8.0.2.4.2 Desire for Certainty

Version 1.2 December 2016                          (Previous Version)

People who are unable to accept the uncertainty want a more certain faith, probably in one of the traditional religions.  They think that faith implies certainty, that to have faith means you have no doubts, that you can ignore evidence and reason, because you ‘have faith’.

We need to explain:

a.      Many religious people have doubts and question their faith.  Many pray for help in their unbelief.

b.     Often the teachings from community leaders or sacred texts, and religious practices, result in hurting people for no apparent benefit.  We should question such teachings.  We should not harm people because of our ‘faith’ if we don’t understand why.

c.      No-one can be completely certain.  We all have doubts.  We all should admit this.

d.     Having faith does not mean you stop learning or asking questions, to check the teachings and practices still seem reasonable.  (This applies to these ‘global beliefs’ as much as any other beliefs.)

e.      Being uncertain is harder than being certain.  it's an ongoing struggle to know what’s right.  It means we have to think more for ourselves and risk making mistakes.  It can be frightening, but it can also be liberating if we are no longer forced to follow silly rules.

It is a revelation to some people that they can and should take their doubts seriously, and consider reason and the evidence when they are making decisions about their ‘faith’, the most fundamental beliefs that guide their behaviour.