Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do 'faith.'
This thought-provoking quote emphasizes the essential connection between faith, vulnerability, and mystery. Faith inherently involves a willingness to embrace the unknown and to accept that not all questions have immediate or definitive answers. When we attempt to eliminate vulnerability or deny the mysteries of life, we risk reducing faith to certainty, which can be a dangerous oversimplification. Such certainty may lead individuals down the path of extremism, as it leaves no room for humility, doubt, or ongoing inquiry. Understanding and accepting vulnerability as part of faith allows us to remain open-minded, empathetic, and resilient in the face of life's uncertainties. It recognizes that true faith involves trust in the process, even when outcomes are uncertain, and acknowledges the importance of wonder and mystery in human experience. Conversely, blocking out vulnerability or dismissing uncertainty can create a rigid worldview, where beliefs become inflexible and potentially intolerant. Ultimately, this quote reminds us that authentic faith requires humility, acknowledgment of our limitations, and a comfort with mystery—without which what remains is mere dogma, not genuine belief.
