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Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction
Trendy brand name for falling away from belief in God? Or a process essential to authentic faith?
Liberation or trauma? Prison break or exile?
It’s complicated. Just like you.
Christian history records a Great Reformation and a Great Awakening. But today’s “Great Deconstruction” will surely leave an equally profound impact.
In Out of the Embers, Bradley Jersak explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction—how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light and life of Christ himself.
In this collection of vulnerable memoirs, philosophical memos, and candid provocations, Jersak resists both the hand-wringing urge to corral stray sheep and the exultant desire to play the happy-clappy Ex -vangelical cheerleader. He employs the wisdom and expertise of the great deconstructionists—Christianity’s ancient influences (Moses, Plato, Paul, and the Patristics), “beloved frenemies” (from Voltaire to Nietzsche), and the masters of deconstruction (Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, and Weil)—to double down and deconstruct deconstruction itself.
Where is faith after deconstruction? The author’s heart is to engage and empathize with the bereft and disoriented, stoking the brittle ashes for live embers. In this quest for the resilient gospel of the martyrs, the marginal, and those outside the threshold...inexplicably, in this liminal space, life stirs. A Light shines through the ashes. We find, often for the first time, that living connection Jersak calls “presence in communion.”
There is a sea change occurring across the Western church and civilization. Whether we’re watching a radical course correction or a complete collapse remains to be seen, and how it pans out will likely depend on how we see what’s happening, who we are becoming , how we live in response—and, most important, where we find Christ situated in this storm.
Liberation or trauma? Prison break or exile?
It’s complicated. Just like you.
Christian history records a Great Reformation and a Great Awakening. But today’s “Great Deconstruction” will surely leave an equally profound impact.
In Out of the Embers, Bradley Jersak explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction—how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light and life of Christ himself.
In this collection of vulnerable memoirs, philosophical memos, and candid provocations, Jersak resists both the hand-wringing urge to corral stray sheep and the exultant desire to play the happy-clappy Ex -vangelical cheerleader. He employs the wisdom and expertise of the great deconstructionists—Christianity’s ancient influences (Moses, Plato, Paul, and the Patristics), “beloved frenemies” (from Voltaire to Nietzsche), and the masters of deconstruction (Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, and Weil)—to double down and deconstruct deconstruction itself.
Where is faith after deconstruction? The author’s heart is to engage and empathize with the bereft and disoriented, stoking the brittle ashes for live embers. In this quest for the resilient gospel of the martyrs, the marginal, and those outside the threshold...inexplicably, in this liminal space, life stirs. A Light shines through the ashes. We find, often for the first time, that living connection Jersak calls “presence in communion.”
There is a sea change occurring across the Western church and civilization. Whether we’re watching a radical course correction or a complete collapse remains to be seen, and how it pans out will likely depend on how we see what’s happening, who we are becoming , how we live in response—and, most important, where we find Christ situated in this storm.
320 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
73 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 9, 2022
In reading Brad Jersak’s latest book "Out of the Embers", I am immediately reminded of something CS Lewis once said, “Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books.”
In particular, CS Lewis made me mindful that a modern author could quite easily get swept up unawares in advocating for things that, over time, may prove unhelpful or even outright false. Whereas the truths from the ancients have been tested over time to reveal their truthfulness and therefore their inherent wisdom.
I am so thankful that Brad has brought into the present conversation around deconstruction some wisdom teachers (aka the “seven sleepers”) from the past to illuminate the very unclear path ahead. His ability to balance kitchen table conversation and pastoral insight with philosophical and theological deep dives is impressive and not to be underestimated. So deftly does he navigate these spaces that I find myself both immediately recommending this book to all and then hesitating to make sure it will be understood in its fullest extent. This must be the challenge of having a pastor’s heart and a professor’s head. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Our present world requires us to move out of the shallow waters. We are neither the first nor the last generation challenged by these issues and thankfully we are not alone.
If you find yourself at the beginning, middle or well on your way through deconstruction, I cannot think of a better companion on your journey that Brad Jersak (and his Seven Sleepers). I know I will be recommending "Out of the Embers" for quite some time to come.
(Note: I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.)
In particular, CS Lewis made me mindful that a modern author could quite easily get swept up unawares in advocating for things that, over time, may prove unhelpful or even outright false. Whereas the truths from the ancients have been tested over time to reveal their truthfulness and therefore their inherent wisdom.
I am so thankful that Brad has brought into the present conversation around deconstruction some wisdom teachers (aka the “seven sleepers”) from the past to illuminate the very unclear path ahead. His ability to balance kitchen table conversation and pastoral insight with philosophical and theological deep dives is impressive and not to be underestimated. So deftly does he navigate these spaces that I find myself both immediately recommending this book to all and then hesitating to make sure it will be understood in its fullest extent. This must be the challenge of having a pastor’s heart and a professor’s head. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Our present world requires us to move out of the shallow waters. We are neither the first nor the last generation challenged by these issues and thankfully we are not alone.
If you find yourself at the beginning, middle or well on your way through deconstruction, I cannot think of a better companion on your journey that Brad Jersak (and his Seven Sleepers). I know I will be recommending "Out of the Embers" for quite some time to come.
(Note: I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.)
October 30, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Brad and I have slightly different views on theology and religion and we talked about those while I was reading this book. As has always been the case, none of us is right, and the only way to move forward is through conversations. I'm so glad that he is part of the conversation.
This book will be known, like Brad's previous book (A More Christlike God), as one of the important volumes in the discussion. In my opinion, deconstruction is not only helpful, it's necessary for our pursuit of the truth. We must, as Brian Zahnd taught me, "stay on the journey and be at peace.
- Karl Forehand, author of Out into the Desert
Brad and I have slightly different views on theology and religion and we talked about those while I was reading this book. As has always been the case, none of us is right, and the only way to move forward is through conversations. I'm so glad that he is part of the conversation.
This book will be known, like Brad's previous book (A More Christlike God), as one of the important volumes in the discussion. In my opinion, deconstruction is not only helpful, it's necessary for our pursuit of the truth. We must, as Brian Zahnd taught me, "stay on the journey and be at peace.
- Karl Forehand, author of Out into the Desert
November 22, 2022
I don’t like long reviews. I haven’t the patience.
My view is, if you want to know what’s in the book, use Amazon’s “Look inside” feature, read the testimonials, buy the book or browse it in a bookshop. 🙂
So I’ll try to keep this short and limit it to what struck me about the book.
I’ve read several of Brad’s books over the years - Her Gates Will Never Be Shut, A More Christlike God, A More Christlike Way, A More Christlike Word - and one he and Eden, Brad’s wife, wrote together - Rivers from Eden.
And now, Out of the Embers .
They have all helped me to better understand the Gospel, the necessity of Christian Universalism (the subtitle of another book), and what it means, the fact that supposedly non-negotiable beliefs like Eternal Conscious Torment and Penal Substitutionary Atonement need not be believed at all (indeed, I learned that in the Orthodox Church, PSA must not be believed!) and how to make sense of the difficulties of the Bible such as apparently God-commanded genocide.
But this book is different. It is even more personal, it seems to me. After reading only a few pages, it reminded me of the popular story that I will retell below:
The well, of course, is deconstruction. Some people just fall into it, while others enter it deliberately for various good reasons. Either way, they may get stuck at the bottom, in a very dark place with no obvious way out. Philosophy and religious advice will rarely help. What they need is someone who has been where they are, and found the way out.
And the author? You’ve guessed it; the author who jumps in, and one of many who have found their way out, is Brad Jersak.
Well, it’s only a story, but in a very real sense I understood early on that when it comes to the dark hole of deconstruction that many find themselves in, Brad is the one to help us because he’s been there and knows the way out.
He also realises that it is inevitable and necessary. He writes, “It can be pure joy … [or] pure sorrow - a cataclysmic collapse. Or the joy and sorrow can flow mingled down, like the water and blood from the Saviour’s side.”
It’s his personal experience - and that of others who contact him for help - that is so meaningful. But he is not content to leave us with simply his own experience. He says, “If you knew for sure that The Great Deconstruction is, let’s say, just phase two of a precarious five- or seven-stage expedition, and only a remnant of previous travellers have traversed the terrain, you’d want to know how they did it, what they’ve seen, and their take on what trails led nowhere, or worse.”
So he backs up his own history with a history of deconstruction, which, far from being a purely modern phenomenon, has its roots in Moses “and his apophatic entourage from church history”, and continues with Plato, Voltaire, Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky and Nietzsche.
And especially Simone Weil, who, Brad says, “saved my life.”
It’s fascinating reading. It also gives us hope. And, at the bottom of the deep, dark, hole of deconstruction, what you need most of all is hope.
At one point, all he knows for sure is, “God is Good.” It took a year for him to add “God loves me,” and another year to venture the idea that “God cares …”
If you’ve been there, or are headed that way, or are there now, you will find in this book the story of a man who knows the way out.
It may be just what you are looking for.
******************************
If you are wondering how I've managed to read this book before its publication date (admittedly only half of it so far!) it's because I've been given a PDF copy to review.
I pre-ordered a Kindle copy too, which arrived on my phone a few minutes ago. Needless to say, I have not been influenced by receiving the PDF in advance of publication to post a more favourable review.
I hope my review will help you to order with confidence, or at least a better idea as to whether or not you will like/enjoy/benefit from it.
