Faith in the Unknown
I have had many wonderful mentors in my life, true examples of living a soulful and loving life. They come from all different areas of practice: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism and undeclared spirituality. As different as this eclectic group of people appears, they all share one thing in common. That is, they all are comfortable sitting in the unknown, do not profess to understand all and have no need for such understanding. They are able to recite verse and speak on their form of spiritual practice quite fluidly, while still embracing the mysteries of life that require imagination and faith. I define people such as those in this group mystics in their truest form. They come together in a shared understanding that all is not as clear and straightforward as one would like it to be.
There is true beauty in this space. The possibilities are wondrous and do not reflect a lack of direction or act as a measure of one’s faith. What does faith mean anyway? Merriam-Webster lists the definitions of faith as, “allegiance to duty or a person, loyalty, sincerity of intentions, firm belief in something for which there is no proof and complete trust” Using the word faith or faithful does not imply a knowing or complete understanding of whatever it is that we are applying the word to. It simply means a choice to believe without concrete proof. I especially like Richard Rohr’s statement on this.
“My scientist friends have come up with things like ‘principles of uncertainty’ and dark holes. They’re willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of ‘faith’! How strange that the very word ‘faith’ has come to mean its exact opposite.”
Richard Rohr
Those of us who have dabbled in the sciences understand this to be true. Science is all about formulating a hypothesis with the understanding that others will do everything in their power to disprove the hypothesis. If in the end it still stands, the hypothesis is deemed to be “true” until the time when it can be disproven. Is this not the exact same process that a faithful practitioner will work through? Faith is a constant journey, not a destination. In my humble opinion it is a practice. Choosing to demonstrate faith for the unknown is a tenant of spirituality, along with the steadfast belief in something greater than oneself.
The answers we seek will never be shown to us definitively as long as we inhabit our human bodies. I believe that our souls know the truths that we so deeply want to claim, yet allow for exploration as a way to deepen our human experience. The only possible way forward is to become comfortable with the unknown. The restless and questioning heart that constantly looks for further mysteries and experiences.
It takes a great deal of courage to live in this way. Much will be said about the person who practices faithfully among others who remain fearful of the unknown. They will try and disprove your hypothesis, as they should. It is healthy to be questioned and does not imply a lack of courage or resolve. One must constantly ask the heart and mind the questions that will ultimately bring one closer to the soul, our true self. For it is not only in the asking of the questions, but in the ability to sit comfortably in the depths of this place steadfast. Striving for better connection to that which we cannot be sure exists without faith. It is a deeply troubling process but enormously rewarding at the same time. It is the paradox of life once again upon us. Do you feel it?
“Courage is found in unlikely places.”
J.R.R Tolkien