SecondSon asked this on another thread: "How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
Regardless of what religion one adheres to, is subscribing to a theological or ideological version of what "the truth" is, a way of avoiding stress?
What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
14 Dec 19
@fmf saidIsn't it just another diluted Pascal’s wager?
SecondSon asked this on another thread: "How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
Regardless of what religion one adheres to, is subscribing to a theological or ideological version of what "the truth" is, a way of avoiding stress?
What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
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What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
Uncertainty can be a beneficial matter to the truth seeker. And the need for deeper assurance has advantages in the Christian life.
The story of Gideon in the book of Judges (6:1 - 8:32) is one exemplary of many stories of God dealing with man's uncertainty. Uncertainty is humbling and prevents great pride. Uncertainty leads to having to stay close to God on a moment by moment way.
And staying close to God because of uncertainty can cause Him to make more inroads into the soul in all its many chambers. So it is not all bad to have lingering thoughts of "But what if it is not so?" in drawing close to God. And thoughts of "But how do I know if God will be faithful" are human and typical.
Even Jesus the Son of God in His most pressing hour of trial cried out perplexity -
"My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46)
If the Son of God cried out in this way it should give us hope that He is a merciful intercessor who understand's our weaknesses.
14 Dec 19
@fmf saidIn answer to your first question I say, there is only one way to the truth. Christianity is exclusive in that respect. So, therefore, there is no "regardless" with regards to what "religion" one adheres to. Unless, and until one confesses that Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life, they are subject to the stress of uncertainty, depending on how high there religious walls are.
SecondSon asked this on another thread: "How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
Regardless of what religion one adheres to, is subscribing to a theological or ideological version of what "the truth" is, a way of avoiding stress?
What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
In answer to your second question I say, there is no "uncertainty" about the truth, as truth is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.
If one is uncertain about the truth of their "religious" beliefs, or any other belief, then it's time to take a closer look at the exclusivity of the Christian faith.
14 Dec 19
@secondson saidJesus Christ is the truth. Not Christianity.
In answer to your first question I say, there is only one way to the truth. Christianity is exclusive in that respect. So, therefore, there is no "regardless" with regards to what "religion" one adheres to. Unless, and until one confesses that Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life, they are subject to the stress of uncertainty, depending on how high there ...[text shortened]... or any other belief, then it's time to take a closer look at the exclusivity of the Christian faith.
14 Dec 19
@fmf said1) It can be. If you see the world falling apart around you, then if you have a rationale that says "I know what the end point is" (even if you are wrong) it becomes one less thing to worry about at a certain level.
SecondSon asked this on another thread: "How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
Regardless of what religion one adheres to, is subscribing to a theological or ideological version of what "the truth" is, a way of avoiding stress?
What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
2) Uncertainty comes down to how you personally handle it. It could possibly lead to impatience, or it could weaken a person's faith subject to what that uncertainty is. The stronger you are in your faith (irrespective of what it might be) it's less likely that uncertainty is going to be a problem.
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15 Dec 19
1 edit
@fmf saidWell, one disadvantage would be having to endure existence in a world full of people full of certainty regarding spiritual things in convoluted and parochial frameworks, when one would otherwise be cool with the uncertainty, not consider spiritual things at all, or tend to consider them from a more cosmic and less local and mentally crusty point of view.
SecondSon asked this on another thread: "How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
Regardless of what religion one adheres to, is subscribing to a theological or ideological version of what "the truth" is, a way of avoiding stress?
What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
- Joined
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15 Dec 19
@secondson saidThe problem with Rajk is that he can type. 😉
That's what I said. Can't you read?
Reading is a step or more away from communion. Also, it should be noted that most of the early apostles were illiterate.
What's really needed is listening, followed by a readiness for a trusting hospitality and welcome.
"Let the Son shine in."
15 Dec 19
@fmf saidI personally think that the uncertainty factors would really only apply to those who are agnostic.
SecondSon asked this on another thread: "How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
Regardless of what religion one adheres to, is subscribing to a theological or ideological version of what "the truth" is, a way of avoiding stress?
What exactly is the disadvantage of uncertainty about spiritual things?
I think that atheists do have a sense of certainty, particularly when it comes to their bold denouncements of the Christian faith.
If you talk about how atheists actually are panicky before the end, they become quite testy and are more than excited to thunder back that there are atheists in foxholes.
15 Dec 19
@philokalia saidI can't remember discussing belief with any agnostics who said their doubt or lack of faith or uncertainty caused them "stress". Perhaps there are some out there.
I personally think that the uncertainty factors would really only apply to those who are agnostic.
15 Dec 19
1 edit
@philokalia saidThe gradual onset or process of losing one's faith, by definition, is a time of growing uncertainty. In my case, it didn't cause me to feel stress but I can imagine how it could.
I think that atheists do have a sense of certainty, particularly when it comes to their bold denouncements of the Christian faith.
15 Dec 19
"How can one bear up under the stress of uncertainty? Especially about the truth."
This "question" definitely has the whiff of rhetoric aimed ~ not at non-believers ~ but at the choir.
It involves peering out through the prism associated with a particular dogma ~ the one shared by the choir ~ and seeking to project some sort of emotional difficulty or impairment - in this case, a state of "stress" - onto those who believe something different.
15 Dec 19
@philokalia saidYou once talked to someone ~ an atheist ~ who became "quite testy and more than excited" about it? Or all the atheists you talked to did? Be clear.
If you talk about how atheists actually are panicky before the end, they become quite testy and are more than excited to thunder back that there are atheists in foxholes.
15 Dec 19
@fmf saidBeing stressed out by your own mindset and ideology is not something that people like to publicly admit to, and if itis admitted to, it is almost always done in reflection, about the past.
I can't remember discussing belief with any agnostics who said their doubt or lack of faith or uncertainty caused them "stress". Perhaps there are some out there.
Of course, what we are saying is speculative, but I do not think that it is a foolish idea.