QUOTE…Your Opinion Is Wanted

First and foremost I want to apologize for my absence. I have truly been struggling these last few weeks. I had been working on other posts but they, apparently, were not what God wanted me to write because they just didn’t come together. I don’t know if this one is what He wanted either, but He’s letting me go with it. My goal, going forward, is to be more regular in my posting. They may not be more consistent until some time in October, as we are preparing to move. I have A TON of packing to do. Anyway, on to it then.

My doctor told me this quote and I’ve been rolling it over in my head ever since. I’m going to tell you the opinions of the proponents who agree with the quote. I will also share the opinions of the critics who don’t think it is correct. Finally, I will give you biblical backing for the opinions. I thought the Bible would show a stand one way or another, but it doesn’t. I’d love to hear your comments and opinions. Maybe what you thought before and after you read the arguments. Whatever…just what you think about it.

This quote or concept was originally said to have come from a 20th century German-American philosopher and theologian named Paul Tillich.

Said quote was mostly made popular by Anne Lamott in her 2005 book, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith.

”The Opposite of Faith is not Doubt, it’s Certainty”

Roll that around in your brain a little. I immediately thought “Well, of course it is.” Then my doctor explained her side of it. This made my head spin a little more than it already was. So, I did what I do and researched it. I now understand why my brain couldn’t agree with itself. Points on both sides are valid.

The quote, essentially, means that “genuine faith is an open and dynamic process that includes-rather than excludes- questioning, wrestling with uncertainty, and embracing mystery”. Basically, it is saying that real faith isn’t a fixed, unquestioning belief. It is an ongoing journey where it’s okay to ask tough questions. It’s also okay to have times of uncertainty or doubt. Genuine faith accepts that some things just can’t be fully explained. The quote says that the ultimate enemy of the genuine faith process is certainty. This is because it shuts down questioning and exploration of one’s faith journey and the world around them. When this happens, the process or relationship becomes static or not moving forward. This takes away the ability for growth and change. An“open and dynamic process” means that faith isn’t a “one-and-done” thing. One doesn’t just believes something and never think or question it again. Instead, faith is a journey or a living relationship that changes and grows. It’s adaptable, not rigid, stiff and dogmatic (being stubbornly and arrogantly convinced that their beliefs are absolutely right and true. So much so, that it refuses to consider the beliefs or opinions of others. Completely close-minded).

Why certainty is the opposite of faith (proponents)

