Navigating Deconstruction: Understanding the Challenges to Our Children’s Faith
"Deconstruction is not merely examining my faith; it's a full acceptance of worldly terms to achieve certainty." ~ Dr. Renton Rathbun
Understanding the Growing Trend of Deconstructionism Among Today's Youth
In today's rapidly evolving world, technology and social influences profoundly impact young people's perceptions of faith. Yvette Hampton recently sat down with Dr. Renton Rathbun on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast, to discuss the rising trend of faith deconstruction and its implications for Christian families.
Understanding Deconstruction
Deconstructionism isn't merely about examining one's faith to strengthen or affirm it. As Dr. Renton Rathbun highlights, "Deconstruction is the full acceptance of the terms that the world has given us in order to achieve certainty." These terms are often the opposite of the foundational principles of the Christian faith. It's essential to understand the criteria that modern society uses to define certainty and how this is impacting the faith of our youth.
The World’s Terms: A Clash with Faith
Dr. Rathbun outlines four critical criteria shaping this movement:
Physical Over Supernatural: There's a societal shift prioritizing the tangible and the physical over the supernatural and metaphysical tenets of faith. Rathbun emphasizes, “The world has taught us that real certainty comes from what's physical,” which dismisses the very possibility that God exists, works, or has authority.
Obeying Bodily Desires: Society encourages individuals to find truth in personal feelings and desires. Dr. Rathbun notes, “We are given permission to obey our bodies, driven towards the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.”
Community Acceptance: There is a profound drive to be accepted into broader communities. In a world where social media and digital communities play a central role, this drive is more pronounced than ever.
Demeaning the Familiar: There's a trend of devaluing familiar beliefs. Dr. Rathbun observes, the biblical truths that parents teach to their children are often dismissed simply because they’re familiar and sound like cliches.
The Impact of Technology
Technology has created unique challenges for this generation of young people. With the advent of smartphones and social media, we are constantly bombarded with worldviews that oppose biblical teaching. Dr. Rathbun underscores, “The technology that we have today has allowed our kids to see things that they were never meant to see.” This pervasive exposure creates a false sense of maturity, negatively impacting their understanding of faith.
The Lure of Deconstruction
Deconstruction offers an enticing solution to those feeling torn between faith and acceptance in a secular world. It's appealing because it promises relief from societal pressure, allowing one to embrace a form of faith and worldliness. However, Dr. Rathbun warns, “The reason why deconstructionism is so tempting is the same reason that Eve was tempted by the snake. The snake says, God is holding out on you... that tension is relieved if you take that fruit,” and it’s an illusion – one that leads to destruction.
Moving Forward: Guiding Our Youth
As Christian parents it's crucial to our children with a robust understanding of the Biblical truths that undergird our faith, so that they can withstand these external pressures. Encouraging open dialogue, fostering a biblically grounded worldview, and creating safe spaces for them to explore their beliefs in our homes are essential steps in guiding them through these tumultuous times. This means fostering open communication and understanding that no topic is off limits. It also requires that we be grounded in God’s Word, constantly in prayer, and trusting the Holy Spirit –The Spirit of Truth – to guide us as we disciple our children.
By recognizing the spiritual, cultural, and technological factors that encourage deconstruction, we can better support our kids in building a resilient faith—one that doesn’t run from questions and doubt but remains steadfast in seeking truth through God's word.
