Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada

Canadian Christians frustrated with the Church have come ‘Undone’ and are leaving politely, almost apologetically, in what this book dubs a Quiet Deconstruction. Blessed are the Undone asks: what aspects of faith are being questioned, and why?

Weaving in church history, cultural analysis and their personal stories, Bick and Schuurman use canoe camping to illustrate the twists and turns of the spiritual journey. Whether you feel like you’re up the creek without a paddle when it comes to faith, or if people you love have lost their bearings, this book is for you.

WONDERING WHAT ALL THE ‘DECONSTRUCTION’ TALK IS ALL ABOUT?

This book neither condemns nor condones the trend of those deconstructing their faith. It seeks to describe and document the Canadian “deconstructing faith” scene while also providing a theological and sociological frame through which to understand it. Provocative, critical, fair, and focused on Canadian concerns, this book opens a window of well-researched appraisal.

“If the Sermon on the Mount were written today, it might say: We are blessed when we have more questions than answers. We are even blessed when the Church has let us down, when life tips our canoe, when we’re just treading water, when we have no one to talk to, when we run out of hope, when our faith is Undone.”

• Blessed are the Undone, Introduction, Reitsma Bick & Schuurman

“Since ancient Hebrew kings wrote poems questioning God, faithfulness has included voicing doubt, wondering aloud about a God who seems absent and aloof. In this lovely, creative book, Bick and Schuurman bring a sociologist’s eye and a journalist’s ear to understand contemporary experiences of faith undergoing deconstruction. Their assessment is charitable without being uncritical. Their deep sympathy does not prevent them from voicing their own questions about deconstruction. I particularly appreciated how deeply Canadian this book is, taking place and context seriously. The result is a book that both informs and inspires.”

• James K.A. Smith, professor of philosophy, Calvin University, author of Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism? and How (Not) to Be Secular

"Blessed are the Undone brings the reader close to perspectives and experiences rarely heard in churches, from those deconstructing their Christian faith. For the reader who is open to listening and learning, Schuurman and Reitsma Bick offer a systematic, thoughtful, gracious, and nuanced presentation and analysis of these stories – they are ‘for’ meaningful Christian community, restoration, and witness in the world. Importantly, they gift the reader with hope-filled possibilities for individuals and Christian communities moving forward."

• Joel Thiessen, Ph.D.

Professor of Sociology, Department Chair, Social Sciences (Behavioural Science, Psychology), Ambrose University
Director, Flourishing Congregations Institute

"As an 'Undone', I felt seen, heard, and fairly represented after reading this book. Dr. Peter Schuurman and Angela Reitsma Bick tell the story of the Undone with profound empathy and balance. Whether you are deconstructed, deconverted, or have never doubted your faith, this book is a must-read if you believe there is hope for the Church to become an agent of healing in Canada."

• Josiah Mahon, podcaster of Slow Train to Heck

“As a Canadian and someone who experiences deconstruction, I thoroughly appreciate Bick & Schuurman’s particularly Canadian perspective on the deconstruction of belief and faith. As more stories like this become available, deconstruction is more normalized and healthy growth to spiritual independence is more possible.”

– David Hayward, aka “NakedPastor,” and author of Flip It Like This!