Invisible Jesus: A Book about Leaving the Church and Looking for Christ

by Scot McKnight, Tommy Preson Phillips

In recent years, we've seen an increase in the number of Christians who are "deconstructing" their faith, critically analyzing Christianity and finding that it falls short. Many end up leaving behind the beliefs and commitments they formerly held. While many have written on how to reverse this trend, Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips believe that rather than dismissing these concerns we need to listen more carefully.

Deconstructors are uncovering serious weaknesses in today's church--a renewed fundamentalism, toxic leadership, and legalistic thinking among them. Utilizing the results of recent studies by Pew, Gallup, and others, McKnight and Phillips take a careful look at what deconstructors are really saying, seeking to better understand why many are shedding elements of the faith and church of their youth but also engaging in a reconstruction process, finding Jesus afresh. They are losing their religion, but not losing Jesus.

Filled with stories of those who have walked the path of deconstruction without losing their faith, Invisible Jesus is a prophetic call to examine ourselves and discern if the faith we practice and the church we belong to is really representative of the Jesus we follow. Each chapter looks at a different topic and offers biblical reflections that call for us to not only better listen, but to change how we live out our faith as followers of Jesus today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, Religion, Spirituality, Faith, Church

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Scot McKnight is a recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. McKnight, author or editor of forty books, is the Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, IL. Dr. McKnight has given interviews on radios across the nation, has appeared on television, and is regularly speaks at local churches, conferences, colleges, and seminaries in the USA and abroad. Dr. McKnight obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham (1986).

Reviews

[Aden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a ton of respect for Scot McKnight and his previous works. As someone who has and still is deeply in deconstruction circles, I was shocked and really troubled by this book.

I would like to note that I’m not Alisa Childers. I’m someone who previously would have claimed I deconstructed my faith, letting go of old beliefs for truly biblical ones. I have been deeply shaped by N.T. Wright, John Mark Comer, Timothy Keller, The Bible Project, and others. I have had hundreds of conversations about deconstruction with many who find themselves in that place and always try to listen and sit with them in their wrestling and doubts. I think the church in North America has done a terrible job at allowing people to have wrestles and doubts and questions in their faith, and often look more like Jobs friends than Jesus.

With that said, I found the lack of nuance surrounding the word “deconstruction” to be insanely troubling in this book. Out of the countless people I know who have claimed they are “deconstructing” for the vast majority of those individuals this usually resulted in deconverting from historical (and by historical I mean Apostles Creed affirming, which is a very low bar) Christianity. The fact that this definition of deconstruction, which in my experience with enough time usually is the primary definition, is never addressed is deeply concerning. The Matt Chandler quote in this book wasn’t crazy, it was honest. There is genuine wrestling and deconstructing, and then there is wanting to morph Jesus into a box that looks just like our culture of choice (both on the left and on the right).

The problem with this is that multiple times throughout the book the deconstruction movement is called a “prophetic movement” much like a modern day Martin Luther standing up to Big Eva. While I do agree that for many experiencing doubt or questions that can be true, it also can be just as equally untrue. For many in the deconstruction movement, they’ve traded in the historical Jesus for a mirror Jesus. A Jesus who reflects back to me what I want to believe, my own culture, my own preferences, and if he ever challenges these preferences then he probably isn’t the “real Jesus”.

This may seem unfair, and it is not always true, but I have personally seen this more times than I can count. It’s the oldest temptation the snake has ever used, “Did God really say? You can define good and evil for yourself!” Many deconstructionists today have fallen into that temptation, not being fully aware that they have traded the truth for a lie.

Again, I don’t think this is everyone who has or is deconstructing, but to not address this underbelly of deconstruction at all I find incredibly baffling and pastorally irresponsible. To paint the broad brush of deconstruction being a prophetic movement when deconstruction is so nuanced is incredibly troubling.

