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Questions to Ask While Deconstructing

Deconstruction
August 07, 2024•3 min read
A GUIDE TO EXPLORING YOUR FAITH

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A GUIDE TO EXPLORING YOUR FAITH

Deconstructing your faith can be a profound and sometimes unsettling journey. It's about peeling back the layers of inherited beliefs and examining them with a critical eye. Asking the right questions is key to navigating this process, helping you uncover your true beliefs and find a path that resonates with your authentic self.

Why Questions Matter in Deconstruction

Questions are the tools that help us dig deeper into our beliefs and understand their origins. They challenge us to think critically and honestly about what we hold to be true. In the context of deconstruction, asking questions can illuminate areas of inconsistency, reveal hidden assumptions, and open the door to new insights.

How to Approach Questioning Your Beliefs

Approach your questioning with an open mind and a compassionate heart. It's important to create a safe space for yourself where you can explore your thoughts without fear of judgment. This might mean journaling, having conversations with trusted friends, or seeking guidance from a supportive community or therapist.

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS FOR DECONSTRUCTING FAITH

What Do I Truly Believe?

Start by identifying your core beliefs. What are the fundamental tenets of your faith? Take time to reflect on each belief and consider whether it genuinely resonates with you or if it's something you've adopted without much scrutiny.

Why Do I Believe What I Believe?

Examine the origins of your beliefs. Are they based on personal experiences, teachings from your religious community, or cultural influences? Understanding the sources of your beliefs can help you discern which ones are authentic to you and which might need reevaluation.

How Have My Beliefs Been Shaped?

Consider how your upbringing, community, and personal experiences have influenced your beliefs. Reflecting on these influences can help you understand why certain beliefs hold significance for you and whether they align with your current values and understanding.

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DEEPENING THE EXPLORATION

Are My Beliefs Serving My Well-being?

Evaluate the impact of your beliefs on your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Are they contributing to your overall happiness and peace, or are they causing stress and conflict? This question can help you identify beliefs that might need to be reexamined or adjusted.

Do My Beliefs Align with My Values?

Compare your beliefs with your core values. Are they in harmony, or do they conflict? Aligning your beliefs with your values ensures that your faith supports your sense of integrity and authenticity.

How Do My Beliefs Impact My Relationships?

Reflect on how your beliefs influence your interactions with others. Do they foster love, understanding, and compassion, or do they create division and judgment? This question can guide you in shaping a faith that promotes healthy and supportive relationships.

RECONSTRUCTING AFTER DECONSTRUCTION

What New Beliefs Resonate with Me?

As you deconstruct, you'll likely discover new beliefs that resonate more deeply with your true self. Embrace these beliefs and consider how they fit into your evolving spiritual framework. They should feel authentic and supportive of your overall well-being.

How Can I Integrate My New Beliefs into My Life?

Think about practical ways to incorporate your new beliefs into your daily life. This might involve adopting new spiritual practices, engaging with a different faith community, or simply living out your beliefs through your actions and decisions.

Resources for Continued Exploration

There are many resources available to support you on your deconstruction journey. Consider exploring books on religious deconstruction, joining support groups, or attending workshops focused on spiritual growth. Join me over on my channel on YouTube, Beyond The Pew. These resources can provide valuable tools and perspectives as you navigate your path.

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Stephanie Hicks is a dedicated Spiritual Care Coach specializing in helping women of faith who have been hurt by their church community. With a focus on deconstructing religion while maintaining faith, Stephanie integrates the Enneagram to help clients find alignment between their authentic selves and who God created them to be. Her approach centers on the pillars of Awareness, Acceptance, and Alignment, guiding women to heal from past hurts, embrace their unique identities, and create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Outside of her coaching business, Stephanie is dreaming of a micro-farm, a roller skating aficionado, and a passionate homebody living in Murfreesboro, TN, with her husband, kids, dog, cat, and chickens.

Stephanie Hicks

Stephanie Hicks is a dedicated Spiritual Care Coach specializing in helping women of faith who have been hurt by their church community. With a focus on deconstructing religion while maintaining faith, Stephanie integrates the Enneagram to help clients find alignment between their authentic selves and who God created them to be. Her approach centers on the pillars of Awareness, Acceptance, and Alignment, guiding women to heal from past hurts, embrace their unique identities, and create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Outside of her coaching business, Stephanie is dreaming of a micro-farm, a roller skating aficionado, and a passionate homebody living in Murfreesboro, TN, with her husband, kids, dog, cat, and chickens.

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