Data Over Dogma Episode 82: Deconstruction Zone with Rev Karla Kamstra
7 snips
Oct 28, 2024 Rev Karla Kamstra, a social media influencer and author of "Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith," shares her journey of religious deconstruction. She discusses the emotional challenges of questioning lifelong beliefs and the liberating role of social media in connecting with others on similar paths. Karla highlights the importance of community support and the transformative process of redefining faith outside traditional frameworks. The conversation encourages deeper reflection on identity, trauma, and forming authentic connections in the quest for spiritual truth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Identity Collapses During Deconstruction
- Deconstruction often shreds a person's religious identity and forces a redefinition of self.
- Rev Karla describes physically collapsing when her long-held beliefs unraveled and she asked, 'Who am I if I'm not who the church says I am?'
Secret Books Became Lifelines
- Rev Karla hid reading critical authors and felt guilty but found them lifelines.
- She secretly read John Shelby Spong, Bart Ehrman, Reza Aslan and later thanked them after being ordained.
Deconstruction Becomes Decolonizing
- Deconstructing often becomes decolonizing as people uncover privilege and moral superiority baked into religion.
- Rev Karla says confronting these biases is humbling and ongoing work.