What is up with Famous Christians “deconstructing” their faith?

Over the last few years, there have been several famous Christians who, using all kinds of language to describe it (exvangelical, deconstruction, progressing, evolving, etc.), have walked away from their faith in Jesus Christ… to one degree or another.

Why?

First off, I think one of the “why?” questions here is about more about why we are hearing about it versus why it is happening.  In a “crowmodern” culture, which is hostile to doctrinal Christianity, the fall of a famous believer is cause for celebration, so it is big news.  So, I am not confident that this is happening all that much more often than in the past, but now we are going to hear about it when it does.

However, at the individual level, why is it happening?

Well, there isn’t going to be one answer.    I am going to make assumptions without making any judgment on or about any of the individuals.  I do not know them personally and could not judge anyone’s heart regardless (though I would love the opportunity to get time with any of them!)

I mentioned some more about this in a sermon a few years ago when teaching from John 18.

Jesus also directly forbids us from making the effort to judge the eternal condition of any other soul in His parable on the wheat and tares.  This parable and its interpretation are found in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 13.  So, I am never willing to answer whether this person or that person will be in saved or condemned.  God isn’t allowing me to sit in His chair on this one.  He doesn’t allow you either.

So, I am left with assumptions.

First, let me give you my theological opinion on the matter.

I am convinced of the veracity of the doctrine of The Security of Salvation or The Perseverance of the Saints… Please go read that for an explanation as to why I have reached that conclusion… but the short version is that I believe that anyone chosen, saved, adopted and sealed by God is never lost by Him.

Each human is either saved or not.  If they were ever truly saved, then they are still saved.  If they are not saved now, then they never were.  

Also, it is impossible for us to be certain which status applies to any other human being.  Only God knows.  They may not even know.  A child can be my child and be in denial of it.  They can be rebellious.  They can be defiant.  They could even be ignorant of it.  They are still my child.

So, when I hear of a famous person who has walked away from their faith (or some aspect of it), I believe that they are either still saved by grace (even if in denial) or they never truly were a believer (though they may have thought they were)… 

Today, it was Kevin Max, of DC Talk fame.

Apparently, he still sees himself as following “The Universal Christ”… but is no longer an evangelical.  The lyrics to his recent song “It’s okay” (which he referenced as offering some explanation to his deconstruction) mentions issues like church abuse, “man’s inerrancy” and others.  However, at this point, he has not offered an in depth analysis of his change of heart.

There have been some others recently who did give more insights into their thoughts…