ON DECONSTRUCTION
AND THEOLOGIZING IN ISOLATION
I somewhat naively ripped my kitchen apart this month… It wasn’t to determine whether it was a real kitchen or not, or whether my entire house was stable or functional or useful… it was to further beautify it. Although this is what deconstruction in faith often promises, it is far from the truth. It's more like ripping the cabinets off with false premise that kitchens or even homes in and of themselves are bad, wrong, and need deconstructing.
The Church in the book of Hebrews no doubt faced persecution (Hebrews 10:32-34; Hebrews 12:4; Hebrews 13:3 suggests). The audience were perhaps Jewish converts to Christianity; and since Christianity wasn't an official religion in Roman law, practicing Christians would have probably faced dire situations on a lot of fronts. This complexity could have made these Christians want to go back to their old religious practice.
Think about it, the Temple is likely still going (Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 8:3-5; Hebrews 9:6-9; Hebrews 10:1-3; Hebrews 10:11 seem to confer)…these converted Christians could easily go back to Judaism and the sacrificial system of worship openly and freely; and if the Jewish or Roman marketplace denied them in any capacities (whether through higher prices/taxes or simply outright refusal) a revert to Judaism would mean the world would begin accepting them again.
This potential backdrop paints the picture for the entire letter.
In my estimation, Hebrews is serving as a lifeline given to those who are on the verge of throwing in the towel on their faith.
You may not be currently facing severe persecution, but you may seriously be tempted to throw in the towel on your faith… If you or someone you know is going through a faith crisis, consider the book of Hebrews and its prescription for illness of the faith.
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
1. HOLD UNSWERVINGLY TO THE HOPE YOU PROFESS
Doubling down on what you believe, and reinforcing what you have been taught about Jesus is the antidote for a sick/hurt/doubt filled faith, not deconstructing. Deconstruction promises answers to questions, but ironically (or not), Scripture doesn’t prescribe this. Doubts aren’t handled by ripping up the hardwood floors of your faith to see if a foundation is underneath. Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. You may have a few floor boards to replace, but taking a jackhammer to Christ isn’t fruitful.
2. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS
When your faith is crisis, one of the best things you could do is encourage others' faith. One reason is because it's hard to stay discouraged when you're too busy helping others. Another reason is because encouraging others will actually encourage yourself. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
3. KEEP GATHERING (AKA KEEP GOING TO CHURCH REGULARLY)
This is very typically the first domino to fall when someone’s faith is tested. But gathering helps you remember what you believe through worship and preaching, what you're a part of (the body of Christ) through receiving communion and in being surrounded with community. These things help you tangibly see the realness (reality, perhaps?) and truth of Christ through his body—his people. It's not difficult to know if you're hand is unwell if it's cut off from the rest of your body.
Now just a quick couple thoughts about deconstruction/theologizing alone… There's absolutely no shame in having doubts, questions, or even in seriously wrestling with some things.
But this is not the same as deconstructing your faith. But, even if you do deconstruct, as long as you're committed for it to be built back on a foundation of Christ, you'll be ok. But hear this...
