God After Deconstruction

by Thomas Jay Oord, Tripp Fuller

Deconstruction is hard!Bad views of God and harmful experiences lead many of us to deconstruct. But we’re right to run from the nonsense we’ve been taught and from those who hurt us.God After Deconstruction will not be welcomed by traditionalists. It’s not a book for people who want the status quo or who think conventional theology works. It isn’t for people who just want to tweak a bit what they’ve been taught.Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller offer an open and relational vision of God. This vision makes sense; it fits our experience; it’s livable. The open and relational view aligns with our deep intuitions about love and freedom.God After Deconstruction is for those deconstructing and those wanting help after deconstruction. It’s for people in the fire and those with scars.God After Deconstruction is an adventure for lovers in tumultuous times!Buy this book.Six-Word Endorsements for God After Deconstruction“When everything goes, only God remains.” -- Simon Cross, chair of the Progressive Christianity Network (Britain)"Helpful companion on your deconstruction journey.”-- EDJ, author of Deconstructing Religious Sexual A Memoir“A faith beyond deconstruction is possible.” -- Kathy Escobar, author of Faith Shift and Practicing “A relational way to think about purpose.” -- Jonathan J. Foster, author of the color of grief"This is a really great book." -- Keith Giles, author of the 7-part "Jesus Un" book series“A God-centric approach to deconstruction.” -- David Hayward, aka NakedPastor“A compassionate primer on our deconstruction.”-- Angela Herrington, author of Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself“A thoughtful third way - highly recommended.”-- Olivia Jackson, author of (Un)Certain“Life-giving for doubters, deconstructors, wonderers.”-- Mark Karris, author of The Diabolical Trinity“Powerful, essential, required reading for everyone.” -- Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Madang Podcast and author of Invisible“Adventure guide to life after deconstruction.”-- Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian?"I've always believed in this God!" -- Mason Mennenga, A People's Theology podcast"A deconstruction journey worth taking!"-- Sherri Pallas, author of We Have Ruined God"An exvangelical deconstruction guide to God." -- Jim Palmer, author of Inner Anarchy “A haven for the hard questions.”-- Elizabeth Petters, the Deconstructing Mamas podcast“Faces the hard questions without blinking.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Audiobook, Christianity

206 pages, Hardcover

Published March 29, 2024

Reviews

[Molly Edgel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp, I’m an Open and Relational Theist now. Seriously, what a refreshing and intuitive way to think about God.
This book came at an amazing time, when I’m wondering what next? I don’t believe the same ways I used to.
Thank you for this book 🙏

[Avery Amstutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is both disappointing, and a must read. The first chapter quickly outlines deconstruction, and the different stages many people go through while experiencing it. I found it helpful and easy to understand. The rest of the book is written to those who have deconstructed their faith nearly or entirely and are in a state of confusion or ambivalence. Since I am neither of those I didn’t necessarily fit the bill. The rest of the book argues that the answer for those people is an open and relational theology, That condemn hell as a heresy, embraces the sanctity of LGBTQ life, And rejects concepts like sovereignty and scriptural innerrancy. While I don’t agree with the authors, I did think it would’ve been a good book to give some of my friends who would’ve found this theology stomachable and would still be pursuing Christ in some fashion instead of a complete rejection of faith all together.

All, that to say, I disagree with large portions of this book, but I thought the authors put forward a rational and humble proposal for faith in the 21st century.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Large numbers of Christians (and perhaps folks from other religious traditions) are undergoing what has come to be known as "deconstruction." Many are former evangelicals who have found that their former religious home no longer fit them. Some continue as Christians while others have left Christianity completely behind. While some have transitioned to Mainline Protestant churches, which was the normal pathway once upon a time that is less true today. The deconstruction process results from a variety of concerns including questions about sexuality, gender, science, social justice, the reality of evil, and more. How we respond to these questions often has theological dimensions, such that the way we envision God contributes to how we respond to doubts and concerns that emerge over a lifetime.

While I have made significant movements in my own faith journey, I never thought in terms of deconstruction. While the concept was surely bouncing around thirty years ago, it was not a major topic of conversation. I tend to think in terms of evolution and adaptation. It came in stages, and much of the foundations for my evolution came during college and seminary (and I am a graduate of a leading evangelical seminary). While that is my starting place, the idea of deconstruction has become a central theme in the changes people are going through, especially among those seeking to exit white evangelicalism, which has become increasingly politicized as it aligns with Trumpism.

