Faith without Certainty & God After Deconstruction
Apr 4, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Josh Patterson, a thinker from the (re)Thinking Faith podcast, dives into the challenges of faith in a post-certainty world. He shares personal journeys of deconstruction, reflecting on disillusionment with traditional church roles. The talk navigates the evolution of faith towards a relational and experiential understanding, emphasizing compassion and community. Josh also explores the fluidity of purpose after losing one's faith community, inviting listeners to redefine their relationship with God amidst these transitions.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of balancing certainty with openness in faith, promoting growth and authenticity amidst doubts.
Hosts share personal deconstruction journeys, illustrating how significant life events can reshape individual worldviews and connections with religion.
Incorporating diverse theological perspectives is crucial for enriching conversations on faith, allowing for healing and deeper community connections.
Deep dives
Introduction to 'God After Deconstruction'
The recent project, 'God After Deconstruction,' features a video series designed to address critical issues faced during faith transitions. The series draws from survey data and individual stories of deconstruction, presenting and discussing the major challenges people encounter. The creators aim to provide insightful engagement through a relational framework, inviting viewers to reflect on their experiences and a re-examination of their faith. The initiative has already garnered attention, with many viewers engaging with the content and generating questions for further exploration.
Personal Experiences of Deconstruction
Both hosts emphasize that their personal journeys have played a significant role in writing about deconstruction. Tripp highlights how significant events, such as the aftermath of 9/11, challenged his view of the church and its actions in the world, leading him to question his faith. Josh shares that his intellectual exploration and critique of theology ultimately influenced his beliefs, moving him towards a more relational understanding of faith. Their narratives illustrate the deep and complex ways deconstruction affects individual worldviews and relationships with religious institutions.
The Nature of Certainty in Faith
The discussion on certainty reveals that many individuals are struggling to reconcile their traditional beliefs with newer understandings of faith. Both hosts share that an overly fixed notion of certainty can create stress, leaving believers with a sense of inadequacy when faced with doubts. They advocate for a faith that balances conviction with openness to questioning, allowing for growth and transformation. By recognizing the fluid nature of beliefs, individuals can cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling spiritual life.
Purpose and Meaning Beyond Traditional Views
The exploration of purpose reveals that many people grapple with finding meaning after leaving rigid religious frameworks. Both hosts suggest that individuals can redefine their sense of purpose as an ongoing adventure marked by moment-to-moment discernment rather than strict adherence to a predetermined plan. They advocate for a broader understanding of divine orientation, one that fosters creativity and responsiveness to life's challenges. This perspective acknowledges that purpose is dynamic and can be continually shaped by experiences and relationships.
Expanding Theological Views Through Diverse Traditions
The conversation highlights the importance of incorporating diverse theological perspectives, including womenist, queer, and liberation theologies, into the discourse on faith and deconstruction. By broadening the conversation beyond predominantly white, male voices, the hosts emphasize the need to recognize the insights and experiences of marginalized groups. This inclusivity fosters a richer understanding of faith and spirituality, allowing for deeper connections and healing. Ultimately, they conclude that embracing a variety of perspectives enhances the journey of deconstruction and enriches the broader community.
In this live session, Tom Oord and Tripp Fuller will joined by Josh Patterson of the (re)Thinking Faith podcast to discuss the nature of faith after certainty and the role of scripture for a faith in transition.
Check out ORTline 24 – an amazing online event with TONS of open and relational theologians
Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He is an award-winning author, and he has written or edited more than twenty-five books. Oord directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. He won the Outstanding Faculty Award twelve times as a full-time professor and now speaks at institutions across the globe. Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, and freedom and relationships for transformation.