Nagoya, Japan, 21 November 2022
amended and slightly extended, 22 November
My view is, if you want to know what’s in the book, use Amazon’s “Look inside” feature, read the testimonials, buy the book or browse it in a bookshop. 🙂
So I’ll try to keep this short and limit it to what struck me about the book.
I’ve read several of Brad’s books over the years - Her Gates Will Never Be Shut, A More Christlike God, A More Christlike Way, A More Christlike Word - and one he and Eden, Brad’s wife, wrote together - Rivers from Eden.
And now, Out of the Embers .
They have all helped me to better understand the Gospel, the necessity of Christian Universalism (the subtitle of another book), and what it means, the fact that supposedly non-negotiable beliefs like Eternal Conscious Torment and Penal Substitutionary Atonement need not be believed at all (indeed, I learned that in the Orthodox Church, PSA must not be believed!) and how to make sense of the difficulties of the Bible such as apparently God-commanded genocide.
But this book is different. It is even more personal, it seems to me. After reading only a few pages, it reminded me of the popular story that I will retell below:
A man is strolling in the countryside when he falls into a disused, dried-up well. The walls are so steep and the well so deep he can't get out.
A philosopher - perhaps a follower of Nietzsche - passes by and the man shouts up, 'Hey you. Can you help me out?' The philosopher tells him, “It’s time you stopped trying to flee the reality of our real struggle in this world into the safety of some happily-ever-after “true world” up there or over there. You’re fine where you are.”
Then a priest comes along, and the man shouts up, 'Father, I'm down in this well, can you help me out?' The priest castigates him for abandoning the pleasant countryside, and moves on.
Then someone who he knows only through blog posts and books - an author - walks by. Our man in the well recognises him from photographs and shouts out, 'Hey, can you help me out?'
The author immediately jumps into the well. Our man says, 'Are you stupid? Now we're both down here!' The author replies, 'Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out.'
The well, of course, is deconstruction. Some people just fall into it, while others enter it deliberately for various good reasons. Either way, they may get stuck at the bottom, in a very dark place with no obvious way out. Philosophy and religious advice will rarely help. What they need is someone who has been where they are, and found the way out.
And the author? You’ve guessed it; the author who jumps in, and one of many who have found their way out, is Brad Jersak.
Well, it’s only a story, but in a very real sense I understood early on that when it comes to the dark hole of deconstruction that many find themselves in, Brad is the one to help us because he’s been there and knows the way out.
He also realises that it is inevitable and necessary. He writes, “It can be pure joy … [or] pure sorrow - a cataclysmic collapse. Or the joy and sorrow can flow mingled down, like the water and blood from the Saviour’s side.”
It’s his personal experience - and that of others who contact him for help - that is so meaningful. But he is not content to leave us with simply his own experience. He says, “If you knew for sure that The Great Deconstruction is, let’s say, just phase two of a precarious five- or seven-stage expedition, and only a remnant of previous travellers have traversed the terrain, you’d want to know how they did it, what they’ve seen, and their take on what trails led nowhere, or worse.”
So he backs up his own history with a history of deconstruction, which, far from being a purely modern phenomenon, has its roots in Moses “and his apophatic entourage from church history”, and continues with Plato, Voltaire, Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky and Nietzsche.
And especially Simone Weil, who, Brad says, “saved my life.”
It’s fascinating reading. It also gives us hope. And, at the bottom of the deep, dark, hole of deconstruction, what you need most of all is hope.
At one point, all he knows for sure is, “God is Good.” It took a year for him to add “God loves me,” and another year to venture the idea that “God cares …”
If you’ve been there, or are headed that way, or are there now, you will find in this book the story of a man who knows the way out.
It may be just what you are looking for.
******************************
If you are wondering how I've managed to read this book before its publication date (admittedly only half of it so far!) it's because I've been given a PDF copy to review.
I pre-ordered a Kindle copy too, which arrived on my phone a few minutes ago. Needless to say, I have not been influenced by receiving the PDF in advance of publication to post a more favourable review.
I hope my review will help you to order with confidence, or at least a better idea as to whether or not you will like/enjoy/benefit from it.
Nagoya, Japan, 21 November 2022
amended and slightly extended, 22 November
November 14, 2022
With much respect to Brad's compassion and ability to explore and teach on multi-layered issues within the Christian realm, "Out of the Embers", made sense of the loss, confusion and hope I've experienced. I am pleasantly surprised how Brad's questions resonate and continue to echo in my mind. This book is not a quick fix, or a fix of any degree. This book is real, is raw and carries the Light of Hope to travelers of our time. Deconstruction is not new - it is a doorway to life less fettered. Don't give up - Jesus is more accepting, more loving and more patient that we will ever know. "Christ the Door...The primary point of this chapter has been to say what we call deconstruction is a kind of transition, a liminal space, a doorway - an entrance as much as an exit. Consider now, also, this claim of Jesus Christ: I AM the gate [or door]. If anyone comes in by me, they will be safe, and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9)" pg 291.
November 9, 2022
I had the privilege of being on the launch team for this book. I found it a life saver since it helped me understand how my beliefs, not just about God but life in general, transition over time. My prior held thoughts had lost their influence as new life experiences took me beyond where I had previously harbored. Life is always about adjustment, whether it be in the field of Faith, jobs, relationships, or any other altering of our statistics quo. In Brads book I found the needed steps to get me unstuck from my emotional prison. Now on this side of adjustment I can ask the questions to help others facing similar challenges. Reading this book will allow you to experience the Hand of the Lord comforting you as you walk with Him by your side into a better tomorrow.
November 7, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
I "discovered" Brad Jersak several years ago on a podcast discussing David Bentley Hart's That All Shall Be Saved". When I learned he had written a book dealing with the same subject matter, "Her Gates Will Never Be Shut" of course I purchased it. Needless to say, for me at least, these two books were eye opening and life changing.
Out of The Embers tackles the hot topic these days of deconstruction. Brad takes on a journey of his own deconstruction and how he came to experience a new living and vibrant faith. So much of what he shared regarding his personal experiences resonated with me and my experiences.
Surprisingly (to me at least) he uses the writings of Voltaire, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky and Kierkegaard and Weil among others as examples of deconstruction of one's attachments and beliefs. I found much of this very beneficial and enlightening.
There are so many gems and profound thoughts in this book I cannot recommend it enough, no matter where you might be on your journey.
All of Brad's writings have had a profound impact on my journey and Out Of The Embers is no different.
I have read it twice and taken copious notes each time.
I believe that is a book I will return to on many more occasions.
I "discovered" Brad Jersak several years ago on a podcast discussing David Bentley Hart's That All Shall Be Saved". When I learned he had written a book dealing with the same subject matter, "Her Gates Will Never Be Shut" of course I purchased it. Needless to say, for me at least, these two books were eye opening and life changing.
Out of The Embers tackles the hot topic these days of deconstruction. Brad takes on a journey of his own deconstruction and how he came to experience a new living and vibrant faith. So much of what he shared regarding his personal experiences resonated with me and my experiences.
Surprisingly (to me at least) he uses the writings of Voltaire, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky and Kierkegaard and Weil among others as examples of deconstruction of one's attachments and beliefs. I found much of this very beneficial and enlightening.
There are so many gems and profound thoughts in this book I cannot recommend it enough, no matter where you might be on your journey.
All of Brad's writings have had a profound impact on my journey and Out Of The Embers is no different.
I have read it twice and taken copious notes each time.
I believe that is a book I will return to on many more occasions.
November 2, 2022
This has to be the best book around on the subject of deconstruction. Heartrending, raw vulnerability, enlightening, inspiring, gentle, caring, compassionate, inclusive. A book that will change your life.
November 21, 2022
In a time of great change, when answers aren't as easy to come by as they used to be, inside and outside of the institutional church in all its flavors, we need Brad Jersak's voice. We need his diligent commitment to authenticity in the journey. We need books that give us glimpses of what can arise out of the ashes of the crumbling Western church. If your certainty in regards to the Christian church and tradition has ebbed away, and you are in the midst of grief and confusion, you are not alone. Read this book and glimpse the hope of the gospel again, in a new, yet entirely ancient light. ~I received an advance copy from the author.
November 21, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy.
Out of the Embers
For such a time as this! There is no denying it, be it collectively or at a very personal level there is a great shaking taking place. For some this has been a most freeing season and for others the storms of life have come our way and many of us have found that the walls of our faith were not adequately equipped to withstand the pressures of life or the realities of our suffering world. This book is for all. Brad Jersak dares to poke the embers through the pages of this very raw and very honest book, diving deep into the hard realities that inevitably all of us must venture through as we grow into the fullness of Christ. For me personally I found my friend Jesus, the co-suffering servant navigating me through this book, taking me back to bring healing so I can continue this journey in a more healthy way. One thing I’m certain of, this book will bring much needed and timely healing, growth and above all renewed hope so that in turn we can be vessels of love, mercy and restoration for all. My sincere gratitude to Brad Jersak.
Out of the Embers
For such a time as this! There is no denying it, be it collectively or at a very personal level there is a great shaking taking place. For some this has been a most freeing season and for others the storms of life have come our way and many of us have found that the walls of our faith were not adequately equipped to withstand the pressures of life or the realities of our suffering world. This book is for all. Brad Jersak dares to poke the embers through the pages of this very raw and very honest book, diving deep into the hard realities that inevitably all of us must venture through as we grow into the fullness of Christ. For me personally I found my friend Jesus, the co-suffering servant navigating me through this book, taking me back to bring healing so I can continue this journey in a more healthy way. One thing I’m certain of, this book will bring much needed and timely healing, growth and above all renewed hope so that in turn we can be vessels of love, mercy and restoration for all. My sincere gratitude to Brad Jersak.
