By Jack Bergstrand
Jack is a successful businessman who has deconstructed the Christian faith in his personal life. Looking at Christian churches from a business model perspective, he suggests that they could benefit from deconstructing together and he sets forth a plan for how to do this. He addresses various interdependent issues that deconstructing people or groups are likely to face:
Conscious vs unconscious thinking – how our thinking affects everything, including the way we pray (talking to God vs meditating and being present)
Religion vs spirituality – legalism (law) vs the law of love, forgiveness & non-judgment
Dogma – for example original sin & exclusion vs original goodness, inclusion & love
Organizations – because the church is “organized” around the Bible, deconstructing our interpretation of the Bible is critical. Literal interpretation breaks down because the Bible is not historically or scientifically accurate. Also elevating the Bible as God’s word, instead of as an inspired and helpful book, needs to be undone. Jesus is God’s word, the Bible is human words about God.
The Godhead – instead of perceiving of God as being like man, we need to perceive of God as spirit, love & being (“I am”)
I found this book very intriguing. I think it could work in churches where pastors and leaders are ready for deconstruction. I found some of his observations quite profound. Here are three quotes I loved, to whet your appetite:
“If you want something, give it.”
“The Great commission need not be to convert nonbelievers but to love God and others as ourselves.”
My happiness does not depend as much on everything going right, but on my ability to become right with everything that is going on.”
I was surprised by Jack’s level of spirituality, for such a business-minded person. It is rather ingenious that he wants to combine the two to benefit the church. He has created a tool called the “Christian Snapshot” for helping churches to deconstruct. This can be found on Christianconsciousness.org / Christian snapshot.com
I hope that pastors and other spiritual leaders will at least consider giving this a try. I would love to hear about fellowships where people who have and are deconstructing can bring their whole selves and be accepted and also challenged to accept others on this crazy journey we call “faith.” Thank you Jack for daring to dream!!