Respectfully, I have to disagree with the statements Mr. Strobel made regarding deconstruction. Deconstruction is catastrophic to the people undergoing it - it is not at all what they desire, nor is it a "social contagion". It is the direct result of an unwanted disillusionment which occurs when the questions and complexities inherent in the bible go unresolved. It's why so many who deconstruct were often deeply involved in the church. Look up any number of studies on the psychological impact of religious disaffiliation, and you'll see the negative outcomes - increased risk of depression and anxiety, reduced sense of well-being, higher incidence of substance abuse and marked social isolation. That's the reality. Deconstruction is not a 'movement' - it's the inevitable outcome of a failure to satisfactorily engage the real questions the rest of the world is asking of the Christian church now. We have to do better.
We do have complexities and questions. We may be privy to see hypocrisy and blindness among those who consider themselves believers. We can also demand from God crystal clear evidences He's not always willing to procure for us. The metaphysical, philosophical, ethical and relational implications of faith in Christ vs. opposing views are profound thus catastrophic in nature either way. It means that we can neither enter nor leave Christian faith without intentionality and sobriety. Jesus Christ in faith seems to have intended it that way (John 9:39).
Again, another top shelf podcast Carey. I remember reading The Case for Christ early in my ministry and using it with small groups for discussion. This interview could not be better timing. I’m looking forward to reading his new book. I think it will be a great way to engage folks in our church and community. Thanks!
Deconverting was the most painful experience of my life and I'm far from the only one. I lost my career as a pastor that I loved and a church community that were family to me. All I gained was intellectual honesty. This talking point that people deconvert because its easy or popular really saddens me to hear over and over again.
I don't want to minimize the pain you've experienced concerning your decision. Pain is so much a part of our lives, however we live. However remember that you chose to go with the dominant culture which affirm and supports your beliefs. Imagine the pain experienced by those who out of intellectual integrity choose Christ and have to interact with an antagonistic society and persons on a daily basis. They face their pain however seeking a gain greater than what can be found in this world.
God is with you all the time he is your protector he stay in the distance he gets you to feel boundaries and he gives you a path and lets you have a journey
Also, just a quick fact check on Sartre, he was quoting Dostoevsky when he said, "If God did not exist, everything would be permitted" and Sartre uses the Dostoevsky quote as the starting point of a conversation that existentialists must have regarding meaning and responsibility, which in effect ends with, humans make their own meaning and are responsible for their own actions. The essay is called, "Existentialism is a Humanism" if anyone wants the full context.
We interview people who have tattoos. We ask them “does that have a story?” and then we shut up. People are responding to that unlike anything we’ve ever done. Hard to explain in just a comment.
I’m not a psychologist or couples therapist, but Lee’s Christianity origin story sounds a lot like the tale of a guy who really loved his wife and was willing to try just about anything to stay married. Almost a Stockholm Syndrome-like adaptation to his wife’s lifestyle change.
@@boomerbutler7569 yeah I wrestled with that characterization as well and only went there because of the degree by which Lee adopted Christianity (eg, completely changing careers, making apologetics his life’s work, writing books defending Christianity, etc.). It’s like, who are you really trying to convince here? 🙂
It's fascinating how he criticizes those who deconvert because they're just chasing a girl when that's literally what Lee did just the opposite direction lol
I'm curious why we psychologize Christian conversion and not deconversion. And what of the rational reasons for Christian faith? Have you found a convenient way to ignore that?
