Thread by @emilyjoypoetry

Hi all. This is a thread about what is commonly referred to as "deconstruction," Joshua Harris' new "course," and the grifters of the post-evangelical internet. Buckle up. #purityculture #churchtoo #deconstruction

I've been holding my tongue and biding my time on the "deconstruction" movement for a while now. Language evolves and we needed a useful term for the process many of us have gone through that involves unlearning, deconverting, and/or reconfiguring the toxic faith we once had.

What I'm about to say is in no way meant to imply that one must have specific credentials or certifications to be an expert in one's own experience, nor is it meant to imply that credentialing orgs are free of white supremacy, queerphobia, classism, and general vileness.

But I want us all, those of us who have been through what is called "deconstruction," to take a moment and think about all the different ways that the "calling of God" or sincerely held religious belief has been offered as a substitute for expertise, training and wisdom.

Not an actual counselor? No problem, all you need is the Bible! No knowledge about geology or anthropology or Hebrew? All good, you can still interpret Genesis 1. 21 years old and single? Let's give you a book deal to talk about what makes a successful, godly marriage. See?

The internet is an incredible tool, and there are incredible people out there, both therapists and coaches and folks who just happened to create IG/Twitter accounts who are doing great work to help people unlearn the toxic elements of their faith and be well going forward.

But we also have to recognize that the internet also gives folks who have no fucking business teaching others one lick about deconstruction, purity culture, trauma or religion the platform and ability to do so if they are charismatic enough and have enough followers.

This is kind of about Joshua Harris. I do want to point out that it's the most fucked-up fitting turn of events that the person who published I Kissed Dating Goodbye at 21 and single is now coaching on "deconstruction" when he JUST got out a couple of years ago.

But it's also so much bigger. Your energy, mind, heart spirituality & financial resources are precious. Not everyone who can make a trendy instagram graphic is a reliable guide for your mental health & spiritual journey. There are folks who want to capitalize on this moment.

To be honest with y'all this is one of the big reasons I made the decision to go back to school last year. Because I recognized that I was starting to get out of my depth and I wanted to put the rigorous academic and practical teeth behind the lived experience I already had.

Other than Joshua Harris, I'm not meaning this thread to be a "callout" or something of any one particular person. And to continue to be honest, I'm disappointed in Harris. I expected better and I don't care that you can take the course for free if you were "harmed" by his books.

I just want us to think critically about who we're allowing to influence us. Being the expert in your own experience does not mean you are an expert about that same thing as it relates to all other people it has happened to. That's a crucial difference and we need to remember it.