Great question, and an excellent place to start.
We define deconstruction as the process of systematically pulling apart and evaluating the individual concepts of your belief system to determine if they are congruent with your core values and beliefs. Put simply: it's determining if your belief system aligns with your personal beliefs. Some people use this information to change their belief system, others choose to change their values to match the belief system. Deconstruction doesn't have a prescribed outcome.
For many, the journey starts with identifying your personal beliefs and values. Many religions, sometimes inadvertently, discourage curiosity and identity development independent of their specific doctrinal culture. They promote conformity of thought and behavior, which can prevent some members of the religion from developing an internal sense of who they are and what they believe. This is a key component of religious trauma.
It's important to note that even though someone has not had the opportunity to develop or examine their personal belief system, it does not mean that their personal belief system will necessarily differ from the belief system of the organized religion they're a part of.
As you explore and refine your values and beliefs, you allow yourself to live with less incongruence and more confidence.
