Growing in your Faith Amidst Theological Uncertainty and Ecclesial Anxiety

Summary

The speaker addresses the struggle of feeling theologically confused or 'ecclesial homeless,' especially for those who find themselves between Protestant and Catholic traditions. They offer advice on navigating theological doubts, emphasizing the importance of patience, holistic faith, community, and scriptural grounding. The key message is to focus on knowing Christ deeply, leaning on the known goodness of God and Christ's love, even amidst uncertainties.

Takeaways

• 😌 It's okay to take a breath and not rush to resolve theological confusion or doubts; God is patient and understanding.
• 🤔 Theology should lead us to a deeper knowledge of Christ, not just an accumulation of facts or abstract concepts.
• 🧘 Faith is holistic, involving the head (intellect), heart (emotions), and hands (actions); focusing solely on intellectual understanding can be limiting.
• 💡 In times of doubt, leaning into the emotional and practical aspects of faith can provide comfort and perspective.
• 🎶 Engaging in worship, poetry, or being around certain people can help tap into the emotional side of faith during times of confusion.
• 🙏 Spiritual disciplines like fasting, solitude, and sabbath can help grow faith when intellectual understanding is challenged.
• 🤲 Faith of the hands also includes service and tangible ministry, which can provide a compelling and embodied experience of faith.
• 👥 Community is vital for faith growth; sharing doubts and seeking support from others can prevent isolation and provide diverse perspectives.
• 📖 Returning to scripture can offer a broader perspective and remind us of the diversity of God's word beyond our current theological concerns.
• 🕊 Trusting in the goodness of Christ and the nature of God as a loving heavenly father can provide a foundation of faith even amidst uncertainty.
• 🌟 Focusing on what we know to be true about God and Christ's love can offer stability and peace in the midst of theological questions.

Q & A

What is the main concern of the person who left the comment?

The main concern is feeling theologically confused and ecclesiastically homeless, as they grew up Protestant but became interested in church history and now feel too Catholic to be Protestant and too Protestant to be Catholic.

What is the speaker's approach to addressing theological confusion?

The speaker suggests that it's okay to take a breath and not rush to figure everything out, as God is patient and understanding.

What does the speaker mean by 'theology is supposed to be about knowing God'?

The speaker emphasizes that theology should lead to a deeper understanding and relationship with God, rather than just accumulating knowledge about religious texts or abstract concepts.

Why is it important to consider faith holistically according to the speaker?

Considering faith holistically means acknowledging that faith involves not just the mind (intellectual understanding), but also the heart (emotions) and hands (actions and practices).

What is the significance of 'faith of the heart' mentioned by the speaker?

Faith of the heart refers to the emotional aspect of faith, which can be nurtured through activities that evoke a deep emotional connection to God, such as worship or being around certain people.

What does 'faith of the hands' refer to in the context of the speaker's advice?

'Faith of the hands' refers to the practical actions and habits that express one's faith, such as engaging in spiritual disciplines, serving others, and participating in rituals and practices.

Why is community important for someone struggling with theological doubts?

Community is important because it provides support, shared experiences, and diverse perspectives that can help an individual navigate their doubts and grow in their faith.

What role does scripture play in addressing theological confusion according to the speaker?

Scripture serves as a source of guidance and perspective, reminding individuals of the broader scope of faith beyond their current doubts and reinforcing the foundational truths of their belief.

What is the speaker's advice on dealing with theological doubts during church services?

The speaker advises focusing on the present moment during church services, such as engaging with the sermon and sacraments, rather than being preoccupied with personal doubts.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives for dealing with theological confusion?

The final advice is to lean on what one knows to be true about God and Christ, trusting in their goodness and love, even when faced with uncertainties and questions.