An amazing number of people have thoughtfully reconsidered the theology they grew up with and decided to reject those beliefs. This process of reevaluation and rejection has come to be known as “deconstruction.” Our own experiences tell us that deconstruction can be painful and chaotic. You might have a personal story about your own deconstruction process. But now that you have deconstructed, what comes next?

For many, the process of “reconstruction” remains incomplete, leading them to identify as “spiritual but not religious.” They go on believing in a divine power but they are unattached to a community of like-minded people. The vacuum created by the absence of both belief and belonging has enormous consequences for the individual and the larger society.

Interestingly, Rainn Wilson, an actor best known for his role as the annoying Dwight Schrute on the American version of The Office, has written a book that speaks to those people who have deconstructed and are now in a belief/belonging vacuum. The book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, speaks to some of life’s big questions. "The Notorious G.O.D."; "Death and How to Live It"; and "Religion Schmeligion" are just three of the chapter titles. Wilson tells the reader about the ten essential universal truths that all the great religious movements have in common. He then goes on to outline a blueprint on a way to reconstruct and live a meaningful and productive spiritual life. He even recommends more potluck dinners.

I had the enormous good fortune to meet Rainn Wilson and share a meal and conversation with him. One of the things he talked about is a spiritual conversation group he and his wife host in their home. They open with a time of meditation, then share some quotes picked from a variety of spiritual traditions and finally take time for discussion. Sometimes the group does a service project or takes a walk together. Pretty simple, but often profound. Rainn contends that people are hungry for this kind of simple, deep conversation and community building.

What about you? Are you hungry for a spiritual conversation group? Let me know at betty@thegardenonline.org.