Monday, March 08, 2021

Why TGC Is Publishing a Book on the Deconstruction Phenomenon

Book: ‘Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church’

I had never heard of Rhett and Link—the duo behind Good Mythical Morning (their daily YouTube show with more than 16 million subscribers) and Ear Biscuits (their podcast)—until I learned of their public deconstruction story.

The two of them—who as of December 2020 are the fourth-highest YouTube earners, making $20 million a year—discussed how they moved from Cru staffers and missionaries to unbelievers—or, as Rhett now describes himself, a “hopeful agnostic.” The comedians have for years been a staple in many homes with children and young adults (with videos ranging from “epic” rap battles to testing the world’s hottest peppers to being shot with Nerf guns), so it wasn’t surprising that their public announcement unsettled the faith of many.

While deconstruction stories are nothing new in our secular age—for example, Jen Hatmaker still describes herself as a Christian and Joshua Harris doesn’t—it seems that for many, traditional Christian faith is increasingly implausible. According to Rhett, “If I don’t have to believe [Christianity], then why would I?”

Given how prevalent these stories are becoming, we at The Gospel Coalition have asked some of our most trusted writers to address the deconstruction phenomenon from a number of perspectives. If you’re trying to make sense of your faith, I hope this book will give you perspective, answer questions, or at least help you understand you’re not alone. While it might seem like your world is being shaken, perhaps even like you’re experiencing a kind of death, we are convinced a more robust, settled faith can exist on the other side. Read More

No comments: