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How Should Christians Approach Deconstructionism from a Biblical Perspective?

The Roots and Concepts of Deconstructionism


Deconstructionism is a philosophical and literary movement that originated with French philosopher Jacques Derrida in the 1960s. Derrida's primary focus was to challenge the perceived stability of meaning in texts, arguing that words and their interpretations are inherently unstable, leading to multiple and often contradictory meanings. His philosophy revolved around the idea that any given text, whether a book, speech, or any form of communication, could not have a singular, fixed meaning. Instead, it is open to endless reinterpretation.


From a Christian perspective, this fundamental principle of deconstructionism poses a direct challenge to the authority of Scripture. The Bible, as understood through the Historical-Grammatical Method of interpretation, presents a coherent, fixed message that is consistent with the authorial intent of the human writers, guided by divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). This method seeks to uncover the meaning of a biblical text by considering its historical and grammatical context, ensuring that the reader remains faithful to what God intended when the Scriptures were written.



Deconstructionism's Challenge to Biblical Authority


Derrida's deconstructionist philosophy undermines the authority of the Bible by suggesting that the meanings within biblical texts are fluid and subjective. Such a view stands in direct opposition to the biblical claim that Scripture is clear, reliable, and accessible to those who seek to understand it. Psalm 119:105 affirms, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," showing the guidance and certainty that God’s Word offers. A deconstructionist approach would suggest that this "light" is not clear or fixed, but constantly shifting, thereby reducing the Bible’s role as an authoritative guide for life and faith.


Moreover, deconstructionism is rooted in skepticism toward all authoritative claims, including those of the Bible. By rejecting the idea that any text can have a fixed meaning, deconstructionism opens the door to endless reinterpretations of Scripture, leading to confusion rather than clarity. Jesus stated in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." The reliability and truthfulness of Scripture are foundational to Christian doctrine, and any approach that seeks to dismantle this truth undermines the very basis of faith.



Deconstructionism and the Rejection of Absolute Truth


The Bible consistently affirms that truth is both knowable and absolute, grounded in the nature of God Himself. Jesus declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This statement highlights the exclusive, unchanging nature of biblical truth as revealed in Christ. Deconstructionism, however, rejects absolute truth, positing that meaning is always relative, dependent on the interpreter's perspective rather than the text itself.


In contrast to the fluid and subjective nature of deconstructionism, biblical theology is grounded in the belief that God's Word is eternal and unchanging. Psalm 119:89 affirms, "Forever, O Jehovah, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." God’s truth does not change based on the whims of human interpretation or cultural shifts. It remains a steady foundation for faith and life, even in the face of philosophical movements that promote doubt and uncertainty.



The Historical-Grammatical Method: An Answer to Deconstructionism


The Historical-Grammatical Method of interpreting Scripture is a direct response to the uncertainties posed by deconstructionism. This method focuses on understanding the meaning of a text by studying the original context in which it was written. It acknowledges that the Bible was written in specific historical settings, using particular languages, and that its authors had clear intentions in communicating God's message.


By grounding the interpretation of Scripture in historical and grammatical realities, the Historical-Grammatical Method resists the idea that a text can have endless meanings. Instead, it seeks to discover the one meaning intended by the author, as guided by the Holy Spirit. In this way, it upholds the reliability and clarity of Scripture, ensuring that readers do not impose their subjective interpretations onto the text but instead draw out the meaning that God intended to communicate.


Paul warned Timothy against those who would manipulate Scripture for their own purposes, writing, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The deconstructionist approach, by rejecting the possibility of "rightly handling" the Word, stands in direct opposition to the biblical call for faithful, accurate interpretation of God’s message.



Deconstructionism and the Loss of Moral Certainty


One of the most dangerous implications of deconstructionism is the erosion of moral certainty. If the meaning of Scripture is endlessly flexible, then the moral teachings of the Bible lose their authority. For example, the clear commands of Scripture regarding ethical living, justice, and righteousness can be reinterpreted or dismissed entirely under the deconstructionist framework. This relativistic approach has severe implications for the Christian understanding of morality, as expressed in passages like Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does Jehovah require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"


When Christians adopt deconstructionist thinking, they risk undermining the clarity of God's commands, leaving themselves open to moral confusion. Instead of adhering to the clear instructions of Scripture, such as the Ten Commandments or the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, a deconstructionist mindset might suggest that these ethical principles are open to reinterpretation according to contemporary cultural standards. This leads to moral relativism, where the authority of God's Word is replaced by subjective human opinion.



The Role of the Church in Defending Biblical Truth


The church has a responsibility to defend the authority and clarity of Scripture against the challenges posed by deconstructionism. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy, "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2). This charge highlights the importance of maintaining sound teaching and resisting the allure of philosophies that seek to undermine the truth of God's Word.


As the church encounters deconstructionist ideas, it must stand firm on the foundational truths of Scripture. Ephesians 4:14 warns against being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." The church is called to equip believers to discern false teaching and remain steadfast in the truth of Scripture. In doing so, the church acts as a bulwark against the confusion and uncertainty promoted by deconstructionism.



The Christian’s Response to Deconstructionism


For Christians who encounter deconstructionist ideas, it is essential to remain grounded in the clear teachings of Scripture. The Bible provides the answers to life's deepest questions, offering hope, purpose, and guidance in a world that often promotes confusion and uncertainty. In contrast to the shifting sands of deconstructionism, the psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). God's Word is reliable, offering direction and wisdom for every aspect of life.


Christians are called to engage with contemporary philosophical movements like deconstructionism, not by adopting their relativistic mindset, but by offering the unchanging truth of Scripture as the ultimate source of meaning and purpose. As 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." This defense must be rooted in the certainty of God's Word, not in the shifting interpretations offered by deconstructionism.


The power of God's Word lies in its ability to speak truth into every situation, regardless of the philosophical or cultural climate. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Deconstructionism may seek to cast doubt on the authority of Scripture, but God's Word remains powerful and transformative, capable of discerning truth from error and providing a solid foundation for faith.



Conclusion: The Eternal Authority of Scripture


Although deconstructionism has gained influence in academic and literary circles, its challenge to the authority of Scripture is ultimately unfounded. The Bible remains the inspired, inerrant Word of God, providing clear and unchanging guidance for all aspects of life. Christians are called to resist the temptation to adopt a relativistic approach to Scripture and instead hold fast to the timeless truths revealed in God's Word.


In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the apostle Paul affirms, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The deconstructionist philosophy, which denies the existence of fixed meaning and absolute truth, cannot stand in the face of such a clear declaration of the purpose and power of Scripture.


The Bible, understood through the Historical-Grammatical Method, remains a sure foundation for believers. As we engage with contemporary philosophical trends, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the authority and clarity of God's Word, trusting that it will continue to guide us in truth as we seek to honor Him in all we do.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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