The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond

Very timely book with great information and advice. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to study the subject. Very well written.

“I'm still a little uncomfortable walking into church. She and I have a complicated relationship. I still tend to sit in the back and watch from afar. I still have a way to go.But that is why I wanted to write this book. I've been to the other side, and I hope to encourage you that if someone you love is in deconstruction, there is hope. God grabbed hold of me in the darkest night of doubt, even when I couldn't feel him, touch him, or experience him. Even when I thought he didn't exist, he was always there, walking me here—to you. That same God can do the same for your friend or loved one. That is my prayer.” - Alisa ChildersIn their book, Childers and Barnett offer much needed clarity to the current trend of #deconstruction and #exvangelical. Through careful research, personal experience and historical context they show that there is no such thing as “healthy deconstruction”. They address the topics of doubt and unanswered questions, church hurt, and objective truth and show the critical difference between seekers of truth and seekers of self.This book is written for churches and for those who have loved ones who are deconstructing and give practical, compassionate advice on how to disciple them.“I still have lots of questions. Christianity isn't tidy, and neither is the church. As long as there is a church, there will be church hurt. As long as there is a cursed creation, there will be suffering. As long as there is mystery, there will be unanswered questions. But as long as there is a risen Savior, there is hope.” TimBarnett

I love how in-depth and raw the authors were in this book. They covered the history of deconstruction, the ones who are being misled, and how to combat this movement. I highly recommend this to anyone deconstructing themselves or has a family member who is.

10 SECOND REVIEW:If you don't have time to read a long review, I'll cut to the chase: I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to comfort a friend through a season of doubt, fear, abandonment, or church hurt. In the content of their book, Childers and Barnett display hearts not only of curiosity but also of compassion and love toward people who are suffering. They do not write to discourage deconstruction (page 241), but to encourage Christians that there is still hope and to model the fruit of the Spirit worked out in a biblical manner (pages 232, 233).LONGER REVIEW:At the beginning of the book, Childers and Barnett state the book's goal:"We will walk you through what deconstruction is and how it works, and give you practical advice on how to relate with friends and loved ones going through it." (p 6)They also note that "while the book is primarily written to Christians who are experiencing deconstruction from the outside, we hope to present the topic in a way that is reasonable, accurate, and filled with grace for those experiencing it from the inside." (p 6)After reading this book, as someone "from the outside", I believe both of these statements to be accurate. The book is brimming with compassion and love for each person going through deconstruction, those who are wrestling with doubts, and the people in their lives who deeply care about them but maybe don't know how to express it well. Since this book is written primarily to guide people in how to respond to someone who is deconstructing, and "each deconstruction is unique" (p 240 as well as others such as p 77), it makes since that, although the authors do go into depth about the main causes for deconstruction, they don't spend a lot of time addressing arguments for or against it.A key definition which is crucial to the reader's understanding and view of the book is that of deconstruction itself:"Faith deconstruction is a postmodern process of rethinking your faith without regarding Scripture as a standard." (p 26)Leading up to that definition (p 15 - 26), the authors provide several reasons (from confusion with there being many meanings of the word to philosophical baggage and what is generally found when searching "deconstruction") as to why they chose this definition in particular. This is not to say that anyone who holds a different definition of it is wrong - it is simply to clarify what they mean. Furthermore, throughout the book, the authors remind the reader that this is what they mean by "deconstruction". But if/when a loved one tells you they are deconstructing, it is wise to ask them what they mean by "deconstruction" because they may have a completely different thing in mind (p 235).The extensive research that Childers and Barnett have done on this topic have led them to the observation that people deconstruct for many reasons from intellectual to emotional (all throughout the book), and that in many cases, deconstructionists are not just rejecting bad beliefs, but rather sound Christian doctrine (p 41).Perhaps the most heart-wrenching parts of the book are the deconstruction stories sprinkled throughout. Some of them are the stories of people who left Christianity entirely and have not returned, others from the perspective of deconstructionists who have returned with a stronger faith, and still others who are still searching. Although not all deconstruction stems from pain, many of these stories are of people who left the church - and ultimately, Christianity - because of abuse, lack of compassion, or hypocrisy they experienced within the evangelical church (p 63 - 67; p 83 -85; p 88; p 89 - 90; p 94; ...)By including these stories, the authors are teaching the reader that deconstruction cuts much deeper than many may realize and they equip the reader with ways to show compassion and love to a loved one in deconstruction. Moreover, the inclusion of these stories demonstrates the acknowledgement and awareness of Childers and Barnett that the Evangelical church is not perfect and there are many even within the church who hurt people.

We read this book for a women’s book club at my church. I highly recommend it!It gives you a good understanding of what the deconstruction movement is, and how to handle it.

This book is helpful in defining the often confusing term “decontructionism.” The book not only helps to define deconstructionism, but warns of its dangers. Yet, you will find compassion in its pages for those doubting in their faith. Through both practical and personal testimony, the authors show us ways to help with our own doubts and the doubts of others we love.

Il libro offre una profonda analisi del fenomeno del decostruzionismo dal punto di vista storico, biblico e spirituale. Raccomandato

Alisa and Tim have done an excellent job of balancing compassion and empathy for those who are struggling with doubts while remaining steadfast in Biblical truth. I loved this excerpt and I think it exemplifies the overarching theme of the book… “the mind of Christ will never disagree with the words of Christ”.I believe this is a must read for any youth pastor, lead pastor, parent or teen. It is easy to read and understand and a great resource to keep on hand for future reference.

Well explained for those who don't "get it"!Engagingly written (with a side of Canadian humour)...a very palatable treatise on the dilemma of those who want to dialogue with confused seekers.

It was a pretty good book.