Many books have addressed these realities, and among them is "God After Deconstruction" by Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller. Both are friends and colleagues, with whom I share many things, though not all. Both Tom and Tripp, who identify as Open and Relational Thinkers align themselves with Process Theology, while don't. As to why is not important here. What I can say is that while Tom and Tripp explore the various causes of deconstruction, they do so from a particular theological/philosophical perspective. While they believe that Open and Relational Theology, especially its Process form offers the best response, I believe that one can deconstruct, if that is the best term, and land elsewhere theologically. That said, many will find their perspective compelling. If that is true for you, especially if it leads to healing from spiritual traumas, then that is wonderful.

One thing I've noticed as I've read memoirs and stories, such as the ones told in this book, is that the deeper one has been rooted in evangelicalism the more traumatic the deconstruction. That is, many who have struggled the most were born and raised in extremely conservative forms of Christianity. They were raised on Dobson and Gothard, attended Christian schools, or were homeschooled, they were largely isolated from the wider world. So all they have known is this form of Christianity, and to exit from it is truly traumatic. That is especially true when that ruptures family relationships. We see some of that here, though the focus of the book is more on theological, philosophical, and cultural questions.

The book serves to introduce us to the causes of deconstruction, such as the discovery that one is gay and evangelical. and offers a theological landing spot. They write that they offer here a radically different view of God that they believe will prove helpful. I believe that it can be helpful, though it's not the only possible answer. They write about their own deconstruction as they emerged out of earlier Christian, largely evangelical, communities. Tom speaks of losing his faith and then regaining it, though with a different understanding of God. That would be Open and Relational thinking, which assumes that the future is open. it also reflects a belief that God is love and whatever we say about God and faith must reflect that perspective (with that I agree). One of the key elements of this path of deconstruction is the willingness to let go of certainty. That is, going through deconstruction through dismantling one's accepted beliefs.

The goal here is to examine the causes of trauma and deconstruction and then offer a more sustainable view of God and life that makes better sense of the realities we find ourselves in. They believe that traditional ways of looking at God, especially that God is omnipotent, are problematic. But before we can reconstruct we have to let go of damaging ideas and beliefs. Though they admit they could be wrong about their solution, they believe it is a workable pathway forward.

Tom and Tripp lay out the book in such a way that they move from the crumbling of certainties (Chapter 2) to a description of Open and Relational Theology (especially its Process form). In between chapters 2 and 11, they address key issues that face deconstructing Christians, starting with pointless pain. That is, they address the problem of evil, which is a stumbling block for so many. They seek to extricate God from the problem of pain by insisting God loves but cannot prevent suffering. Thus, God is not to be blamed. This response is known as a theodicy. From there we move to church abuse, a cause of so much pain. They also deal with questions of reading and understanding the Bible. Since many if not most evangelicals are led to believe the Bible is inerrant and one must believe everything it says, without question, when problems are noticed, especially contradictions, one is left in a quandary. Another chapter deals with science conflicts. While science and religion need not conflict, if one assumes that God created the world in 7 days, 7000 years ago, and learned this as a child, discovering that this is not good science can cause significant problems. Then there is the growing challenge of Christian nationalism. For many, there is the issue of gender and sexual diversity. Many evangelicals are deeply rooted in patriarchy, which limits the roles of women. Additionally, as we are seeing today, LGBTQ persons are often ostracized. For those who discover that they are gay or lesbian or that their sense of gender identity is different from their birth, can be deeply traumatic, especially if one is rejected by one's family. There is the question of religion and whether God is limited to Christianity, especially when it comes to salvation. Finally, there is the question of purpose and meaning in life. Since faith is often seen as foundational to meaning and purpose, questions about that faith can cause deep issues. Each of these areas of concern is explored, in light of Open and Relational Theology. They tell the stories of people affected by each of these questions. In the end, they offer a particular theological solution to these questions.

The proposed solution, that is the solution that has made sense to Tom and Tripp is Open and Relational Theology. This is a theology that emphasizes love as the true nature of God, such that God does nothing outside of love. It also emphasizes freedom, at least limited freedom of choice. As for love, they define love as noncoercive and noncontrolling. That is true of God as well as us. Therefore, they reject the idea that God would cast someone into hell (a place they do not believe exists). As defined by them, love is truly relational, such that God is affected by us. As Christians, they believe Jesus reflects this vision of God.

