Doubt

Gathering: Now, as we gather, let’s pause to center ourselves, give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives, and to be both present and mindful as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: Epistemology is the philosophical answer to the question “How do we know?”. It seeks not just an answer to a question but is a basis upon which we can establish how any claim can be true. The observation that “This sweater is green” may be a true statement, or, it may just seem to be green because of the light. Epistemology points out the difficulty in knowing anything.

Skeptics question everything; everything is viewed in “a different light”. Science, by its very nature, is a practice in skepticism. Science questions everything, whittling away both the improbable and the possible until it reveals “the truth”; the story that explains the facts as they exist; the “truth” that remains in place until there is a different truth in its place.

Tonight we meet at the intersection of knowledge and belief, the home of doubt.

Sentences on the Subject:

Religion is a culture of faith; science is a culture of doubt.― Richard P. Feynman

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.– St Paul

You should never ever doubt what nobody is sure about – Willy Wonka

Doubt as sin. — Christianity has done its utmost to close the circle and declared even doubt to be sin. One is supposed to be cast into belief without reason, by a miracle, and from then on to swim in it as in the brightest and least ambiguous of elements: even a glance towards land, — is sin!― Friedrich Nietzsche

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. Bertrand Russell

If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that you doubt. Rene Descartes

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. We all know that Willy Wonka said “Never ever doubt what nobody is sure about”. Well, actually, it was the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl. Well, actually, it was taken from the poem “The Microbe” by Belloc. Can you think of anything else that you were “sure of” that turned out not to be the case?

Probe 2. Louisa May Alcott said, “He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak.” Do you agree?

Probe 3 Faith exists in the absence of evidence; science exists in the relative certainty of the evidence. Can the two co-exist?

Probe 4. Take faith, for example. For many people in our world, the opposite of faith is doubt. The goal, then, within this understanding, is to eliminate doubt. But faith and doubt aren’t opposites. Doubt is often a sign that your faith has a pulse, that it’s alive and well and exploring and searching. Faith and doubt aren’t opposites, they are, it turns out, excellent dance partners.- Rob Bell Consider your faith. Is there a part of it with which you “are dancing”?

Probe 5. Have you a thought on the “Sentences on the Subject” or another related idea that you would like to share?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.