Introduction: how did I end up here? -- A word of caution -- Preface -- The spiritual wilderness -- Emotional fallout -- Patriarchy "mansplained" -- Is the Bible holding us hostage? -- When church hurts -- Discovering the divine feminine -- Reconcilliation -- What am I going to do about Jesus? -- Life after deconstructing -- Epilogue

"A gentle, wise guide for everyone deconstructing their beliefs and struggling with the role of faith in their life. As a "good Christian," Karla Kamstra attended church every Sunday, listened to the pastor, and committed to functions and activities. But no amount of participation could shake her growing sense of spiritual unrest. As time went on, she realized that she was doing Christianity on autopilot-going through the motions, but spiritually checked out. She finally understood that the rules of the church were keeping God inside a too-small box, and it was time to let "Him" out. And so Karla embarked upon her sacred journey of deconstruction: healing her religious trauma and reclaiming her spirituality. Now, Rev Karla shares her journey in this wise, gentle guide to help anyone struggling with the role of faith in their lives. Readers are called to demolish the oppressive, patriarchal structure upon which their faith has been built, repair what experiences with dysfunctional and destructive religion may have done to them, and restore their hearts and souls. DECONSTRUCTING will lead readers from silent obedience to sacred empowerment, from religious dogma to spiritual freedom, from toxic theology to authentic faith. For anyone chafing against the confines of church doctrine-it's time to release God from the rules"--