• Certainty shuts down growth. As was touched on before, if one is absolutely certain that they have all the right answers, they would stop asking questions and exploring. In this case, there is no room for new understanding because there are no more questions to ask. There would be no spiritual growth or evolution of faith. This would make faith static and unchanging. That opposes the living, dynamic process of faith.
• On the flip side, doubt inspires growth. Doubt is an act of wrestling with something, not a lack of belief. When someone has doubt, it is a sign that they still deeply care about their faith. One would not be questioning something they didn’t believe in or care about it. Doubt indicates that they are involved in a serious search for truth, which is a key part of faith. When someone experiences doubt, it can prompt them to ask questions. This, in turn, allows for a closer and deeper look at beliefs. By examining beliefs and asking questions there can be a more mature understanding of and,ultimately, stronger faith. Faith that has never struggled with doubt tends to be shallow and superficial. Conversely, a faith that has persisted through tests and trials will be deeper and stronger. Certainty leads to a place of complacency and indifference. This makes one lazy in their faith.
• Certainty resists change. Holding on to old beliefs because one is certain about them can make them close-minded. There is no openness for new information, opinions and viewpoints of others. This can make one unyielding, rigid and uncompromising. It negatively affects faith and keeps one tied down and unable to proceed further in their faith journey.
• Faith is a dynamic process. This means that faith is an active, living, ever-changing journey. On this journey, one is meant to question, explore and trust. Faith is not meant to be static, unyielding and unchanging. A dynamic faith is not crippled or shut down by questions. It, actually, gets stronger because of them. Just like staying in good physical shape requires exercise, a dynamic faith takes consistent effort and work. This includes prayer, Bible study, act of kindness, and fellowship with other believers. A dynamic faith changes and adapts based on experiences, good and bad. It isn’t just an internal feeling, but must be expressed through actions based on one’s beliefs. James says, in James 2:26 (NKJV), that “faith without works is dead.”
• Faith is about the journey, not the destination. Faith is not a one-time event. One doesn’t flip a switch and just believe. It is a dynamic, continual process of learning and growing. They don’t just “arrive” at perfect faith and stay there. Like a walk, it involves ups and downs, smooth and bumpy patches. The goal isn’t reaching the end but what one learns and who they become along the way. If they are certain about everything, there is no need for this journey of discovery or a leap of trust. Faith is more about the process of wrestling with difficult questions and continuing to trust. Trusting even when things get uncomfortable or messy.
• Faith has an open mind. When a person has an open mind they are ready and willing to hear and question what others have to say. They will listen to opinions and view points that differ from theirs and, at least, consider or think about them. When their mind is open to different possibilities they are less rigid and inflexible. This open mindedness happens when faith and doubt coexist. It cannot happen with certainty. The willingness to let doubt and faith live together in a relationship with healthy tensions brings about harmony.
• Certainty can give rise to arrogance. Absolute or excessive certainty can foster an attitude of superiority or arrogance. When one is absolutely certain in their beliefs, they dismiss the opinions and experiences of others. They shut down conversations with opposing views. This creates a division between people and groups due to the superiority and arrogance of one side. In addition, people become more obsessed with “being right”. This obsession makes people less concerned with having compassion for others. The certainty of one’s own righteousness can keep them from loving their neighbor.
• Certainty can lead to intolerance and prejudice. Someone who is absolutely certain in their beliefs can be prone to and justify hatred, prejudice, and intolerance toward people with opposing views. It becomes their excuse to justify negative behavior and feelings. This has been seen throughout history and in modern times more than ever. People are condemned and/or excluded and persecuted because their views and beliefs differ from the “certain infallible” opinions of others. For example-the kids at school exclude and make fun of a Muslim girl who wears a hijab. She is tormented just because her views differ from others.
• Certainty can lead to idolatry. Idolatry isn’t just the worshiping of a golden statue. It is putting anything, created or finite, above or in place of God. It is believed, by some, that seeking certainty can become an unhealthy obsession. The conviction (strong belief or opinion) itself becomes more important than the active relationship with God. It happens when one trusts their own “perfect and unshakable” ideas over everything else. Ones need to have all the answers and feel in control turns into a kind of worship. No different than worshiping a statue-your ego is now an idol.
• Mistaking certainty for control. Often people crave and strive for certainty because it gives them a feeling of control in a chaotic world. They believe that if they can pin down and define what they believe, they will feel safe. That they are in control. In reality, certainty is an internal feeling, while control is the “external power to influence events”. The two are confused when someone takes the soothing internal emotion of certainty and tries to force it on the external power of control. It creates a false sense of security that can lead to bad decisions. The human brain thrives on patterns and predictability. When faced with uncertainty, it will jump to a simple conclusion to make itself feel better. This certainty is not real control. It is simply a comforting story that makes the world feel less scary.
• Mistaking knowledge for faith. In some cases, people will confuse their own conviction (strong belief) with genuine trust. They interpret intellectual certainty as faith. Basically, they have gathered all the evidence and are 100% sure that their position cannot be attacked, questioned, or defeated. They believe this knowledge, based on personal opinions, feelings, and experiences, is faith. It is a close-minded state that leaves no room for questions or new information. That, is actually, the opposite of faith. Faith is an open-minded state that coexists with questioning and realizing new information. Faith is not 100% sure.
• Certainty exists in what is thought to be known. Absolute certainty assumes all things are seen and understood. With that belief, absolute certainty takes away the need for that trust. When a person has this kind of certainty there is no need for faith. All questions are believed to have been answered.
• Statement is not a blanket condemnation. Many who support the “quote” argue that it is not a blanket condemnation of all forms of certainty. It is said to be a critique of the kind of rigid, dogmatic, absolute certainty that closes itself off to new perspectives and humility. These people site Matthew 16:2-4 (AMP) as an example. The Pharisees were absolutely certain that they knew the Law of Moses. But, they failed to see the Messiah right in front of them. This was because He did not fit into their rigid category of what a savior would look like.

Why certainty is not the opposite of faith (critics)

Critics of the quote don’t typically attack the statement itself but what it implies and the way it’s used. The debate is centered on three words: faith, doubt, and certainty. It’s about how each is defined and the roles they play in a healthy spiritual life.

