Many of us think a little more highly of ourselves than we ought in some ways.1 Maybe that’s ego-driven, or insecurity speaking, or something else. One very unsettling aspect of this phenomenon reveals we are not the rational creatures we like to imagine we are, typically preferring comfort and familiarity over the discomfort of new truth.
Certainty feels good, and ‘right,’ but it appears it might be the greatest enemy of truth. This is because it closes questions (and questioning). Certainty, it turns out, is usually belief masquerading as knowledge. So we move on with unfounded confidence and comfort, soothed and feeling safe, with our fears of the unknown vanquished.
It takes real courage to remain open to the idea we may be wrong. True confidence in what we believe (or think to know) should be able to tolerate the openness of uncertainty. I suspect this open posture of epistemic humility might be one of the few signs a person prefers truth over the comfort of certainty and is willing to pay the price for truth, whatever that cost might be.
Good spiritual leadership bears the dual responsibility of:
- holding a faith responsibly — developing beliefs and practices that are justified and reasonable; not merely informed by unqualified acceptance of all previous ‘input.’
- helping others to do likewise.
It is difficult to do the second well if the first has not been seriously undertaken.
Holistic spiritual formation provides a privileged opportunity to do the first well and begin on the second — to grow in faith; to learn (and unlearn, where necessary); to determine what is solid, and build upon it, but to also deconstruct and rebuild where necessary; this is the nature of the wrestle. To resolve, and unresolve, and resolve again.
Yes, it does take courage. It is hard work. It will certainly be the more difficult path. But we see, time and time again, that it does produce a quality and depth that is not otherwise realised.
So, the question I am pondering is this,
How do formation program leaders create an environment and culture where people feel safe enough to courageously embrace the hard work of becoming more than they are?
With too much challenge seeing people retreat to the safety of the familiar, and not enough challenge failing to challenge false certainties, it is a delicate balance.
What does a safe yet challenging spiritual formation program look and feel like?
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