While I agree with McKnight on so much in this book, I struggled to read this work. If he had given a better definition out of the gate, and not created such a dichotomy between people “in the church” and “those deconstructing” I could have given this book a much better review. Again, if the word deconstructing was replaced with “doubt” or “rethinking beliefs” or “questioning” I wouldn’t have blinked an eye. But the term deconstruction in 2024 is far too nuanced to write a book on and not address the giant elephant in the room as to what that word means to the author. I fear many will read this book feeling emboldened that they are part of a “prophetic movement” only to find out that they’re false prophets.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good analysis of why so many people are deconstructing. At least when looking at my own deconstruction journey, the authors really know what they're talking about. I give it a 4/5 stars because I'm not sure I agree with all the conclusions (eg, I'm skeptical that house churches are the cure all to the American churches' lack of community). This book gave me some language to better describe my own journey and it also gave me some ideas to look at what rebuilding faith in a more Jesus-centered way could look like. Not sure where I'll end up, but this book definitely gave me a lot to think about and hope that I can still follow Jesus even if I disagree with my current community's theologies and practices.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt seen with pastoral care.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book and as I started reading I was truly excited thinking someone was finally explaining deconstruction correctly, making sure to say it is a good thing to deconstruct. He properly described it as something hard that is struggled through and is in no way a “fun new fad” to hop onto.
I loved that about his book…it was when he more often than not started talking like deconstruction, while a deeply personal experience, is so subjective that when we come out on the other end whatever we have come to terms with is the “true Jesus”. Whether that means far left, far right, or even somewhere in between, whatever we have determined we believe, is correct. He applauds people for leaving churches (don’t get me wrong, sometimes people need to leave a certain church for another), and bashes pastors for dressing well while preaching about taking care of the poor. (We ourselves don’t have to be or act poor in order to take care of others, that’s ridiculous).
I myself would love to believe some things about God and Christianity but simply cannot because it is unbiblical, I don’t like the thought of hell, the author himself seems to hint that he doesn’t believe in it, which whatever, but just because I would prefer that there wasn’t one doesn’t make it any less real. (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 14:11, Daniel 12:2, etc)
Isn’t that the very tactic Satan used in the very beginning? Putting questions in our heads of “is that really what God said”, and in the end either making us believe a lie or disobey God entirely.
The questions we ask are not themselves wrong, it is how we approach getting them answered. We should hold them to the light of God’s word, and allow that to shape our beliefs, rather than letting our beliefs shape the Word. Jesus is not whatever we want Him to be, He is ultimate truth, unchanging, no matter what. I pray only that my own beliefs will continue to transform into who He really is.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly a thought provoking book, whether one agrees with all the theology of McKnight and Phillips or not. Rather than criticizing and discounting those leaving the church, let us learn from them, find out what is in their hearts and minds. Could what we are experiencing really be a prophetic movement?

I think these authors are on to something very important for today's church. Church leaders would do well to read and discuss this book. Is the church's focus Jesus or a flashy worship service and singing catchy songs? Has the desire for earthly power crept in to the leadership? Are people being encouraged to be like Jesus?

As with nearly every book on Christian theology, this one too needs to be weighed against Scripture. (Or perhaps is it my interpretation of Scripture?) McKnight and Phillips have brought up issues Christians need to contemplate and discuss. I recommend this book for those willing to deeply think about their church's focus, worship and ministry in general.

[Randy Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has some passages of truth and insight in it, but at its heart it has several major flaws. First, I don’t know where these guys have been going to church, but from this book you would think that the church in America is power hungry, abusive, racist, intolerant of questions, majors in the minors and not Christ centric. True I am a retired pastor, but I can tell you the church where I worked and was on staff for nearly thirty years (not a senior pastor) was NONE of these things, in fact quite the opposite of every one of these claims. I mean what kind foolish church would include things like evolution and creation models as essential to their doctrine? I guess such churches exist, but I’ve never known of one. Also since I’ve been retired for the last three and half years, my wife and I have traveled the country and visited dozens of churches and not one of those churches was anything like the churches these guys seem to think is rampant in America. Not one. Secondly, the central idea presented here of deconstruction/leavers is a move of the Spirit is simply nonsensical for the simple fact that the term is too board. There are some deconstruction people who have been mistreated and are looking for a more Jesus center church, but there are many who have abandoned the Bible, core Christian beliefs and will proudly tell you so. The very label they give themselves “nones” and “dones” should make this clear. Both sides of this, the church and the church leavers, is far more nuanced than this book presents. Tellingly the writers bring up the infamous “eternity in hell” question and ask the reader to consider if that is Christlike, when Christ spoke more about hell than any other figure in the Bible. On the other hand, has my own faith changed since say 1990? Absolutely yes. We all are realigning, adjusting deconstructing/reconstructing (though that term didn’t exist at that time) all the time and hopefully for the best. That’s what this book needed, I guess you could call it a good major editing.

