About the Book
As a “good Christian,” Karla Kamstra attended church every Sunday, listened to the pastor, and committed to functions and activities. But no amount of participation could shake her growing sense of spiritual unrest. As time went on, she realized that she was doing Christianity on autopilot - going through the motions, but spiritually checked out.
She finally understood that the rules of the church were keeping God inside a too-small box, and it was time to let 'Him' out. And so Karla embarked upon her sacred journey of deconstruction: healing her religious trauma and reclaiming her spirituality.
Now, Rev Karla shares her journey in this wise, gentle guide to help anyone struggling with the role of faith in their lives. Readers are called to demolish the oppressive, patriarchal structure upon which their faith has been built, repair what experiences with dysfunctional and destructive religion may have done to them, and restore their hearts and souls. Deconstructing will lead readers from silent obedience to sacred empowerment, from religious dogma to spiritual freedom, from toxic theology to authentic faith. For anyone chafing against the confines of church doctrine - it's time to release God from the rules.
About the Author :
As an ordained interfaith minister and much sought-after spiritual mentor, Rev Karla shines a light on the path for those struggling with religious trauma or those questioning their religious heritage, offering a way to reclaim authentic spirituality. With a massive following across social media and an innate gift to connect deeply, Rev Karla's content is a call for all seeking clarity beyond religious confines.
Review :
"Interfaith minister and Tiktok creator Kamstra recounts her departure from 'organized Christianity' in this empathetic debut guide to breaking free from "high-control" religion and finding a new spirituality... Throughout, Kamstra is unfailingly candid about her own spiritual questions.... She never downplays the challenges inherent in deconstructing one's religious beliefs, making her an excellent guide for those with similar questions. This is a valuable resource." - Publishers Weekly
"Deconstructing is a moving and intimate personal account of demolishing, repairing, and restoring faith. There are a lot of folks out there who can criticize the Bible and the church, and who can speak endlessly about deconstruction, and Rev Karla can hang with the best of them, but she offers something that others cannot: a map and a model for bringing the pieces back together to reconstruct a richer, a deeper, and a more enduring faith. A large portion of the deconstruction community has been asking for a resource just like this, and it will no doubt be an indispensable guide for many through the mental and emotional labor of leaving church to find faith." - Dan McClellan, biblical scholar, author, and TikTok personality
"There is a powerful shift happening as indoctrinated religious beliefs are being dismantled. Karla Kamstra is a guiding voice, offering hope and direction to those questioning their religious origins. Her words are like medicine and give courage to those who have been hurt or disoriented by a too narrow, and at times abusive, interpretation of spirituality." - Edward Viljoen, author of Ordinary Goodness
"Rev Karla's Deconstructing offers pastoral and prophetic guidance for anyone moving beyond restrictive religious structures and into a more authentic and alive spiritual life. Her stories and insights bring wisdom, courage, and healing to those embarking on the journey of demolishing, repairing, and restoring their faith." - Ben Katt, Author of The Way Home
"Deconstructing is invaluable for anyone ready to break through the walls that separate us from those who do not look like, love like, and believe like we do. What's at stake is the very survival of our democracy." - Barbara Becker, Author of Heartwood: The Art of Living with the End in Mind
"Rev. Karla is the pastor that I always dreamed existed as I was growing up as a young queer Christian who was curious about my faith and my identity. In Deconstructing, Rev. Karla shares her own journey towards a more expansive and inclusive faith, as she gently guides us on a journey away from narrow religion towards a spirituality that can truly work for each one of us. This book is an essential guide for anyone standing on the edge of their religion, wondering if there is a better way laying just beyond the boundaries of their faith. Rev. Karla is the perfect guide to lead us through the journey of deconstructing toxic religion and constructing a life-giving faith." - Rev. Brandan Robertson, TikTok Pastor and Author of Dry Bones and Holy Wars: A Call for Social and Spiritual Renewal
"With a beautiful balance and stark honesty, this book provides not only the logic of deconstruction, but the sacred space for emotional healing." - Paul Swearengin, creator, minister, emotional well-being coach and author of Religious Right Religiously Wrong
"As spiritual teacher and leader in metaphysics, I appreciate Rev. Karla's courageous journey in deconstructing the life-limiting indoctrination as taught by most Christian religions. Due to the bulk of their tenets, a whole beautiful and powerful sect of individuals (woman) are left out, unseen, and unappreciated. Kudos to Rev. Karla for this brilliant work." -Rev. Michelle Wadleigh, D.D., author of Shadow Work
"Rev Karla's book is a beacon guiding home those feeling lost in a spiritual wilderness. She honors the places one feels broken and gently navigates the reader towards mending those spaces. Deconstructing gives the reader permission to be curious, explore their spiritual boundaries, and step into their authenticity. It's honest, heartfelt, and beautiful." -Stephanie Jo Warren, podcast host, educator, author
"[Kamstra] has brilliantly addressed the complex process of deconstructing with clarity. She makes one's own personal journey appear to be possible and simpler to begin, to navigate and to accept with confirmation.... A trail is blazed through Karla's spiritual wilderness for others to follow..... She empowers our inner strength and confidence to experience a journey outside and beyond the church. For anyone seeking to experience Heaven On Earth, this book can be an inspiration with confirmation that it is possible to attain without the church leadership....This book is freeing. It opens the doors for new chapters of living the rest of your life full of clearer visions with more confidence that every decision will be made with less guilt and more fulfillment.... Karla helps us to realize Faith can shift from fear-based paranoia to optimistic-based adventures." - Tom Porter, Founder and President of Malibu Wellness