November 10, 2022
This book is unlike anything I've ever read.
It is so raw and vulnerable and daring that it had me in tears almost all the way through!
The humanity that is reflected on every page resonated so deeply, that it gave me the permission to be exactly where I am and who I am on my journey.
In a world of shifting faith, with an audience ranging from evangelical to atheist, Bradley STILL has the courage to take us right into the trauma and dares to point us to the One who has not forsaken us in our suffering, but has been right there all along, waiting and suffering with us.
But neither does the author leave us there, succumbing to the ashes all around us.
Not with triumphalism or with bravado, but rather by revealing his own real vulnerability, the author opens our eyes to the Presence of The Good Shepherd.
If the reader is daring enough to follow the author into the abyss...then the reader will, as a matter of course, encounter the One who is already there, carrying our wounds and bearing our suffering... poised and ready to carry us Out of the Embers and all the way towards healing and true restoration.
The resulting redemption does not just touch and heal the present moment, but reaches all the way back into the darkest moments of our lives and heals us from the inside out.
What a magical journey!
Thank you Bradley Jersak for your loving heart, for your courage and for this marvelous book!
It is so raw and vulnerable and daring that it had me in tears almost all the way through!
The humanity that is reflected on every page resonated so deeply, that it gave me the permission to be exactly where I am and who I am on my journey.
In a world of shifting faith, with an audience ranging from evangelical to atheist, Bradley STILL has the courage to take us right into the trauma and dares to point us to the One who has not forsaken us in our suffering, but has been right there all along, waiting and suffering with us.
But neither does the author leave us there, succumbing to the ashes all around us.
Not with triumphalism or with bravado, but rather by revealing his own real vulnerability, the author opens our eyes to the Presence of The Good Shepherd.
If the reader is daring enough to follow the author into the abyss...then the reader will, as a matter of course, encounter the One who is already there, carrying our wounds and bearing our suffering... poised and ready to carry us Out of the Embers and all the way towards healing and true restoration.
The resulting redemption does not just touch and heal the present moment, but reaches all the way back into the darkest moments of our lives and heals us from the inside out.
What a magical journey!
Thank you Bradley Jersak for your loving heart, for your courage and for this marvelous book!
November 23, 2025
Found the initial part of the book excellent and useful in my journey. The whole middle section felt abstract and forced. The ending had some great nuggets amid some more jumbled info.
Overall, a useful read with a path that passed through too many winding curves.
Overall, a useful read with a path that passed through too many winding curves.
November 12, 2022
A very thoughtful deconstruction of deconstruction from a sharp mind with pastoral heart. Loved it.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
August 3, 2023
This is a good book for doubters or those simply interested in the phenomenon of deconstruction. It was profoundly sensitive to the difficulties one experiences in losing faith. It also avoided the glibness of those who say "just believe" or "try praying more" or "read your Bible more." Ultimately though, Jersak was hopeful - hopeful that those who seek God find him and hopeful that God's love cannot be escaped.
September 24, 2023
I found this book after looking for books similar to Richard Rohr that cover how to deal with struggles of faith in midlife. I was thankful for Jersak's accessible and practical approach, using both pastoral letters and ancient texts to demonstrate his points. I especially liked his description of Plato's Allegory of the Cave and Dostoevsky's The Possessed. He gets a little hung-up on his appreciation of Simone Weil's works. Parts 1 (Memoirs) & 2 (Memos) were exemplary, but Part 3 (Provocations) left me wanting. Solid read for someone in a "crisis" of faith and waiting to find their way through.
Some of my favorite bits:
- "Deconstruction is not sexy or trendy. It sucks." - Peter Enns
- "It does something positive for our faith that nothing else can do." - Peter Enns
- "Knowing that leaving was necessary to survival didn't make it hurt any less."
- "Compassion honors our experience; it allows us to be intimidate with the life of this moment as it is." - Tara Brach
- "The question, therefore, is not whether you've lost the connection to Christ-in-you, but how you lost your sense of self [...] And do you want that sense of reconnection? How might you turn back to the Father, only to find he's been there the whole time? "
-"So much of my story is about my longing for attachment. For life, for meaning, for faith, I need a living connection. I need a face, a name, a person attached to my conception and experience of God. I need to experience my faith as a real, reciprocal relationship with a living person in whose care we feel seen, safe, secure, and soothed."
-"But the God revealed by Jesus as co-suffering love offers a living connection - the Fountainhead of all being is loving, caring, forgiving, responsive, and personal. But he's also the human image whose affliction is united with and gives meaning to yours."
- "My gifts were appreciated by not required for acceptance."
- "When God's people love one another as they loved me, members will choose to stay connected - even if the preaching is mediocre, the services are blasé, and the theology is sketchy."
- "The mystics use terms such as desolation and no consolation and crushing and abyss to describe the intensity of the trials, temptations, and emptiness that accompany this second night. The function of the second night is to reveal how empty we are without God. We find life by seeking God alone. The resolution of this night is a complete willingness and resolve to take up our cross and joyfully follow Jesus wherever he goes. The Dark Night of the Soul is a season (or seasons) in the darkness, pressure, and safety of God's closed fist that accomplishes what ten thousand blessings cannot achieve: a permanent deposit of Christ's own character. The forge of the fire of divine love is fashioning us into his image!"
-"The cave is a parable of our world or society and its distorted perceptions of reality [...] the cave illustrates how stuck we are, how prone humanity is to every wind and wave of opinion, and how our ideological mirages lead to injustice in the real world. Thus, rather than signifying the world as the created order (i.e., nature), the cavern depicts our attachments to the world system with the established lies, toxic mindsets, and destructive practices so dominant in our society. We veritably breathe them. We mistake the shadows we see and the echoes we hear for truth - collective, illusory ways of knowing and being we are chained to in darkness."
- "Now here is the true darkness: rather than living in the grace of today, waiting on God, and loving each other, we fall into self-centeredness [...] and triggered by any obstacle to "my will be done". This desire to master MY own destiny - the primacy of MY so-called "freedom" (self-will) - is the darkness that needs deconstruction. And any deconstruction so enslaved to the self (I, ME, MINE) that it finally declares, "There is no Sun," has not yet emerged into the Light. That's just a darker cavern and a deeper delusion."
- But not by calling evil good or good evil - not without a theology of the cross where evil is confronted and overcome rather than rationalized or justified.
- "People are, by nature, meaning-makers - we search for meaning, we long for meaning. So, despite the disillusionment, the cynicism, and the deconstruction that follows betrayal by the Christian hierarchy and the liberal elites, it may surprise you that we don't (can't) end up having many nihilists."
-"Nietzsche assumes faith's veracity is tested by its usefulness. But is it? Is faith entirely utilitarian? Or is the truth or reality of faith's object (God) what is critically important? If faith in a lie "works" somehow, does the usefulness of that faith justify trusting in the lie, like some universal placebo effect?"
-"God gives us the dignity of finding our own bottom."
- "And yet... then there is this paradox, this antinomy, this miracle: "It is finished" means it is begun.
- "We know then that joy is the sweetness of contact with the love of God; that affliction is the wound of this same contact when it is painful; and that only the contact itself matters, not the manner of contact..." - Simone Weil
- "Love is the experience of dealing with a man at a point in that man that is beyond all his faults and all his virtues. Love, then, is to deal totally with a man." - Howard Thurman
- "God will just rescue us from our own choices without our making different choices! Will God do that?"
- "This sense of impotence in the face of general social complexity conspires to lead people to jump on any bandwagon that makes just one thing simpler. We can feel righteous and right if we take a firm stand for or against even one thing."
- "We need to tend to our wounds,
but we cannot build a life on our scabs.
There are no veins in them." - David Goa
-"If I am alienated from or inattentive to myself, detached from others, or disconnected from God's good earth, how will I commune with God when that's precisely where God lives?"
- "To notice and affirm the beauty of dignity and grace (the imago Dei) in the world around me. In the obvious and the unexpected, in the triumph and the tragedy, and in the delicious ambiguities of life. And, to invite others to consider the same." - Paul Ralph's personal mission statement
Some of my favorite bits:
- "Deconstruction is not sexy or trendy. It sucks." - Peter Enns
- "It does something positive for our faith that nothing else can do." - Peter Enns
- "Knowing that leaving was necessary to survival didn't make it hurt any less."
- "Compassion honors our experience; it allows us to be intimidate with the life of this moment as it is." - Tara Brach
- "The question, therefore, is not whether you've lost the connection to Christ-in-you, but how you lost your sense of self [...] And do you want that sense of reconnection? How might you turn back to the Father, only to find he's been there the whole time? "
-"So much of my story is about my longing for attachment. For life, for meaning, for faith, I need a living connection. I need a face, a name, a person attached to my conception and experience of God. I need to experience my faith as a real, reciprocal relationship with a living person in whose care we feel seen, safe, secure, and soothed."
-"But the God revealed by Jesus as co-suffering love offers a living connection - the Fountainhead of all being is loving, caring, forgiving, responsive, and personal. But he's also the human image whose affliction is united with and gives meaning to yours."
- "My gifts were appreciated by not required for acceptance."
- "When God's people love one another as they loved me, members will choose to stay connected - even if the preaching is mediocre, the services are blasé, and the theology is sketchy."
