I loved the concept of this book--more, I think, than the actual book. And indeed, the first half of the read was particularly strong--but I found myself skimming a good chunk of it after that

For someone who knows what it's like to take a good hard look at the faith you grew up in Josh Porter doesn't hold much grace for anyone else traveling that road.

I ended up skimming a lot of this book because I was so frustrated with his attitude that he knew better than people who walked away from Christianity or weren't sure yet if they were staying or leaving. That's no way to help anyone.

I loved the concept of this book--more, I think, than the actual book. And indeed, the first half of the read was particularly strong--but I found myself fizzling out and skimming a good chunk of it after that.

Many a (very public) deconstruction has occurred in recent years--(no) thanks, in part, to social media. It was nice to see someone come out the other side still a believer; I'm sure there are more, but we often have to hunt for them. The news stories seem to be the ones who walk away.

I wish Porter had defined orthodoxy more--it was touched on but nebulous throughout the read--and God's sovereignty seemed set aside, as well; not discussed nearly enough (in my opinion) or in proportion to his commentary on (frankly) the devil.

A promising start, but disappointing finish.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

According to Wikipedia, Faith deconstruction, also known as deconstructing faith, evangelical deconstruction, the deconstruction movement, or simply deconstruction, is a Christian phenomenon where people unpack, rethink and examine their belief systems. This may lead to dropping one's faith all together or may result in a stronger faith than before. This is happening more and more within Christianity today, and even more so among those who consider themselves intellectuals. The Pharisees and Sadducees were the elite intellectuals of intellectuals in their day, and they missed Jesus, but I digress...
Basically, they're doubting their faith, boxing it up into bite-size manageable parts, and then attacking it with their 'human wisdom' as to whether or not they believe in God. The creation questioning the Creator, and there are several theological stances that are being drawn in the sand based more off of feelings and emotions and those who have used religion as a weapon and misunderstandings of who Jesus is rather than questioning whether or not they might actually be wrong, or asking the wrong questions. Almost as if they're adopting this "you do you boo" mentality that this world pushes so strongly.
The effects are astonishing and people are leaving the faith. Joshua Porter is one of those who have gone down this deconstruction path, and this is his personal story of how he wrestled with his faith, Jesus, and even the worth of his own life. What he uncovers is so well said, truth in its unvarnished glory, that I believe some will still be repelled by it due to not lining up with their own beliefs, but most, if they're honest with themselves, find a piece or nugget within the pages that they can look at and go, "yeah, I thought that too, I questioned that as well, I have my own doubts".
It's a well thought out journey full of insightful self reflection that marks his milestones, his progress, his own redemption, and gives insight to those who are still questioning. I appreciate his raw honesty, and will admit I didn't know of his music journey, but found him through the deconstruction topic itself. Definitely will be buying a physical copy for my shelf.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Joshua Porter has delivered a concise and pointed response to those considering deconstruction of their faith. He writes as one who has gone through the process himself. He's no stranger to the thoughts and feelings that often cause people to renounce their faith in Jesus or at least in His Church. While Joshua and I might be far apart in terms of age we share a passion to help people continue on the way of Jesus. We might not agree on every theological point but I whole-heartedly agree with his assessment of deconstructionism and the way to overcome it. While I might be dismissed as a "Boomer", I will be happy to recommend this book to all my younger friends along this journey.