Other writers may recognize the state of angst I have been toying with. It happens when we have an idea that won’t leave us alone. Yet we’re not sure if we really want to deal with it. But the idea and the topic keep niggling at the psyche until we finally sit down and write about it. Such is the state of this particular blog post.
Like many in the more mature demographic, I assumed that age would bring me wisdom. Sure, I know some things that youngers cannot conceive such as: the importance of always keeping a supply of WD-40 on hand . . . and hydrogen peroxide . . . which can help with a multitude of problems.
But with the deeper issues of life and especially with topics that threaten the soul, I have discovered that wisdom sometimes eludes me. I do not know what I cannot yet perceive. The experience and knowledge that lead to wisdom hide behind the shadow of uncertainty.
Yet a multitude of people rely on spiritual certainty. They know what they know and no one better tell them differently or they will vigorously respond on Facebook or send hate emails to prove their point.
The problem with the practice of certainty is that the finer things of God’s nature are used as weapons. Scripture passages used out of context. A policy that promotes the idolatry of nation over the service of Christ’s example. The statement I have heard several times from well-meaning Christians, “Our current national administration will fix everything.”
Nay. Nay. Only Jesus, the Prince of peace and King of kings will fix everything.
In the past, we have used ‘certainty’ to underscore our beliefs about a topic. One example is the timeline for the Rapture. My father’s generation was ‘certain’ that Hitler was the antichrist and therefore, the Rapture was on target for ‘any day now.’ In 1988, a bestseller was the book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture will be in 1988. Didn’t happen. Y2K brought another flurry of misplaced prophecies.
Other topics we were ‘certain’ about turned out to be misdirected, misused, and downright threatening. For example: that the Bible teaches slavery is okay. Or that women are to be silent and endure abuse from their husbands. Or that seeking a therapist to help deal with trauma means our faith is weak.
Guess what? Although we know the Bible is inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, the interpretations of scripture are not always inspired.
One of the best movies I saw in 2024 was Conclave. I saw the movie with friends, long before Pope Francis died and Pope Leo was elected. The movie detailed the process of choosing a new pope — with all the politics and personal dynamics that happen when people try to make the right decision. In one scene, Brother Lawrence, one of the main characters states, “There is one sin I have come to fear above all else: certainty.” He reminds his fellow cardinals that faith is messy, often growing strong only in the spaces between belief and unbelief. “If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery,” he suggests, “and therefore no need for faith.”
I believe that ‘certainty’ may be one of the most dangerous sins of our current belief system. Believing everything we read or hear on social media or in the news cycles without taking the idea to the source of all wisdom — God Himself. We were, after all, instructed to ‘seek and you shall find.’ To personally seek the root of what we believe and not just take at face value what someone else believes or what the masses seem to be screaming about. The beauty of a faith based on Jesus is wrapped in relationship. It is personal. Not programmed.
Ultimately, ‘certainty’ is the Siamese twin of pride because it ignores humility and kills empathy. When we believe we are right and we use our faith as the bow to shoot arrows, we fall back into legalism where rules become more important than caring for people. The very system Jesus warned us about. Churches split over certainty. Family dynamics become frayed around certainty. Those precious souls watching from the wings see the hypocrisy and vow to never set foot in a church.
Instead of trying to find reasons for how we can destroy the beliefs of others, perhaps we can ask God for a greater attitude of humility. To err on the side of servanthood. To be more focused on the Who of why we believe rather than the What. To recognize that we cannot know everything about faith, but stepping forward into the uncertainty is indeed the core of faith.
I am praying that the institution of the Church will become more focused in 2025 on the eternal realities of God’s plan. That we will truly be intentional about the two tasks Jesus gave us to do: make disciples and live in unity. That we will be known for mercy, for justice, for walking with God, for humbly serving others. That politics will no longer define us nor tear us apart.
And that our faith will come from a pure heart, that we may see God.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
A devotional book may help us stay on the right path: Embracing Life with Hope: Daily Encouragement for Your Spiritual Journey.
Too often “certainty” is based on the kind of ignorance that helps some people feel more comfortable. For those folks problem solving or thought provoking behaviors are stressful. Being told what and how to believe by someone they admire is relaxing and steady. Good teachers and professors stimulate deeper thinking, making those who need certainty distressed or even angry. In recent years I hesitate to tell someone I am a retired professor. I am made to feel like an “evil doer” in their eyes.
Good point, Stu. How sad it is when people are afraid to ‘go deeper.’