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This is Part III of a series on deconstruction— if you missed Parts I and II, go ahead and listen to them here and here. In Part I, we ask “What exactly is deconstruction + how do I know if I’m experiencing it?” In Part II, we ask “Can I completely deconstruct my faith and still be a Christian?” This week, we’ll be asking “What would Jesus do? How then shall we live?”

Stages of Faith

• As outlined by Brian Zahnd, they are:

  • Literal

  • Analytical

  • Mystical

• We need all of them—they all build on one another. Can you express gratitude for each step along the way? Can you allow the reality of these stages to evoke compassion for yourself + those around you? Because we’re all on a journey.

How do I reconstruct? I feel so stuck.

• We all want the 1-2 fix but what if it’s a process that takes years?

• What if faith is more than a feeling?

• My process for reconstructing has been

  • Letting go of the idea that I need to be certain of everything—I don’t need to have all the answers.

  • Inviting safe people into the process with me.

• Jesus honored uncertainty + doubt and understood it’s a part of the process of being human—it may threaten you, your friends, family, church —but it doesn’t seem to bother Jesus.

What would Jesus do?

• Jesus showed us how to be human. Jesus over and over again honored the humanity in people.

  • Mark 9: Father if you can heal my son…I believe, help my unbelief.

  • John 20:24-29: Thomas the skeptic—doubting Thomas—this man lived + breathed + walked with Jesus + yet he still did not believe—this gives me great hope.

• Jesus honored uncertainty + doubt and understood it’s apart of the process of being human—it may threaten you, your friends, family, church —but it doesn’t seem to bother Jesus.

How do we experience God in the midst of deconstruction? When reading the Bible feels triggering? You’re not going to church? Can no longer do a quiet time like before? If you want me to do an episode on experiencing God outside of a quiet time…let me know! DM me or email social@therefinedwoman.com.

Books to Read:

1. After Evangelicalism by David Gushee

2. Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell

3. The Bible Tells Me So by Peter Enns

Reflection Questions:

1. What has your relationship to doubt been? 

2. What would it look like for you to replace certainty with faith?

3. Did anything resonate with you in the ocean + boat metaphor? If so, what?

Resources:

• Listen to Deconstruction Part I here.

• Listen to Deconstruction Part II here.

• Join Patreon at the $5/month level to get access to monthly group coaching calls. 

• Check out Rockefeller Center on IG at @rockefellercenter and Twitter at @rockcenternyc.

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