Deconstruction is a process of questioning and examining our beliefs, assumptions, and constructs about faith, religion, and church.
Leaving toxic spiritual environments can be challenging and traumatic, and it is important to provide empathy and understanding for those navigating these issues.
Building communities that embrace authenticity and participation can help create spaces where individuals can process their deconstructions and find support.
Jesus can be a home for those who resonate with his message of love, empathy, and grace, regardless of their religious background.
Deep dives
Deconstruction as Questioning Beliefs and Assumptions
Deconstruction is a process of questioning and examining our beliefs, assumptions, and constructs about faith, religion, and church. It involves interrogating our ideas and constructs, allowing for a deeper understanding and authenticity in our faith journey.
Navigating Toxic Spiritual Environments
Leaving toxic spiritual environments can be challenging and traumatic. Many individuals who have experienced spiritual abuse or feel alienated may struggle to find a safe and supportive community. It is important to provide empathy and understanding for those navigating these issues.
Embracing Belonging and Connection
One of the main reasons for leaving the church is the desire to find a sense of belonging and connection. Building communities that embrace authenticity and participation can help create spaces where individuals can process their deconstructions and find support.
Finding Jesus Outside of Christianity
While Jesus is often associated with Christianity, individuals from different religious traditions can also find inspiration and guidance from his teachings. Jesus can be a home for those who resonate with his message of love, empathy, and grace, regardless of their religious background.
The Power of Interfaith Dialogue and Sharing Personal Stories
Brad discusses his involvement in interfaith activities and emphasizes the importance of engaging with people of other faiths. He shares how he sees the connection between different religious experiences and the need to approach these conversations as a Christian. Brad highlights the significance of sharing personal stories and showing respect for the experiences of others.
The Liberating Nature of Deconstruction and Reconstruction
Brad reflects on his deconstruction journey and its impact on his understanding of God. He emphasizes how deconstruction allows for liberation from oppressive religious constructs and opens the door to a more authentic expression of faith. Brad shares his own experience of deconstruction, which has led to a deeper trust in a loving, caring, and forgiving higher power, specifically in the person of Jesus.
The Healing Power of Support Groups and Vulnerability
Brad explores the healing potential of support groups like 12-step programs and recovery gatherings. He highlights the importance of vulnerability, shared experiences, and a non-judgmental environment in these spaces. Brad contrasts the transformative and supportive nature of such groups with his own experience of church, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and accepting church culture to provide similar healing and support to individuals.
We speak with author and teacher Brad Jersak about his book Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction, and how his dark night of the soul led him to a 12 Step program, the Eastern Orthodox Church and to a new kind of faith. Brad also reflects on the roots of what he refers to as The Great Deconstruction, and the wider cultural shifts that situate our evolving faith.
After the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley ponder their own evolving faith journey, how they’ve been shaped by a changing culture, and how they now relate to Christianity.