- "The mystics use terms such as desolation and no consolation and crushing and abyss to describe the intensity of the trials, temptations, and emptiness that accompany this second night. The function of the second night is to reveal how empty we are without God. We find life by seeking God alone. The resolution of this night is a complete willingness and resolve to take up our cross and joyfully follow Jesus wherever he goes. The Dark Night of the Soul is a season (or seasons) in the darkness, pressure, and safety of God's closed fist that accomplishes what ten thousand blessings cannot achieve: a permanent deposit of Christ's own character. The forge of the fire of divine love is fashioning us into his image!"
-"The cave is a parable of our world or society and its distorted perceptions of reality [...] the cave illustrates how stuck we are, how prone humanity is to every wind and wave of opinion, and how our ideological mirages lead to injustice in the real world. Thus, rather than signifying the world as the created order (i.e., nature), the cavern depicts our attachments to the world system with the established lies, toxic mindsets, and destructive practices so dominant in our society. We veritably breathe them. We mistake the shadows we see and the echoes we hear for truth - collective, illusory ways of knowing and being we are chained to in darkness."
- "Now here is the true darkness: rather than living in the grace of today, waiting on God, and loving each other, we fall into self-centeredness [...] and triggered by any obstacle to "my will be done". This desire to master MY own destiny - the primacy of MY so-called "freedom" (self-will) - is the darkness that needs deconstruction. And any deconstruction so enslaved to the self (I, ME, MINE) that it finally declares, "There is no Sun," has not yet emerged into the Light. That's just a darker cavern and a deeper delusion."
- But not by calling evil good or good evil - not without a theology of the cross where evil is confronted and overcome rather than rationalized or justified.
- "People are, by nature, meaning-makers - we search for meaning, we long for meaning. So, despite the disillusionment, the cynicism, and the deconstruction that follows betrayal by the Christian hierarchy and the liberal elites, it may surprise you that we don't (can't) end up having many nihilists."
-"Nietzsche assumes faith's veracity is tested by its usefulness. But is it? Is faith entirely utilitarian? Or is the truth or reality of faith's object (God) what is critically important? If faith in a lie "works" somehow, does the usefulness of that faith justify trusting in the lie, like some universal placebo effect?"
-"God gives us the dignity of finding our own bottom."
- "And yet... then there is this paradox, this antinomy, this miracle: "It is finished" means it is begun.
- "We know then that joy is the sweetness of contact with the love of God; that affliction is the wound of this same contact when it is painful; and that only the contact itself matters, not the manner of contact..." - Simone Weil
- "Love is the experience of dealing with a man at a point in that man that is beyond all his faults and all his virtues. Love, then, is to deal totally with a man." - Howard Thurman
- "God will just rescue us from our own choices without our making different choices! Will God do that?"
- "This sense of impotence in the face of general social complexity conspires to lead people to jump on any bandwagon that makes just one thing simpler. We can feel righteous and right if we take a firm stand for or against even one thing."
- "We need to tend to our wounds,
but we cannot build a life on our scabs.
There are no veins in them." - David Goa
-"If I am alienated from or inattentive to myself, detached from others, or disconnected from God's good earth, how will I commune with God when that's precisely where God lives?"
- "To notice and affirm the beauty of dignity and grace (the imago Dei) in the world around me. In the obvious and the unexpected, in the triumph and the tragedy, and in the delicious ambiguities of life. And, to invite others to consider the same." - Paul Ralph's personal mission statement
November 13, 2022
When I saw the opportunity to be part of the launch team for Out of the Embers, I jumped at the chance. I have read a couple of Jersak’s books, watched him speak, and appreciate his perspective of his journey.
In the beginning of the book, he addresses the big picture progress of the deconstruction/renovation journey with multiple metaphors. Often I have heard/seen complaints of an individual who “has strayed” and become progressive, but it is only a glimpse of the individual in a stage. Christians should know better that the Holy Spirit is in the active process of transforming and we are all in different stages of that transformation.
Since the 1990’s–when I first started to notice–those who walked or turned away from the church building were definitely impacted by historical faith, spiritual voices, and leaders and often the hypocrisy of.
Jersak draws on the scholar and wisdom of many thinkers through the ages to shed light on the different deconstruction journeys. Some resonated with me, others went over my head. Likely, at least one of them will help shed light on yourself or someone you know.
If you are wondering why anyone would deconstruct/renovate their faith, I suggest you read this book. If you think everyone who begins the deconstruction/renovation journey becomes agnostic or atheist, I encourage you to read this book. This book is also for those at any stage of the deconstruction/renovation journey.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and this is my honest and unbiased review.
In the beginning of the book, he addresses the big picture progress of the deconstruction/renovation journey with multiple metaphors. Often I have heard/seen complaints of an individual who “has strayed” and become progressive, but it is only a glimpse of the individual in a stage. Christians should know better that the Holy Spirit is in the active process of transforming and we are all in different stages of that transformation.
Since the 1990’s–when I first started to notice–those who walked or turned away from the church building were definitely impacted by historical faith, spiritual voices, and leaders and often the hypocrisy of.
Jersak draws on the scholar and wisdom of many thinkers through the ages to shed light on the different deconstruction journeys. Some resonated with me, others went over my head. Likely, at least one of them will help shed light on yourself or someone you know.
If you are wondering why anyone would deconstruct/renovate their faith, I suggest you read this book. If you think everyone who begins the deconstruction/renovation journey becomes agnostic or atheist, I encourage you to read this book. This book is also for those at any stage of the deconstruction/renovation journey.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and this is my honest and unbiased review.
November 10, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for this review.
In a day where the answer seems to be: 'Burn it all down,' Bradley Jersak calls to us from the ashes of ruin with the attentiveness and compassion of the Good Samaritan tending to and providing for a stranger in need. Out of the Embers reassures that deconstruction is not merely for the purpose of destruction, but unlike many Christian texts of old, it does not attempt to fill in all the blanks, or flood us with certitude. In this seminal work, Brad comes to us as a fellow wayfarer, a sojourner who is questioning, seeking and anchored. And from that deeply rooted place, with the voices of sages from eras past, Out of the Embers is written as a companion for fellow seekers, a guide for the questioners and calls us in to turn once again to the One who loves, to the One who leads, the One who makes all things new. What will we be after the coal of the refiner's fire has touched our lips? Out of the Embers leaves us hopeful.
In a day where the answer seems to be: 'Burn it all down,' Bradley Jersak calls to us from the ashes of ruin with the attentiveness and compassion of the Good Samaritan tending to and providing for a stranger in need. Out of the Embers reassures that deconstruction is not merely for the purpose of destruction, but unlike many Christian texts of old, it does not attempt to fill in all the blanks, or flood us with certitude. In this seminal work, Brad comes to us as a fellow wayfarer, a sojourner who is questioning, seeking and anchored. And from that deeply rooted place, with the voices of sages from eras past, Out of the Embers is written as a companion for fellow seekers, a guide for the questioners and calls us in to turn once again to the One who loves, to the One who leads, the One who makes all things new. What will we be after the coal of the refiner's fire has touched our lips? Out of the Embers leaves us hopeful.
November 20, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
Are you disillusioned with your faith? With your life? Brad Jersak's book, Out of the Embers, may be just what you need to help you find your way. Life has periods of deconstruction and the journey can be arduous and scary. Allow Brad to be your companion. You'll find you have lots of company as he relates his own story, and the stories of many others all throughout history. Deconstruction can lead to reconstruction and can be a positive experience. In this book, you just may find what you need to find your way. I highly recommend this book.
Are you disillusioned with your faith? With your life? Brad Jersak's book, Out of the Embers, may be just what you need to help you find your way. Life has periods of deconstruction and the journey can be arduous and scary. Allow Brad to be your companion. You'll find you have lots of company as he relates his own story, and the stories of many others all throughout history. Deconstruction can lead to reconstruction and can be a positive experience. In this book, you just may find what you need to find your way. I highly recommend this book.
November 11, 2022
“After a lifetime immersed in Christian culture, including pastoral leadership, somehow, you missed out on spiritual attachment to Christ as a living person.” One purpose of this book is to point to Jesus and how people get pastors, leaders, and others as their intermediary instead of having an encounter with Christ for themselves. If one is thinking of leaving church, has left church, or is wanting nothing more to do with Christianity, this book is for you. If you know someone who has left organized religion and is desiring to see both sides, this book is for you.
note: I did receive an advanced copy.
note: I did receive an advanced copy.
November 23, 2022
This book is a thorough study on everything pertaining to the term “deconstruction”. The author has a wonderful way of explaining what deconstruction is and how it’s been practiced throughout history. The surprising thing to me was that this modern movement of deconstruction is not new! Even Jesus deconstructed the faulty religious ideas of his day. That puts those of us who have deconstructed, or are in process, in good company. Thanks Brad for helping us to understand deconstruction wherever we are in our journey.
November 10, 2022
Brad Jersak offers a much needed perspective on the deconstruction of fundamental faith that so many are going through currently. He takes a dive into philosophy, history, and theology to show us how we can remain rooted in Christ through and after the deconstruction process. Out of the Embers describes what I've found in my own journey with Christ, even as it seemed so much was on fire around me. This book will be helpful for those wondering if faith can remain or those walking with others on this path. Thank you for your beautiful work, Brad!
