The Apprenticeship Way with Marc Alan Schelske

Faith Isn’t Certainty (TAW030)

May 11, 2020

Explore the nuanced relationship between faith and certainty, and discover why doubt is essential for spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes faith as relational trust, challenging misconceptions and celebrating the journey of exploration. Listeners are encouraged to embrace uncertainty and process their emotions through the Untangled Heart Workshop, emphasizing mental health. The podcast invites redefinitions of faith, highlighting how relationships in the digital age can enhance spiritual connections.

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INSIGHT

Faith vs. Certainty Mistake

Faith is often mistaken for certainty, leading to dangerous rigidity and fear of doubt.
Certainty demands unwavering belief in doctrines and can isolate or exclude those who question.

ANECDOTE

Josh Harris' Faith Journey

Josh Harris wrote the influential book I Kissed Dating Goodbye promising certain results from strict dating rules.
Despite its popularity, the book's promises largely failed, and Harris later publicly renounced it and experienced his own faith deconstruction.

ADVICE

Avoid Certainty Traps in Faith

Beware of pursuing certainty at all costs as it can trap you in denial or combative defense.
Instead, remain open to growth and reconsideration to avoid faith crashes.

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Episode 030 – Faith Isn’t Certainty

Faith is at the very heart of Christianity. It’s crucial. Without Faith, scripture says, it’s impossible to please God. But more than any other part of the spiritual life, faith is misunderstood. When we get this wrong, we set ourselves up for an ugly, painful crash.

(And if faith isn’t certainty, then what is it?)

Show Notes

A commitment to certainty is a real threat to our life of faith.
Doubt and evaluating our beliefs is a necessary part of growth.
That means Deconstruction can be a healthy part of faith development.
It is much healthier to think of faith as relational trust.
“Faith is an orientation of the soul toward God in the form of deep trust.” – Brian Zahnd

Scriptures & References in this episode

Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:6
Hebrews 12:1-2
The Sin of Certainty: Wh y God Desired More Than Our Correct Belief, by Pete Enns.

New Stuff

The Untangled Heart Workshop Online

About 8 months ago, the Untangled Heart Workshop came into existence. I collaborated with a good friend, Byron Kehler, who is a trauma therapist, and together we created a one-day training focused on helping people understand and navigate their emotions. We did the event live and it was a fantastic experience.

We planned to start doing it live regularly, but circumstances have changed, haven’t they? So, instead, we’ve taken all the teaching and created an online course.

So, if you’re feeling a lot of big emotions, or are surprised at how our Stay-At-Home circumstances have brought up grief or anger for you, or if you’ve been thinking that you’d like to improve your ability to be present to the people you love, The Untangled Heart Worshipshop Online, may be perfect for you.

You can learn more of what’s included in the course and see the lesson topics for your self over at the link above.

Bring Me to speak to your group digitally.

In this new Zoom world, it’s so easy to bring in a guest speaker. Would your group benefit from learning about emotions, how we process emotions, and how emotions are a vital part of faith? Are you a pastor who could really use a week off? Hit the link above and let’s talk.

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