• The statement confuses the meaning of “faith”. One of the primary critiques is based on a more traditional biblical perspective. They argue that faith is a “foundational belief (a core, basic, and often subconscious idea that serves as the root for a person’s entire system of thought and action)rather than a dynamic process. This means that faith is considered the solid, unchanging cornerstone of someone’s life. It is not an ever-changing journey as thought by the proponents. It is accepting a core truth, and that core truth does not change or get re-examined. Faith, they believe, is a single act-you either believe or you don’t believe. There is no questioning or sitting on the fence. So faith is certainty, in that it is a firm, set conviction that is a constant and reliable fact.
• There is an argument that states the biblical definition of faith is built on “good reason” not “wishful thinking”. This aligns with the views that many of us have. It maintains that Christian conviction is based on verifiable evidence and logical reasoning, not a blind leap in the dark. Here, faith is not a matter of “hoping against hope”. It is a form of active trust that is grounded in knowledge and supported by evidence. This perspective doesn’t define faith as a “naive belief in the absence of proof”. It sees it as the Bible says, faith is “the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1)(AMP). The “assurance” is understood as a sure confidence (certainty) based on the faithfulness of God throughout history. “Evidence” points to what has already been proven.
• It can cause confusion about the absolute. Some critics say the concept of the statement is troubling because it suggests that having a firm, certain belief is a bad thing. That can cause confusion about religious or moral absolutes. Basically, the point is that if certainty was the opposite of faith, how could we be certain about the core religious truths like God’s love and the teachings of Jesus. It is argued that a healthy faith is a combination of humility and confidence-certainty.
• “That’s not what ‘faith’ really means.” These critics say that the quote/statement changes the basic meaning of the word faith. In it’s most basic, faith is complete trust in someone or something. For many, especially in very traditional religious settings, faith is a firm belief and trust in something-a certainty. It’s not just a feeling or journey. So, it is argued that faith is the opposite of doubt-unbelief-not the opposite of being sure.
• It is also argued that having strong beliefs-being certain- is not always a flaw. They say, in fact, that mature faith should lead to a certain confidence and assurance in one’s beliefs. It only becomes a problem when that certainty turns into arrogance and close-mindedness. But, that doesn’t mean that all certainty is bad. To take it further, these critics speak of Scripture. They say Scripture is consistently encouraging believers to know God, not to be ignorant of Him. In this case, they feel a degree of certainty is the goal, not the enemy.
• It could make people afraid to learn things. Critics, here, say that by making “certainty” a bad thing , people might think it’s wrong to search for solid proof or knowledge. They argue that a healthy faith should welcome questions and deep thought. Seeking to know and understand is a good thing, not a sign of bad faith.
• Faith is about a relationship, not a feeling. Some say the whole argument is confusing. This is because faith, doubt and certainty are all different, independent things. Faith, it is believed, is more about a relationship built on trust. It is a living, active “thing”. Whereas certainty and doubt are feelings. They say that certainty is a potential result of a strong faith, not a requirement for it.
• There are different kinds of certainty. Some critics distinguish a difference between types of certainty. They argue that not all certainty is bad. There is “warranted certainty” and “unwarranted certainty”. “Warranted certainty” is certainty that can be justified based on the weight of evidence and personal experience. Here, the strong conviction they have is backed by solid evidence, strong reasoning, or reliable experience. The problem is with “Unwarranted certainty” or arrogance. This type of certainty is a stubborn, close-minded refusal to consider that one might be wrong. Even when the facts do not support their beliefs. This is a form of dogma, where no consideration is given to any idea or opinion that differs from the individual.
• There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Certainty is not always linked to arrogance. Confidence comes from a genuine belief in one’s own abilities, based on skill and self-worth. The person knows their own value and has nothing to prove to anyone else. A confident person listens to other’s opinions with respect and is willing to consider their ideas. They are always looking to learn and improve. One can have a great deal of confidence (be very certain) in their beliefs and convictions but remain humble and open intellectually. Arrogance stems from insecurity and has a need to prove themselves to others. It has a superiority complex and is full of oneself. They are dismissive of others and have no interest in another person’s thoughts or ideas. They tend to be loud and boastful and can’t/won’t admit when they are wrong because they already know everything. It is impossible for an arrogant person to be humble and intellectually open.
• The statement’s purpose is to critique dogmatism, not certainty itself. For a critic, this statement is a critique of dogmatism because it attacks the rigid, unthinking nature of “religious absolutism”. “Religious absolutism” is the belief that one’s own religion is the single absolute truth for all people. The quote redefines genuine faith as a dynamic process that includes mystery and struggling with questions. It is no longer a passive acceptance of fixed answers or a rigid, unwavering, static belief.
• It may unintentionally support willful ignorance. Critics worry that the statement’s purpose might accidentally promote “anti-intellectualism” by making serious thought and knowledge seem unimportant or even bad. If certainty is seen as a negative quality, people might get the idea that looking for concrete answers or deep understanding is wrong or a waste of time. If this becomes the case, people will intentionally not question or search for deeper meaning-willful ignorance.