November 11, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
This well written book has brought back a series of memories with a new view of how I have been and am being formed through the twists and turns of my life by the God who loves me, always has, and always will.
This well written book has brought back a series of memories with a new view of how I have been and am being formed through the twists and turns of my life by the God who loves me, always has, and always will.
March 8, 2023
Avoid this book! This is an apologetics book masquerading as a text on Christian deconstruction. The author is a former charismatic pastor, participated in the New apostolic reformation in the 1990’s, had a crisis of faith and later became an orthodox theologian, while claiming to have deconstructed (p.58). However, his rhetoric signifies anything but. I believe Jersak loves the mystical and wants to keep the reader in the mystery of God and Faith. The book is also problematically steeped in American, white, cis-gendered, heterosexual privilege. The foreword was written by Brian Zahnd who has recently come under fire for his homophobia. The author (Jersak) assumes his audience is American and that America is the only and greatest place to live that ever existed under the sun. His descriptions of other cultures ooze with orientalism and disdain.
Jersak’s proofs of his claims are scant and insufficient. His summarizing descriptions of people, ideological movements, and concepts are bereft of any citation or credit for where he is getting his informationfrom. Which belies his arrogance, that he doesn’t feel the need to prove nor qualify his claims. Furthermore, because of his privilege, Jersak often makes claims and provides little to no supporting evidence. Because Jersak is a professor, this is deeply disappointing, and I am disappointed that his publisher and editor let this book go out in this state. If this was a master’s thesis, he would not have passed the defense.
By Jersak’s definition, deconstruction is “how we use binary language to smuggle in power dynamics that generate injustice” (p. 25). Yet, he does not devote any energy or text to how human actors use language and abuse power. He does not talk about how Evangelical wolves abuse the flock, nor how political movements are abusing faith to gain cultural power. However, he goes to great lengths to discuss how traumatizing and antagonistic deconstruction is to Christians, which betrays his true biases. From my reading, Jersak does not want the reader to deconstruct their spiritual abuse, their faith, or the lies said to them in that faith. I believe Jersak wants the reader to stay in the faith and will discourage anything that could lead one to a critical examination of their situation. And it's important to stress not all deconstruction leads one away from their faith; that decision should be made by the reader, not for the reader!
In place of true deconstruction, Jersak offers a counterfeit version, a deconstruction of one’s self towards God. Notice the switch here; we’re not deconstructing the abusive situation, society, or systemic issues; we’re focusing inwards only. Jersak’s deconstruction will not fix societal issues, you won’t be helping your neighbor, and you will not leave your abusive situation with his tool set. In truth, Jersak does not want freedom for his reader; his language on freedom is near-universally disparaging. And any reference to freedom that doesn’t have Jesus in the same sentence will highlight danger, isolation, uncertainty, and existential despair. And when he gets to his point on the seven sleepers in the book, it gets particularly frustrating. Because, deconstruction is about exposing hidden meanings and codes buried within the language usage of the powerful. I believe Jersak, however, does not want to illuminate; he wants to mystify; true to his charismatic roots, I can only imagine how frustrating it would have been to sit in his sermons. This book is riddled with paradoxical poetic language. Jersak will try to artfully describe things in incomprehensible, and contradictory ways that, to the best of my ability, I can only conclude that he wants to confuse and overwhelm the reader to trigger a numinous encounter with God. He does this by making your brain hurt, to keep the reader in the mystery of faith. His descriptions, signify that what he is describing, be it God, their nature, faith, or reality, are unknowable, and therefore one should not try to understand them. Because his explanations of these concepts are overwhelming and confusing, the conclusions he leaves the reader with, are to deduce that A) he is smart, and B) to not even try to understand these things for one’s self, its too hard and the endevor would be fruitless. And it is here that the author goes about his flavor of deconstruction, contemplative prayer, and eisegetical readings of select texts, which highlights the next problem.
Jersak will spend a significant portion of the book talking about his seven sleepers of deconstruction, Moses, Plato, Voltaire, Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, and Weil. This is in and of itself a mystification of deconstruction and is the first foundation proof that Jersak is a bad-faith reader of most of these thinkers. Deconstruction comes from Derrida in the middle 20th century; all of these authors came before him, so they never talked about deconstruction properly. Most of these authors predate semiotics, and psychoanalysis, a.k.a. the tools of deconstruction, so they are not using the traditional tactics of deconstruction. No, Jersak is confusing deconstruction with criticism. And I believe he does not want one to be critical of Christianity or society. All of the great minds behind deconstruction, Derrida, Foucault, Butler, Lyotard, and other post-structuralist minds, are avoided entirely. This is a book about deconstruction, why avoid the people who actually did it?
What’s worse is that Jersak does not understand most of his seven sleepers. In truth, I only made it halfway through the book (Nietzsche part 2) before putting it down because it was triggering me so hard. But, I’ve read Plato and Nietzsche, and I am not convinced Jersak has, despite his claims to teach on Nietzsche. When Jersak gets to his seven sleepers, his modus operendi will be to give brief quotes from the sleeper he’s talking about, with no context as to what the historical figure was talking about, what problem they were trying to solve, or to whom they were talking to. This is bad faith reading 101. Jersak uses these bad faith quotes to eisegete (reading yourself into the text) his own meanings into these texts, to come out with an interpretation that is so far afield of what the original author intended that the reader will actually have no idea of who these thinkers are or what they were about. Take Plato, for example; Jersak devotes his section on Plato to talk about the allegory of the cave. Only, Jersak never quotes from Plato! He doesn’t even summarize the allegory or its historical meaning properly. What Jersak does is quote Simone Weil’s interpretation of the allegory, then eisegete’s own interpretation from her interpretation. In other words, a copy of a copy of a copy. We never get into Plato’s concepts of the ideal versus the apparent, the good versus pleasure, or order versus freedom dualisms. Jersak, in truth, doesn’t talk about Plato; he talks about Simone Weil, which is mystification.
With Nietzsche, Jersak is even worse. I believe Jersak does not understand who Neitzsche was or what he was about, particularly Neitzsche’s concept about the übermensch (Super Human). In Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche talked about how there were two kinds of people, those weak in will and those strong in will. How the weak of will, needed to be told what to do; they needed order, rules, and structure to live. And that the strong (of will) were brave enough to live in the vacuum of uncertainty. That the strong did not need to be told what to do, they could just do it. In other words, the strong will could be free. And that was his point. Nietzsche wants everyone to be strong of will, to be free to chart their own course in life! But, Jersak does not want you to learn about these things. Jersak believes the fruit of Nietzsche is Nazism (p.193). Despite all the bad things that have been done in the name of Jesus, one Fascist movement that admittedly did love Neitzsche’s ideas yet didn’t understand them and used them in bad faith ways, and thus Neitzsche is no longer worth studying. Hypocrisy of the highest order.
Even worse is that Jersak writes that following Neitzsche’s ideas leads to drug addiction, which is the opposite of his idea of the übermensch. Jersak concludes, “It is unfair to presume how much Nietzsche’s final illness can be attributed to his philosophy” (p. 217). If it's unfair to say, then why say the words? This quote exposes that Jersak has nothing but contempt for Nietzsche and takes every potshot he can in the book to drag him through the mud. Was Nietzsche a troubled person? Yes. Do I think Nietzsche was a good person? Probably not. But Nietzsche’s ideas on freedom and oppression are interesting and deserve consideration.
Again, if you’ve been abused by Christianity, Charismatics, Evangelicals, or political ideologies that use Jesus, this book will not help you. If you are curious about deconstruction but are afraid of losing faith, this book might help you in limited ways but will mislead you so much that I cannot recommend this book at all. Suppose you want freedom from your abusers, oppressive ideologies, or oppression in general. In that case, this book will not help you find meaning or truth behind the power dynamics embedded within the coded language of the powerful. I believe Jersak wants you to be a Christian; he wants to keep you where you are in the faith or to go deeper into your faith, full stop. If you want to learn about deconstruction, I recommend looking for books about Derrida and Foucault. If you want to learn about post-modernism and or oppression, pick up books on Karl Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, Lacan, and Darwin. If you want accessible inroads to these people any book by bell hooks or Paulo Freire are great starting points. If you want to prepare for reading a deconstructionist, I recommend learning about Marxism, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and do an introduction to semiotics (Daniel Chandler). Or, if you are brave, read these people directly; their texts are not always the easiest to read, but I guarantee that even if you do not understand all their semiotic references, or psychoanalysis, you will get something out of them. You may get the ability to think for yourself. You may learn how they break down other people’s words and see how power and ideology pervade our language usage. You may learn how to challenge norms and assumptions that keep our current circumstances chained to where they are. In other words, you may get freedom, in your mind at least, from the oppression that troubles you. And that is worth the effort.
Jersak’s proofs of his claims are scant and insufficient. His summarizing descriptions of people, ideological movements, and concepts are bereft of any citation or credit for where he is getting his informationfrom. Which belies his arrogance, that he doesn’t feel the need to prove nor qualify his claims. Furthermore, because of his privilege, Jersak often makes claims and provides little to no supporting evidence. Because Jersak is a professor, this is deeply disappointing, and I am disappointed that his publisher and editor let this book go out in this state. If this was a master’s thesis, he would not have passed the defense.
