Deconstruction is a scary world, but it doesn’t have to be. Deconstruction does not have to mean deconverting.

The deconstruction of Christianity is something I’ve heard of since stepping into the world of theology, but I never thought I’d find myself smack dab in the middle of the movement.

Disentangling or Deconstruction is a phenomenon where individuals, often within the Christian faith, critically reevaluate their beliefs, doctrines, and practices. This process involves questioning and challenging long-held assumptions, teachings, and traditions within Christianity, with the goal of arriving at a more authentic and personally meaningful understanding of faith.

There were numerous aspects that led me to begin unraveling, the real smack upside the head, realizing I was within a spiritual abusive biblical counseling relationship and program, that led me to notice the brutal similarities of abuse within IHOPKC, the scandals within the Grace Community Church & ACBC Biblical/Nouthetic counseling….

Here are some brief insights into the podcast that’ll be dropping on April 30th that’ll convey much more!

1. Purity Culture – Rick Thomas Podcast Episode:
   • Explore the impact of purity culture on individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sexuality and relationships.
   • Discuss Rick Thomas’s perspective on purity culture and its potential effects on emotional and psychological well-being.
   • Address common criticisms and concerns raised about purity culture, including its emphasis on shame, guilt, and unrealistic expectations.
2. ACBC Biblical Counseling and John MacArthur Situation:
   • Examine the controversy surrounding the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and its leadership, particularly in light of allegations of manipulation and control tactics.
   • Discuss the implications of John MacArthur’s involvement, ACBC and the potential harm caused by authoritarian leadership within religious organizations.
   • Discuss MacArthur’s dismissive response to Wendy’s accusations, the confrontation and revelation of Paul Guay’s abuse, GCC’s inadequate response to the abuse, MacArthur’s involvement and contradictory statements, MacArthur’s public shaming of Eileen Gray, the elders’ dismissal of Gray’s abuse allegations, David Gray’s conviction and MacArthur’s support, Alistair Begg’s controversial advice and MacArthur’s response, and the lack of accountability for MacArthur’s actions.
   • Explore various forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, and spiritual, and the LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY OR REFORM happening within churches and religious institutions.
   •  MacArthur’s views on slavery are HORRIFIC.
   • WHY IS IT protocol for the Church to Put a Marital Rape Victim under Church Discipline?
   • I was enrolled in Change that Sticks an abusive ACBC biblical counseling program that stripped me away of autonomy and treated any mental health condition as SIN that needed to be repented of, and not a real condition. Biblical counseling is dangerous, unethical and immoral.
3. Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and Mark Driscoll:
   • Analyze the rise and fall of Mars Hill Church and its founder, Mark Driscoll, as documented in the podcast series “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.”
   • Examine the leadership style and behavior of Mark Driscoll, including allegations of authoritarianism, bullying, and spiritual abuse.
   • Discuss the lessons learned from the Mars Hill saga and the broader implications for accountability and ethical leadership within religious organizations.
4. Learning more about Dominion theology & Christian nationalism. They are related but distinct movements within Christianity, both of which emphasize the idea of Christians playing a prominent role in shaping society and culture according to their religious beliefs. Prominent adherents of those ideologies include Calvinist Christian reconstructionism (Doug Wilson, Costi Hinn, John MacArthur, John Piper, Charlie Kirk) Charismatic and Pentecostal Kingdom Now theology, (7 Mountain Mandate) and the New Apostolic Reformation. How insane is it that this conservative group THRIVES on calling out “false Christians” and making a mockery of Pentecostals, while they are part of the very same theology, if not WORSE, because Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood/complementarianism is patriarchal and misogynistic at heart, and all of this is connected to the Lordship Salvation controversary (a rabbit hole you need to go down) and my next point:
5. Nancy’s Pearcy’s book-Toxic War on Masculinity Being Mostly a Lie:
   • Oversimplification of Gender Issues: Critics argue that Pearcey’s book oversimplifies complex gender issues by framing them as a “war on masculinity.” They suggest that this framing perpetuates a binary view of gender and fails to adequately address the diverse experiences and identities of individuals across the gender spectrum.
   • Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes: Critics contend that Pearcey’s characterization of masculinity as under attack reinforces traditional gender stereotypes and norms, which may contribute to harmful social expectations and restricts the freedom of individuals to express their gender identity authentically.
   • Lack of Intersectionality: Some critics argue that Pearcey’s analysis lacks intersectionality, as it fails to consider how factors such as race, class, sexuality, and disability intersect with gender to shape individuals’ experiences and social realities. This omission may result in a limited understanding of the complexity of gender dynamics.
   • Absence of Empirical Evidence: Critics point out that Pearcey’s arguments often rely on anecdotal evidence or selective examples, rather than rigorous empirical research, to support her claims about masculinity. This approach may undermine the credibility of her analysis and limit its applicability to broader social contexts.
   • Ideological Bias: Some critics suggest that Pearcey’s perspective reflects a conservative or right-wing ideological bias, as she tends to frame gender issues within a traditional Christian worldview. This ideological framing may alienate readers with different religious or philosophical beliefs and limit the book’s appeal to a narrow audience.
   • Nancy claimed in the book and on a podcast interview that women’s suffrage was a net loss!!!!! This is part of Dominion Theology
6. Perspectives shifted of David Wolcott, Alisa Childers, and Frank Turek:
   • We will examine the perspectives of David Wolcott, Alisa Childers, and Frank Turek, who are often associated with right-wing fundamentalist Christianity.
   • Critically evaluate their views on theology, culture, and social issues, and explore the implications of their beliefs on religious discourse and public policy.
   • Consider the diversity of opinions within the Christian community and the need for respectful dialogue and engagement across ideological divides.

and that’s what started this insane rabbit hole I’ve now spent the last 6 weeks researching/reading 5-6 hours day, reading books, watching interviews, studying from biblical scholars outside of my tradition & my mind is truly blown. Pages and pages of notes. Have I settled on anything, NO, I haven’t, but just the fact that I don’t know, is a belief change, and that’s all I can really tell you, right now.

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