Deconstructionism is a philosophical and literary movement that gained popularity in the late 20th century. In biblical studies, deconstructionism seeks to “deconstruct” the meaning of biblical texts by questioning traditional interpretations. Adherents of deconstructionism argue that the Bible should not be treated as an authoritative source of truth. Rather, the Bible is a literary work that can be analyzed and interpreted in various ways. So is deconstructionism a valid method for interpreting the Bible from a Christian perspective? Let’s explore what the Bible itself has to say.
What is Deconstructionism?
Deconstructionism is an approach to textual analysis that aims to show how language is unstable and meanings are not fixed. A key belief is that the reader helps construct the meaning of a text based on their own perspective and biases. As applied to the Bible, deconstructionists believe biblical texts do not have a single objective meaning or truth. The reader participates in shaping the meaning based on their subjective viewpoint.
For deconstructionists, the authority and unity of Scripture are questioned. The Bible is treated more as a literary work by human authors rather than the inspired Word of God. Biblical texts are considered historically and culturally relative. Deconstructionists detach the biblical text from the author’s intended meaning. They argue against definitive interpretations, believing biblical texts should be freed from confines of authorial intent or historical context.
In general, deconstructionists analyze biblical passages by looking for tensions, contradictions, double meanings and inconsistencies. They question traditional interpretations, arguing against the idea that biblical texts have a single, objective meaning. For deconstructionists, the reader’s perspective and context shape the meaning of Scripture.
Problems with Applying Deconstructionism to the Bible
There are several issues that arise when using deconstructionism to interpret the Bible:
Undermines Biblical Authority
The Bible presents itself as the authoritative, inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). However, deconstructionists treat the Bible as a human work open to subjective interpretation. This contradicts core biblical teachings about its divine inspiration and authority.
Incompatible with Biblical Inerrancy
Deconstructionists question the unity and consistency of Scripture by highlighting alleged contradictions or discrepancies. But the Bible claims inerrancy as the unerring Word of God (John 17:17; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5). The deconstructionist approach undercuts biblical inerrancy.
Meaning is Determined by the Reader
Deconstructionists believe the reader determines meaning based on their interpretation and context. But Scripture tells us the true meaning comes from the intent of the divine Author as illuminated by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:13-14).
Assumes Biblical Fallibility
Deconstructionists operate under the assumption that the Bible contains errors, contradictions or multiple interpretations. But Scripture claims to be perfect and true (Psalm 19:7; 119:160; James 1:25). Approaching the Bible expecting fallibility rejects what the Bible says about itself.
Extracts Bible from Historical Context
Deconstructionists detach biblical texts from their original context and authorial intent. But context and intent are vital for accurate biblical interpretation based on sound hermeneutical principles.
Selectively Chooses Passages in Isolation
Deconstructionists often analyze verses in isolation to illustrate contradictions while ignoring the unified whole message of Scripture. The Bible warns against using this flawed approach (2 Peter 1:20).
The Bible’s Stance Against Deconstructionist Interpretation
Scripture itself argues against key deconstructionist beliefs that question biblical authority, inerrancy and objectivity of meaning.
Bible Claims Divine Authority and Inerrancy
“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.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6)
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)
Bible Asserts Objective Meaning from Divine Author
“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
“And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13)
Bible Warnings Against Twisting Scripture
“There are some things in [Paul’s letters] that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.” (2 Peter 3:16)
“[Be] always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Principles for Interpreting the Bible Accurately
In contrast to deconstructionist interpretation, the Bible itself gives principles for reading and understanding it accurately:
Pray for Discernment from the Holy Spirit
“Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)
Consider the Historical and Literary Context
“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)
“But understand this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for…those who contradict the glorious gospel of the blessed God.” (1 Timothy 1:9-11)
Interpret Scripture with Scripture
“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)
“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.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Look at Unified Message Across Bible
“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, deconstructionism seeks to interpret the Bible outside of traditional methods focused on authorial intent and historical context. But the Bible itself opposes core deconstructionist beliefs that question biblical authority, inerrancy and objective meaning. Scripture claims divine inspiration and offers principles for sound interpretation according to the unified message across its writings.
For Christians seeking to interpret and apply the Bible faithfully, deconstructionism presents an incompatible approach. Methods that undermine biblical authority and absolutes in pursuit of subjective meaning should be avoided. Christians should employ wise principles of interpretation in submission to the divine inspiration and inerrancy of God’s authoritative Word.
