Rethinking faith
Of deconstruction and reconstruction and the opening up of new horizons
Faith cannot be taken for granted. We change ourselves in life and our faith also changes. What we believed as children sometimes carries over into adulthood. Then sometimes the day comes when previous concepts no longer prove themselves, when they are no longer convincing. A process of rethinking is beginning. How to rethink faith?
Changes are real
Life means change. Living faith can evolve. But faith can also be lost. What is needed in change is honest and open discussion. However, just an honest discussion is feared in some circles and often demonized and prevented: In case of changes, one would lose faith, lose salvation, get lost, end up in the clutches of the devil and these things more.
Change can be challenging when you are stuck in an environment that is not open to change. But when the urge to live is greater than the construct in which one was trapped, people free themselves – often in a sincere trust in God, who is above all.
What’s next?
If you recognize that you are in a process of change, then many questions come up. Hopefully, one finds the courage to question time-honored opinions, to expose supposed “Bible-based teachings” as “without biblical reference.” Perhaps one has had enough of the black and white thinking of one’s own faith community, enough of always thinking in terms of right or wrong, good or evil. Perhaps one has discovered that the world is somewhat larger than one’s own community.
We then move on to concrete steps. You question and come to new conclusions. The previous environment may be abandoned. One is critical of doctrinal beliefs and wonders how to shape a healthier faith. Or you can go even further, and question everything.
Many people have traumatizing religious experiences. This is far less explored in Europe than in, say, the United States. The same mechanisms of cults operate in so many other faith communities. The consequences often shape people for a lifetime.
What you need to deal with most urgently is likely to be a little different for everyone. Some feel downright cheated, abused, mistreated and taken for fools. There, a clear demarcation from abuse helps first. Reprocessing requires more time.
Rethinking faith
In loose succession on this page appear contributions to
- Deconstruction of faith
- Reconstruction of faith
- How can I keep what is good?
- How do I open up new horizons?
One thing you should know: There are a lot of people on the road with these questions. There are websites, podcast series, and other offerings dedicated to this. It is a feature of our time and affects many people. These often continue to grapple with their Christianity. It is worthwhile to cultivate a learning culture in which development is allowed to take place.