Faith Deconstruction: Why Does This Happen?

Faith deconstruction isn’t new—it’s been happening for centuries. But why is it gaining momentum these days? [[NOTE: As the name implies, Deconstruction Doula helps people deconstruct safely. The 'doulas' that write and serve in our community all come from very different places spiritually. We therefore provide a safe place for those deconstructing to do so in an agenda-free way. We don't push any 'final goal' for deconstruction, believing as we do in the competency of individuals to make their own decisions about what they believe or don't believe. We also don't judge anyone's deconstruction goals; the purpose is not to persuade anyone of anything except this: deconstruction is normal. It can be done safely. And there is healing on the other side.]]

[[TW: This article is aimed at those who are new to deconstruction, curious about the term, or otherwise unfamiliar with the ongoing public conversation around deconstruction. You may find some of this language triggers a post-traumatic stress response. Please use caution and consult with a mental health provider if you are considering self-harm.]]

What Is Faith Deconstruction?

Faith deconstruction is the process of critically examining and reevaluating long-held religious beliefs. For some, it leads to a restructured faith; for others, it results in stepping away from certain traditions while still maintaining a deep relationship with God. And for some, it can lead to full-blown deconversion, leaving behind their previous faith entirely. While the term "deconstruction" has gained popularity in recent years, the phenomenon itself is far from new. Throughout history, people have sought to align their beliefs more closely with scripture by examining and reforming church systems, doctrines, and approaches that have produced harm to the body—that is, produced rotten fruit.

It's also true that the term is not native to Christian theology, as we've written about here. While it may not be the most accurate or historically preferred term, we're going to use to here for clarity purposes.

Historical Roots of Faith Deconstruction

1. The Protestant Reformation (16th Century)

One of the most well-known examples of faith deconstruction (as the term is currently used) happened in the 16th century when Martin Luther challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. His 95 Theses criticized indulgences and other abusive, unbiblical church practices. This movement ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation, which emphasized personal study of the Bible, the authority of scripture over the church's leaders, and the priesthood of all believers. In this sense, 'deconstruction' was the necessary vehicle for the Protestant Reformation to occur: Luther was not breaking down the Gospel; he was breaking down a corrupt, abusive establishment that was refusing to be reformed.

2. The Puritan Movement (17th Century)

The Puritans sought to reform the Church of England by returning to what they saw as a more biblical foundation for worship and church governance. Their desire for a purer faith led many to seek religious freedom and establish new communities rooted in scripture's teachings about the church is to function. Like modern deconstructioners, they were accused of destroying the church and abandoning the faith entirely—and yet they provided many of the theological and moral underpinnings of the founding of the US (for better or worse).

3. The Great Awakenings (18th-19th Century)

During the Great Awakenings in America and Europe, preachers called for a return to personal faith rather than the religious formalism of their day. They also called the institutional church of their day to repentance on a whole host of issues, including tolerances of fraud and clergy abuse, church support for American chattel slavery, and the manipulation of the Gospel to oppress economic and racial minorities.

Why Is Faith Deconstruction Gaining Momentum Today?

One of the primary drivers of faith deconstruction in recent years has been the exposure of church scandals and hypocrisy. High-profile failures among church leaders, along with institutional cover-ups, have caused many believers to question the credibility of the religious organizations they once trusted.

Recent Scandals, and Their Impact

• The Catholic Church Abuse Scandals – The revelation of widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, along with decades-long cover-ups, has led to immense distrust in religious leadership in the culture at large. Protestants have not been unaffected by this shift in public attitudes.

• The Fall of Prominent Evangelical Leaders – High-profile figures such as Ravi Zacharias and Bill Hybels, once celebrated for their spiritual leadership, were exposed for moral and ethical failures, shaking the faith of many who followed their teachings.

• The Southern Baptist Convention Report – In 2022, an independent investigation revealed the now well-known (also decades-long) pattern of mishandling sexual abuse cases within the SBC, further damaging institutional credibility. This crisis has been exacerbated by the utterly ferocious attempts by some leaders in the SBC to oppose every effort at reform.

• Hillsong Church Controversies – Financial misconduct, sexual violence, and allegations of leadership abuse within Hillsong Church have led many former members to reconsider their engagement with megachurch culture. When we recall that a plurality of American Christian worship in these contexts, these scandals alone struck deep at the church's credibility.
  

For many, these scandals highlight a troubling pattern of power and secrecy within Christian institutions, leading them to ask: If these organizations have failed to reflect Christ, what else in my faith have I accepted without question? This reckoning has driven people toward deeper scrutiny of their beliefs, seeking a faith that is truly authentic rather than institutionally convenient.

But another major driver of faith deconstruction has been the proliferation of abuses being revealed in local churches, and the often catastrophic results of attempting to deal with them in biblical fashion. While it would be impossible to adequately convey the scope of the problem in a single blog article, a quick Google search will turn up story after story, name after name, in small American town after small American town. Local churches and their leaders are imitating what they see larger, more "successful" church institutions doing. And unfortunately, they often wind up emulating the same power-hungry, Gospel-undermining, Jesus-defaming, sheep-slaughtering behaviors of their more powerful peers. Far too many facets of the American Institutional Church have some kind of cover-up oozing from its pores. The Church is desperately ill, and in such times, the Bible makes it clear that we should expect that many will flee that danger to look for safety. And the Lord makes it very clear who he holds responsible for this.

Is Deconstruction the Same as Deconversion?

A common misconception is that faith deconstruction inevitably leads to deconversion, or the complete abandonment of faith. However, deconstruction is not about tearing down faith for the sake of destruction—it’s about refining and rebuilding a belief system that is more authentic and aligned with biblical truth. Many who engage in deconstruction ultimately find a stronger, more resilient faith as they work through difficult questions.

Faith deconstruction can be an opportunity to grow in wisdom, deepen one’s relationship with God, and let go of harmful teachings that may have misrepresented Him. For some, it’s about moving from a secondhand faith to a deeply personal, well-examined belief. Instead of fearing deconstruction, it can be experienced for what it is: an invitation to know Jesus and His Gospel better.

What Comes After Deconstruction?

Faith deconstruction doesn’t have to mean walking away from Jesus. Many believers go through seasons of deep questioning and come out with a stronger, more biblically grounded faith. If you’re navigating this journey, know that God is not afraid of your questions, and you are not alone.

👉 Download a FREE self-assessment to help gauge your own exposure to false teachings and unbiblical practices that harm the flock. 👉 Join a peer support group for those experiencing faith deconstruction.

Deconstruction can be a path toward deeper faith and greater trust in Christ. Remember, "He who began a good work in your will be faithful to bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus." [Phil. 1:6]