Faith & Doubt
Over countless centuries, humanity has wrestled with the issue of how faith intersects with doubt, often resulting in extreme responses. For some, we simply reject faith as a viable option for thinking and rational people, scoffing at and belittling those of religious persuasion. For others, we demonize doubts and questions that are raised in the arena of faith, ostracizing and even excommunicating those who dare to question even the most minor tenets of belief. In recent years, an experience called deconstruction has swept the evangelical world, seeing even prominent and revered members publicly dismantling and ultimately renouncing their previously deeply-held convictions.
But there is another viable and faithful third-way. If the veracity of our faith is based merely in the strength of our convictions and how passionately we hold them, that faith is susceptible to being quickly eroded by the vicissitudes of life. But if the object of our faith is of true worth and rightly aligns with reality, that faith can withstand and endure scrutiny. And it is of utmost importance for all of us to discern between that which is essential dogma and that which is of lesser importance in our belief systems.
#Faith #Doubt #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat
Message Series Description:
It's been said, over and over, that it's impolite to talk about religion or politics. And it seems that, as time has marched along, other topics have been added to that list: sexuality, racism, mental health, and more. These topics all tend to devolve into heated arguments, ad hominem attacks, and outright vitriol ... unless everyone already agrees on the issue! And the church has tragically leaned into this cultural phenomenon.
Instead of talking about these sometimes controversial or volatile topics with nuance, grace, and truth, the church has often slipped into a position of simply not addressing them, talking about them in an un-Jesus-like way, or (even worse) getting it flat out wrong when it's discussed. And when this happens, obstacles and offenses are piled onto the gospel, making it that much harder for people to encounter Jesus and to accept His good news.
But there is a better way, a way that holds tightly and rightly to truth, while effervescing with grace and compassion. This way IS the way of Jesus. And it is what we need to do rather than simply say, "We don't talk about that." This weekend we'll begin that conversation.
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