God after Deconstruction ought to prove helpful to many who are experiencing the traumatic realities of discovering that what they once believed about God and reality is no longer sustainable. While Open and Relationship Theology is not the only landing spot, it has proven helpful to many. So, whether you evolve or deconstruct, I hope that in the end (however we define that) you the reader will find a space of comfort within the Christian faith.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warning: discussions of abuse and rape
We live in a tumultuous age. The world is changing rapidly and faith communities are no exception.For Christians in the West we are in the midst of the next radical change since the Reformation. This change is inevitable. Phyllis Tickle named this the Great Emergence and predicted much of what we see going on today. Tickle mentions this in her book The Great Emergence. "The Right Reverend Mark Dyer, an Anglican bishop known for his wit as well as his wisdom, famously observes from time to time that the only way to understand what is currently happening to us as twenty-first-century Christians in North America is first to understand that about every five hundred years the Church feels compelled to hold a giant rummage sale. (Tickle p. 10)
Building on that idea, Bradley Jersak labels are current moment in this transition “the Great Deconstruction.” Jersak makes and observation and gives advice that Drs. Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller appear to be heading in their new book God After Deconstruction. “Deconstruction happens. It is inevitable. It is necessary. Again, it can be pure joy—the good news in most profound ways. It can also be pure sorrow—a cataclysmic collapse. Or the joy and sorrow can flow mingled down, like the water and blood from the Savior’s side.” (Jersak p. 40) “We cannot and must not superimpose our unique experiences on others to minimize their stories of genuine spiritual abuse or to diminish the joy they feel after a prison break from religious bondage.” (ibid 41)
With a great deal of care, Tripp and Tom describe nine causes of deconstruction, define deconstruction, and give practical advice on dealing with deconstruction and being understanding of the person deconstructing. This is by no means a comprehensive look at deconstruction, but it is an excellent introduction with helpful advice. Tripp and Tom researched the phenomenon of deconstruction and dialogue with others who have written and studied deconstruction. They give apt answers to critics of deconstruction while treating those critics with respect. But they give a warning at the opening of the book. Using Brian McLaren’s description of the stages of faith, the authors understand that some may have trouble with the subject matter. “We wrote this book for Perplexity and Harmony people. We offer ways that can expand the thinking of most Perplexity and Harmony folks, offering them some help and options. But we also issue this warning: our book will no doubt frustrate Simplicity and Complexity people. Readers beware! We’re talking primarily to those actively deconstructing, or living in light of that process. Others may not be ready for what we have to say. You decide.” (Oord pp. 17–18)
God After Deconstruction is laid out with an introduction in which the authors share their own deconstruction stories, nine chapters looking at nine causes of deconstruction, a summary of open and relational theology, and a summarization of the causes and ideas within the book. Each chapter ends with a set of helpful discussion questions that are helpful in a group study or for thought. Each chapter also includes a QR code which will link to videos of that subject in May of 2024. As this review is being prepared, Tom and Tripp are hosting an online class based on the work of the book. I will include a link to that pay what you want class at the end. The book is one piece in a larger discussion of deconstruction which will help those going through deconstruction as well as their friends and families.
The nine causes that Tom and Tripp have examined are:
1 The loss of certainty
2 Pain and the problem of evil
3 Church abuse
4 Bible conundrums
5 Science conflicts
6 Christian Nationalism (or partisan political ideologies)
7 Gender and sexual diversity
8 Religious pluralism
9 Purpose and meaning
Each chapter takes time to look at the cause, share stories from those deconstructing, and share knowledge from research. Within the chapters, the authors engage with supporters, data, and critics alike. Respect and care are always evident as Tom and Tripp take time to engage thoughts and present multiple viewpoints. At the outset, the authors make certain that this is not a book about throwing out all reason, grounding, or relationship. They are equally critical of fundamentalisms whether overly controlling or overly relative. they describe the danger of throwing everything out; “Many who deconstruct can initially be attracted to extreme relativism, which says that no belief—religious, moral, or otherwise—is better than any other. They adopt the idea that it’s all a matter of perspective, and no perspective can be any better than another.” (ibid 17) But the authors also take the time to define deconstruction:
“Deconstruction” has two primary meanings. In this book, we’re mostly addressing the better known of the two. According to this meaning, deconstruction would be the coming to question, doubt, and/or reject bedrock beliefs about God, the church, ourselves, and life. A. J. Swoboda captures this nicely when he says deconstruction constitutes “the process of dismantling one’s accepted beliefs.”16 What once was stable and secure now presents itself as wobbly and unsure. The center, once certain, no longer holds. The lesser-known meaning of deconstruction, found mainly in academic circles and linked to the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, denotes something different. In this second sense, deconstruction points to the differences inherent in language and notes that words have no timeless, singular meaning. (ibid 18)
Working on the assumption that bad theology is at the heart of deconstruction there is a very helpful description of the choices we might make.
Once we realize that bad theologies lie at the heart of deconstruction, we have three choices. We can:
1 Return to the damaging nonsense we’ve been taught.
2 Walk away from God completely.
