Learning to Float: Deconstructing Doctrinal Certainty to Embrace the Mystery of Faith - Softcover

DiStefano, Matthew J; Collins, Michelle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1957007206 ISBN 13: 9781957007205

Publisher: Quoir, 2022

Synopsis

Learning to Float is a life preserver when you find yourself adrift in the midst of your faith journey. When waves of doubt and anxiety threaten to rise above your head, or when you simply find yourself weary of swimming in the midst of unending waters, this book is your buoy. It's the gentle arms of friends holding you up so that you can breathe, even as currents of questions continue to sweep you up and move you along. It's the comforting whisper in your ear when you need it the most: "It's okay; I've got you. You're not alone."

Matthew J. Distefano knows his theology and philosophy, but far more importantly, he is 100-percent authentic. And as he mediates his story through conversation with Michelle Collins-whose wisdom, compassion, and friendship guide him as he articulates his deconstruction process-readers are bound to see parallels to their own journeys and struggles.

About this title

About the Author

Matthew J. Distefano is the author of multiple books, including the wildly popular Heretic! and From the Blood of Abel. He is a cohost of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast and is a regular columnist for Patheos. He holds an undergraduate degree in Education from California State University, Chico, and has been in social work for over a decade, currently working as a Professional Service Coordinator in Butte County, California. In addition to his professional life, Matthew enjoys gardening, bicycling, and European football. He is a huge Tolkien nerd who one day hopes to live in Bag End with his wife and daughter. You can find his work at allsetfree.com.

Michelle Collins is the mother to four grown children. She served in the US Marine Corps and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology as well as additional degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling. An introvert dedictated to fitness of both body and mind, Michelle possesses the rare ability to participate in a discussion and see both sides without disparaging those with whom she might disagree. She currently lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

From the Inside Flap

"Daunted by many questions, Matthew J. Distefano needed to find the answers that would finally bring him the one thing he desired most—peace. However, the upcoming unveiling of the answers would only lead to more questions which, at times, would leave him questioning the very thing he had built his entire faith around—God. Here's a fantastic real-life story of one man's deconstruction and reconstruction to peace.
Enter Michelle Collins, who herself was once extremely challenged by a phrase Matthew once said, but is now helping him describe his journey. Michelle carefully and skillfully questions Matthew about his remarkable experience, while also adding valuable analysis and understanding to why he needed such a journey.
Matthew, who, like many people, grew up in or was at one point indoctrinated and influenced by the gripping vise of religious buffoonery, offers up a lively, honest, and real-life reflection of one man's process of how he questioned himself to freedom."

~ Kyle Butler, Inspirational Motivator

"I've said there's only one way to deconstruct, and that's your way! In this very readable format of a conversation with Michelle Collins, we discover Matthew's way of deconstructing that will give others validation and encouragement for their own unique deconstruction journeys."

~ David Hayward, aka NakedPastor

"Collins and Distefano have come together to offer an invitation into some of their most vulnerable and real moments in their deconstruction process. The reader is offered a front-row seat as they talk about their illuminating theological explorations that preceded their faith transitions. But more than sharing the ins and outs of their journeys, they intelligently and thoughtfully pursue what deconstruction looks like spiritually and psychologically, shedding further light on what something like this means for all areas of our lives. There is power in sharing your story. It allows others to be seen and know they are not alone and it releases something into the world that says, 'I have lived to tell.' This book is a must read for anyone engaging burning questions and curiosities of faith that beckon them toward new horizons. Collins and Distefano give strength for the journey ahead, while graciously and frankly reflecting on all the key moments that lead them toward freedom, liberation, and, of course, deconstruction."

~ Maria Francesca French, columnist for Patheos

"Matthew's story is a raw, brutally honest journey that is all-too-familiar to many. His transparency has given a voice to those who still suffer in silence as they struggle to know a loving God who looks so very different than the one that they were exposed to in church. Thank you, Matthew and Michelle!"

~Romell D. Parks-Weekly, M.Div., Founding Pastor, The Sanctuary, St. Louis, MO

"Learning to Float is a helpful conversation between folks who have 'been there,' and although they are both experts in their field, they aren't hoping to provide 'how tos,' but to provide a sense of companionship on the journey of finding your own way. Deconstruction (as faith shifts seem to be referred to as lately) takes on many forms, but often leaves those who have experienced it feeling isolated and longing for community. This book provides the story of one person's journey and a sense that you are not alone in the process of renegotiating your relationship to your faith or the church. It's a great read!"

~ Sarah Heath, ordained United Methodist Elder turned coach/consultant, author of What's Your Story? Seeing Your Life Through God's Eyes and The Authenticity Challenge, and host of the Making Spaces podcast

"Many of us are discovering a tragic truth that much of Christianity doesn't look like Jesus. In fact, studies show that Christians are most known not for loving our neighbors, as Jesus commanded, but for being against certain neighbors. The Christian betrayal of Christ has led many to leave the faith altogether, but there are others who are deconstructing toxic Christianity we've been given. At the same time, we are looking for people to help us not just deconstruct, but also reconstruct a more Christlike faith. We need guides to help us. Fortunately, we have excellent guides in Michelle and Matthew."

~ Adam Ericksen, Education Director at The Raven Foundation

"In Learning to Float, Matthew and Michelle are beautifully pastoral, exceptionally wise, and they write as fellow journeyers as opposed to know-it-all experts. Their inspiring friendship and down-to-earth communication styles birth a grace-filled dialogical literary delight that will help comfort and compassionately challenge any religious wanderer craving for a valuable resource as they travel through their deconstruction journey."

~ Mark Karris, author of Religious Refugees: Deconstructing Toward Spiritual and Emotional Healing

Edition details

• Publisher: Quoir
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1957007206
• ISBN 13: 9781957007205
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 158