In Search of Wisdom in the Midst of Doubt

To our bewilderment, Scripture sometimes contains paradoxes on topics. For example, the Apostle Paul writes, “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law (Rom. 3:27),” yet the Apostle James declares, “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone (James 2:24).” In some parts of Scripture a single passage can hold contradictions within itself. Consider Proverbs 26 which says,  “Do not answer a fool according to his folly or you will be like him yourself,” immediately followed by, “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes (Prov. 26:4-5).” Are we saved by faith or by works? Do we stand silent before folly or do we resist? 

The answer is “Yes….both…sometimes.” Specifically, the answer that Scripture is trying to teach is to appeal to wisdom. We must balance the broader narrative purposes of the text with the specific life situations in which we find ourselves. Wisdom is messy. Messy is also a fair word to describe the experiences of many CRC congregations in the last few years after synod clarified its expectations of officebearers regarding their affirmation of the confessions, and the confessional interpretation of unchastity in Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 108-109. (See Guidance on the Meaning of “Affirming the Confessions” document).  

Synod clearly expressed a commitment to, and placed a high value on, having shared confessions which its leaders must affirm. At the same time, synod also said that it is normal and natural for all Christians to have doubts and questions. This can also be true for leaders and potential leaders. Synod, therefore, recognized the important role that councils (and sometimes classis and/or synod) can play in judging whether someone’s doubts and questions are “serious” and “persistent,” and would therefore disqualify them from serving in ordained roles. 

Similar to those passages of Scripture above, synod seemed to be saying incompatible things: officebearers must affirm our shared doctrine “without reservation,” and officebearers may have doubts. As a result, many congregations (and their leaders) are confused. But, also similar to those passages of Scripture above, the response for what we should do about it lies in appealing to wisdom. While we may not have all of the answers to everything, we trust in a God who does. Here are a few thoughts for navigating this challenging space while also remaining faithful to our CRCNA synodical statements.

Belief and Doubt Can Coexist

First, contrary to some voices, there is room in the CRC for individuals and congregations who are “not sure.” Faith, doubt, and wonder have always, and will always, exist together until Christ returns. On the cross our Lord himself cried out in anguished doubt, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The Psalms are full of deep doubts, painful struggles, and dark despair of God and his promises. Yet, all but one conclude with declarations of trust, faith, and worship. 

In the same way, curiosity and a search for knowledge have always been hallmarks of the Reformed faith. As Reformed Christians, our primary anchor for belief and life is Scripture. However, we believe that because of God’s sovereign rule over Creation and the indelible image of God present in humankind, there is much to learn from science, philosophy, art and culture. Those who wonder, have doubts, and/or desire to learn more are leaning into hundreds of years of tradition in the Reformed faith. 

There is room for those who struggle, wonder, and doubt in the CRC. In fact it is often this messy process that grows our faith.

Theology Matters

At the same time, we wholeheartedly acknowledge that theology is important. In North America, we are living in a time where confidence in truth has eroded. Western individualism has often left young and old to determine their own truth outside of a faith community. This loss of context causes anxiety as people are blown to and fro by loud and discordant voices. 

The theology of the Reformed faith grounds us in these challenging times. Ours is a tradition that delights in God’s Word and is passionate about theology. Doctrine is not the point of our faith, but along with Scripture, our creeds and confessions help provide us with guideposts and boundaries as we navigate these turbulent waters.  

As undershepherds, the Good Shepherd has given us both the calling and the authority to guide his sheep to the nourishing pastures of the Word, Spirit, and Christian community. That’s why believing in and teaching our creeds and confessions is so important for officebearers. These biblical truths, handed down through the millennia, provide a foundation for ministry and life together – and are especially needed in times of confusion and division. 

Our theology clarifies who we are, and reminds us to whom we belong. Our theology unites us and propels us in mission. It also gives us a framework to engage all aspects of society. Theology matters today more than ever.

Wisdom is Wanted

In our confusing world, we need wisdom. And that's what synod has given us, even though synod’s decisions in recent years may seem confusing and murky, at first blush. On one hand, churches have heard that unreserved agreement with the confessions is required of officebearers. On the other hand, churches have heard that there is room for officebearers to have questions and doubts, so long as these doubts are not persistent and serious. So which is it?

The answer is “Yes…both…sometimes.” Wisdom is needed. Church Order Art. 5 provides a role for the local church council to play if a potential officebearer has a difficulty. In these situations, synod hopes that that person and their council would have a pastoral conversation and, as appropriate, enter into deeper biblical and theological exploration to understand and appreciate our Reformed faith. The “Guidance on the Meaning of “Affirming the Confessions” document and “Next Steps Summary” can be helpful for these conversations.

These conversations and interactions may be vulnerable and challenging, but synod trusts that our assemblies and officebearers can and should welcome them. If these interactions reveal that the difficulty is serious and persistent, or that they reflect a settled belief that the doctrine in our confessions is not a teaching of God's Word, then synod asks that councils graciously and humbly continue to engage that person as a member of the congregation, but decline to permit that person to serve in ordained office. 

This is hard for us. Many of us are all too aware of the times when our faith is weak. We realize there are doctrines we don't, and probably won't ever, fully understand. It can feel unkind or cold to say “no” to someone who may otherwise seem to have an even deeper faith, or more evident gifts, than we have. 

Yet, in the CRC, we share not just a mere Christian faith, but a particular Reformed faith. This Reformed faith doesn't make us better than other Christians, but it does inform countless aspects of our faith, worship, discipleship, and ministry. Asking our ordained leaders to uphold this particular expression of our shared faith is a way we honor and pass on the faith as we have received it.

Conclusion

As we navigate the challenges we face in our current society, this wisdom is needed more than ever. We rely on guideposts that have been laid out for us by Scripture and our confessions. They are a tradition from which we can and must engage the world around us. We also trust our councils, and broader assemblies, to seek wisdom and rely on the Spirit to help them discern in the grey areas. 

Lastly, I want to remind us all that each of us will surely experience moments and seasons of being unsure. If that describes you, rest assured, there is room for you in the CRC. We are all living in the grey together.  We are blessed, however, to be able to give our doubt, discomforts, and disquietudes to the Lord in prayer. The Apostle James also says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). May the Spirit provide abundantly.

Rev. Zachary King

General Secretary, CRCNA