3 Search for better ways to think about God and life. We advocate for the third option. The first two options are unsustainable…at least for most people. Some may restart spiritual practices but don’t rethink the bad theologies tied to them, including bad views that harm people physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Returning to abuse isn’t healthy, and trauma only deepens. Authenticity dies. (ibid 20)
For this review, I will look at a few of the causes and how the authors deal with those. Before I begin, I would like to state that I believe my personal context of Wesleyan-Holiness has much to add to the discussion of deconstruction. That is if we can get out of our own way and live into our understandings of God, scripture, and the church. That is dealt with partly in the chapter on Biblical conundrums, but I would like to start with Church abuse.
Church abuse is experienced in many forms, we often assume it means outright actions by clergy or members of a church. But it may also be the theological reactions of the church to abuse. This may be one of the most tragic causes of deconstruction because it is often an abject failure of relationship. We can never excuse or condone abuse of any kind and our failures as the Church catholic are numerous. The following quotes come form the chapter on abuse and show how poor response leads to deconstruction or outright rejection of faith. “‘I was told God allowed my rape,’ said April. ‘My church said God wanted to teach me a lesson. That’s complete crap! So I left. I returned to believing when I realized God can’t stop those who abuse. God can’t.’ At least not singlehandedly.” (ibid 49) “‘I was in an abusive marriage,’ says Connie. ‘We went to our pastor for counseling, and he said, ‘If you obey your husband, he wouldn’t have to hit you.’ Then, my husband dropped me off to have our second baby while he left on a Lay Witness Mission. I spent three days alone walking and crying. I realized God did not expect me and my babies to be abused. I left him and the church one year later.’” (ibid 57) I hope we can feel the sorrow and grief as Christians when we are confronted with these poor responses.
The next cause is the conflict with science. Tom and Tripp do an excellent job of connecting the decades of church teachings about mistrusting science and how that has led to wider issues in society such as the rejection of vaccines, safety measures during the height of COVID, and the lack of care for our environment. “Conflicts between science and faith constitute a primary reason some people deconstruct. What conservative churches say about humans and the universe often seems to oppose what contemporary science says. According to Barna polls, forty-nine percent of churchgoing teens think the church rejects science, and this prompts some to leave. We (Tripp and Tom) have met many people who experienced an intellectual crisis when rigid forms of religion ignore or distort science.” (ibid 84) Of course the authors also deal with the opposite extreme, “Some who deconstruct have replaced religious fundamentalism with scientific fundamentalism. They move from whole-hearted trust in religious authorities to whole-hearted trust in the authority of science. At worst, this amounts to switching idols. At best, it’s inadequate.” (ibid 89) The helpful explanation of scripture as sacred text and not a modern science book is important. But it is also important to understand why the disconnect happens and the authors help us to understand this.
Politics has been a large part of many deconstruction in the United States in the last decade. The polarization and partisan divide has infiltrated and begin shaping the church. When that happens, the principles of Jesus are often left on the floor as people take up power and lean into control. Open and relational thinkers provide a more balanced approach. This should be the way that churches deal with politics regardless of theology. “Open and relational thinkers try to avoid two extremes when it comes to politics. One of these errors says a leader, party, or nation fully represents God’s desires. The other extreme pretend public policies have no relationship to faith. But if God cares for people, other creatures, and the earth, politics do matter.” (ibid 107) Open and relational thinking also helps avoid the faulty extremes of control and permissivism. “Open and relational theology opposes authoritarianism. It opposes the extreme relativism of permissivism too, because we believe some ways of living are healthier than others.” (ibid 108)
All of the causes can lead to extremes and if you are considering reading this book, keep that in mind. One helpful thought when looking at the hot topic of gender an sexuality is to know that many deconstruct from patriarchal systems where women are considered less than men. The warning at the beginning about who should read this stands.
One very timely comment from Tripp and Tom is the following, “Deconstruction would be less common if faith leaders made humble claims and welcomed difference. But many instead say those outside their cloistered world must be misinformed or evil.” (ibid 128) This is within the chapter on religious pluralism, but it is apt for Christian pluralism in the particular. Too often, our language is sectarian and exclusive. Christians in the America seem hellbent on calling one another names, labelling each other heretic, or just using terms of derision and hatred. This is true of the way many in the church treat those who are going through deconstruction, are walking with those experiencing it, and with the clergy who dare speak of the term. But this book is one of many showing us that there is a way to provide hope and alternative views of God and humanity from the ones that can cause disconnects.
The mark of a book which receives a recommendation from me is whether the authors accomplish the goal(s) that they claim. God After Deconstruction accomplishes its goals and is a welcome addition to the discussion of deconstruction from a Christian standpoint. Offering the reader an alternative view of God from that of fundamentalism and other ideas through open and relational theology is a bonus, but also one of the most important pieces of this work.
https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages...
Jersak, Bradley. Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction. Whitaker House. Kindle Edition.
Oord, Thomas Jay; Fuller, Tripp. *God After Deconstruction. SacraSage Press. Kindle Edition.
Tickle, Phyllis. The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Books, 2008.

[Elissa Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent companion on your journey of deconstruction!

[Aaron Shileny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. Though, admittedly, this book isn’t really intended for me. I grew up in a progressive household and have never been evangelical. However, I’m a big fan of Tom and Tripp and always learn from their ideas and the things they have to say regarding theology. This book is no different. They provide a thorough discussion of the causes of deconstruction and more importantly provide new theological avenues for after deconstruction (something I generally find lacking, at least in the majority of podcasts I’ve listened to on the subject). Open and relational theology has much to offer for those who have questions or concerns related to more traditional theology and this book gives the reader a taste of what open and relational theology has to offer.

[Martyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and useful exploration of why and how people deconstruct their faith, with ideas in how to rebuild in ways that compliments their new understandings of life.

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a pleasure to hear from two PhDs in philosophy give their perspectives on deconstruction. Oord and Fuller conducted surveys to find out why Christians are deconstructing. They identify 9 reasons:

1. Certainty Crumbles: Folks are no longer certain their inherited religion makes sense.
2. Pointless Pain: Why is there so much pain if an all powerful God is controlling the universe?
3. Church Abuse: Many folks have been harmed physically and mentally by the church
4. Bible Conundrums: You can read the Bible seriously without taking it literally.
5. Science Conflicts: If you’re raised to believe the earth is a few thousand years old, science will quickly show you how wrong you are.
6. Christian nationalism: This version of Christianity looks nothing like Jesus
7. Gender and Sexual Diversity: Many folks leave church because of the patriarchal stranglehold on some denominations
8. Many religions: We are a pluralistic society and are learning that each other is not the enemy
9. Purpose and Meaning: The purpose of living (get to heaven) by so many churches leaves people wanting.

The authors offer an alternative view of God that can be embraced by multiple religions. For them, being Christians, they also build on that view with a Christian perspective. It was a good book that will be easily understood by the average reader. Both are academics and wrote specifically for the common person. Highly recommend if you are someone who has deconstructed your religion

[Adam Curfman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and concise overview of a more hopeful and loving theism, one that makes a ton of sense for folks coming out of classical theist and evangelical spaces. The book addresses many of the reasons people have left the church and how open and relational theism provides solid and rationally consistent path forward.

[Shantana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did find it disappointing but I’m also glad that I read it. Faith deconstruction is a complicated issue and I appreciated some of what the authors had to say, while other content was a big miss for me. I would recommend it to encourage processing your own feelings about god and belief.

[William Weld-Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, thoughtful book. Much of it focuses on many of the reasons that Christians "deconstruct," with chapters about people's questioning of certainty, the problem of pain, church abuse, questions about the inerrancy of scripture, conflicts with science, the rise of Christian nationalism, questions about LGBTQ+, respect and admiration for other religions, and the search for meaning and purpose. I related to many, if not most, of the reasons, as Tess and I have been through much of that ourselves. The authors then propose an "open and relational" theology, which, they submit, can bring people back to God, and even to Jesus, after deconstruction. They pose a God who is not all-powerful, but is rather relational, engaging us by the moment, and interacting with us and creation in a loving manner, just as we relate back to God. This God is not in control of the world or the future, but is engaged with us as we, acting always through love, engage the world. "The future is open. God neither foreordains or foreknows all. In each moment, God and creation respond to what has happened in the past and face a host of possibilites for the future." Much to think about there.

[Martha Elias Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very accessible and well-informed book addressing reasons for deconstruction and suggesting how one might think about God when old paradigms just don’t work anymore. A rather shameless plug for open and relational theology, but the tone remains invitational and inclusive throughout. The footnotes are a treasure of resources to explore.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and concise read for those who have or are currently deconstructing their faith. It offers an alternative way of thinking about God that is helpful and healthy. This book is on my personal list of transformative books.

[Lauren S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The good:

This book provides a basic outline of why some evangelical Christians deconstruct (with many real-life examples). It’s also an introduction to open and relational theology which I’ve personally never studied previously.

