By Toni Crawford

Have you ever heard someone say they’re disentangling their faith? When I first heard that phrase from a Christian I follow on social media, I thought, Huh? Is she giving up on Christianity?When I hear about people turning away from the faith, it saddens me. I pray they eventually return before the Lord comes back. This walk isn’t always easy—believe me—but I have no doubt that it’s worth it.

So, when I heard the word disentangling, I was relieved that she explained what she meant in interviews and in her book. If you’re interested, the book is Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Duggar Vuolo. It’s a great read and was also a New York Times bestseller.

What Is Disentanglement?

“In the end, that’s all disentanglement is: trusting God and taking the next step in the right direction. As you untangle the lies from the truth, Christ will be there with you, keeping you by His side until He calls you home.”

— Jinger Duggar Vuolo, Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear

I’m at a place in my life where I feel the need to disentangle as well. I’ve been asking the Lord to help me unlearn any teachings I’ve received that were taught in error. Sometimes teachings are passed down because of a lack of study, or because people lean on their own understanding. It happens. Other times, false teachings come from those who appear godly on the outside but are leading others astray.

Listen, I’ve been saved for years, and I don’t think I have all the answers—but I know who does. If I’m honest, many days I feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Overwhelmed and exhausted? There are so many different teachings plastered all over social media and even in churches. I can understand how confusion creeps in and how many people can be led astray if we don’t spend time in God’s Word and in His presence.

Don’t get me wrong—the true Gospel is still being preached. But sometimes it feels as though the volume of false teaching is turned up a little louder. Some people have been introduced to someone’s version of who they think Jesus is rather than who the Bible says He is.

Do you understand where I’m coming from?

Some have been tricked into believing that Jesus was merely a prophet. He’s so much more than that. Others have been taught that He’s an angry God who hates sinners, when that’s far from the truth. Is He a disciplinarian? Yes. But He loves people and hates sin.

Furthermore, I’ve heard countless rules and opinions presented as though they were the Gospel itself. Some say you must belong to a certain denomination to truly know God. Others insist that following Christ means adhering to a long list of man-made standards that go beyond what Scripture teaches.

Over the years, I’ve heard believers debate everything from clothing choices and relationships to worship styles and spiritual gifts. While some of these discussions may be important, they can become overwhelming when they take our focus away from Christ and His Word.

These aren’t necessarily my beliefs; they are simply examples of the many voices competing for our attention. What I’ve realized is that all this noise has made me want to spend more time with Jesus. Rather than allowing confusion to drive me away from God, it has pushed me closer to Him.

When I’m spending time with God, I’m praying for wisdom as I read and study Scripture. I’ve come to realize that hearing all of this, though overwhelming and exhausting, may be God’s way of saying, Toni, go deeper.

I love a good praise-and-worship moment. I love a good “two-step for the Lord” moment. But that’s not enough to sustain me. What sustains me is the Word of the living God. I must consume it and allow it to nourish me.

In closing, I’m disentangling.

My focus is on understanding what holiness and modesty truly look like to God—not to me and not to other people. The Bible talks about modesty, and surely the Holy Spirit is our Teacher. What does the Lord think about the different denominations? I know His Word is clear: “Be holy, for I am holy.”

So I’ve been taking my questions and concerns to the Lord more than ever. I simply want to please Him, not appear holier-than-thou.

I could say so much more, but I’ll close with this: May all of us who believe in Jesus Christ continue to sit at the Savior’s feet.

The Bible says:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

— 1 Peter 5:7

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

— James 1:5

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

— Matthew 11:28–29

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.”

— Psalm 62:1

Amen.