When Your Child Deconstructs

Perhaps like me, you too are concerned about the current trend, particularly among young people, of what is called deconstruction. If you are unfamiliar with deconstruction, it is the process where someone questions the doctrinal tenets of Christianity that they were raised to believe. Many wind up walking away from Christianity, while others lean into what’s called progressive Christianity, which looks nothing at all like traditional biblical Christianity. Alicia Childers offers helpful advice on how to respond if one of your children begins to deconstruct. Begin by letting them know that you continue to love and accept them. Engage in discussion by asking questions and then listening carefully. Alicia says we should avoid reacting in fear, which might lead us to fire back with rigid statements and dogma. Journey with them to find answers. Read up on theology and apologetics so that you will be better prepared to give answers. Finally, faithfully pray for your kids.