The Creative Role of Doubt in Religion
The Creative Role of Doubt in Religion
Article Information
Author(s): Robert M. Baird
Source: Journal of Religion and Health, Vol. 19, No. 3 (Fall, 1980), pp. 172-179
Published by: Springer
Stable URL: JSTOR Link
Accessed: 01-08-2016 07:52 UTC
Abstract
This essay presents four arguments supporting the creative role of doubt within religion, proposed within a specified context:
Creative doubt acknowledges human finitude.
It preserves the vitality of fundamental beliefs.
Creative doubt challenges the adequacy of religious symbols, preventing idolatry of one's own religious language.
Avoiding doubt may indicate a relinquishment of freedom and a dehumanizing quest for certainty.
Introduction
Encounter Between Professor and Student
A college student approached his professor expressing discomfort and pain due to the professor's encouragement of creative doubt - the challenge and re-evaluation of fundamental ethical, political, and religious values. This suggests that engaging in creative doubt might provoke psychological turmoil.
Nature of Creative Doubt
This essay aims to elucidate the nature of creative doubt, contrasting two figures:
Socrates: Historical figure emphasizing the importance of examining life through doubt.
St. Emmanuel: A fictional character from Miguel de Unamuno's "St. Emmanuel the Good, Martyr," representing the tension between truth and happiness.
Major Themes and Contrasts
Socratic Philosophy
Unexamined Life: Socrates defended the position that living without self-reflection is not worth it.
Agnosticism toward Beliefs: Socrates encouraged challenging basic beliefs to ensure they are justified post-critical assessment.
Illustration from "Euthyphro": Socrates' dialogue with Euthyphro about the definition of piety showcases the necessity for critical re-evaluation of beliefs.
Ethics of Belief: Socrates believed a belief is only justifiably held if it withstands critical scrutiny.
St. Emmanuel's Ethical Predicament
Character Overview: Emmanuel is a compassionate priest in a rural setting, dedicated to serving his community.
Conflict of Truth vs. Happiness: While he no longer believes some doctrines, he prioritizes the well-being of his parishioners over the truth.
Final Dilemma: He argues that the happiness stemming from belief, even contradictory ones, is more valuable than the pursuit of truth.
Four Arguments in Defense of Creative Doubt
1. Acknowledging Human Limitations
Charles Sanders Peirce's Fallibilism: This doctrine asserts that humans are inherently fallible and can never possess absolute certainty.
Scientific Methodology: Acknowledgment of limitations leads to progress, as scientists remain open to altering beliefs in light of new evidence.
Implications for Philosophy and Theology: If scientists accept fallibility, why should philosophers or theologians be less discerning?
Faith Dynamics (Tillich): Creativity in doubt relates to faith; belief cannot exist without the recognition of potential error.
Bronowski's Film Scene: Highlights the dangers of dogmatic certainty, exemplifying the importance of acknowledging human limitations.
2. Keeping Fundamental Beliefs Alive
Challenge of Inherited Beliefs: Fundamental beliefs often stem from societal or familial origins and must be actively re-examined to maintain relevance.
Example of T.J. Altizer: His controversial theology led to heightened discourse about God at Emory University, illustrating that doubt can reinvigorate exploration of belief.
Personal Growth Through Doubt: Engaging with challenging ideas can be painful but essential for developing original beliefs.
3. Challenging the Adequacy of Symbols
Language Limitations in Religion: Religious discourse is predominantly symbolic, and doubts about these symbols' adequacy must be acknowledged.
Tillich's Perspective: Man's ultimate concern cannot be entirely expressed in finite symbols, which only point towards an infinite understanding.
Recognition of Plurality in Religious Symbols: Reflection on one's cultural background suggests that acceptance of various beliefs is necessary for a deeper understanding of ultimate values.
Prevention of Idolatry: Unquestioning acceptance of symbols can lead to idolatry, where one worships the symbols instead of their intended meaning.
4. Challenging the Quest for Certainty
Dostoevsky's Insight: In "The Grand Inquisitor," the narrative discusses how the quest for certainty may lead to the abdication of personal freedom.
The Burden of Freedom: Freedom comes with the responsibility to continually reassess life's foundations, a burden many seek to escape.
Ultimate Human Experience: Emphasizing the courage it takes to navigate uncertainty, which is integral to the human condition.
Conclusion
Four arguments validate the necessity of creative doubt:
Acknowledgement of limitations.
Preservation of active belief.
Challenge against idolatry in symbols.
Recognition of relinquishing freedom in the pursuit of certainty.
Despite inherent uncertainty, commitment to one’s beliefs remains critical and can coexist with creative doubt, enabling openness to future insights and reassessment of one’s convictions.
Final Reflection (Tillich): Courage intertwines with doubt, facilitating a creative life and the recognition that such uncertainty fosters human dignity and authenticity.
References
de Unamuno, M., "Saint Emmanuel The Good, Martyr." In Karl, F., and Hamalian, L., eds., The Existential Imagination. Greenwich, Fawcett Publications, 1963.
Peirce, C. S., "Fallibilism, Continuity, and Evolution." In Hartshorne and Weiss, eds., Collected Papers of Charles Sanders Peirce, Vol. I, Principles of Philosophy. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1960.
Tillich, P., Dynamics of Faith. New York, Harper and Brothers Publisher, 1957.
Bronowski, J., The Ascent of Man. Boston, Little, Brown and Company, 1973.
Dostoevsky, F., The Brothers Karamazov, trans. C. Garnett. New York, The Modern Library, 1950.