After Doubt By A. J. SwobodaSample

Day Five: Hope of Reconstruction

Scripture: Psalm 25:5, Matthew 28:16-20

The work of reconstructing is very different from the work of constructing or deconstructing—and it’s undertaken by unique people. Likewise, the work of theological reconstruction is much different from theological construction or deconstruction. To come back to faith again after having walked through deconstruction is a unique task requiring us to approach faith differently. 

In the professor’s words from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, “You won’t get to Narnia again by that route.” Our intent has been to discern a path forward toward reconstruction for those in deconstruction or deconstruction cultures. Remember the goal: Jesus Christ. Nothing less. We may need to walk through deconstruction. But we mustn’t stay there. The danger of remaining in deconstruction too long is the potential for cynicism, resentment, and eventually a loss of faith. 

How do we reconstruct our Christian faith? Do we construct with new beliefs? Or do we return to the old beliefs in a new way? The prophetic words of Isaiah remain instructive: “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations” (Isaiah 61:4). The work of rebuilding is the work of God. But Isaiah says that they are to “rebuild the ancient ruins.” 

Theological reconstruction, likewise, is not about building something new altogether as much as it is about building the old again in a new way. The goal is not to reconstruct a new Christianity. It is to recapture ancient Christianity in a new and prophetic way for our time.

Reconstruction is the process of learning that we are all full of duplicity and need to turn to Jesus entirely. The goal of reconstruction is to crucify our obedience ideology so that we might pursue all of Jesus Christ—not just the parts we like. 

Why do we walk through doubt and deconstruction to the other side? Because in the story of Job and the last chapter of Matthew, the sufferer and doubter bear the greatest gifts—an inheritance of blessing. The gospel! Deconstruction and doubt are hard. But we endure them because our persistent endurance allows us to arrive on the other side transformed by the honesty of our experiences and bearing beautiful gifts for those around us.

Is it possible to question our faith without losing it? One might say that’s the very goal.

What do you imagine your path forward will look like? What gifts would you like to possess when you arrive on the other side of reconstruction?