In the wake of my recent exploration of the label “Atypical Christian,” an unexpected revelation unfolded as I stumbled upon a thought-provoking video clip shared by the esteemed Christian intellectual and theologian, Dr. William Lane Craig. This serendipitous encounter left me contemplating the intricacies of our beliefs, particularly in the context of doctrines related to God’s nature. Dr. Craig’s insights, captured in the video snippet below, struck a chord with me, resonating with my own musings on the limitations of sola scriptura and the importance of approaching our convictions with a spirit of humility. While his specific focus was on doctrines concerning God’s nature, I couldn’t help but wonder if the essence of his perspective extends beyond the confines of that particular interview. As I embark on this follow-up blog post, I am eager to delve deeper into Dr. Craig’s reflections and explore how they might align with and enrich my recent exploration of theological labels and the complexities of doctrinal humility.

Dr. William Lane Craig’s insights on the limitations of sola scriptura provide a compelling starting point for our exploration into the nuanced realm of theology. In the video, he candidly remarks, “I think that it is fine if one wants to just simply rest content with the teaching of Scripture, but then you’d better not say anything that would go beyond that, as preachers constantly do from the pulpit.” This acknowledgment of the potential pitfalls of exceeding the boundaries of scriptural teachings lays the groundwork for an important discussion about the challenges inherent in doctrinal development.

Furthermore, Dr. Craig astutely observes the difficulty in constraining oneself solely to biblical statements about Christian doctrine. He notes, “It is very very hard I think to limit oneself to just biblical statements about Christian doctrine. And a further deficiency in that approach is that although you may be able to rest content with this sort of mere biblical doctrine, it will do nothing to defend Christianity and Christian doctrine against the attacks of its critics…” This recognition of the limitations of a narrow reliance on scripture alone prompts us to consider alternative approaches that can both enrich our understanding and fortify our faith against external scrutiny.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Craig advocates for a solution rooted in humility and plausibility. This stance stands in stark contrast to dogmatism and binary thinking, encouraging us to hold our beliefs tentatively and perceive propositions on a spectrum of probability rather than clinging to absolute certainty. This resonates with my own position on theological exploration, emphasizing the importance of an open-minded and flexible approach as we navigate the intricacies of our faith.

“What you would be doing is not being dogmatic about these (doctrines)… What you would so is say here is a plausible model… or here is a plausible understanding… that could be true… But this shows that it’s not incoherent; it’s not logically impossible…And so it will be in a spirit of humility, not dogmatism, that one will offer possible answers to these difficult questions.”

Embracing a nuanced approach to theology, as advocated by Dr. William Lane Craig, compels us to grapple with the comfort of uncertainty and the acknowledgment of our limited understanding. The video emphasizes the necessity of being comfortable with saying, “I don’t know” or expressing a lack of absolute certainty. Dr. Craig challenges the inclination to place unwavering trust in individuals who claim exhaustive knowledge or boast 100% certainty. This resonates profoundly with the recognition that our minds are finite, and our knowledge is inherently bounded. The humility to admit the limitations of our understanding becomes an integral aspect of a thoughtful and authentic theological journey. In a world rife with complexities and mysteries, embracing uncertainty becomes not only a measure of intellectual honesty but also a path toward genuine spiritual growth.

In reflecting on Dr. William Lane Craig’s insights and contemplating my own experiences, a striking observation emerges, particularly within the context of the United States: the atypicality of a nuanced, uncertain approach to Christian beliefs. Many Christians, it seems, navigate their faith with a profound sense of absolute certainty, extending beyond theological doctrines to influence their political positions. This unwavering certainty, while prevalent, raises concerns about its potential impact on open dialogue and humility. Challenging the certainties of others, I’ve observed, is often met with hostility rather than the spirit of humility that should ideally characterize theological discussions. The intersection of absolute certainty in both faith and politics paints a complex picture, revealing a landscape where certainty prevails, and the space for thoughtful exploration and dialogue appears diminished—a state of affairs that prompts contemplation on the broader implications for our spiritual and societal interactions.

Tentative in Beliefs

Reflecting on my approach to beliefs, whether in matters of theology, work, or home, two pivotal concepts underscore my perspective. First and foremost, I hold my assumptions and beliefs tentatively. This means I keep them open to change, readily adjusting in the face of new information or insights. A sentiment encapsulated by Jon Bon Jovi’s analogy of making plans in pencil—a tool that allows for erasure and rewriting, acknowledging the fluid nature of life. While the exact quote eludes me, the essence remains crucial: the ability to adapt and modify our beliefs fosters a resilient and evolving mindset.

Past experiences have taught me the perils of rigidity in beliefs, a path that led to stagnation rather than growth. Honesty compelled me to acknowledge this limitation and recognize that true wisdom emerges as we embrace change. Growth, by definition, is inseparable from change; it demands a willingness to evolve. In choosing to hold my beliefs tentatively, I navigate the intricate terrain of faith, acknowledging the dynamic nature of understanding and remaining open to the transformative power of wisdom.

Spectrum of Certainty

In shaping my beliefs, whether theological or mundane, I’ve adopted a perspective influenced by the principles of probability. Perhaps this inclination stems from a college statistics class, but the essence lies in rejecting dogmatism and embracing a nuanced approach to certainty. Rather than anchoring beliefs at 100% certainty, I prefer to place them on a scale or spectrum of probability, allowing room for uncertainty, doubt, and the mysteries that life often presents.

While I don’t eschew certainty altogether—certain truths, like 2 plus 2 equaling 4, can be confidently acknowledged—I approach most beliefs with a dynamic perspective. Depending on the available information, I adjust my level of certainty along the spectrum. This process involves a critical evaluation of new information, considering the trustworthiness of its source, identifying potential biases, and assessing overall accuracy and plausibility.  Then I evaluate how it impact other information I had that lead me to my current position. Recognizing that beliefs are typically built on multiple data points, I aggregate confirming and disconfirming data, aiming for a nuanced understanding of accuracy. However, this analytical process doesn’t discount the potential influence of unforeseen cognitive biases, injecting a level of humility into my evaluations.

Practically, this approach isn’t always as formal as it may sound. Most aspects of life don’t demand such scrutiny, but I reserve a heightened level of examination for matters of greater significance. This process, if ever formalized, provides a structured method for documenting and understanding the evolution of beliefs, underscoring the importance of scrutiny in proportion to the gravity of the beliefs in question.

Conclusion

In navigating the intricate landscape of beliefs, the contrast between dogmatic strands and the potential for growth becomes evident. The unwillingness to embrace change or humility in our convictions can only lead to tension, not just within ourselves but also in our relationships. As highlighted in a previous post, the essence of our faith is not found in dogma. True spiritual growth beckons us toward a more humble and open-minded exploration of our beliefs—a journey marked by the acknowledgment of uncertainty, the readiness to adjust our perspectives, and the continual pursuit of wisdom. The main thing, as emphasized before, transcends dogma; it resides in the ever-evolving understanding of love for God and others. By fostering a spirit of humility and embracing the dynamic nature of belief, we pave the way for genuine growth and enriched connections with the world around us.

Reflection

• How do you approach uncertainty and openness in your own beliefs, whether in matters of faith or other aspects of life?
• Have you ever experienced tension in relationships due to dogmatic beliefs, either your own or someone else’s? How did you navigate it, and what insights did you gain from the experience?
• In your journey of faith or personal growth, can you recall a specific moment or belief that you held tentatively and later adjusted based on new information or insights? What was that experience like, and what did it teach you about the nature of beliefs and humility?

Resources

Epistemology – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epistemology/