Season 2, Episode 1: Sledgehammers Don't Build Anything
Oct 5, 2023
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This podcast explores the decline of institutional trust and the challenges of rebuilding after turmoil. It discusses the ongoing reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral and reflects on the fragility of institutions. The podcast also explores personal journeys back to Orthodox Christianity and the impact of deconstruction and reconstruction on individuals and institutions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding institutions and the role of social media, as well as the dangers of destructive criticisms. It highlights the significance of commitment to institutions and the need for targeted critiques. Finally, it touches on gratitude, restoration, and the growing disinterest in church attendance.
True reform and rebuilding require a deep appreciation for the valuable framework institutions provide and the need to actively strengthen them
Rebuilding institutions demands patience, perseverance, and a realistic understanding of their flaws, coupled with a willingness to endure challenges
Deep dives
The Importance of Devotion and Appreciation for Institutions
In today's culture, there is a prevailing tendency to critique and deconstruct institutions without fully appreciating their role and significance. However, true reform and rebuilding require a deep sense of devotion and appreciation for the institutions we have inherited. Devoting ourselves to an institution means recognizing that it is a valuable framework for our common life, shaped by shared ideals and purposes. We must recognize the difference between weaknesses and rot within institutions and actively work towards strengthening them. Furthermore, increasing our awareness and experience of institutions through active involvement is crucial for cultivating gratitude and appreciation. Realistic appreciation acknowledges both the flaws and the positive contributions of institutions, encouraging us to engage in reform rather than destruction.
Understanding the Process of Deconstruction and Reconstruction
Deconstruction and reconstruction are not linear processes, but deeply personal and emotional journeys. Deconstruction often occurs when the floor drops out from under us, and our beliefs and worldview are no longer sustainable. It is not a conscious choice, but a result of realizing the limitations and questions within our faith. Reconstruction, on the other hand, involves grappling with these questions and seeking new answers. Each person's journey is unique, and there are no set steps to follow. It is crucial to acknowledge and respect the complexity of these processes, avoiding simplistic approaches or one-size-fits-all solutions.
The Necessity of Patience and Perseverance in Rebuilding
Rebuilding and reconstructing institutions takes time, effort, and endurance. It is important to resist the impulse to quickly tear down everything and start anew. Instead, we must have patience and perseverance, acknowledging that true rebuilding is a long-term commitment. Rebuilding requires a realistic understanding of the flaws and weaknesses within institutions, as well as a willingness to devote ourselves to the hard work of reform. It is a process that demands both determination and a willingness to endure through challenges and setbacks.
The Need for Realistic Appreciation and Growth in Trust
Appreciation for institutions goes beyond recognizing their flaws and limitations. It requires a realistic understanding of the value they bring and their capacity to cultivate trust and community. Institutions provide frameworks for identity, trust-building, and mutual support. Counterfeit institutions, like social media, can deceive us by offering shallow connections and feeding our individual desires. To increase trust and appreciation, we must prioritize real, embodied experiences within institutions and limit our reliance on digital counterfeits. By doing so, we can develop a deeper understanding of the importance and potential of institutions.
The continuing decline of institutional trust represents a seismic shift in our culture and society today. Some of that distrust is warranted. In season one, we looked at the credibility crisis facing the church on several fronts. We’ve considered the rot that’s in the church—rot that needs to be removed. But some of our institutional distrust comes from an overly idealistic expectation of what institutions can provide, and from the acids seeping into all areas of our culture, slowly dissolving the structures of the past.
On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he asks the question: how do we rebuild in the aftermath of so much institutional turmoil and destruction?