There are basic principles of faith; foundational beliefs that I believe are non-negotiable. The existence of God, the incarnation, resurrection… these types of issues call for us to say, “This is what we believe.” I’ll admit that my understanding of the exact items on that list may change over time, but the existence of those items remains.

Outside of that list, I refuse to bind my beliefs on anyone else. I will work hard to reach solid conclusions, yet must always recognize the chance that I could be wrong. My conclusions on the interpretation of difficult biblical texts are my conclusions. I work hard to reach those conclusions, to make them as accurate as I can, but I must recognize the element of human fallibility in those conclusions. One thing is God’s Word; a totally different thing is my interpretation of that revelation.

In the same way, I have personal convictions that are exactly that: personal convictions. I can’t judge anyone by the standards I’ve set for myself. I believe that to be the teaching of Romans 14. I should have convictions and live by them. I shouldn’t use them to judge others.

Now a confession… one of the traits I most dislike is arrogance. I hate it when it crops up in me. And I react to it when I hear it from others. To be honest, when I hear someone say that their conclusion is the only possible conclusion, it makes me (1) tend to reject that conclusion; and (2) believe that the person is at an early stage in their understanding of the topic. If you think your way is the only way, then you haven’t begun to understand the issue. At least, that’s my belief.
:-)

So I put out a renewed call for intellectual humility. I want to see more of it in my own life. And I hope others will commit to the same. “I may be wrong…” is one of the most important things that I can say to myself. It never hurts to admit it to others, either.