This is what needs to be said. I am a Christian today because I had the model of my father, a geologist, wrestle with the issue of short age creationism and come to the other side with his Christian faith intact, and his vision of God larger. When I later discovered that I was gay, his earlier struggle helped me through that dark valley and into the light of God‘s greater grace. …. What you are doing in your writing is vital for so many.
Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”(John 6:66-68) NRSV
You mentioned a few days ago that your deconstructed started in 2016. Mine and my husband’s started in 2017 when our UMC fired our longtime accompanist after he married his partner. We were the family that was at the church every time the doors were open. Our kids practically lived at the church. But as they grew they started telling me and their dad that the people at the church didn’t believe the same way we did. Their youth group leaders had said some really outrageous things. They didn’t want to go to church anymore. We told them that every group has its outliers. We didn’t understand we were the outliers. We left that UMC and moved to another. I watched the “traditional vs progressive” debates intensely. When the General Conference voted to uphold the vile language in the BoD, we left the UMC. As life-long UMCers (husband’s father was a UMC minister in MO), this was a HUGE blow to our psyches. But we didn’t leave God or his/her/their love. We held fast to that and have developed a faith and understanding that we never would have had we just continued to sit in our pews at that old church. After all the drama settled down and the changed language, we are back to the UMC. Our children still don’t go to church, but they appreciate the people who told them such terrible things are the broken ones. My husband and I are so thankful we showed our children that we meant it when we said God’s love is boundless- we can’t even comprehend that kind of love. I pray that more folks would let go of fear and just bask in the love and grace which rains down on everyone.
Thank you so much for writing this. I raised my kids (now all adults) under this toxic theology. I must admit that my heart may have leapt for joy a little bit when I heard the news of Dobson's death. (Maybe not ok, but it's the truth.) I know his death doesn't stop the machine from humming right along.
My family began "deconstructing" decades ago-- long before it was a word I'd ever heard. There was no one to guide or support us through it and I was often filled with feelings of guilt and uncertainty. God faithfully peeled back layer after layer, revealing a much bigger truth of his love for us and for others.
I just wanted to say thank you for the work you're doing. It's so important. You're providing others with the knowledge and support I wish I had years ago. 🙏🏽
This is what needs to be said. I am a Christian today because I had the model of my father, a geologist, wrestle with the issue of short age creationism and come to the other side with his Christian faith intact, and his vision of God larger. When I later discovered that I was gay, his earlier struggle helped me through that dark valley and into the light of God‘s greater grace. …. What you are doing in your writing is vital for so many.
Thanks for sharing that Shawn. There is a lot of work to be done. I appreciate your encouragement!
Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”(John 6:66-68) NRSV
This is so good. And so important. Thank you.
Thanks, Judy! Hope you and Dave are doing well. Sure do miss you guys!
You mentioned a few days ago that your deconstructed started in 2016. Mine and my husband’s started in 2017 when our UMC fired our longtime accompanist after he married his partner. We were the family that was at the church every time the doors were open. Our kids practically lived at the church. But as they grew they started telling me and their dad that the people at the church didn’t believe the same way we did. Their youth group leaders had said some really outrageous things. They didn’t want to go to church anymore. We told them that every group has its outliers. We didn’t understand we were the outliers. We left that UMC and moved to another. I watched the “traditional vs progressive” debates intensely. When the General Conference voted to uphold the vile language in the BoD, we left the UMC. As life-long UMCers (husband’s father was a UMC minister in MO), this was a HUGE blow to our psyches. But we didn’t leave God or his/her/their love. We held fast to that and have developed a faith and understanding that we never would have had we just continued to sit in our pews at that old church. After all the drama settled down and the changed language, we are back to the UMC. Our children still don’t go to church, but they appreciate the people who told them such terrible things are the broken ones. My husband and I are so thankful we showed our children that we meant it when we said God’s love is boundless- we can’t even comprehend that kind of love. I pray that more folks would let go of fear and just bask in the love and grace which rains down on everyone.
You’ve had quite the journey. I’ve found such refuge in the UMC after being raised southern Baptist. I appreciate you sharing your story!
Thank you so much for writing this. I raised my kids (now all adults) under this toxic theology. I must admit that my heart may have leapt for joy a little bit when I heard the news of Dobson's death. (Maybe not ok, but it's the truth.) I know his death doesn't stop the machine from humming right along.
My family began "deconstructing" decades ago-- long before it was a word I'd ever heard. There was no one to guide or support us through it and I was often filled with feelings of guilt and uncertainty. God faithfully peeled back layer after layer, revealing a much bigger truth of his love for us and for others.
I just wanted to say thank you for the work you're doing. It's so important. You're providing others with the knowledge and support I wish I had years ago. 🙏🏽
This means so much Jackie. Thank you!