The less good: Ahhhggh. I deliberately chose this book because I thought based on the blurb I wouldn’t have much to criticize and I’m kind of over reading 2 star books this month, but it just kind of ended up that way.

I think my criticism boils down to: I’ve discovered upon reading this book that I do not vibe with open and relational theology. It is a weak attempt to provide a way to stick with theism by diluting God’s perceived power - essentially asking the deconstructer to exchange their omnipotent-but-kinda-cruel-God of the Bible for an all-loving-but-virtually-impotent God of ???.

For instance, in an early chapter, the authors basically answer the awkward question of “If God is all-powerful, why doesn’t he stop evil in the world?”by saying “Actually, think of it this way: he’s not all powerful and he can’t stop evil; so don’t hold that against him.” That more or less sets the tone of the book. If something about God or Christianity is uncomfortable, they posit you should believe something else instead. Not for any stated reason (scientific, Biblical, or otherwise) besides essentially that it will make you feel more warmly towards God and prevent you from going Full Atheist.

Speaking of, at every turn I felt like the unspoken third option was ignored. For instance, rather than believing in a God who can’t stop evil or believing in a God who won’t stop evil, there is the option: maybe there isn’t a God? Not saying that’s the correct answer, but just curious why it was not really presented. Agnosticism and atheism are frequently lumped together in this book (it’s a pet peeve of mine when authors say atheists-and-agnostics as if it’s one word - agnostic theists exist, for example), and presented as a directionless way to journey through life, but the book’s argument offers only a very poor alternative. I would have loved to hear more of the "why" of keeping God after deconstruction (maybe that's a separate book - if they write it, I'll read it).

(Also, a super picky thing: the audiobook was a little sloppy, including misspeaks/repetition - it could have used some more attentive editing.)

I don’t recommend this book. Looking at other reviews, I’m glad to see it resonated with others, so it looks like I’m in the minority; maybe it just wasn’t for me.

[Natalie Hull · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like both these authors but didn't love the book. I kept having the experience of "this doesn't feel like it's for me" - which is weird, because on the surface it is! It seems very much like it's giving people permission and context to initiate deconstruction, which if you're reading it because you have already begun, seems a moot point. It's an argument for Open and Relational Theology from the authors without really engaging the details of the theology itself, other than "it's better!". Wanted to like it but didn't really connect with it. Seems a good jumping off point though for further reading on Open and Relational Theology, if you're convinced by their stance.

[John Martindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was simply written. They briefly touch on common reasons for deconstruction and then offer an alternative view (without really expanding on it). In my own case, deconstruction initially resulted from seeing how scripture portrayed God as doing what was evil in the Old Testament and viewing the near cultlike extremeness found in the New Testament, as well as experiencing the silence and distance of God--how it seemed few of the promises of the new covenant were a reality in believer’s lives. This eventually pushed me from complexity into perplexity (to use McLaren’s terminology), and for the last several years I have been at a place of harmony--okay with the depth of my not knowing and at peace with how I now view scripture (which is similar to Pete Enns understanding) and God. It is nice the angst is gone.

It does seem theologically/scripturally speaking, that my journey has led to a similar understanding of God after my deconstruction. I already had an open and relational view of God before things unraveled and I rejected the traditional understanding of hell on biblical grounds, it was only after my deconstruction, however, that I found the only coherent option to deal with the problem of evil, was to say (Like Oord) that God can't directly intervene in world affairs. I do differ with Oord though with the metaphysical grounding for the proposition. The way I make sense of it is to suppose a God who CAN, but in the beginning, knew to act directly would muck it all up, as there would be no way to do so fairly and to create space for human autonomy/responsibility. So God completely delegated authority to humans and angelic beings. Neither spiritual nor human agents are all powerful, nor everywhere. Often the good things we attribute directly to God were actually the acts of divine representatives. This is how I can make sense of the supernatural happenings and cases of providence, as well as their rarity and arbitrariness, as they issue forth from other limited, free, and bound creatures rather than an all-powerful and omnipresent God. Anyhow, while God made the hard choice to never act directly, God does still suffer and grieve and influence, and even became man, to enter in and show us how to not be destroyed by the pain.

Oord briefly touched on the political reasons people are leaving the faith, which I've found seem even more common today than issues with scripture, evil, doctrine, and spiritual abuse in the church. It is sad to me that people like Brian McLaren, compelled to depart from traditional Christianity, felt they must join the woke cult. Many have moved from simplicity to complexity, to perplexity, only to enter a new stage of childish simplicity, in the newly found faith, and they confirm every cult doctrine no matter how absurd, toxic, and irrational. They rightly rejected evangelical fundamentalism for a woke fundamentalism ten times worse. This political and cultural reason for deconstruction is like leaving a local Baptist church (due to their patriarchal views) and joining Jonestown.

