by Mike Edwards
I have written a great deal how I think certainty is the hidden sin among Christians. See: Sin-of-certainty Being so certain about God and what God is really like actually turns many off from God, not towards God. Convincing is the work of God, not humans. The truth is we can’t be certain God exists or there is an afterlife. But I still have faith and hope that God exists and there is an afterlife. Some say they have had a real experience with God to give them total confidence God exists. I don’t doubt them. Just that I and many others haven’t had such an experience.
Uncertainty promotes humility
Certainty about God can easily slide into “I fully understand the divine” which is a very big claim of an invisible God. Uncertainty keeps us humble and reduces dogmatism and harm in relationships. Uncertainty allows people to say: “I believe, but I acknowledge the unanswered questions.”
Certainty has led to condemning gays, women, and unbelievers
Certainty of one’s interpretation of the Bible can lead to false claims about God’s nature. Hell is surely a message Christians get wrong. I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth. See here. We can get wrong that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can. Another myth in my opinion. See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth in my opinion. See here. People reject God based on claims about hell, women, or gays. Even if you believe the entire Bible is inspired by God, we must admit our interpretations are not necessarily inspired by God.
Absolute certainty about God’s will has sometimes justified:
- Violence
- Religious coercion
- Dehumanizing others
Uncertainty makes room for:
- Listening instead of forcing
- Compassion over control
- Moral self-examination
Uncertainty allows faith to be chosen, not forced
Many thinkers say faith is meaningful because it isn’t certain.
- If God were as obvious as gravity, belief would be automatic
- Uncertainty allows belief to be a free response, not compulsion
This idea is sometimes called “faith as trust rather than proof.”
Uncertainly can allow one to become more loving
Some say the question becomes less “Am I correct?” and more “How can I become more loving?”
Uncertainty about God doesn’t mean:
- No belief
- No commitment
- No spirituality
It can mean:
- Belief held with humility
- Faith practiced with compassion
- Openness instead of rigidity
Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like
Done with Religion 