Re: time for a spiritual "physical"

> Francis Bacon is reported to have said:
>
> "If we begin with certainties, we will end in doubt. But if we
> begin with doubts and bear them patiently, we may end in certainty."
>
> This may be as good a scientific credo as any, and Bacon was
> probably as good a Christian man as many, but I'm struggling with
> doubts of my own about this very idea. Perhaps having grown up in
> a Christian home, I fit Bacon's former category, though I hope the
> "end in doubt" part is not truly an end, but at worst a seasonal
> oscillation -- a "dark night" or twilight of the soul from which
> I will be brought out. I've always enjoyed immersing myself in
> contrary literature -- even contrary to my faith. But Jesus warns
> that what makes a man unclean is what comes out of his mouth from
> his heart. Paul states that we are to dwell on the excellent,
> just, and pure ... (Philippians 4:8). Maybe there is something to
> the puritanical suspicion: "garbage in, garbage out". When do I
> try to spiritually inculate myself of a falsehood by taking it in
> and considering it, vs. accepting other's previous assessment
> that it is a falsehood and not exposing my mind to the disease?

When I was an undergraduate in college I read the book "In Two Minds"
by Os Guiness. I found its perspective on doubt very freeing. Doubt
is not a sin but a state of indecision, and on coming out the other
side of doubt our faith is strengthened. When we demand certainty
first, our faith is not grounded in our own heart and spirit but in
the faith and authority of others. Doubt helps make our faith personal.

In areas that are not central to the faith (not historical
confessions of the church) it is not urgent that our doubts, or
uncertainties, be resolved. It is OK to remain uncertain and
uncommitted. I think that this is especially the case for most
issues at the interface of science and faith. People should not be
forced into a position of having to stake out a black-and-white, yes-
or-no, position on such issues. It is OK to say "I don't know." I
emphasize this to students and others who are struggling with
particular issues. We need to give people breathing space and room
to work through complex issues. We don't need to have answers to all
the questions.

Keith
Received on Sun Apr 23 18:43:21 2006