EDITORIAL
Barna Trends | David Kinnaman
The rise of personal stories from Christian (or ex-Christian) influencers reassessing their beliefs has made “deconstruction” seem like a viral trend. And it is fairly widespread: Overall, 42% of all adults say they have deconstructed the faith of their youth. Barna’s research on the spiritually open reveals deeper insights from those who have gone through this soul-searching experience.
Here are five key findings that shed light on why some stay rooted in faith while others walk away:
- Those who have deconstructed aren’t all currently ex-Christians. Surprisingly, many are still Christian and sitting in your pews. Among today’s practicing Christians, more than one-third (36%) say they have deconstructed their faith. A similar proportion of nonpracticing Christians (37%) say the same. No one can predict the trajectory of a deconstruction journey; in fact, doubt can often lead to renewed commitment to faith.
- Deconstructed ex-Christians lacked the support and mentorship that deconstructed Christians had. Though not necessarily lonely or without community, deconstructed ex-Christians often lacked strong family ties and spiritual mentorship growing up. Many Christians grow up in families that fail to demonstrate how to follow Jesus in the midst of questions, uncertainty, grief and loss. Helping people to detangle their heartaches, disillusionment and disappointment from the truth of following Jesus can help to propel people to stay grounded in Christ.
- Many deconstructed ex-Christians didn’t have deep roots in the faith. Among those people who are “no longer Christians” or ex-Christians, they often lacked good role models, were unsure about their beliefs, and didn’t experience a personal encounter with God. There is a 50/50 chance that deconstructed ex-Christians ever made a commitment to follow Jesus. That should remind us that conversion, while a simple act of repentance and trusting Jesus, also requires a purposeful commitment to sanctification in heart, mind, body and soul.
- Deconstructed ex-Christians have faced significant challenges, especially mental health struggles. Themes of mental health challenges, either personal or within their household, are common in the stories of deconstructed ex-Christians. They often don’t dwell on or share their faith story, whereas deconstructed Christians are more likely to engage with and talk through theirs.
- Deconstruction is not a sign of being spiritually closed. Spiritual openness often persists among deconstructors—especially Christians (84%)—but also among more than half of ex-Christians (53%). The process of deconstruction does not require becoming closed off to faith. For many, it signals a desire to deepen their understanding of faith and make sense of it in light of life’s realities.
Many deconstructing Christians as well as ex-Christians are highly spiritual people seeking growth and depth. They hunger for something more profound than cultural Christianity can offer. When the church fails to engage with them in their questions, they may leave to search for that depth elsewhere. Deconstruction may not be about finding reasons to leave, but rather seeking guidance for a deeper stage of faith.
This openness to spiritual questions presents a remarkable opportunity for the church to engage in fresh conversations with those who are still spiritually curious—even those who have long been part of the church.