It is impossible for me not to get the impression that woke progressivism, with its gender ideology embodies many cult-like characteristics. It is like religion without grace, mercy, forgiveness, or hope of redemption--cancel culture is incredibly vicious and abusive to its own who say or write something heretical, or dare to have a doubt or honest question. The cult is deeply tribal and demands 100% conformity with the evolving woke dogma. It is anti-science, logic, and reality. It is racist and demands people be judged on external identity markers. Members are to prejudge and condemn people without knowing them, believe unfalsifiable conspiracy theories (like systemic racism), and embrace every cognitive distortion and bias as a matter of principle. People only have value and belonging within this new cult if they parrot the orthodoxy and left-wing dogma and forever "do the work" as activists and people are terrified of not belonging. It is incredibly toxic to the individual, relationships, and society as a whole, but wow, it is so seductive and seems the fastest-growing religion. Anyhow, religion is being force-fed to students in education (I am just about to finish my master of education… so I am seeing how), and it is also openly espoused in the media and popular culture. In the new black-and-white polarized world, either people are on the side of critical social justice, or they are in lockstep with Trump supporters, fascists, and rightwing white-suprematist. No wonder the masses are compelled to belong to the left.

It does seem one of the main things that force people to deconstruct their faith. It is just sad, as the woke religion demands that they cut ties with everyone not in the woke cult and join an intolerant, judgmental, and deeply prejudiced leftwing community.

The poor people are simply moving from the frying pan into the fire--but in a way, it is all the worse because they don't even realize they rejected traditional Christianity for a cult.

[Chris Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for groups or individuals considering their lives after "deconstruction." In it, Tom Oord and Tripp Fuller discuss ten of the most common reasons that Christians question commonly inherited aspects of their faith. For each issue, they offer a different view of the problem, couched in an approach that imagines God as a loving presence.

I am part of a group that has experienced "deconstruction" and is looking for ways to "reconstruct" faith in light of the current world situation. We have found this book helpful as Oord and Fuller address many topics that are part of our ongoing discussions.

Of the many reasons that people find themselves deconstructing, Tom and Tripp address topics like certainty, suffering, abuse inside Christianity, the Bible and science, Christian nationalism, LGBTQ issues, pluralism, and meaning-making.

This book is very accessible but can also lead to deep discussion. Our group quickly found that reading and discussing one chapter each week provided more questions and discussions than our time allowed.

For either personal study or group discussion, "God After Deconstruction" provides an excellent way to view the idea of "God" after deconstructing and to "reconstruct" a view of God as a God of love who relates to free people moving into an open, undetermined and exciting future.

I recommend this book for individuals and groups that are in the process of "deconstruction" and are looking toward "reconstruction" of a vision of God that is loving, open, and relational.

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're living in an age of deconstruction. Old ideas, old institutions, old ways of being in the world are being questioned, challenged, and undone. And in America, this wave of deconstruction is large in religious life, as those of us that still have any association with our ancient faiths and their institutions wonder what needs to change and what needs to be abandoned entirely.

Tom Oord and Tripp Fuller have written a book about the deconstruction and reconstruction of faith that isn't defensive or dismissive. Tripp and Tom share nine of the most common reasons people are deconstructing inherited faith, and in each case, they argue there are good reasons for it. Tom and Tripp affirm our experience that is requiring changes in our faith. A lot of what we inherited wasn't working very well. It didn't make sense. And it didn't produce enough good in the world. And in each of these areas, the wonder if there could be wiser, truer, more beautiful ways that we could lean into instead.

This book is clear and it is simple. It is written by down to earth people using everyday, common sense language. And it's also written by two highly respected philosophers and theologians who offer ways of thinking about God and believing in God that make sense, that affirm the most important and best parts of the faith tradition, and that do good for us and others.

[Eady Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books this year, and I was given an advanced copy that I had the privilege of endorsing!!

This book addresses some of the reasons that Christians deconstruct and offers some new perspectives for people to consider rather than giving up faith in God altogether. For example, people can be hurt by a belief in hell, so they might deconstruct and reject traditional views of hell, while still having faith in God. Queer people experiencing rejection in the church is another big one. People are deconstructing a God who rejects LGBTQIA+ people and many are experiencing the embrace of the inclusive God.

