The Deconstruction of Christianity Study Guide

A Study Guide that Helps You Respond Wisely to the Deconstruction Trend

Alisa and Tim will help you respond, both with arguments and with love and sensitivity. This is a timely book! -- Carl Trueman, author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

A movement called ‘deconstruction’ is sweeping through our churches and it is affecting our loved ones. It has disrupted, dismantled, and destroyed the faith of so many, and this study guide can help you not only understand what’s happening but also stand your ground and respond with clarity and confidence.

·       Maybe you have a loved one who is deconstructing their faith, and you are struggling to know how to respond;

·       Maybe you are trying to understand the radical spiritual makeover your friend or family member is going through;

·       Maybe your relationship with a loved one has been strained or even cut off because of your “toxic” Christian beliefs and you don’t know what to do

·       Maybe you’re experiencing doubt yourself and facing hard questions about God, truth, theology, and the gospel

 

This six-session study guide from Alisa Childers, bestselling author of Another Gospel?, and Tim Barnett, host of Red Pen Logic, will help you understand what deconstruction is, the roots of the movement, why it is compelling to some, and how it disrupts the lives of so many. You will be able to think through the main issues around this trend and explore wise and loving ways to respond from a biblical worldview.

Includes six sessions:
Session 1: What Is Deconstructionism?
Session 2: How Did We Get Here?
Session 3: Why Deconstruct?
Session 4: How Are They Deconstructing?
Session 5: What Is Being Deconstructed?
Session 6: Where Do We Go from Here?

 

Designed for use with the book The Deconstruction of Christianity, The Deconstruction of Christianity Streaming Collection, and The Deconstruction of Christianity DVD Experience, each sold separately.

 

-          Features:

·       Six teaching videos from Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, approximately 11 – 15 minutes, available for additional purchase individually or as one complete series

·       Tips for leading or participating in a group study

·       Questions for group study and personal reflection

·       Group prayer prompts

 

-          Video Session summaries

o   Session One: What is Deconstructionism? (14:05)— Alisa and Tim discuss the prevalence of faith deconstruction, what it means, and what it doesn’t mean. Part of growing in our faith requires asking questions of God, the Bible, and ourselves, but there is a line between healthy curiosity and a quest for truth vs. deconstruction and deconversion.

o   Session Two: How Did We Get Here? (11:07)— While the terms deconstruction and exvangelical may sound new, the ideas behind them date back to Satan’s temptation in the Garden of Eden. The more we can understand the mind of God and separate it from the lies of Satan as he speaks though today’s culture and false ideologies, the more we will be able to stand for truth and walk in faith.

o   Session Three: Why Deconstruct? (15:13)— People don’t deconstruct in a vacuum. If we want to point those we love to truth, we need to understand the specific triggers and cultural moments that have led them to where they are. We also need to consider what kind of faith foundation the person is building on and how they define truth.

o   Session Four: How Are They Deconstructing? (11:33)— Alisa and Tim explore why deconstruction is not the same as reconstruction and what is meant by toxic theology. While false beliefs need to be corrected and abuses need to be called out, rejecting the authority of the Bible does not lead to reformed faith. It leads far away from Christian faith altogether.

o   Session Five: What Is Being Deconstructed? (12:23)— Faith can refer to the historical tenets of Christianity (the faith), someone’s personal relationship or non-relationship with God, or both. To understand and help those we love who are deconstructing, we need to seek to understand how they define their faith and how their faith intersects with their real-life struggles.

o   Session Six: Where Do We Go from Here? (15:49)— For many, the church has not been a safe place to doubt and ask questions. But God is not offended by our questions; in fact, he welcomes them. In this session, Alisa and Tim offer hope and help for the deconstructors and those who love them.