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Why Deconstruction Is Not a Biblical Approach to Faith
By Dave Jenkins
Deconstruction is the process of questioning or dismantling one’s beliefs, often in response to doubt, disillusionment, or spiritual trauma. Exvangelicalism is a term used for those who identify as former evangelicals. While the Bible does not endorse deconstruction, it calls us to examine our faith honestly and with humility. Christians are called to hold fast to sound doctrine and not to abandon the faith (1 Tim. 6:20; Jude 3).
But what does it really mean to wrestle with faith biblically—and how should Christians respond to spiritual confusion without tearing down the foundations of the gospel?
🚨 The Problem with Deconstruction
While questioning and wrestling with one’s faith is a part of the Christian journey, deconstruction often leads to destruction—a dismantling of the faith that goes beyond doubts or struggles. Deconstruction can lead individuals to reject foundational truths that Scripture affirms, such as the inerrancy of God’s Word, the deity of Christ, and the necessity of salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Much of what is labeled “deconstruction” today does not lead to deeper faith, but often results in rejecting the core doctrines of Christianity altogether.
🔑 What Does the Bible Say About Faith Struggles?
Deconstruction often happens in a context where a person has faced personal trauma, doubt, or confusion about difficult passages or teachings. The Bible is clear that questioning and struggling with the faith is not inherently wrong; even the apostles themselves had moments of doubt (Matthew 14:31). However, Scripture provides guidance on how to deal with doubt and wrestle through difficult issues:
Examine Your Faith Honestly
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5
Testing your beliefs is not deconstruction, but it’s essential for growth. When done with a heart of humility and submission to God’s Word, it leads to greater assurance and deeper conviction.
Don’t Abandon Sound Doctrine
“Hold fast to the form of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” — 2 Timothy 1:13
Paul calls us to hold fast to sound doctrine, not to cast it aside in the face of doubt. Doctrine isn’t a set of ideas to be dismantled—it’s the foundation of our relationship with God and understanding of truth.
Pursue Truth in Humility
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
Scripture, not personal emotions or shifting cultural winds, is our standard for truth. Deconstruction without a firm reliance on God’s Word leads to instability (Matthew 7:24–27). The Christian journey involves pursuing truth in humility and submission to God.
Exvangelicalism: A Crisis of Identity and Belief
As deconstruction has gained traction, it has led to the rise of exvangelicalism—a label for individuals who have left the evangelical faith. This movement, while diverse in its specific reasons for leaving the Church, often revolves around disillusionment with church culture, the handling of difficult moral issues, or the perceived hypocrisy of the Church.
But the Bible doesn’t allow for Christians to simply walk away from their faith when things get hard. It’s clear that leaving the faith has consequences.
“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” — 2 Peter 2:20
Cultural Note
As the exvangelical movement grows, there’s a dangerous trend emerging in Christian circles. Many are asking, “Can I still be a Christian without the evangelical label?” The reality is that Christianity is not defined by labels or traditions—it’s about following Christ in truth and obedience to God’s Word.
Biblical Alternatives to Deconstruction
While questioning faith is normal, the Bible gives us answers and hope without turning our backs on God’s revealed truth. Here’s what to do instead of deconstructing:
- Return to God’s Word: The answer to doubt is not in rejecting doctrine, but in digging deeper into the truth of Scripture. Spend time in God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding.
- Engage with Faithful Community: True growth happens in the context of the local church. While church culture may be imperfect, don’t abandon the community of believers. Seek counsel, encourage others, and be held accountable. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” — Hebrews 10:23–25
- Remember the Gospel: At the heart of Christianity is the gospel of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection. This is the message that sustains and strengthens us. If deconstruction leads us away from this central truth, it leads us away from Christianity itself.
For Further Study
