The word deconstruction is a popular but confusing term today. What does it mean? How should Christians respond to those who are deconstructing their faith?
In a LYFE Women’s Conference breakout session, Haley Cleveland navigated this complicated topic. Haley is the author of Truth Adorned: Pursuing Life’s Deeper Purpose. Clarks Summit University hosted the conference June 7–8.
“People use the term deconstruction to refer to the process of dismantling their faith or exploring answers to their doubts and questions about Christianity,” Haley explains. “This process is often painful for the one deconstructing, as well as hurtful to their loved ones.”
In her breakout session she shared that “Scripture never discourages our questions, and God is faithful in whatever doubts we may struggle with. God’s Word contains the truth that we need to navigate the concerns and accusations that come from the deconstruction culture.”
She also taught the women how to help people who are deconstructing. “We want to be loving, truth-filled, and praying friends as people explore and perhaps reconsider their faith.”
“Today, in a postmodern culture that considers feelings above absolute truth, it is important to have a solid foundation in the Word of God,” Haley says.
“In the book of Titus, the newly saved Christians struggled with how to live godly lives in their sinful, God-hating culture (sound familiar?). Titus discusses how churches must be built on the sound doctrine of Scripture, and that through teaching the truth, discipleship, and displaying good works, these Christians would be a light to their communities.”
Truth Adorned helps women study Titus in depth so they, too, “might adorn the truth of Scripture in a culture that hates God.”
Haley has also recently posted a six-part series of blog posts on deconstruction at haleycleveland.com.
