S2 Ep1112: Understanding Deconstruction: Dr. Sean McDowell
Sep 18, 2023
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Dr. Sean McDowell, professor at Biola University, discusses deconstruction and faith. They explore personal doubt, signs of deconstruction, the importance of warm relationships, dangers of hyperemotionalism, and upcoming events on LGBTQ conversation and church leadership training.
Deconstruction aims to sift out flaws and build a faith rooted in Jesus and Scripture.
Deconstruction involves both intellectual and emotional aspects, addressing personal experiences and providing emotional support.
Political affiliations can influence deconstruction, leading some to question their faith and explore different ways to apply it in politics.
Deep dives
The Main Ideas on Deconstruction and Reconstruction
Deconstruction and reconstruction are important processes that Christians engage in when they have doubts about their received faith. Deconstruction involves critically analyzing one's beliefs and evaluating what is essential, culturally based, or not true. It aims to sift out the flaws and keep what is most precious, ultimately building a faith more deeply rooted in Jesus and Scripture. This process can address theological, moral, and logical questions that individuals may have. While deconstruction can sometimes lead to deconversion, it is not solely driven by doubt but often involves deeper, relational, or moral issues. The book focuses on providing guidance and support for those going through deconstruction and aims to broaden their understanding of different ways to faithfully follow Jesus.
The Role of Emotions and Relationships in Deconstruction
Deconstruction is not just an intellectual endeavor but also an emotional and relational journey. Often, people's doubts or questions about their faith are rooted in personal experiences, such as strained relationships, moral conflicts, or unexpressed doubts. The book emphasizes the importance of providing emotional support and creating spaces for individuals to express their concerns and questions. It highlights the significance of listening, empathy, and genuine curiosity when engaging with those going through deconstruction. By addressing both the intellectual and emotional aspects, individuals can navigate the deconstruction process, maintaining healthy relationships and finding genuine answers to their questions.
The Impact of Politics on Deconstruction
Political affiliations and beliefs can greatly influence the deconstruction process for some individuals. In recent times, disillusionment with the alignment between conservative evangelicalism and right-wing politics, particularly during the Trump era, has led many to question their faith and distance themselves from evangelicalism. The book acknowledges the negative impact that political idolatry and hypocrisy can have on one's perception of the Christian faith. It encourages a broader understanding of the Christian faith beyond political affiliations and acknowledges the diversity of political engagement within the Christian community. By recognizing the complexities and nuances of political involvement, individuals can separate political positions from the core teachings of Jesus and explore different ways to apply their faith in politics.
Importance of Healthy Churches and Building Healthy Relationships
One of the main points discussed in the podcast is the importance of having healthy churches and building healthy relationships within them. The speaker emphasizes that brokenness, church hurt, spiritual abuse, and hypocrisy often stem from unhealthiness in the church structure and dynamics of power. The speaker encourages creating a church environment focused on living out the Christian faith, fostering healthy relationships, and avoiding jockeying for position or making it about oneself or others.
Embracing Doubt and Questions as Part of Faith
Another key insight from the podcast centers around the need to embrace doubt and questions as a natural part of the Christian faith journey. The speaker challenges the assumption that doubt equates to unbelief, highlighting how even the apostles and biblical figures experienced doubt alongside their belief. The call is to give space for doubt and questions, to resist the urge to provide quick answers, and to recognize that the opposite of doubt is not faith, but rather unbelief. The speaker encourages inviting doubt, listening, and providing grace to those who have questions or uncertainties.
Sean McDowell (Ph.D.) is a professor at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. He's also a speaker, YouTuber, and author of many books including his latest one co-authored with John Marriott, called: Set Adrift: How to Deconstruct What You Believe Without Sinking Your Faith. In this podcast conversation, we talk about all things related to deconstruction: what it is, why people deconstruct, healthy vs. unhealthy forms of deconstruction, the reasons why people deconstruct, the difference between deconstruction and de-conversion.
