Deconstruction And Rebuilding
Taking it apart without losing it.
On examining faith honestly.
The big idea
Some things you were taught were culture, not scripture. Finding that out is not losing your faith.
What does “Deconstruction And Rebuilding” walk through?
Sharp Enough To Divide
Hebrews 4:12 · KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
In plain English
God's word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It cuts deep enough to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
It Cuts Between Things
The image is a blade separating things that looked joined. Some of what you inherited was scripture, and some was the culture around it — telling them apart is painful and worth doing.
Ask For Wisdom
James 1:5 · KJV
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
In plain English
When you don’t know what to do, ask God for wisdom. He gives generously without shaming you.
“Tearing down is the easy half. Something has to be built or you just live in the rubble.”
Search Me
Psalms 139:23 · KJV
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
In plain English
Search me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know what I am thinking.
Rebuild On Someone
The aim is not a tidier belief system. It is a person. Faith that survives this process usually gets simpler, not more complicated.
The Way
John 14:6 · KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
In plain English
Jesus claims to be the true path to God. Knowing him is central to faith.
Pray
God, take apart what is false in me and keep what is true. Amen.
Write it down
What did you believe that you now think was culture rather than scripture?
Rebuild on Jesus
Question the building. Keep the foundation.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from Hebrews 4:12, James 1:5, Psalms 139:23, John 14:6. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- Hebrews 4:12
- James 1:5
- Psalms 139:23
- John 14:6
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Hard Questions
All Hard Questions →Is Any Of This True?
Taking the question seriously.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
The oldest question, honestly.
When Christians Hurt You
Separating Jesus from the people who misrepresent him.
Believing Without Feeling
When faith is a decision, not a mood.
When God Feels Far
Silence is not absence.
Faith And Doubt Together
Both, in the same person.