Thread by @CandiceBenbow

There are a lot of folks coming for deconstruction as of late. Deconstructing faith matters. Stop listening to those who seek to tell you deconstruction is all about finding ways to justify “sin”.

Be very clear: the critique of deconstruction is rooted in Whiteness, no matter who voices the critique. Deconstruction is about shifting the balance of power.

It has always been about enabling the most vulnerable and marginalized to draw closer to a God who values them as they are and readied the world for their survival and thriving.

We’ve been in the house for over a year due to a global pandemic. Every corner of the world has raged with every crisis imaginable. Of course this would raise existential questions.

Of course it would cause people to interrogate what they have been taught about God against what is actually true about God.

Deconstruction matters.

Those who lament that this “trend” is about the future of the church are invested in maintaining church as it is.

They negate church hurt and refuse accountability and responsibility for religious violence and harm.

They dismiss criticisms that opportunities (during the pandemic) to address theological issues at the heart of divides (re: gender, sexuality, progressive faith expression, etc) were squandered.

They want to preserve power.

If you are looking for a chief deconstructionist, look no further than the life of the man whose name we claim as our salvation. The temple’s ripped veil is all the proof we will ever need.

We are meant to ask questions, seek answers, push for truths and journey closer to the one who loves us. God is supposed to be close to us because God is close to us.

Deconstruction matters. You must tear down to build something much more solid and sustainable. And what you build will be whole and holy and beautiful. Keep pressing.