Thomas and Tripp delve into topics like science, Christian nationalism, the problem of pain and suffering, church abuse etc. They also talk about the role the Bible has played and what role it might play now as we reconstruct Christianity or faith. They discuss the human search for purpose, meaning, and relationship, and describe an open and relational theology that emphasizes a God of love (amipotent) who is not in control of everything that happens (omnipotent).

This book is an excellent companion on the journey of deconstruction and reconstruction!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful, approachable, and welcoming book! I listened to the audio version, and I didn't want to stop. I really needed this and appreciate everything that was shared. Some specifics that stood out to me include:
- The dichotomy between nurturing and authoritative tendencies and how those views/tendencies inherently also impact our view and understanding of God as well as our view of other people
- I appreciated the description of stages from simple black and white mindset to a more nuanced thinking where everything is gray... that describes really well what I myself have experienced in recent years
- I love the overall emphasis on God as relational and uncontrolling. I had not thought of "uncontrolling" in that specific light, or ever used the word "uncontrolling" to describe God, but it is something that I think will stick with me and continue to shape my theology and views

Thank you to the writers of this book for sharing experiences and advice that is so timely and relevant to me and surely to so many others as well! I would recommend that if you have read this far in my review, you should go read the actual book...

[Dave Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give the book 2 stars because it’s written in a clear and accessible way. It does help me understand the “open and relational theology” movement and prepares me to engage with those attracted to it. As for the content, it is a point-by-point refutation of the core teachings of historic Christianity. Once you’ve eliminated the Bible as divine revelation and Jesus as the divine God-man, all bets are off and you are constructing a Lego religion, a pastiche of ideas arbitrarily plucked from various religious traditions, none of which is any more valid than the others. I can’t see how this humanistic tossed salad will bring any actual comfort to the grieving, healing to the broken, power to change, or hope for the future - all of which are provided by authentic relationship with Jesus. There is plenty of scripture twisting and strawman argument here, raising doubts (at least in my mind) about the authors’ motives. The authors try (and fail IMO) to make the case that their “open and relational theology“ is preferable to atheism; but whatever it is, it certainly is not Christianity.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The right book at the right time--one of life's miracles. I read this on my Kindle and then ordered the physical book and am waiting for it to arrive. I'm still reconstructing my beliefs (deconstruction, reconstruction are overused and have been ruined for me by "the angry people". I like a term Pete Enns uses - evolving faith). I'm not ready to declare myself an open theist but I plan to read the book again as well as some of the resources mentioned. Whether or not I end up in complete agreement with this theology I'm delighted that it exists as an option and thankful to the authors for articulating another way to follow Christ--a way that honors my view of God and Christ and all the compassion and care I was taught (in the Bible and at church). I have no idea how we have come so far from the message of hope and love that Jesus taught. But here we are. Kristin Kobes DuMez does good work in her book Jesus and John Wayne, giving us a history of where we've been and why. God after Deconstruction gives us a map of where we can go from here.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I usually find Oord's clear writing really helpful, I felt that the clear/simple language here often actually ended up obscuring complex and diverse realities with overly flat descriptions. While reconstruction is important and this contribution to the literature is a helpful voice to listen to, I do not land in the same place theologically (anymore) with how I would reconstruct! Nevertheless I still find Oord a helpful writer as he outlines clearly an integrated process theology.

[Petr Kulík · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by no means the first book I've read by Thomas J. Oord. Some of the ideas were new to me, others were worth repeating. I like the work of both authors, especially how they link this book to lively interviews, which you can find here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?searc...

[Dave Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The deconstruction of my faith would have led to atheism if I hadn’t learned about a theology that matched my life experience of what God might be like. Thank you, Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller, for writing a book that I can share with those who still have a sliver of hope that they might find “God after Deconstruction.”

[Danelle Babin · Rating 3 out of 5]

They had some good ideas and somethings that made me really think. However, the tone of the book was so forceful. They didn’t leave much room for other ideas. I didn’t like feeling that I was getting beat over the head or feeling guilty. Might have just been me but it was frustrating to get through.

[Linda Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of the reasons Christians deconstruct. It then continues to discuss places to land with God after that. We used it in a small group discussion, and it springboard in to in depth discussions. There are discussion questions also at the end of each chapter. Highly recommend.

[Paul Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book as part of a group at Watershed and I loved it. It put a lot of my thoughts from recent years all into one place. Highly recommended for anyone wondering what to do with the desire to find a God of love after deconstruction from rotten theology.

[Wayne's · Rating 4 out of 5]

very insightful but also just an introduction.

[Peter]

Too much repetition from other of Oord books