Deconstructing | Manipulation Through Worship | 5

I'm excited to kick off this new series on the topic of faith deconstruction. Lately, my TikTok feed has been flooded with videos using hashtags like #deconstructingevangelicalism and #exvangelical—and I have to admit, many of the arguments were compelling. As my curiosity grew, I realized I was fully invested in exploring this further. In this series, I'll do my best to address these criticisms—many of which are legitimate—through a biblical perspective. My hope is that this journey inspires you to roll up your sleeves and thoughtfully engage with these topics through the lens of Scripture. When watching the deconstruction videos, I agree with the overall sentiment here. Duping people to equate an emotional high with being in the Lord’s presence or that feeling is the HS at work – happens, and that isn’t a Biblical foundation for a relationship with the Lord. And I feel this trend of seeking “God experiences” has caused many people to walk away from the church. But with that being said – While I do believe there are churches out there today intentionally manipulating people to have an experience they continually crave and come back for – equally there are many well intended churches who are just replicating what has been and is done in the modern day church with no ill-intention - So this is not blanket criticism of all churches – and all worship within the church. If you are a part of a church, I’ll encourage you to listen to this with an open mind. Reflecting on your worship time and intention. Filter what I say with a Biblical perspective and see if it has credence, and if you think it does, make adjustments you feel are appropriate. Or maybe you’ll disagree and completely reject this, citing your Biblical evidence – either way – I feel in this series this idea has to be addressed – b/c in my research of deconstructing Christianity, this is a theme – walking away b/c they felt the church system was based on emotional manipulation with the goal to fill the seats. Now although it’s engineered behind the scenes to evoke emotions -- this response is usually genuine to the worshiper – and that’s okay – HOWEVER when this experience is usually twisted into you NEED THAT feeling – b/c that feeling is God --- and THAT emotion is the HS – THAT experience is what you need to get to know the Lord – and you can only FIND that delicately curated connection with God in this specific environment and this specific church with the best musicians, musical instruments and aesthetics – that’s dangerous. We start to worship an experience, mistaking that for the Lord. It’s performative.