first century. There really isn’t anything new under the sun.
Indeed, people are doing what is right in their own eyes. So, much deconstruction is expected as people do whatever, where ever, with whomever, whenever and for how long they can get away with doing it all.
This is not a quick conversation, but we do need to take breaks. So, I’ll leave things to what I have said so far, for now.
Hey sister, thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. It is greatly appreciated. 🙂
Following the Lord Jesus Christ does cost people things in this life. Sadly, we see those who choose as Demas did:
“Be diligent to come to me soon, for Demas, having loved this present age, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica;”
(2 Timothy 4:9-10 LSB)
We gain the only real, true great treasure we can take with us and that is salvation. We are IN CHRIST! We are the children of God and that will endure even when time slips into eternity.
Your quote here is excellent: “I also had to have a deconstructing of sorts, and toss out many teachings, understandings and perspectives that I grew up in and around. There is a renewing of our minds to do, often.”
Dr. James R White says we all have our traditions. The ones who say they have none are the ones who have them the most. LoL. Let us abide in God’s Word, test all things against Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth.
People are dynamic not static so it is good advice we are given to: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!…”
(2 Corinthians 13:5 LSB)
SUPER GLAD to hear your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is growing and vibrant. Praise God!
“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
(2 Peter 3:18 LSB)
The Refiner’s Fire really isn’t a bad thing and seeing the goodness that comes from our trials and tribulations does indeed help with having that Joy in them. And He really does work all things out for our good, when we love Him while He has called us and according to His purpose, and His Glory.
Being a cry baby and throwing pity parties is easy. Making lemonade out of life’s lemons is not always quite so easy, but it is doable. With God all things are possible. I’ve drastically cut down my pity parties, so I’m still having a few of them, and recognizing when I am having one and stopping it, is becoming easier. I’m not at 100%, so pray for me, thanks. Yeshua’s Blessings on you and yours.
Given that a worldview is a (system of) truth claim(s), both relativism and critical theory are self-refuting. The saying all truth is relative is a concrete truth claim which is then subject to one’s rejection of it in favor of one’s own ‘relative’ truth claim (e.g. some truth is absolute). So this all truth is relative claim can be used against the critical theory worldview.
Critical theory has been defined as Cultural Marxism, whose objective is social chaos over social cohesion. Disparate people-groups at odds with each other are much easier to control than a cohesive society.
I feel for the recent generations of students who’ve been taught these doctrines in tax payer-funded schools. They’ve effectively been taught what to think, not how to think.
Thank you for your comments brother Craig. I really appreciate it.
Excellent statement: “Given that a worldview is a (system of) truth claim(s), both relativism and critical theory are self-refuting.”
For more in-depth information on critical theory and wokeness, I highly recommend reading Wimpy, Weak and Woke by John L Cooper and this blogpost on Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham. There are links to both in the article.
This is definitely heart-breaking: “I feel for the recent generations of students who’ve been taught these doctrines in tax payer-funded schools. They’ve effectively been taught what to think, not how to think.” There are many great schools and teachers in our land. However, there are many that are not and the ideology/activism they are promoting is not good and destroying children’s lives. The devastation is quite astonishing.
I remember seeing one clip of a young individual in a group stating their points they had obviously imbibed. When a reporter attempted to ask a simple question, the young girl turned her head, put her hands over her ears and screamed while shaking her head back-and-forth. She then went back repeating her points in a higher but in higher decibels. Essentially, shutting down any conversation. Just one demonstration why apologetics is so important. May people help the younger generation to think correctly. A great resource besides brother Jim’s site here at The Domain for Truth is Eli Ayala’s Revealed Apologetics.
Praise God we have the opportunity to witness to others about Him and He is the One who saves! 🙂
I became aware of Baucham’s book a while back, and I nearly bought a copy then. He has some excellent YouTube material.
Your account of the girl who put her hands over her ears reminded me of Robert Jay Lifton’s research on cults. One can read about his book Thought Reform on the wiki entry. The author coined the term “thought-terminating cliché” which is used by members of a cult (or cult-like environments) in an attempt to shut down conversation. Those under this delusion (such as IHOP/KC’s unique glossary, e.g.) say certain buzzwords in order to ‘shut down’ opponents. I do believe this sort of thing is at play to those taught this critical theory/Cultural Marxism.
Thanks for the comment Craig. I’m going to check into Lifton’s book. Thank you very much for the tip. 😀
it’s not taught in schools and is unrelated to Marxism. cultural Marxism doesn’t exist
Incorrect. Antonio Gramsci is the father of it. To say there is a caricature of Gramsci is something that can happen, but to say what you said is inaccurate. There is Marxist cultural theory and social criticism
No, “cultural marxism” is a boogeyman, like CRT, except that CRT does exist but is an academic theory not taught in schools and heavily caricatured by the right.
I suppose if one does a quick “Google search”, one would be left with the notion that Cultural Marxism is some ‘alt-right conspiracy theory’ with no basis in fact (the Legacy Media’s typical way of summarily dismissing a viewpoint contrary to the current thing/narrative—but I {somewhat hyperbolically} digress). Yet that’s a terrible method from which to make absolute historical claims.
However, note that I stated, “Critical theory has been defined as Cultural Marxism” (emphasis added). If you’d like to criticize the term Cultural Marxism, then fine. We can have a discussion about that, and I could lead you to this article here: Cultural Marxism: Imaginary Conspiracy or Revolutionary Reality?
But the real subject is critical theory. Surely you are not claiming this is not a thing, are you?
If I were less charitable, I might make a statement such as, “I marvel at your omnipresence!” For to make such a definitive claim such as it’s [critical theory’s] not taught in schools is to imply one has been to each and every school and has found absolutely no existence of the teaching in question.
