Life After Deconstruction

[Todd Erickson]

Any thoughts on this?

http://kathyescobar.com/2012/04/16/r...econstructing/

This is the first of (8?) posts, the 2nd one is up as well. I haven't quite run into anything like this before, but it seems to resonate.

[Susan Unger]

Oh yeah - that was me in a significant way in the 1990s, and somewhat ever since then but not quite so deeply. My main issue now seems to be that since I have survived the deconstruction and reconstructed something healthy, how can I explain this to others who haven't seen the need for deconstruction like I have? Some issues aren't serious enough to bug me if I can't get others to understand, but other issues are so significant and change worthy that I feel like I am banging my head hard on the wall when talking with ppl who never saw the need for deconstruction in the first place and thus fuss with me over why I need something different.

[Billy Cox]

Any thoughts on this?

http://kathyescobar.com/2012/04/16/r...econstructing/

This is the first of (8?) posts, the 2nd one is up as well. I haven't quite run into anything like this before, but it seems to resonate.

The article speaks to a lot of what is going on with my faith journey.

I know that people before me have entered this territory, looked around and longed for the smooth paved roads with clear line markers offered by institutional religion. They hear the old voices saying that if one's life isn't a flurry of religious activity, then you're falling short of the glory of God.

It's a bit lonely. The method for finding kindred spirits is not as simple as showing up at a church on Sunday morning. Finding connection will take some effort and some careful listening for those who speak my new language.

I'm honestly not sure whether my rebuilding will include the local church, but if not, it won't be from anger or unforgiveness but because I have graduated. Alumni don't hang around their alma mater on a daily basis unless they are teaching or administering. The local church has not affirmed me in either of those roles yet, so for now I have no business there.

[Gene Tatsch]

I seem to be between deconstruction and reconstruction.
Recognizing the wasteland of the organized/institutional church (and forgetting whether this is "church" or "Church" ;-), and acknowledging that Jesus continues to build His church. With occasional reports that are encouraging.
Learning to ignore the counterfeit calls of the organized/instutional church, being refreshed by news of His working - sometimes, even in little pockets in the organized/instutional church structures.
Not yet at ease with this situation, not having any indication whether this is a temporary or "new normal" condition.
Thankful that my wife & I share this unease, we are actively listening & waiting for whatever the next steps may be for this day.
And, with deep sadness yet joy, aware there's no going back.

[Todd Erickson]

To what degree would you say that this is part of the "long night of the soul" process?

Also, if you are going through this process, or have passed through it, does this enable you to speak into church congregations in a way that their normal congregants don't, precisely because you have nothing to lose?

[Billy Cox]

To what degree would you say that this is part of the "long night of the soul" process?

Also, if you are going through this process, or have passed through it, does this enable you to speak into church congregations in a way that their normal congregants don't, precisely because you have nothing to lose?

I'm beginning to think that the 'long night of the soul' bit is not an accurate description of what we are calling 'deconstruction'. In my mind, that terminology implies that one day this 'anti-institutional fever' will pass and I will once again believe that the local church is the one and only way of accessing the way the truth and the life.

I suppose anything is possible, but it seems very unlikely that I will decide that a local church can have the institutional trappings without eventually letting the institution supplant the primacy of Christ in our gathering.

As for having special insight into the life of the church, I think it's easier to recognize snake-oil solutions when one is not heavily invested in the snake-oil company's stock. Whether anyone else cares is a separate question.