[Commissioner James Knaggs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Making Jesus invisible…

I’m greatly disappointed in this work. Intelligently presented, but immature in conclusions. I think Frank Sinatra would be in agreement from his song,
“I Did It My Way…” The fresh culture of the day is looking for quick results and personally satisfying actions. The Christian journey is for the long road, with inconsistencies and incomprehensible realities that in the Light of God strengthen our faith and call for stamina. Furthermore, the political references seem out of place for those seeking holiness.

Please, try again. So much of what you present is true, but it needs to not justify leaving the body of Christ to be the body of Christ. I’ll be looking for your next approach. God be with you.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one who spent several years in hard deconstruction, this book makes me feel seen, but also gives me the tools to help others along the way.

[Nicole Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth between three and four stars on this one. On one hand, I really enjoyed this book and agreed with most of what the authors said. On the other, I do feel like they threw around some words without proper definitions.

Let's talk about the word "deconstruction." I actually really liked the definition they gave the word--basically, examining and reforming your beliefs. When I first heard the phrase "deconstructing one's faith" about a year ago (I kind of live under a rock, but also I might just not be in the same slice of Christianity as most of the deconstruction-ers), my first thought was: Yeah, I've done that. Multiple times.

I loved the opening chapters of this book. I've rarely felt more seen in this kind of Christian book. I am someone who is constantly wrestling with some theological idea or another, and I appreciated what the authors said about how these kinds of doubts are often received by the church.

Further, I 100% agree that we *should* constantly be reforming our beliefs, more often in smaller ways, but sometimes in larger.

But, the people I know of (it's only a few) who say they're "deconstructing their faith" really mean they're deciding that the Bible isn't true based on what they see in the world. Not the re-focusing on Jesus that the authors describe here. So I think the book would have been improved by establishing that difference. The authors said that they interviewed many people who had deconstructed their faith, but there wasn't enough information about how those participants were chosen, what was asked, etc. to really know what that meant.

I also couldn't help but notice that after discussing how all current churches are following interpretations of Jesus's teaching and Christianity, the authors turned around and gave their own interpretation. I understand why they did it, but it still was an interpretation.

Lastly, I'll mention that none of the churches I've ever attended really looked like the quintessential evangelical church described in this book. Maybe that means I've found myself in a special, less radical niche, or maybe it means less of the church at wide is actually the way they describe it.

Still, I did really enjoy most of the book, and I agree wholeheartedly with the premise: That believers should be encouraged to question the traditions they are immersed in as they read passages from the Bible that seem to contradict what their local church is teaching.

[Matt Daq · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book the authors try and capture how and why people leave church and “deconstruct.” They reflect that many actually reconstruct and have stronger faith while others leave the faith all together.

Opposed to ostracising people who leave the church the authors began interviewing people on why they left the church.

Many had issues with legalism, doctrine, power struggles, authority, relationships, etc.

This book encourages pastors to know their congregants and to be available to answer questions etc.

This book would also be good to read alongside “where did all the church members go” by thom Rainer.

[Joel Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this for anyone with questions about ‘the church’ and the way we ‘do church’
Such a good read. This book helped me to feel ok about ‘deconstructing’ my faith. Not from a place of wanting to walk away from Jesus, but from a place of wanting to get closer to the Jesus I read about in the bible, and not the Jesus I sometimes see portrayed in the church or from the pulpit.
I learned that our faith is about us and Jesus, not us and the ‘church building’ or the sermons we hear which suggest that we must do this and must do that.

