Reconstructing American Christianity
Welcome to Faith UCC's Reconstructing American Christianity sermon series - a vibrant journey of rediscovery and joy, inspired by the transformative teachings of Jesus. Here, we're reimagining faith, dismantling barriers, and creating a space where everyone's story is celebrated and embraced.
In this series, we will cover many topics, including: fear-driven religion, toxic masculinity, abuse cover-ups, end-times speculation, abortion, and Christian Nationalism. The goal is to deconstruct the places where American Christianity has gone wrong and then reconstruct a faith centered on Jesus. Join us as we journey together towards a more inclusive, hopeful and authentic expression of our shared humanity. You're invited to be part of this beautiful unfolding journey- we can't wait to welcome you with open arms.
No matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
Whether you lean liberal or conservative, gay or straight, new to church or have been in church your whole life, we welcome you.
From Deconstruction to Reconstruction:
Real-Life Testimonies
Violet and Larson share their deeply personal journeys of deconstructing and reconstructing their faith.
Born Again: Jesus' Blueprint for Faith Deconstruction and Reconstruction
Emphasizing that faith should be a safe place for doubts and questions, the sermon also highlights Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John Chapter 3 to illustrate the process of being 'born again' as a journey of continuous reconstruction of faith. This is a call to embrace diverse perspectives and an open heart to God's boundless spirit.
Four Stages of Reconstructing Faith:
A Guide Through Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony
The sermon delves into the challenges and transformations within American Christianity, citing sociologists, historians, and books like 'The Four Stages of Faith' by Brian McLaren. Through various biblical stories and modern examples, the message illustrates how believers move through these stages and the importance of deconstructing and reconstructing faith.
Divine Disillusion: Exposing Power and Hierarchies in American Christianity
Explore the history and complexities in American Christianity's evolution, highlighting religious nationalism, the influence of figures like Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, and the theological debate between simplicity and harmony.
Rethinking the Rapture: End-Times in American Christianity
This sermon delves into the historical and theological development of premillennial dispensationalism—the belief in an impending rapture and its impact on American Christianity. By examining perspectives from figures like Elissa Childers and prominent historical voices such as Dwight L. Moody, this sermon challenges the viewer to focus more on living a life of service and love in the present rather than rapture-centered end-times prophecy.
The Real Good News: Rebuilding Faith on Jesus' Words
This sermon emphasizes how Jesus broke boundaries and leveled hierarchies, urging followers to embrace equality and love for all. Through diverse Gospel stories, the importance of focusing on Jesus' words and actions rather than human interpretations is highlighted, encouraging practical application of his teachings in life and interpersonal relationships.
Rebuilding With Love: Addressing Racism, Abortion, and Hope in American Christianity
Focusing on the rise of deconstruction, the speaker argues that many people leave the faith due to a version of Christianity that misrepresents Jesus' teachings. The sermon critiques the focus on clear boundaries and divine hierarchies within American Christianity, particularly concerning racial segregation, gender roles, and political involvement.