The Biblical Side of Things

Hebrews 11:1 (RSV) defines faith as assurance of what is hoped for (not-yet-realized) and conviction of what is not seen. This definition aligns with the quote by showing that faith operates in the realm of the unseen and not-yet-realized. This, by nature, leaves no room for absolute, complete certainty. Certainty does away with the need for trust, while faith is grounded in it.

To expand, “things hoped for” are the not yet realized-in the future. “Things not seen” are in the here and now and cannot be confirmed through the physical senses or observed evidence. This definition of faith goes beyond the visible or proven. It contradicts the idea of certainty, which is based on complete knowledge or evidence. If something were to be absolutely certain, faith would no longer be required.

This quote has become a modern paraphrase and interpretation for understanding Hebrews 11:1. It does this by identifying the difference between genuine, dynamic faith and the rigid, absolute certainty that can hinder growth. The quote looks at the widespread but flawed understanding of faith, particularly among those who see doubt as the enemy.

• It rethinks the role of doubt. Instead of viewing doubt as a sign of spiritual weakness, the quote depicts it as a normal part of the human experience. Doubt and faith can coexist and even deepen faith. This suggests that doubt isn’t always something to be avoided, but a necessary and healthy part of a strong faith.
• The statement contrasts faith and certainty. Faith and certainty are two very different ways of relating to the world. Faith is seen as a way of living with trust and humility. Certainty is shown as a rigid, intellectual mindset that can actually work against a person’s spiritual journey. The quote points out that absolute certainty is the real obstacle to faith. With absolute certainty there would be no need for trust, hope, or relying on anything unseen. That complete knowledge, or illusion of it, leaves no room for faith. Which, by definition, is concerned with what is not fully seen or realized.
• It puts focus on the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith in terms of “things not seen”. It inspires believers to look beyond their immediate circumstances and tangible evidence. To trust in what you can’t see, touch or fully understand-the divine realities and promises. The modern quote emphasizes certainty as the need to see, prove, and know everything. It relies on a checklist of rules, doctrines and facts that must be perfectly understood and believed. It is all about the “seen” and provable parts of a belief system. This is opposite to the fundamental element of faith.
• Building trust in character. The quote builds trust in character, rather than demanding trust in a fixed set of facts. But this trust in character doesn’t just apply to one’s spiritual relationship with God. It is also to apply to how we relate to other people. Trust in certainty is fragile because life is unpredictable, and when things inevitably don’t go according to plan, the certainty is broken and the trust is gone. Figures like Abraham trusted God’s character and promises. Even when he was told to sacrifice his only, beloved son, Isaac (Genesis 22)(NKJV). That kind of faith relies on the trustworthiness of the object of faith-God. Not on a human’s “unwavering, intellectual certainty”.
• It is a more realistic journey. The paraphrase presents faith as the dynamic journey it is, not a static finality. One has to accept that spiritual growth isn’t a straight line toward perfect knowledge. It’s a messy, honest, and ever-evolving process that includes dealing with tough questions and embracing the unknown. It speaks to those who struggle with the challenges of modern life and their religious beliefs.

• Encourages vulnerability. The quote allows for a healthy vulnerability and honesty about one’s faith. It encourages vulnerability because it requires one to give up the armor of always being right. True faith, in this view, is a courageous and open-hearted process of fighting with questions and trusting in the middle of uncertainty. One can still keep a foundation of hope and conviction during these times. It fosters a deeper, more resilient faith not dependent on having all the facts. This faith doesn’t hide behind a confident-sounding but fragile facade. When a person is rigidly certain, they’re not actually open to the world. They’re behind a fixed set of beliefs trying to avoid feeling afraid, confused, and uncertain. Their need for certainty comes from a deep fear of being wrong or exposed as flawed. This fear prevents the person from truly connecting with others and themselves.

There is no Scripture that says “Hey, the opposite of faith is….” There are, obviously, two ways it can be understood/looked at and backing for each interpretation. Some of this will be a repeat of things I previously discussed. I won’t go into great detail but will highlight the scriptural source for the opinion.

