It was somewhat of a wake-up call. A few years ago a friend asked if he could interview me for a project he was working on. He was looking for people who were once quite strong in their faith, but had since completely given it up (or something like that)...
At first I thought he wondered if I knew anyone like that. Then it dawned on me... he thought *I* had turned my back on God! I didn't know what to say.
I will admit, my life has changed quite a bit over the years since I was a practicing pastor. But I can't say that I've ever lost my faith or turned my back on God. Sure, I've had a lot of questions... and not just a few doubts about things... but, really???
Anyway, the quote below showed up on my Facebook "memories" this morning. I tend to agree with Joel.
Interestingly enough, I was just thinking about this yesterday. Michael Frost shared a post on the subject of 'deconstruction' along the same lines.
What caught my eye, though, was a comment from someone about something Brian Zahnd had said. His claim is that 'deconstruction' is an incorrect term for what many of us are or have gone through. He prefers the word "restoration." Here's his take:
Think of an ancient icon of Christ.Imagine, for example, that a thousand year old Christ Pantokrator painted on a wooden panel is discovered in some forgotten monastery. The image of Christ is there, but it is covered with a thick patina of grime, dirt, and soot accumulated over centuries that has obscured the image of Christ. Now imagine that a restoration artist is given the task of returning the icon to its original vibrancy and beauty. Think about how the restoration artist goes about her work. Among her tools for restoration work we will not find explosives. You can’t restore art with dynamite!It’s true that faith in Jesus Christ has been distorted over the centuries by layers of varnish, lacquer, dirt, and grime. The beautiful image of Christ has been obscured by the imposition of cultural assumptions, political agendas, distorted doctrines, and the corrupting influence of empire. Fundamentalism, literalism, nationalism, and consumerism have created layers of varnish that distort the beautiful image of Christ.But as we seek to remove these contaminants and recover the beauty of Christ, we cannot employ cynical and violent methodologies. If we do, we run the risk of destroying the priceless treasure in the process. We must be patient and reverent. If all we want to do is deconstruct and destroy Christian faith, we can swing an angry hammer; but if want to restore Christian faith, the patience and gentleness of wisdom is required."
I like that. In fact, I'm not so sure I haven't shared it on this very blog at some point in the past (who knows). I know I've heard it, and forgotten it... but I like the picture he paints and I hope, at least, that it's more similar to what I went through (and am still working on) than that of a deconstructionist.
Meh, but what do I know?? ;)
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