By Jersak’s definition, deconstruction is “how we use binary language to smuggle in power dynamics that generate injustice” (p. 25). Yet, he does not devote any energy or text to how human actors use language and abuse power. He does not talk about how Evangelical wolves abuse the flock, nor how political movements are abusing faith to gain cultural power. However, he goes to great lengths to discuss how traumatizing and antagonistic deconstruction is to Christians, which betrays his true biases. From my reading, Jersak does not want the reader to deconstruct their spiritual abuse, their faith, or the lies said to them in that faith. I believe Jersak wants the reader to stay in the faith and will discourage anything that could lead one to a critical examination of their situation. And it's important to stress not all deconstruction leads one away from their faith; that decision should be made by the reader, not for the reader!
In place of true deconstruction, Jersak offers a counterfeit version, a deconstruction of one’s self towards God. Notice the switch here; we’re not deconstructing the abusive situation, society, or systemic issues; we’re focusing inwards only. Jersak’s deconstruction will not fix societal issues, you won’t be helping your neighbor, and you will not leave your abusive situation with his tool set. In truth, Jersak does not want freedom for his reader; his language on freedom is near-universally disparaging. And any reference to freedom that doesn’t have Jesus in the same sentence will highlight danger, isolation, uncertainty, and existential despair. And when he gets to his point on the seven sleepers in the book, it gets particularly frustrating. Because, deconstruction is about exposing hidden meanings and codes buried within the language usage of the powerful. I believe Jersak, however, does not want to illuminate; he wants to mystify; true to his charismatic roots, I can only imagine how frustrating it would have been to sit in his sermons. This book is riddled with paradoxical poetic language. Jersak will try to artfully describe things in incomprehensible, and contradictory ways that, to the best of my ability, I can only conclude that he wants to confuse and overwhelm the reader to trigger a numinous encounter with God. He does this by making your brain hurt, to keep the reader in the mystery of faith. His descriptions, signify that what he is describing, be it God, their nature, faith, or reality, are unknowable, and therefore one should not try to understand them. Because his explanations of these concepts are overwhelming and confusing, the conclusions he leaves the reader with, are to deduce that A) he is smart, and B) to not even try to understand these things for one’s self, its too hard and the endevor would be fruitless. And it is here that the author goes about his flavor of deconstruction, contemplative prayer, and eisegetical readings of select texts, which highlights the next problem.
Jersak will spend a significant portion of the book talking about his seven sleepers of deconstruction, Moses, Plato, Voltaire, Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, and Weil. This is in and of itself a mystification of deconstruction and is the first foundation proof that Jersak is a bad-faith reader of most of these thinkers. Deconstruction comes from Derrida in the middle 20th century; all of these authors came before him, so they never talked about deconstruction properly. Most of these authors predate semiotics, and psychoanalysis, a.k.a. the tools of deconstruction, so they are not using the traditional tactics of deconstruction. No, Jersak is confusing deconstruction with criticism. And I believe he does not want one to be critical of Christianity or society. All of the great minds behind deconstruction, Derrida, Foucault, Butler, Lyotard, and other post-structuralist minds, are avoided entirely. This is a book about deconstruction, why avoid the people who actually did it?
What’s worse is that Jersak does not understand most of his seven sleepers. In truth, I only made it halfway through the book (Nietzsche part 2) before putting it down because it was triggering me so hard. But, I’ve read Plato and Nietzsche, and I am not convinced Jersak has, despite his claims to teach on Nietzsche. When Jersak gets to his seven sleepers, his modus operendi will be to give brief quotes from the sleeper he’s talking about, with no context as to what the historical figure was talking about, what problem they were trying to solve, or to whom they were talking to. This is bad faith reading 101. Jersak uses these bad faith quotes to eisegete (reading yourself into the text) his own meanings into these texts, to come out with an interpretation that is so far afield of what the original author intended that the reader will actually have no idea of who these thinkers are or what they were about. Take Plato, for example; Jersak devotes his section on Plato to talk about the allegory of the cave. Only, Jersak never quotes from Plato! He doesn’t even summarize the allegory or its historical meaning properly. What Jersak does is quote Simone Weil’s interpretation of the allegory, then eisegete’s own interpretation from her interpretation. In other words, a copy of a copy of a copy. We never get into Plato’s concepts of the ideal versus the apparent, the good versus pleasure, or order versus freedom dualisms. Jersak, in truth, doesn’t talk about Plato; he talks about Simone Weil, which is mystification.
With Nietzsche, Jersak is even worse. I believe Jersak does not understand who Neitzsche was or what he was about, particularly Neitzsche’s concept about the übermensch (Super Human). In Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche talked about how there were two kinds of people, those weak in will and those strong in will. How the weak of will, needed to be told what to do; they needed order, rules, and structure to live. And that the strong (of will) were brave enough to live in the vacuum of uncertainty. That the strong did not need to be told what to do, they could just do it. In other words, the strong will could be free. And that was his point. Nietzsche wants everyone to be strong of will, to be free to chart their own course in life! But, Jersak does not want you to learn about these things. Jersak believes the fruit of Nietzsche is Nazism (p.193). Despite all the bad things that have been done in the name of Jesus, one Fascist movement that admittedly did love Neitzsche’s ideas yet didn’t understand them and used them in bad faith ways, and thus Neitzsche is no longer worth studying. Hypocrisy of the highest order.
Even worse is that Jersak writes that following Neitzsche’s ideas leads to drug addiction, which is the opposite of his idea of the übermensch. Jersak concludes, “It is unfair to presume how much Nietzsche’s final illness can be attributed to his philosophy” (p. 217). If it's unfair to say, then why say the words? This quote exposes that Jersak has nothing but contempt for Nietzsche and takes every potshot he can in the book to drag him through the mud. Was Nietzsche a troubled person? Yes. Do I think Nietzsche was a good person? Probably not. But Nietzsche’s ideas on freedom and oppression are interesting and deserve consideration.
Again, if you’ve been abused by Christianity, Charismatics, Evangelicals, or political ideologies that use Jesus, this book will not help you. If you are curious about deconstruction but are afraid of losing faith, this book might help you in limited ways but will mislead you so much that I cannot recommend this book at all. Suppose you want freedom from your abusers, oppressive ideologies, or oppression in general. In that case, this book will not help you find meaning or truth behind the power dynamics embedded within the coded language of the powerful. I believe Jersak wants you to be a Christian; he wants to keep you where you are in the faith or to go deeper into your faith, full stop. If you want to learn about deconstruction, I recommend looking for books about Derrida and Foucault. If you want to learn about post-modernism and or oppression, pick up books on Karl Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, Lacan, and Darwin. If you want accessible inroads to these people any book by bell hooks or Paulo Freire are great starting points. If you want to prepare for reading a deconstructionist, I recommend learning about Marxism, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and do an introduction to semiotics (Daniel Chandler). Or, if you are brave, read these people directly; their texts are not always the easiest to read, but I guarantee that even if you do not understand all their semiotic references, or psychoanalysis, you will get something out of them. You may get the ability to think for yourself. You may learn how they break down other people’s words and see how power and ideology pervade our language usage. You may learn how to challenge norms and assumptions that keep our current circumstances chained to where they are. In other words, you may get freedom, in your mind at least, from the oppression that troubles you. And that is worth the effort.
November 10, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy from the author.
In this book, Bradly Jersak reveals some very important truths about the current era and experience of what he calls the Great Deconstruction. Perhaps one of the most important is that it is not a new phenomenon. It is a historical current in which we find ourselves at a particular point. He deftly shows how what we call deconstruction has been happening for a very long time. I found this comforting for my own journey because you realize that your questions, your feelings, your anger--and your joy--are not all occurring in isolation. You are on a path that is well trodden, and there is wisdom to be found for the way forward. If you are questioning the parts of your belief system that no longer make sense to you, Brad strips away the feeling that you are alone in the cave. He brings a lantern given to him as a gift right into all that spiritual angst that can feel like lonely darkness. He raises it up and lets you know, you aren't alone, and while this is hard, there is still a Gospel and it truly is Good News.
In this book, Bradly Jersak reveals some very important truths about the current era and experience of what he calls the Great Deconstruction. Perhaps one of the most important is that it is not a new phenomenon. It is a historical current in which we find ourselves at a particular point. He deftly shows how what we call deconstruction has been happening for a very long time. I found this comforting for my own journey because you realize that your questions, your feelings, your anger--and your joy--are not all occurring in isolation. You are on a path that is well trodden, and there is wisdom to be found for the way forward. If you are questioning the parts of your belief system that no longer make sense to you, Brad strips away the feeling that you are alone in the cave. He brings a lantern given to him as a gift right into all that spiritual angst that can feel like lonely darkness. He raises it up and lets you know, you aren't alone, and while this is hard, there is still a Gospel and it truly is Good News.
November 19, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book. Often when I say a book is a hard read, it’s because it is dense and perhaps more difficult to understand. I found this a hard read not because it was dense, but because it was raw and vulnerable and touching on things that are raw and tender in me. This book takes time. And I will need to reread. But it is gentle and full of understanding and pastoral care. I recommend it to anyone who is working through those big questions of faith.
On a more frivolous note - most gorgeous cover. Perfect.
On a more frivolous note - most gorgeous cover. Perfect.
January 10, 2023
Brilliant work. Deconstruction is already working its way deep into the church and we'd do well to take note of what Jersak has to say here. Especially Evangelicals and those bent on prescribing answers to life's hardest questions. Wonderfully and thoughtfully written work. Will re-read for sure.
October 23, 2025
Grateful
Thank you for all the work put into making this book come to life. As a journey woman through deconstruction, I’ve walked through these pages seeing new and old things that warmed my soul and called me to continue forward.
