Scan barcode
vanitar's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fantastic book, looking at the ways in which deconstruction takes place, and recognizing that it can be a space in which we can encounter and go deeper with God. Many tools are offered for how to navigate doubt and deconstruction. I found it to be thought provoking and grounding as I reflect on my own journey through various doubts and recognize that these are places where my faith can be strengthened.
behasl's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. I wanted this to be a great book, and some parts were helpful/informative. Unfortunately, the author’s overall attitude towards deconstruction and the reasons someone might question their faith was condescending and lacked understanding of the nuances of this process. There was also little about the practical HOW of deconstruction/reconstruction, which was disappointing due to the tagline of the book.
bethanyhasenberg's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
nick_poe's review against another edition
5.0
Incredibly relevant, wonderfully convicting, and beautifully written. I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend this to.
Sure, there are generalizations, but I think that helps the book. The generalizations - examining and explaining examples of why a lot of people or some people or many people deconstruct on a real level - helps anchor this book in the practical instead of the vague world of ideas and concepts only. It makes it actually actionable. If you find yourself bristling against a certain generalization, like I did a couple of times, maybe that is when you need to pay the most attention to what he is saying.
Sure, there are generalizations, but I think that helps the book. The generalizations - examining and explaining examples of why a lot of people or some people or many people deconstruct on a real level - helps anchor this book in the practical instead of the vague world of ideas and concepts only. It makes it actually actionable. If you find yourself bristling against a certain generalization, like I did a couple of times, maybe that is when you need to pay the most attention to what he is saying.
danisnowman's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing resource on deconstruction. Deeply spiritual; a book crafted with a pastoral heart for us who doubt.
theconorhilton's review against another edition
4.0
Reading the other reviews here is fascinating! Many of the criticisms feel like they read a different book than the one I just finished, though perhaps this is because of my position, as a Mormon, outside the standard Christian framework that Swoboda operates within. I really loved Swoboda's take on faith and doubt, particularly the way that this book, unlike most others in this space I've read, spends the majority of the book actually talking about what faith may look like once doubt/deconstruction has entered the picture.
I found the general principles in the chapters throughout the second half quite moving, and often filled with reminders about how I may be misguided in my own engagement Mormonism and my faith community. Swoboda engages occasionally a bit in some sort of 'both sides-ism' which is a bit irritating, but easy enough to look past (and also sometimes helpful!).
I don't share all (maybe very few) of Swoboda's theological convictions, but the praxis offered here rings true to me. I hope more folks can find and receive comfort and wisdom from Swoboda's words, wrestling with what he has to offer.
I found the general principles in the chapters throughout the second half quite moving, and often filled with reminders about how I may be misguided in my own engagement Mormonism and my faith community. Swoboda engages occasionally a bit in some sort of 'both sides-ism' which is a bit irritating, but easy enough to look past (and also sometimes helpful!).
I don't share all (maybe very few) of Swoboda's theological convictions, but the praxis offered here rings true to me. I hope more folks can find and receive comfort and wisdom from Swoboda's words, wrestling with what he has to offer.
grantklinefelter's review against another edition
4.0
A good book on the topic of deconstruction. For those who doubt, have questioned, or known someone who has, Swoboda frames deconstruction in a healthy, nuanced light. For those on the Christian left, deconstruction is idolized; for those on the Christian right, deconstruction is demonized. But what if we saw deconstruction not as something to seek after or to fear, but as a natural stage in our spiritual development?
Having walked through a season of deconstruction four years ago, I would have LOVED to have a book like this and even just the language around the experience to have navigated it better.
Having walked through a season of deconstruction four years ago, I would have LOVED to have a book like this and even just the language around the experience to have navigated it better.
More...