March, 2022

As an editor, I usually prefer precise words to ambiguous ones like “deconstruction.” But at CT, I’m surrounded by good words that require constant clarification and differentiation, “evangelical” chief among them. In fact, frustration with the increasing ambiguity of “evangelical” is a common starting point for many who now describe themselves as deconstructing. In this month’s cover story, theologian Kirsten Sanders offers a helpful definition of deconstruction: “the struggle to correct or deepen naive belief.” Even more helpfully, she rightly sees that struggle as akin to our theological work of knowing and loving God more deeply. As our cover asks this month, aren't you deconstructing, too? -Ted Olsen, executive editor