I’m especially grateful for the phrase, “evangelist to the alienated”. It best describes our current positions. My husband ‘retired’ from church ministry and is a multi-faith chaplain now on a community college campus. I’m a retired Christian school teacher now substituting in a public elementary. We have former friends who tell us they pray we’ll find a church. I love telling them we have a whole community.
Jesus is at work and we are right there with him. I’m so grateful.
Thank you for all the work put into making this book come to life. As a journey woman through deconstruction, I’ve walked through these pages seeing new and old things that warmed my soul and called me to continue forward.
I’m especially grateful for the phrase, “evangelist to the alienated”. It best describes our current positions. My husband ‘retired’ from church ministry and is a multi-faith chaplain now on a community college campus. I’m a retired Christian school teacher now substituting in a public elementary. We have former friends who tell us they pray we’ll find a church. I love telling them we have a whole community.
Jesus is at work and we are right there with him. I’m so grateful.
November 26, 2023
Few to none today could pull off a book on this subject as Brad Jersak has. It is incredible the ground he covers, navigating both the head and the heart adeptly, while never sacrificing a comfortable pace of engagement for the reader. The book is rich: no wasted words, no redundancy or fluff. But rich implies difficult too--it is hard to imagine a reader walking away from this book unchallenged (even while simultaneously being comforted).
For readers considering, either for themselves or to recommend to friends/colleagues, note that Jersak’s chosen audience is not those who are uninterested in a voluntary deconstruction journey. Instead, he is ministering to people already open to or on the journey (whether voluntary or not). This isn't to say the disinterested won't benefit...only that it's likely they will find plenty to arouse offense rather quickly, and will use this offense to not genuinely or openly engage with Jersak's message.
At the risk of over-generalizing, this book is an expounding upon Hebrews 13:12-24 (which Jersak mentions a number of times throughout)--that Jesus suffered outside of the city gate, and that we too might go to where He is, out there. The Cross is the way, and Jesus Christ is ever present in trouble...all trouble. Scandalously so. For victims, for perpetrators. There is room at His table.
For readers considering, either for themselves or to recommend to friends/colleagues, note that Jersak’s chosen audience is not those who are uninterested in a voluntary deconstruction journey. Instead, he is ministering to people already open to or on the journey (whether voluntary or not). This isn't to say the disinterested won't benefit...only that it's likely they will find plenty to arouse offense rather quickly, and will use this offense to not genuinely or openly engage with Jersak's message.
At the risk of over-generalizing, this book is an expounding upon Hebrews 13:12-24 (which Jersak mentions a number of times throughout)--that Jesus suffered outside of the city gate, and that we too might go to where He is, out there. The Cross is the way, and Jesus Christ is ever present in trouble...all trouble. Scandalously so. For victims, for perpetrators. There is room at His table.
November 21, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
Deconstruction of faith is rampant. Research shows that thousands of people are streaming out of the church and the Christian faith, and the exodus is not slowing down. Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction is the first book on deconstruction and renewal of faith I’ve seen that looks into the perfect storm of events and history that have instigated this necessary and inevitable Great Deconstruction, as the author Brad Jersak describes it. The mindset of modernity has created a scenario in which awareness of transcendence and belief in God is nearly impossible, thus much of what is considered faith has been reduced to ideology and its accompanying emotions. As many may recall, the late Phyllis Tickle taught that the church seems to have a rummage sale every 500 years or so, ridding itself of the unnecessary and even harmful things it has accumulated. Deconstruction is not new. Jersak walks us along an ancient roadmap through deconstruction towards renewal by a means beyond what our modern, reasoning brains have been given.
Deconstruction is truly needed and of course, as Jersak notes, there is deconstruction that is merely destructive. The author describes some of his own painful journey of deconstruction while also acknowledging he cannot speak for everyone’s experience, nor does he try to create a one size fits all solution. He does not dodge the reality of the many experiences of religious trauma and cruelty that are all too common. Essentially, in his view, exposing and shedding false constructs that we have built around the faith is crucial to its survival, but more importantly, it is crucial in order to clear the way for one to abide in the actual loving and healing presence of God beyond previous constructs and fear. Yes, Jersak writes from a place of deep faith and love for Jesus, a perspective that might be a bit triggering for those who are understandably angry at the ages old distortions of the faith and Christianity and the great harm that has come from that. I encourage you to read this anyway if you feel ready. Some who have deconstructed might accuse him of being a bit preachy, but the preaching comes from a place of the author’s hard-earned humility and raw faith spoken through the tone of a kind friend. He will not harm you. In fact, he describes quite a bit of healing of trauma through a gentle, purified, loving faith. He also recognizes that the contemplative/mystical path is crucial for real faith in a postmodern/metamodern age, a stance I strongly agree with. This book may not cause you to budge an inch, but that is not the goal, be not afraid! There is an abundance of the age-old virtues of patience and trust for everyone and anyone’s journey here. It’s about love. It’s worth your time.
This book dives fearlessly into the words of some of the harshest critics Christianity has ever had—particularly Voltaire and Nietzsche. If you think you’re angry at Christianity, you ain’t heard nothing yet! However, both speak from a deep understanding of what the gospel of Christ reveals and offers, though Nietzsche was not able to claim faith for himself. Few today have such a profound understanding of the Christian faith (not their fault), although many certainly have had their hearts broken by the failure of Christianity to produce little Christs in this world. Modern Christianity needs the critiques and experiences these men and women whom Jersak calls the “seven sleepers” of our history, who have done the deconstruction thing and have contributed immensely to pruning out absurdities, cruelties, and falsehoods. The courage of these folks and many others blows my mind, to be honest. They have prepared the way for something more real and true to re-merge. From death comes resurrection.
What is most profoundly important about this book is that Jersak does not shy away from the problem of suffering and in particular, non-redemptive or meaningless suffering. Many of the deconstructed whom I have interviewed lament the wounds that were inflicted by having been forced into suppressing hard realities and questions. They had been forced to deny their own experiences and intuitive knowing. This can no longer be ignored. Non-redemptive suffering is explored through the lenses of those who have suffered it most severely, those who have been tortured because of all kinds of diabolical “othering.” Here we meet the Christ who exists “outside the gate,” that is, outside the place where the worthy gather, with all those who have been rejected and abused. Truthfully, that is the only Christ I can follow. There, outside the gate, the Light that shines in the darkness becomes as palpable as the noonday sun. There, we can allow the exiled parts of our own selves to be welcomed again as well.
I also encourage those who feel secure in their faith and see deconstruction as trendy, faithless, or possibly threatening to read this book as well. It sharpens our understanding of the actual Good News. The author is an Eastern Orthodox theologian and a convert from evangelicalism, which is another story I’d love to hear more about. I believe that few in the heritage of western Protestant Christianity have heard the gospel through the echoes of memory and faith that the ancients knew in such a clear and beautiful way. This book is rich and deep—there’s far too much to describe in a short review. What becomes apparent is that there is something more real than we have dared to fully know or imagine. Love is primary, and God’s abundant welcome is offered to all. It will make you thirsty.
15/10 recommend.
Deconstruction of faith is rampant. Research shows that thousands of people are streaming out of the church and the Christian faith, and the exodus is not slowing down. Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction is the first book on deconstruction and renewal of faith I’ve seen that looks into the perfect storm of events and history that have instigated this necessary and inevitable Great Deconstruction, as the author Brad Jersak describes it. The mindset of modernity has created a scenario in which awareness of transcendence and belief in God is nearly impossible, thus much of what is considered faith has been reduced to ideology and its accompanying emotions. As many may recall, the late Phyllis Tickle taught that the church seems to have a rummage sale every 500 years or so, ridding itself of the unnecessary and even harmful things it has accumulated. Deconstruction is not new. Jersak walks us along an ancient roadmap through deconstruction towards renewal by a means beyond what our modern, reasoning brains have been given.
Deconstruction is truly needed and of course, as Jersak notes, there is deconstruction that is merely destructive. The author describes some of his own painful journey of deconstruction while also acknowledging he cannot speak for everyone’s experience, nor does he try to create a one size fits all solution. He does not dodge the reality of the many experiences of religious trauma and cruelty that are all too common. Essentially, in his view, exposing and shedding false constructs that we have built around the faith is crucial to its survival, but more importantly, it is crucial in order to clear the way for one to abide in the actual loving and healing presence of God beyond previous constructs and fear. Yes, Jersak writes from a place of deep faith and love for Jesus, a perspective that might be a bit triggering for those who are understandably angry at the ages old distortions of the faith and Christianity and the great harm that has come from that. I encourage you to read this anyway if you feel ready. Some who have deconstructed might accuse him of being a bit preachy, but the preaching comes from a place of the author’s hard-earned humility and raw faith spoken through the tone of a kind friend. He will not harm you. In fact, he describes quite a bit of healing of trauma through a gentle, purified, loving faith. He also recognizes that the contemplative/mystical path is crucial for real faith in a postmodern/metamodern age, a stance I strongly agree with. This book may not cause you to budge an inch, but that is not the goal, be not afraid! There is an abundance of the age-old virtues of patience and trust for everyone and anyone’s journey here. It’s about love. It’s worth your time.