It’s a factual way of dismissing debunked nonsense that happens to be a far-right conspiracy theory. LIke literally everything right-wingers are scared of. It’s your imagination.
The burden of proof is on the person making silly claims of critical theory in schools. You’ve never been to schools and seen it.
With each comment you display more of your ignorance (and bias). Critical theory, aka intersectionality (framed as oppressors vs. those-oppressed) has been taught in schools for years now. It has been talked about both ‘positively’ and negatively for quite a while. Parents have been voicing concerns in school board meetings about this issue.
I agree with you. I went to the school that birth Critical Race Theory and intersectionality; it’s amazing how some say this is made up by Conservatives. Actually in 2020 I was surprised CRT became a household known word…it seems crazy how some are gaslighting people who might not agree with all the tenets/principles/mood of Critical Theory or Critical Race Theory.
Years ago, probably longer than 5 years ago, I began searching YouTube for explanations for some of the things I was hearing about and seeing. Video after video were folks in school or recent graduates talking about these things. More recently, there were a number of videos of school board meetings in which concerned parents were confronting the boards. One of the most memorable to me was a Black man who expressed his anger at hearing his young son talk about the school teaching that he is a ‘victim’, with the father exclaiming, “My son is NOT a victim.”
Then there were young White kids who were shamed as being ‘oppressors’/’victimizers’, with their parents expressing concern. And I saw a recent video collage of an Asian-American, an apparent somewhat recent college graduate, who went on a rant against Whites, using all kinds of epithets; later on social media lamenting that she lost her job apparently due to that rant. It’s sad students are told that a non-White cannot be racist to a White because of the changed definition/equivocation of the term racism.
Good reminder: “many people worship their golden calf with a JESUS label slapped on it”
The authors provided a good definition of deconstruction when you quoted them as saying:
““Faith deconstruction is a postmodern process of rethinking your faith without regarding Scripture as a standard.”
Hi brother Frank! Thank you for reading this post. I appreciate it. 🙂 Their definition is really good and they go through unpacking that in the book. The authors provide excellent examples and solutions for the issue.
Again, I am thankful they took the time to do a lot of research and interviews. There was a lot of confusion and people say “deconstruction” but can mean many different things when they say it.
Helpful to remember we have two ears. May we listen to what people are saying. Let us ask all kinds of questions from a genuine heart of care and concern for people; demonstrating the love of God.
God bless you today brother. 🙂
Great review Berean Crossroads! Thanks for the insight.
Blessings.
Hi brother Michael! Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate you and your ministry. Keep after it brother! 🙂
God bless you today! 🙂
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It’s a narrow gate with a compressed way that leads to life, and few there are who find it. The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened. That is a reality that will not change, yet folks are surprised and bothered by the concept. Evangelicalism is a flawed movement that dumbs down the truth to gain followers. It’s not all bad, but has become leavened as other historical human movements. It tends toward shallowness and externals.
Surprised that the authors didn’t recommend personal bible study. If a person knows the bible, being taught by it’s author, they wouldn’t need this book.
Thank you brother Alex for commenting! I appreciate it. So true: “Evangelicalism is a flawed movement that dumbs down the truth to gain followers. It’s not all bad, but has become leavened as other historical human movements. It tends toward shallowness and externals.”
Thank God for the appointment of pastors and teachers who instruct us in the ways of God like brother Jim. What a lasting impact there will be in the region of the world where he is working in training pastors and leaders. The transmission of God’s Word will continue unabated from generation to generation. What a joy it is the Holy Spirit gives gifts to us to encourage, edify and build up the body of Christ. Grateful for all the interaction of the brethren blogging here. So fun. 🙂 Extremely glad we get to fellowship with the brethren and let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:
“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 27:17 LSB)
Throughout the book the authors state the absolute necessity to abide in and rely upon Holy Scripture. One of my reflections in a recent blog post: Misquoting and Misrepresenting Spurgeon,
was:
God and His Word are the standard against which we test all things. We should abide in it, think on it, live it, and love it.
God bless you brother! 🙂
Hey Everyone, Please remember to pray for brother Jim while he is on his missions trip. Pray for his safety, health and for the Holy Spirit to bring to his remembrance the material he has put together and studied for these pastors and leaders. We pray for much fruit from it and an abundance of harvest. Let us remember too brother Jim’s precious family. His wife and children make sacrifices for these trips and we pray for the Lord to bless them.
In case you missed our sister Mandy’s Guest blog post praying for Jim, please go and read it when you have time:
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/45425/posts/5193872976
God bless you all.
Thanks!! I have very spotty internet or none at all where I’m at (most of the time). Thanks for the guest post given my schedule and lack of internet here
You’re welcome brother Jim. We are praying 🙏 for you! 😀✝️✝️✝️📖🙏
Thanks for the in-depth review, Jim. This is an important book.
Michael, sorry for being behind in reading this!!! Excellent and thorough review! I have enjoyed reading the comments as well! What a turbulent time we live in. I am thankful for the Christians who are truly speaking truth to culture without compromise. May God continue to keep opening hearts and minds!
Hey sister Mandy! Thank you for taking the time to read this post and comment. Always appreciate your insight and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Turbulent times…so true. I am grateful for the prayers you ✍️ and the one for brother Jim. We need to pray now more than ever.
I hope all is well with you, Nathan and PQ. God bless you! 😀✝️✝️✝️📖🙏
I don’t know what is happening with my WP and notifications 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ I am thankful for your prayers and posts as well! It’s like each day a year’s worth of events (or rain) occurs! When you have time let me know how you and your mom are doing!
it’s only destructive to things that need to be destroyed. it’s no more “satanic” than, say, Harry Potter. and the attempted “critiques” are a perfect example of why deconstruction is necessary. they’re extremely cultish.
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