Independence, Texas sits on the driving route to Shelby’s beloved Camp Blessing. Every year when we drop off and pick her up from a week of adventure, we pass through. And every year I have wanted to stop at Independence Baptist Church, which houses the Texas Baptist Museum. This time my doting husband agreed to stop and let me look.
I love history and enjoyed looking at the artifacts of famous Texans and the origins of Baylor University – my alma mater. And even though the museum was installed by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, I couldn’t help but think of my roots in the Southern Baptist Convention. If you don’t know the past and politics between the BGCT and the SBC, consider yourself fortunate.
Chalk it up to naivete, but I learned only a couple of years ago that the Southern Baptist Convention formed in response to the northern Baptists desire to abolish slavery. Not a selling point for the ol’ SBC. And I felt the weight of that in this little museum.
Once back in the car, I heard an interviewee on a podcast state that we shouldn’t be afraid of deconstruction. Attention caught! If you aren’t familiar with this term, in church circles, it refers to someone re-thinking what he/she has been taught about the Bible and what it means to follow Jesus.
I’ll be honest. I AM afraid of the term deconstruction. Because I most often hear it in relation to higher profile believers who decide that they no longer believe in God and His Word.
To clarify, I think questions are healthy. I believe God welcomes them. And His Word contains the answers. Not trendy books or philosophy or stories of people who walked away from their faith. When we acknowledge Christ as Lord, we possess only an elementary understanding. Following Him is a process of learning and growing that lasts a lifetime. I am certainly not the same Christian I was 5 years ago – or even last month. To stay the same equals stagnation.
To know Him is to become more like Him – not to deny Him. So as I moved closer to the heart of God and spent more time studying the Bible, I definitely questioned some of the teachings of my upbringing. For example, Southern Baptists largely follow a teetotaling ideology with regard to alcohol. I even remember hearing that the wine mentioned in the Bible was not like modern wine – that it wasn’t as potent. False! After studying the Bible for myself, I learned that scripture only condemns drunkenness, not drinking in and of itself.
I also feel very differently now about the “True Love Waits” ring- wearing purity culture youth groups immersed themselves in during my formative years. The culture itself set up a works-based mind-set for sexual purity that held rules and regulations above the state of young hearts. So I no longer subscribe to this teaching. What I still hold dear? Jesus’ teachings on holy sexuality and the physical and emotional protection provided there.
In the same way, I can see the Southern Baptist churches of my childhood as imperfect foundations for the faith I now cherish. Something that I have continued to refine and build upon. But turning my back on the inerrant Word of God is never an option.
So what should we do with the questions we have? Turn to the divinely inspired scriptures. And when we struggle to make sense of them? Look up the passages in question in their original Hebrew (for Old Testament) and Greek (for the New). The opinions of man – or even their interpretations, at times – can be misleading. And everything we hear or read should always be held up against God’s Word to discern truth.
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
Maryleigh Bucher of bluecottonmemory.com was brave enough to admit her confusion about the Holy Spirit. I think there are many Christians in the same boat. Read a little of how she came to know and understand Him better in Lead Me Through the Water. Bonus: she includes a beautiful original poem. Thanks Maryleigh!
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Lauren, I admit along with you that the term “deconstruction” scares me. We must be so careful as to what we are deconstructing. I am grateful God does not discourage me from bringing my questions to Him. I am grateful His Word is truth and the answers can be found in Him, in His Word. And I am forever grateful He has never given up on me. He continues to teach and transform me, strengthening my faith in Him.
Oh, Joanne. I love your heart for the Lord. It oozes from your keyboard. And I’m so grateful too. Thank you.
I’m under construction, too, Lauren – daily! When I think of where He has brought me – and the anticipation of where He’s taking me (though I don’t know what that looks like, I am excited about this journey. Pressing in to Him – and His word! Honored, Lauren, touched your heart. The journey into deeper reminds me of my grandson who was so frightened to go deeper into the pool – and once he jumped in, knew He was safe – He didn’t want to get out! I want to be like that!
Oh, I want to be like that too, Maryleigh!
Baylor is my alma mater, too, Lauren. Independence, Texas is a neat little Texas town. Were you able to visit the Antique Rose Emporium just up the street from the Museum you visited? If not, try to visit in late spring or early summer as their flowers are gorgeous!
I didn’t get a chance to look around the town. I will put that on my list!
I think there’s a difference between deconstruction and questions. We’ll always be growing in our understanding of God’s Word, so that will change some of our beliefs and practices along the way. I’ve had that experience, too, of being ministered to by people and groups only to find out later there was something not quite right about them. Like those good old Bereans in Acts, we’re to examine everything in light of Scripture.
Deconstruction to me indicates someone who has gone past the questions to actually dismantling the ground they once stood on. I love what you said here: “No need for deconstruction. I’ll not burn it all to the ground. I forever consider myself a spiritual being under construction.” Amen. May our questions always lead us to be more firmly grounded on His truth.
Exactly. Well said, Barbara. And your closing prayer is perfect!
Whatever term we want to call it, I agree that it’s very healthy to always be looking for more ways to be like Jesus, and that often involve evolving our faith to be more true to his truths. My beliefs continue to grow as I mature in Christ and I’m grateful that I don’t believe like I did as a child. I appreciate your perspective, Lauren.
I loved Maryleigh’s post too! I’m glad you featured it. I just noticed we’re both going to feature Jennifer’s post this Friday. Great minds, and all that. 🙂
Well said. And yes, great minds!
This is so refreshing, Lauren! I hear a lot about deconstruction, and this is a wonderful example of being thoughtful and asking questioning in order to grow in faith and to be constructed more into his image. Thanks for sharing!
“Constructed more into His image”. That’s a perfect way to put it, Bethany!
Yes, I agree I don’t like what the ‘deconstruction’ movement has done.
God tells us in His Word to always discern every spirit & wind of doctrine that comes to us. This can only be done with the Holy Spirit’s wisdom & through God’s Word. We need to continually look to Him for this.
Great post Lauren,
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer. You said it very well.
I really appreciate your distinction between deconstruction and just being under construction. I feel like we are all under construction, constantly evolving in our belief systems and ideologies, and I think that is exactly as it is meant to be. We didn’t come into this world knowing all the things. We come into this world knowing absolutely nothing and then we begin our lifetime of learning and growing. Beautiful message and post, my friend! Thanks for linking with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
None of us were intended to just be but to grow and learn more about our Creator and serve Him.
I completely agree that to stay the same equals stagnation; I think we are all growing and changing every day in our mindset and our knowledge base.
Students of the King!
Such good thoughts here, Lauren. I appreciate your encouragement to seek out what the Bible actually says about our questions, rather than just picking and choosing what we believe based on what the prevailing culture says or what makes us feel better and more “affirmed.”
I like the way you worded that, Lois. It is definitely counter cultural – which is what we are supposed to be!
I love this post so much, Lauren. Very well said, all of it. As I grow older and continue to examine my faith and some of the things that were taught to me in the past that were not true, I can now see it more as construction! We’re never too old to keep growing.
Never too old! Thank you so much, Pam.