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High-profile Christians are “deconstructing” their faith. So are some of our family and friends. What are they doing, how might we love them through the process, and is there hope that after this deconstruction that they’ll reconstruct a faith that glorifies God?
“I think, to be honest with you, some deconstruction is absolutely necessary and healthy,” says pastor, professor, and author the Dr. Rev. A J Swoboda. “And some of it is also very dark and demonic. So it’s a mixed bag.”
Dr. Swoboda’s newest book is titled After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing It. Swoboda leads a Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also an assistant professor of biblical studies & world Christianity at Bushnell University in Eugene.
Addressing those who love someone deconstructing their faith, Dr. Swoboda says: “I think the most important thing we can do is create space for people who are asking really big questions, and don’t marginalize or ostracize or shame people that are in the midst of these experiences. People can download podcasts, but they can’t download friends. And the truth is we need people who make space for others in the midst of their struggles.”
And if you are the one deconstructing the faith: “I want to say to the person who is going through the deconstruction: keep drawing yourself back to the community, the Resurrection community. . . All of us are going to go through bouts and experiences of having a hard time believing. Keep showing up. And we all have the promise of hope, that Christ will reveal Himself fully to each of us. But we play a role of not giving up. Keep coming back. There is hope. Keep coming back.”
You can learn about Dr. A J Swoboda and his books here. But if you want to know if Dr. Swoboda is related to former professional baseball player and sports commentator Ron Swoboda, you’ll have to listen to the podcast.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. We talk with