Interpretation One: Certainty is the enemy of faith.

• This perspective is a modern theological view. It argues that rigid, intellectual “certitude” can be harmful to the spiritual relationship with God.
• Faith is a relationship. The Bible doesn’t specifically say that faith is a relationship. It does imply and show relationships in reference to faith.

FAITH AS A DYNAMIC TRUST IN GOD. Trust is the basis for relationship.

Hebrews 11:6(NKJV)connects faith with coming to God and diligently seeking Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6(NKJV)describes faith as an all encompassing trust.

FAITH AS A PERSONAL UNION WITH CHRIST. Union is relationship.

John 15:4-5(NKJV)uses the imagery of “abiding” in Christ and He in you. This is a mutual relationship.

Galatians 2:20(NKJV)speaks of Christ living in the believer.

FAITH AS SPIRITUAL ADOPTION…familial relationship.

Romans 8:15(NKJV)refers to the believer receiving the Spirit of adoption.

John 1:12(NKJV)says that believing in Jesus’ name gives us the right to become children of God.

You get the picture. This view assumes that a mature faith involves walking with God, in relationship, through “mystery and paradox”, (a situation or statement that appears to contradict itself but holds a deeper truth upon closer examination) not possessing all the answers. The Bible often depicts faith as an journey. It is a dynamic relationship, not a static knowledge base.

• Danger of arrogance. Discussed previously, this is a certainty that refuses to accommodate questions or admit to the mystery of walking with God. It can lead to arrogance, intolerance, and resistance to new ideas and understandings. The Bible condemns misplaced confidence-trusting in one’s own intellect or plans rather than in God.

Proverbs 28:26(RSV) says that the one who trusts in his own mind is foolish. But walking in wisdom will deliver you. This verse directly contrasts foolish self-reliance with walking in God’s wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)tells us to trust in the Lord and don’t count on our own understanding of things. It warns against the self-assured certainty that comes from relying on our own intellect.

Romans 12:16 (NKJV)says to not be haughty and “…do not be wise in your own opinion”. This verse warns against thinking that their own judgment is infallible. This form of spiritual certainty can easily become arrogance.

• Knowing in part. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12(AMP) that now-this life-is like looking in a mirror. You get a “dim (blurred) reflection (of reality as in a riddle or enigma [situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand])”. He goes on to say that when perfection comes “we shall see in reality and face to face.” The verse acknowledges the limits of human knowledge. He emphasizes “some uncertainty” is normal. This is the opposite of “absolute certainty”. This view says we should not demand absolute certainty in everything, especially faith.
• Dealing with doubt. Absolute certainty is very rigid and final. It leaves no room for doubt. This is a struggle that is clearly acknowledged in the Bible. Many faithful people from Abraham to Noah to John the Baptist experienced times of doubt. God, however, did not reject them for it. Thomas doubted the risen Christ. Jesus did not rebuke him for his doubt. Instead, He invited him to touch and believe (John 20:24-29)(AMP).

Mark 9:24 (NKJV) is about the father of the convulsing boy. He confessed that he believed but asked Jesus to help him with his unbelief. The statement shows faith coexisting with uncertainty.

Interpretation 2:Faith embraces certainty.

This is an apologetic or classical perspective on faith and certainty. Regardless of how the name sounds, this is not about apologizing for your beliefs. It’s about defending them. This perspective uses reason, facts, and evidence to prove Christianity is true. Their position argues that true biblical faith is not “a leap in the dark”. It is a confident assurance “rooted in God’s reliability and grounded in evidence.”

• God’s trustworthiness. Throughout the Bible, God is described as faithful and trustworthy. We, as believers, are encouraged to have total confidence and assurance in God’s character and promises. God’s trustworthiness is the solid foundation that faith is built on. The Bible often compares God to a rock, which is a powerful image of solid stability.

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV) Moses calls God “the Rock” and says His work and ways are perfect. This focuses on God’s unchanging and trustworthy nature.

Isaiah 26:4 (RSV) says that your trust in God should be for eternity. Then He is called an “everlasting rock”. This verse gives assurance to believers of God’s eternal strength and reliability.

Numbers 23:19 (CEB) says that God is “not a man, that He should lie or a human, that He should change His mind.” This means that unlike humans, God has no deceit, no hidden agenda, and is not swayed by emotions. His character and promises are permanent and unchanging.

• Faith is evidence based. You can look at history, prophecy, and creation to find a justifiable basis to believe and have faith in God.

