Changing beliefs is a process, not an event
I don’t expect someone who has a long-held belief to abandon it the moment that belief is challenged. In fact, I would advise people not too.
If we give up a certain belief the first time it is challenged, this would make us very susceptible to believing just about everything that comes across our path, which could be very dangerous.
I remember on a number of occasions when a particular belief I held was questioned by someone in the midst of conversation or through something I read. And, my first reaction was to look for ways to defend my point of view.
To some extent, I think this is a healthy approach. It safeguards us from adhering to whatever comes our way and protects us from adopting ideas that, in varying degrees, may lead us into places that can cause significant damage, both doctrinally and in life.
This is a theological equivalent to human coping-mechanisms built into our DNA and developed over a lifetime which instil in us the ability to deal with problems when we encounter them. Again, it helps to protect us from what could potentially be dangerous alternatives.
However, we should also take the time after the first encounter to reflect on what was said or read in a book, article or blog. Take the time to prayerfully consider the question(s) to the specific belief and seek out good resources that could help you to find out for yourself if the questions are valid.
I would also encourage you to seek out wise counsel from those who can help guide you in your journey for understanding.
The key is to give yourself time.
What may at first be interpreted as a direct attack on your long-held belief, may in fact turn into a very positive change that can lead you into a renewed sense of ‘faith seeking understanding.’
My experience has certainly proven this to be true time and time again. You see, if we arrive at a certain biblical interpretation or theological conclusion after taking the time to research it properly, utilizing a wide array of good sources, that is a positive practice that should be continued.
However, if we hold to a certain belief by assumption, that is, we take for granted an idea is biblically accurate and theologically faithful to the story of scripture, maybe we need to give ourself the space to reconsider it.
Again, if we have embraced a certain idea in an a priori sense, maybe we need to at least entertain the alternative before us as having possibility.
For instance, consider the change I experienced in my belief from a rapture to a non-rapture theology. I didn’t arrive at the latter after reading one book or having one conversation. Over time and through a variety of sources, ideas began to gradually build and build in my heart and mind that caused me to reflect more and more on my long-held belief.
A process like this could take days, months or even years. And you know what? That’s a good thing.
Take all the time you need.
Important decisions should never be made in haste. If the decision before us is potentially life-changing, we should take the time necessary to evaluate the idea properly, so that our ideas, beliefs and motivations are firmly grounded in research and dialogue.
However, leave room for change.
Remember, every doctrine and belief we hold is ultimately a human construction. And, being human, is subject to error. With this in mind, be open to new ideas and allow space in your theology and life for the possibility of movement.
Believe me when I say, it can literally change the course of your life and faith for good.
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