[Rafael Sales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like someone in deconstruction we don't have the habit of being listened to in the institutional church. Deconstruction people are always seen as strange, dangerous people that bring the possibility of very much questions. Their thoughts are if the deconstructors have very much questions, the next step is heretics affirmations and get out of the biblical values or just the deconstructors don't like the biblical values. Whatever, we are always seen like people don't like the christian rules or the Bible as in full, but this is not true.

This book is not perfect and doesn't have the answer for very many questions, but this book brings to the center of the reflection how the deconstructors may be listening in the church, how the people in some stage of deconstruction may participate in the church and put in question the way we serve Christ and your people.

The purpose of this book is not to answer all the questions, but start to think about the role of the people in deconstruction and how these people may have good questions for the good of the church.

I think that the authors could make some practical ways that the church could engage with deconstruction, but at the same time, I think of this book as pastors trying to understand how the church can learn with deconstruction.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

McKnight and Phillips join to provide a hopeful—and believable—analysis of deconstruction: that people who are leaving evangelical churches are not necessarily leaving the faith. Many are, in fact, searching for Jesus. First-hand accounts accompany reflective engagement with the issues that surfaced in exit interviews and numerous books written by deconstructors. That the authors, themselves, have deconstruction and reconstruction stories—albeit from different generations—makes the work all that more compelling. It probably helps that I, as a reader, have a deconstruction propensity, having walked away from a dispensational, complementarian background to one that I am not sure I can label, but is focused on Jesus, discipleship as spiritual formation, and is regularly reassessing and reforming my stance on various issues.

Two limitations to the work, however, are noteworthy. First, the authors come across as categorically rejecting a whole swath of conservative beliefs, from creation to gender identity. Many readers may struggle with the assumptions made about these positions and the equation of certain beliefs as incompatible with deconstruction/reconstruction. Better, in my opinion, would have been to focus more on the positive ways of listening to, engaging and mentoring people who are deconstructing, a focus that surfaced in chapter 10 (which is, in my opinion, the most inspiring chapter in the book). This leads to the second limitation: the propensity to make broad generalizations and negative caricatures of churches and pastors which, though reflecting genuine issues that need to be addressed, risk going unheard because the reader will instinctively resist such harsh self-assessments. Better, in my opinion, to focus more on stories that allow the reader to find themselves wanting to be more faith-building and disciple-making. Better to help pastors come to grips with the positive side of doubt and the ways in which we can walk with people as they look for Jesus in an increasingly complex world.

[William Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard one. For starters, I'm really glad I read it and I think it is a relevant issue. Deconstructionism is real and must be faced. And I agree, not always negative depending on how you interpret it. Also, I believe it is healthy to read varying opinions on subjects. Much of the book is alarming. From the truths it tells that need to be faced, yet also regarding what I perceived is tunnel vision perspective of the authors. I understand they are sharing from their experience. And I agree with so much of what they said! I agree with the dangers of fundamentalism and unbiblical leadership and how the church is missing the mark on so many things regarding loving and listening. However, it is alarming that at times they can paint a picture of almost a straw man caricature from their jaded perspective and falslely put too many conservatives in the wrong boat. In many cases, their biblical interpretations were refreshing and needed. Other times they were irresponisble. I'm glad I read this book and I read it fast because I was so into it. That being said, I would be cautious to recommend it to anyone outside of someone I think could handle what I deem inconsistencies and dangers. There was a lot of name calling, and I know their intentions were to be bold and help those who are struggling. An alarm definitely needs to be rung about why people leave churches and hypocrisy in Christianity and leadership and even in biblcial scholarshp is a worthy task. As far as their main point, I'm down with it. Jesus needs to be visible. In our lives and and in our churches. There could be no truer statement. Many of the alarms are valid. Yet, some of them were all out lies, which is just as alarming.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKnight has used the "deconstruction" movement to highlight his wide ranging critique of the 21st century American church. Some examples: "Our belief is that those who leave their faith or their church community are questing to cleave tighter to Jesus." (p. 91) Today's worship music inadvertently promotes a form of cultural supremacy and turns worship inward toward self. (99) "God's glory is displayed, not through the 'big show,' but through the 'big serve' --in the service of giving one's life for others." (101) "The posture of passive sitting is not forming people for active participation and growth...the appeal of the house church gathering is that it exercises power differently from a traditional gathering..." (104) "There is no such thing as a perfect pastor and that's why we need to talk about spiritual abuse" (157) It's not about power over people...the only power a leader has over someone is expressed in humble service. (167). "Does God motivate a right response to the gospel by the fear of eternal conscious torment?" (172) "Deconstructors despise choosing between a spiritual and a social gospel." (185) "Sadly, many pastors are willing to ignore an attribute or two, a doctrine or two, or a practice or two of Jesus when it doesn't support their ideological narrative." (199)