This book dives fearlessly into the words of some of the harshest critics Christianity has ever had—particularly Voltaire and Nietzsche. If you think you’re angry at Christianity, you ain’t heard nothing yet! However, both speak from a deep understanding of what the gospel of Christ reveals and offers, though Nietzsche was not able to claim faith for himself. Few today have such a profound understanding of the Christian faith (not their fault), although many certainly have had their hearts broken by the failure of Christianity to produce little Christs in this world. Modern Christianity needs the critiques and experiences these men and women whom Jersak calls the “seven sleepers” of our history, who have done the deconstruction thing and have contributed immensely to pruning out absurdities, cruelties, and falsehoods. The courage of these folks and many others blows my mind, to be honest. They have prepared the way for something more real and true to re-merge. From death comes resurrection.
What is most profoundly important about this book is that Jersak does not shy away from the problem of suffering and in particular, non-redemptive or meaningless suffering. Many of the deconstructed whom I have interviewed lament the wounds that were inflicted by having been forced into suppressing hard realities and questions. They had been forced to deny their own experiences and intuitive knowing. This can no longer be ignored. Non-redemptive suffering is explored through the lenses of those who have suffered it most severely, those who have been tortured because of all kinds of diabolical “othering.” Here we meet the Christ who exists “outside the gate,” that is, outside the place where the worthy gather, with all those who have been rejected and abused. Truthfully, that is the only Christ I can follow. There, outside the gate, the Light that shines in the darkness becomes as palpable as the noonday sun. There, we can allow the exiled parts of our own selves to be welcomed again as well.
I also encourage those who feel secure in their faith and see deconstruction as trendy, faithless, or possibly threatening to read this book as well. It sharpens our understanding of the actual Good News. The author is an Eastern Orthodox theologian and a convert from evangelicalism, which is another story I’d love to hear more about. I believe that few in the heritage of western Protestant Christianity have heard the gospel through the echoes of memory and faith that the ancients knew in such a clear and beautiful way. This book is rich and deep—there’s far too much to describe in a short review. What becomes apparent is that there is something more real than we have dared to fully know or imagine. Love is primary, and God’s abundant welcome is offered to all. It will make you thirsty.
15/10 recommend.
December 24, 2022
This book is FANTASTIC.
I sincerely believe this is the best book on the topic of Christian deconstruction. It is equally pastoral and scholarly. Full of anecdotes, stories, quotes, insights.
If you are going through deconstruction or know someone who is, this is a great read.
I sincerely believe this is the best book on the topic of Christian deconstruction. It is equally pastoral and scholarly. Full of anecdotes, stories, quotes, insights.
If you are going through deconstruction or know someone who is, this is a great read.
November 15, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Out of the Embers is a book about deconstruction, kind of. It’s a book about deconstruction, but it doesn’t feel like it is. I mean that in a good way.
Jersak shares his own aversion to what he refers to as happy-clappy social media deconstructionists. Find the hoards of “exvangelicals” and similar folks on Twitter and you’ll know what he means. They run the gamut from deeply thoughtful to, well, less thoughtful.
Jersak’s book isn’t about “burning it all to the ground” to help people leave faith. He maintains a deep Christian faith, now in the Orthodox tradition (his background–I guess the one he deconstructed out of?–is Baptist). Jersak wants to offer signposts and guides to help readers who are experiencing their own deconstruction: “I hope in some way, through this book, to walk beside you so that you will know that you are not alone.”
So how’s the book?
Personally, the pain and anguish of the kind of deep deconstruction he articulates isn’t my experience. I’m thankful for that. For those who are experiencing, or have experienced, pain or trauma or disorientation like Jersak describes, these passages will be healing. My faith road has seemed like more of an ambling stream: turns and surprises, sure–and acquainted with tragedies–but not freighted with the faith-trauma Jersak addresses. Again, I'm thankful.
The most engaging and enjoyable parts of the book for me personally were Jersak’s chapters on thinkers from the past (and up to the present). Some of these thinkers might be a surprise–Voltaire and Nietzsche, for example. I found the chapter on Voltaire interesting–he’s probably the thinker in the book I’ve engaged with the least. Jersak also engages readers with Plato, Moses, Kierkegaard, Dostoyevsky, Simone Weil (his apparent favorite). His chapter on Howard Thurman (mostly on Howard Thurman, that is) may have been my favorite. You’ll also encounter names like Elie Wiesel, James Cone, and more.
What I’m failing to say in all this is that the book is good. It covers lots of breadth, but it held together for me. Once I got to part two (of three), I really settled in and enjoyed it. The book has emotional range and Jersak seems kind and good, a guy you won’t mind spending your time with, I don’t think.
Can I pick any nits in the book? Only to be a stinker. I’ve heard lemmings don’t really commit mass suicide by jumping over cliffs. At one point Jersak writes, “We heard it from Frankl: God is hanging there with you,” but the narrative he seems to be referring back to is the one from Elie Wiesel’s Night, not Frankl. And for me–this is just me–I don’t prefer it when authors use emails they’ve received (or similar anecdotes, like long conversations or text threads) and reproduce them at length to make points or observations. A brief quote, a phrase, a snippet–but put the rest of it in your own words. That’s just my opinion, and a small picky one. Oh, and last of all, I don't like endnotes. I like footnotes. I don't like it when the author has extra thoughts about page 57, but you have look up said thoughts on page 324. Scanning through the endnotes, though, made it clear they were almost all citations. So no permanent hard feelings (who could live that way?).
Somewhere along the way in the book, the “second simplicity” idea came to my mind. I’m not sure who came up with the idea first, but the idea is (ha!) simple: things are first simple, then things become complicated; you move through the complexities to a deeper, second simplicity. That’s not exactly what’s going on here with faith and the “Great Deconstruction,” as Jersak aptly calls this cultural tremor. But there’s something there. When you undo the bad constructs, the bad images of God, reject what God is not, go through the pains of the birth canal, embrace (or at least survive) the disorientation, learn to hope, learn to love, then a second faith opens to you. There are plentiful paths there–some beautiful, some wrenching–but I think this book will help many, and interest perhaps many more.
Jersak quotes MLK; I'll let that quote be the last word because, well, just read: "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
Out of the Embers is a book about deconstruction, kind of. It’s a book about deconstruction, but it doesn’t feel like it is. I mean that in a good way.
Jersak shares his own aversion to what he refers to as happy-clappy social media deconstructionists. Find the hoards of “exvangelicals” and similar folks on Twitter and you’ll know what he means. They run the gamut from deeply thoughtful to, well, less thoughtful.
Jersak’s book isn’t about “burning it all to the ground” to help people leave faith. He maintains a deep Christian faith, now in the Orthodox tradition (his background–I guess the one he deconstructed out of?–is Baptist). Jersak wants to offer signposts and guides to help readers who are experiencing their own deconstruction: “I hope in some way, through this book, to walk beside you so that you will know that you are not alone.”
So how’s the book?
Personally, the pain and anguish of the kind of deep deconstruction he articulates isn’t my experience. I’m thankful for that. For those who are experiencing, or have experienced, pain or trauma or disorientation like Jersak describes, these passages will be healing. My faith road has seemed like more of an ambling stream: turns and surprises, sure–and acquainted with tragedies–but not freighted with the faith-trauma Jersak addresses. Again, I'm thankful.
The most engaging and enjoyable parts of the book for me personally were Jersak’s chapters on thinkers from the past (and up to the present). Some of these thinkers might be a surprise–Voltaire and Nietzsche, for example. I found the chapter on Voltaire interesting–he’s probably the thinker in the book I’ve engaged with the least. Jersak also engages readers with Plato, Moses, Kierkegaard, Dostoyevsky, Simone Weil (his apparent favorite). His chapter on Howard Thurman (mostly on Howard Thurman, that is) may have been my favorite. You’ll also encounter names like Elie Wiesel, James Cone, and more.
What I’m failing to say in all this is that the book is good. It covers lots of breadth, but it held together for me. Once I got to part two (of three), I really settled in and enjoyed it. The book has emotional range and Jersak seems kind and good, a guy you won’t mind spending your time with, I don’t think.
Can I pick any nits in the book? Only to be a stinker. I’ve heard lemmings don’t really commit mass suicide by jumping over cliffs. At one point Jersak writes, “We heard it from Frankl: God is hanging there with you,” but the narrative he seems to be referring back to is the one from Elie Wiesel’s Night, not Frankl. And for me–this is just me–I don’t prefer it when authors use emails they’ve received (or similar anecdotes, like long conversations or text threads) and reproduce them at length to make points or observations. A brief quote, a phrase, a snippet–but put the rest of it in your own words. That’s just my opinion, and a small picky one. Oh, and last of all, I don't like endnotes. I like footnotes. I don't like it when the author has extra thoughts about page 57, but you have look up said thoughts on page 324. Scanning through the endnotes, though, made it clear they were almost all citations. So no permanent hard feelings (who could live that way?).
Somewhere along the way in the book, the “second simplicity” idea came to my mind. I’m not sure who came up with the idea first, but the idea is (ha!) simple: things are first simple, then things become complicated; you move through the complexities to a deeper, second simplicity. That’s not exactly what’s going on here with faith and the “Great Deconstruction,” as Jersak aptly calls this cultural tremor. But there’s something there. When you undo the bad constructs, the bad images of God, reject what God is not, go through the pains of the birth canal, embrace (or at least survive) the disorientation, learn to hope, learn to love, then a second faith opens to you. There are plentiful paths there–some beautiful, some wrenching–but I think this book will help many, and interest perhaps many more.
Jersak quotes MLK; I'll let that quote be the last word because, well, just read: "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
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