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"In a world that often celebrates conviction and certainty, I've been pondering a rather provocative thought from the theologian and writer Peter Rollins: "To believe is human, to doubt is divine." At first glance, it might sound a bit counterintuitive. Don't we build our lives, our communities, and our understanding of the world on things we believe to be true?
Of course, we do. It's human to find comfort in a solid foundation of beliefs—whether they're about our families, our politics, our spiritual paths, or our own capabilities. These beliefs give us a sense of security and purpose. But Rollins's quote nudges us to consider what happens when that certainty becomes an iron cage. What if our unshakeable beliefs—our surety about all things—are actually the very things holding us back?
Think of it this way: a sapling, confident in its path, grows straight and tall. But a strong wind forces it to bend, to sway, to find new ways to root itself. That struggle, that forced flexibility, makes the tree stronger in the long run. In the same way, doubt can be the wind in our lives, challenging our preconceived notions and forcing us to question what we've always taken for granted.
Doubt isn't about giving up on our values or becoming cynical. Instead, it's an invitation to a deeper, more honest conversation with ourselves and the world around us. It's the willingness to say, "I might not have all the answers," which opens the door for new ones to enter. It's the space where we can learn, grow, and transform.
In our villages, this could mean many things. Perhaps it's doubting that a long-standing tradition is still serving us, leading us to create a new, more inclusive one. Perhaps it's questioning a neighbour's reputation and taking the time to truly get to know them. Maybe it's even just allowing ourselves to doubt our own limitations, discovering that we're capable of more than we ever believed.
So, let's embrace a little more uncertainty this season. Let's see doubt not as a weakness but as a divine tool for growth. What's one thing you're willing to doubt today? You might just be amazed at what you discover on the other side."
Fr Benjamin Edwards
Vicar of Great Barton and Thurston"
