Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith

Butler University religion professor McGrath (John of History, Baptist of Faith) outlines in this pensive guide how former Christian evangelicals can refashion their faith. Characterizing evangelical Christianity as a narrow religious framework that harnesses “bits of the Bible” to support rigid principles often concerned with “tear[ing] down the beliefs of others,” he offers advice for shaping a more flexible, individualized faith. Suggestions include practicing “compassion and empathy” toward friends and enemies alike, developing an appreciation for the divine by seeking beauty in music and nature, and starting open-ended, nonjudgmental conversations about faith with members of one’s community. He also wisely encourages readers to release their “illusion of certainty” and approach faith as a lifelong search for “the truth about God,” which might involve elements of their past faith practices (readers should take the time to “go through the rubble, brick by brick, because there is a lot in there that was actually good and which would be a shame to walk away from”). Curious exvangelicals will get a lot of mileage out of this. (Feb.)