I find both reformation and deconstruction come with unhelpful baggage, often due to interpretations that polarise conservative or liberal positions which are also labels that have unhelpful baggage in my experience.
I personally prefer the term deconstruction as a vital process of dismantling and rebuilding. I think my experience in the community of Jesus' followers to which I belong has drawn me away from the idea of reformation and more toward deconstruction because, perhaps I have experienced what have been termed as "reform attempts" that have not gone far enough and that has perhaps tainted my view of the word.
This along with my bother about the way that Luther's "sola scriptura" has been thrown about in the corridors of power has turned me away, searching for something a bit more thorough. I recognise that this is largely because of my experience in a religious system where there has been poor stewardship of power.
Deconstruction I admit does seem a bit more revolutionary and appeals to my more naturally rebellious nature and "stick it to the man" posture.
A deconstruction and reconstruction with the person and sovereignty of Jesus as the only non-negotiable foundation seems to propel me a bit further on the journey of following Jesus. After all, I am compelled by the love of Christ, much more than I am compelled by scripture. I am not dismissing the authority of scripture but I am questioning what that authority means and looks like in the life of a follower of Jesus.
This conversation is a necessary but thorny journey that demands an exploration of what we are attempting to express and what we and others might mean when we use such loaded words.
How we use language and attach our very individual experiences to words is one wild rabbit hole.
Personally, I am much more comfortable with the term deconstruction and would be instinctively cautious when I hear the word reformation but it largely depends on who is using the terminology, what I think their agenda is and how curious I am willing to be in exploring what they mean when they use what appears to me to be a loaded word.
Really appreciate the work you are doing in unpacking this. I am finding it tremendously helpful.
Laughed out loud when reading that to "reform" is better than to "deconstruct" and that the worst example of deconstruction was literally called the Reformation.
I hear you! I think their hearts are in the right place and I agree with much of what they assert - but it's a classic case of undermining one's own point by over-speaking!
A thought provoking, challenging and inspiring read. Thanks once again Andy for enabling ‘aspiring deconstructionists’ to navigate this narrow path. What resonated with me most is your King Jesus Messiah Hermeneutic, that encourages critical thinking and ecumenical ‘bridge building,’ especially amongst Christian communities who have traditionally been at variance over perceived orthodoxy.
FROM BARRY LAMB:
Finding these articles really helpful Andy.
I find both reformation and deconstruction come with unhelpful baggage, often due to interpretations that polarise conservative or liberal positions which are also labels that have unhelpful baggage in my experience.
I personally prefer the term deconstruction as a vital process of dismantling and rebuilding. I think my experience in the community of Jesus' followers to which I belong has drawn me away from the idea of reformation and more toward deconstruction because, perhaps I have experienced what have been termed as "reform attempts" that have not gone far enough and that has perhaps tainted my view of the word.
This along with my bother about the way that Luther's "sola scriptura" has been thrown about in the corridors of power has turned me away, searching for something a bit more thorough. I recognise that this is largely because of my experience in a religious system where there has been poor stewardship of power.
Deconstruction I admit does seem a bit more revolutionary and appeals to my more naturally rebellious nature and "stick it to the man" posture.
A deconstruction and reconstruction with the person and sovereignty of Jesus as the only non-negotiable foundation seems to propel me a bit further on the journey of following Jesus. After all, I am compelled by the love of Christ, much more than I am compelled by scripture. I am not dismissing the authority of scripture but I am questioning what that authority means and looks like in the life of a follower of Jesus.
This conversation is a necessary but thorny journey that demands an exploration of what we are attempting to express and what we and others might mean when we use such loaded words.
How we use language and attach our very individual experiences to words is one wild rabbit hole.
Personally, I am much more comfortable with the term deconstruction and would be instinctively cautious when I hear the word reformation but it largely depends on who is using the terminology, what I think their agenda is and how curious I am willing to be in exploring what they mean when they use what appears to me to be a loaded word.
Really appreciate the work you are doing in unpacking this. I am finding it tremendously helpful.
Laughed out loud when reading that to "reform" is better than to "deconstruct" and that the worst example of deconstruction was literally called the Reformation.
I hear you! I think their hearts are in the right place and I agree with much of what they assert - but it's a classic case of undermining one's own point by over-speaking!
A thought provoking, challenging and inspiring read. Thanks once again Andy for enabling ‘aspiring deconstructionists’ to navigate this narrow path. What resonated with me most is your King Jesus Messiah Hermeneutic, that encourages critical thinking and ecumenical ‘bridge building,’ especially amongst Christian communities who have traditionally been at variance over perceived orthodoxy.
Brilliant reflections Paul!
Really glad that you are on this journey and looking forward to more of your thoughts, comments and reflections!
God bless,
Andy.