Romans 1:20 (AMP) Shows that the natural world is a testimony to God’s existence and character. The awe-inspiring complex nature of the universe points to an intelligent creator.

1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (AMP) The Christian faith is built around the historical claims and eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. This is tangible evidence for belief.

The accuracy and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies is proof of God and His knowledge of the future. A staggering number of prophecies from the Old Testament, especially the ones concerning Jesus, have come to pass. This makes faith in the rest of God’s Word an evidence-based conclusion. In Isaiah 46:10 (AMP) God affirms that all He has said has come true. And that His “purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My pleasures.”

Luke, in the New Testament, attempts to give certainty to believers by giving them an orderly account of all events (Luke 1:4)(AMP).

• Confidence in salvation. John wrote in his Gospel, “in order that you may believe that Jesus is Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of God and that through believing…you may have life through (in) His name…(John 20:30-31)(AMP). He also wrote in his first letter that they may know that they have eternal life (1 John 5:13)(AMP). He is trying to give them the assurance of salvation. In this case, it shows that certainty is a goal of faith.
• The opposite of faith is unbelief, not certainty. This perspective states that the true opposite of faith is active unbelief and doubt. Scripture contrasts belief and unbelief, stating that they cannot happen or exist at the same time.

Romans 4:20-22 (AMP) says that “no unbelief or distrust made him waiver”, speaking of Abraham. He did not doubt or question the promises of God. He was “fully satisfied and assured” that God would keep His word. This view believes that this is how we should conduct our lives, with no doubt.

James 1:6 (AMP) expands on this by saying there can be “no wavering-no hesitation, no doubting.” The “one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea, that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.” This means if you have doubt you will be all over the place with no solid foundation.

• This perspective looks at Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) differently. They concentrate on the words “assurance” and “conviction”. They believe these words suggest a faith of solid, fundamental certainty, not an uncertain wish.
• This view point also looks at 1 John 5:13 (NKJV) in a different light. It says that he (John) writes to “you who believe…that you may know that you have eternal life.” This verse, in their opinion, clearly links belief with a certain knowledge.
• Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) Paul’s statement “For I am sure…that nothing can separate us from the love of God”, apologists believe, expresses a rock-solid, confident conviction-certainty.

In the end, this paper has shown that the core argument isn’t really about faith versus doubt, but about two completely different ways of understanding certainty. When we look at the quote, “the opposite of faith isn’t doubt, it’s certainty”, we can see how it overturns our usual way of thinking. Instead of doubt being the enemy of belief, this idea suggests that a closed-minded, rigid, and unquestioning certainty is what truly undermines faith.

From a biblical standpoint, the concept isn’t as radical as it may seem at first. Passages like Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) and Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) speak of a certain trust in God’s promises. That trust isn’t a demand for absolute, unthinking agreement. The biblical idea of certainty is based on a relationship with a trustworthy God. It’s not founded on human ability to logically prove everything. This allows for doubt-the moments of questioning, confusion and fear-to exist within faith, not in opposition to it. As you have read, the opposite of this trusting, relational faith is not the moments of hesitation, but a rigid, static, and unbending certainty that negates the mystery and learning associated with faith.

The philosophical view is the rigid view that values hard evidence and undeniable proof. They often see the biblical view as weak. To them, when someone tells you to just believe in something you can’t see or prove, it’s asinine. It looks like people are trying to avoid having to explain or defend their beliefs to a watchful eye. This is where the two perspectives collide. It isn’t a battle between belief and disbelief, but between the two definitions of what certainty is.

Certainty can be defined as a rigid state of being completely sure of something. This is a firm conviction based on evidence or experiences. In this case, there is no room for doubt. There is also a chance for this person to come across as an arrogant, know-it-all. If spiritual truths are viewed this way, then it is the opposite of the spiritual humility, mystery and questioning that is needed for a healthy walk of faith.

If certainty is defined as a deep, Spirit-given assurance and confidence in the known truths regarding God’s character, then it involves a strong belief in His promises. This certainty is the foundation of biblical faith.

Faith isn’t blind. It’s a reasonable trust based on evidence and the knowledge of God’s character and promises. This is not a prideful certainty that has all the answers. Instead, mature faith embraces mystery and is humble enough to live with doubt. It understands that deeper assurance comes from a trusting relationship with God. This assurance is not from one’s own perfect understanding. The true opposite of biblical faith is not honest doubt, but a refusal to trust in God at all.

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