For more resources and online community for those deconstructing and cultivating a post-religion spirituality, visit the Center for Non-Religious Spirituality.

Peter asked:

Jim, I have a MDiv, former pastor and exvangelical. I have a few questions about your journey. How hard did you work in your deconstruction process at hanging onto something you called "Christianity"? Also, I realize there are kinder, gentler ways of understanding the bad-God stories in the Old Testament and one can even exegete away troubling Christian doctrine in the New Testament. But, why put forth all that effort. If you left Christianity, why do you have to drag the Bible with you? I know you're a super busy guy. It's no hurry. If you're able I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts. Thanks, Peter Ansley asked:

Hi Jim, I noticed your recent answers to Peter. I too have an M. Div. and was an evangelical pastor. But a situation in my church, involving abuse and violence of a congregant, led to my resignation. That experience started me on the road of deconstruction and reconstruction. I still deeply value the Bible. And I cannot “deconstruct” Jesus. I see many paths people wrestle with, depending on their unique backgrounds and personal processes. There sure aren’t simple formulas for untangling what’s useful and life-giving in new ways forward. What do you have to say for those still wanting to sort out and reframe the Bible? Sometimes people discourage my continued love of Jesus. While I respect whatever paths they take, it discourages me. What thoughts do you have for people like me. I hope you do a post on this. Sincerely, Ansely The short answer to both:

You do you. There is no "right" way to do "deconstruction". There are no deconstruction gods requiring you to shoehorn your current beliefs or spirituality into something that sort of sounds or appears "Christian". Neither is it necessary to drag the Bible forward in your post-religion spirituality. However, "deconstruction" doesn't require you to leave this behind if it works for you to incorporate them in your "reconstruction" process.

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love."

For me and deconstruction, I think of it this way:

"Deconstruction" at its best enables a person to cultivate an authentic and meaningful spirituality. (Essentials)

How you get there. (Non-essentials)

Being a person of compassion and love. (All things)

Visit the ⁠Center for Non-Religious Spirituality⁠ to accesses resources and discover a community of like-minded people.

The CNRS online community exists for the following reasons:

- Making new friends and connections with people who are on a similar path, understand, and accept you as you are

- Being a community of support and encouragement for people who are in the process of rebuilding their lives after leaving religion

- Offering individual and group spiritual direction within the framework of "non-religious spirituality"

- Opportunities for individual and group counseling and support groups with trained professionals for those who have experienced religious trauma, spiritual abuse, or toxic religious indoctrination

- Providing a network of resources for people in the process of detox, deconstruction, and reconstruction