Curtis Chang Answers Your Questions: Deconstruction, Worship Across Divides, and Life After Death
Mar 27, 2025
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D.T. Slothman, producer and director of content for Redeeming Babel, engages with Curtis Chang as they tackle burning questions about faith in today’s world. They discuss finding community post-deconstruction and the role of the church amidst political divides. Curtis shares thoughts on the impact of AI in sermon prep and explores life after death in the new heavens and new earth. Music also plays a key role, with Curtis revealing his top five artists, adding a personal touch to the insightful dialogue.
Curtis emphasizes the need for churches to address injustices while maintaining integrity, focusing on accountability in today's socio-political climate.
He discusses the importance of building meaningful community connections post-deconstruction, balancing faith and the church's imperfections.
Deep dives
Understanding Deconstruction and Its Drivers
Deconstruction has become a significant topic among individuals questioning their faith, especially in light of recent political and church dynamics. Many feel a disconnection between the teachings of Christ and the behavior of the church, often leading to grief and frustration. This disconnect is attributed to various factors, including political idolatry and church abuse, creating a gap between believers and the true message of Jesus. The ascension of Jesus is presented as an essential doctrine, emphasizing that the gap between heaven and earth signifies the current incomplete realization of Jesus' rule, and believers should prepare for imperfection within the church while maintaining their focus on Christ.
The Role of the Church in Political Accountability
Churches have a crucial responsibility to speak out against actions and behaviors that contradict Christian ethics, particularly from public figures. While there are numerous issues to address, it's vital for church leaders to prioritize effectively by identifying key actions that clearly violate biblical mandates. For instance, the mistreatment of vulnerable populations by political leaders, such as the withdrawal of foreign aid for the destitute, serves as a vivid example of injustice that churches should address. By focusing on these significant issues, churches can maintain their integrity and relevance in today's socio-political climate while holding leaders accountable for their actions.
Interpreting Political Authority and Divine Will
The biblical assertion that God appoints rulers does not imply His moral endorsement of every leader, as historical examples reveal many flawed kings. The concept emphasizes human free will, where God allows individuals to make choices, even poor ones, which leads to potentially catastrophic outcomes. For example, the request for a king from the Israelites, despite God’s warnings, illustrates this point. Understanding that God's sovereignty does not ensure the moral quality of a leader is crucial, as it allows for a broader and more nuanced view of political responsibility, acknowledging that humans often misinterpret divinely permitted authority.
AI and the Future of Sermon Preparation
Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and can significantly impact sermon preparation, mainly by providing better access to information and data analysis. However, it is crucial for preachers to remember that the essence of their role lies in building personal connections within their communities. While AI can enhance information gathering, it cannot replicate the human embodiment of the message or the relational aspect of preaching. Therefore, churches should focus on fostering community engagement and connections, ensuring that the delivery is not merely informational but transformative and relational.
Thanks to your questions, Good Faith listeners are the guests of this episode that’s meant to spark spiritual insights and challenge church norms.
From queries about navigating belief in a politically toxic climate to finding community after deconstruction, Curtis answers your questions with thoughtfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Whether you’re wrestling with faith, curious about theology, or just want to know what’s on Curtis’ playlist, this episode delivers the answers that inquiring minds wanted to know.
Curtis addresses:
How can someone who has deconstructed find meaningful, Christ-centered community?
What role should the church play when professed followers of Jesus undermine the gospel?
What does it mean that God "removes kings and sets up kings"?
How can we love fellow church members who politically diverge from us?
Is The After Party project truly nonpartisan—and how was it funded?
Will artificial intelligence reshape sermon preparation?
What will life be like in the new heavens and new earth?
Plus: Curtis reveals his five favorite musical artists and the name of the song that opens every Good Faith episode.