The Wall of Deconstruction w/ Kevin Wilson, TikTok's CEO of Chai
Sep 21, 2023
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Kevin Wilson, TikTok's CEO of Chai, joins Bridges Over Walls to discuss the scary misconceptions of deconstruction, the vital role of doubt in faith development, and the backlash faced when asking big questions. They explore personal journeys of navigating success, building bridges through content creation, and the process of self-reflection and growth within Christianity.
Deconstruction is an inevitable and beneficial process for developing a stronger and more authentic faith.
Engaging with diverse theologies and broadening understanding leads to a more inclusive and compassionate Christianity.
Deep dives
The inevitability of deconstruction and the opportunity for growth
Deconstruction, the process of examining the faith one was taught and finding one's own, is an inevitable part of genuine faith. As rising generations closely scrutinize the traditions of their upbringing, Christians have the chance to reevaluate their beliefs and question if they align with Jesus' intentions. This exploration should not be feared, but embraced, as it leads to a stronger and more authentic faith. By engaging in deconstruction, Christians can evolve their understanding and positively contribute to the ongoing process of faith.
Expanding perspectives and embracing new ideas
To navigate deconstruction, it is crucial to listen to differing perspectives and engage with diverse theologies. By broadening their understanding and embracing new ideas, Christians can challenge their own traditions and cultural biases. This intellectual curiosity and openness creates spaces for growth, allowing for a deeper appreciation of one's beliefs and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate Christianity.
The influence of societal and cultural factors
Social and cultural factors shape our perception of faith. Christianity's influence varies across different societies, while the dominant religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism, Christianity has played a significant role in shaping ideologies and influencing various aspects of Sri Lankan life. The experience of living in different cultural contexts broadens one's understanding of Christianity, revealing the impact of societal and cultural factors on religious perspectives.
Embracing personal exploration and questioning
Personal exploration and questioning are crucial for spiritual growth. Education and exposure to new ideas through platforms such as the internet can challenge traditional views and lead to a deeper understanding of faith. Christianity should not be limited to dogma or the opinions of religious authorities, but rather viewed as an adventure of wonder and discovery. By embracing personal exploration and questioning, individuals can develop a more authentic and resilient faith.
In our first four episodes we talked about relational challenges across generational lines, religious and intellectual arrogance, and the division that comes from taking our religious practices further and further from the Way of Jesus.
In this episode we're joined by one of TikTok's most beloved creators of faith - Kevin Wilson. Together, we explore one of today's most contentious subjects - deconstruction.
Is deconstruction as scary as it's made out to be?
Is doubt a threat to faith or a vital tool for developing it?
How does questioning threaten our sense of security, and why do we often encounter so much backlash when we ask big questions?
We cover all that and more in this episode of Bridges Over Walls! Special thanks to @crossculturekev for joining us.
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