Read this book with an open mind.

[Judith Kimsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's easier to find problems than to create solutions, and to propose solutions than to implement them into flourishing transformations" (23).

"A good pastor is one who lives like Jesus and wants others to join in the journey of learning together how to live like Jesus" (147).

This is not a book for people who want to vilify church leaders or blast church leavers. McKnight and Phillips instead offer gentle encouragement to church leaders, voicing the frustrations of many who have "deconstructed." Using many stories and a few data sets, they highlight that the reason a majority of people leave the church is because they don't see Jesus there. Even as they address church leaders, they know deconstructors are listening in. To the authors, deconstructors are often modern-day prophets, quietly pointing out blind spots or inequity in the church, but they are often not given a voice, and so they walk away. Instead, McKnight and Phillips suggest that church leaders listen to them and humbly consider their critiques.

If you know people who are deconstructing, this book will definitely help you understand what's happening with them. And if you are deconstructing, you will find words for what you are experiencing.

[Steve Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written about me... well, the first half was. The second half felt pretty 'America specific' with politics and strict doctrine/theology hard lines in the sand in many churches, that's the only reason I dropped a star.

This book isn't an attack on the church, it's a call to perhaps consider the massive wave of 'deconstructors' across the globe, and the shrinking of western church as a move of the spirit. Primarily it removed any guilt I had for stepping back from Sunday services.

This book goes through all the main concerns that people have stated for moving into a state of deconstructing. McKnight's research suggested that most don't lose their faith, but actually reconstruct it from the ground up and find Jesus. He reminds us before Luther and Calvin were reformers, they were deconstructors. Perhaps the church should listen more to the concerns of members that leave. Especially if they leave because they don't find Jesus in there, but find him outside.

[James Tetley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful book about those deconstructing their faith. Reading this underlines the vital importance of truly seeing the heart of Jesus for the last, the least and the lost. Too many people have been hurt by religion and judgementalism. Focusing on the I am saints was also an insightful way of thinking through what it means for Jesus to be the light, thed door, the shepherd, the resurrection and the way in our lives. A salient call that questions are allowed, and for Jesus sake have a large heart for the poor....It is a good reminder for integrity, and space in allowing people to be real,ask questions and focus on Jesus.

Having said this the apostolic and prophetic faith as witnessed in the gospels should never be distorted near disrupted, nor deconstructed....

[Jared Greer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a DNF; didn’t make it through the last 40 pages or so. I usually love McKnight but I found this slightly disappointing. As someone who has gone through a ‘deconstruction’ and ‘reconstruction’ of sorts, I didn’t disagree with much of what was said, and I actually resonated with a lot of the authors’ frustrations. Even so, the book felt somewhat phoned in. Very anecdotal and not as data-driven as I had hoped. Got fluffy and repetitive in certain places. The tone also felt a bit too condescending at times.

It’s not terrible; but eventually, I just decided there were other books I’d rather be reading.

[Ryan George · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many lines and chapters of this book resonated with my growing disenchantment with the American version of Christianity, its churches, and its platformed voices. I connected with the assertion that maybe those who are walking away from the Christian industrial complex are those who see Jesus best, who take his teachings the most seriously, and who most want to follow his example. I appreciate that the authors aren’t bitter expats but instead a current theology professor (Scot McKnight) and an active pastor (Tommy Preson Phillips). Together, they call congregations and unaffiliated Christians alike back to the red letters of the Bible for the sake of the Gospel.

[Gabe Torrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I felt like I was in collaboration with the writing of it. I’ve had many conversations about deconstruction, and I’ve never read a book that really goes into the mindset of one going through deconstruction and those fearful of it. Many of the conversations I have had in my own life, it felt like I was reading about them in this book. Incredible research and it is a gift for those who are or have left the institutional church, but are closer to God than ever before. It’s not a book that is discouraging from being in the community of believers. It is rather pointing to the problem and implications of the church being institutionalized. Highly recommend

[Joshua Jipp · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of great insights in this book that are difficult to disagree with -- e.g., the necessity of Jesus-centered-discipleship for churches, esp. for Christian leaders. I found the section on John 10 to be a helpful call for Christian leaders. But the explicit anti-institutionalism, the anti doctrine/dogma bent (it seems like doctrines are presented as invariably getting in the way of discipleship), the individualistic bias, an ecclesiology that is incredibly voluntaristic and maybe even dispensable...this made the authors' path forward much more difficult for me to assent to.

[Leanne Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off very well, describing the reasons why so many Christians are leaving the church to deconstruct their faith. The second half, which is about the Jesus of the Bible, didn't quite meet my expectations, however. It seemed to be an attempt to define Jesus, which is what these people often find so off-putting. As someone who has been through the process myself, I would have preferred less of an emphasis on Jesus and more of an emphasis on Christ, since it is the man Jesus whose presence stirred up conflict and the eternal Christ who binds us together.

[Stan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As young adult I was forced to deconstruct because the church actively sought to distance me from the church. Ministers told parents that their children should stay away from me. To this day I am not really sure of my crime but I was not wanted there. My deconstruction took my down several paths until I realized I was sear hung for the biblical Jesus. This book seemed to be what I was looking for but it was too fuzzy and vauge about how to deconstruct.

[Doug Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is strongest when it explains that 'deconstruction' does not necessarily mean leaving the faith, but instead can mean re-evaluating all the trappings of Christianity while going back to the basics of the faith. It's at its worst when, despite recognizing the complexity of many issues of faith, it seems to replace old simplistic dogma with a new simplistic dogma in the opposite direction.

[Vallory Dearing Welday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! & thank you for making me not feel crazy for my uncomfortable thoughts & feelings & doubts. I miss my church family. I miss liturgy & singing & that camaraderie developed from feeling so sure about something. I don’t miss hiding my real self or the misogyny or judgement. Thank you Scot & Tommy for putting it all out there in such a beautiful way. If it’s not inclusive & compassionate, it’s not WWJD. Highly recommend for all those wondering what the hell happened to Christianity. 👍👍

[Charles Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book! I basically read the whole thing in one sitting. This short work offers a positive explanation of "deconstruction" and the common motives behind it. The authors offer their own experiences of the process in an account that is strong, sympathetic, and validating. There are some REALLY good one-liners in this one too! Highly recommended!

[Hilary Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and relatable read that highlights various perspectives on why people are deconstructing their faith. This book is hopeful for those who are rethinking what they have known most of their lives, especially after the past political seasons we’ve had. So many feel as if Jesus is invisible. This book is encouraging and hopeful for more conversation and change to occur.

[Brett Bullard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good look into the mind of a deconstructor and how to see their thoughts with regard to the church. A lot of wonderful points, insightful takes, and honest stories. I hope that the church can see this and change the way they love in order to look more like Jesus and get people to see Christ rather than American evangelicalism.

[Derik Hamby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Scott MccKnight has some great books. This one is not bad but what he shares is not new. This would be a good book for someone still wrestling with post-evangelical issues but if you have crossed that bridge it’s not as necessary. This is one I might loan to struggling friends. But there are other works that might do better.