Theology is concerned with understanding the divine through systematic study, reflection, and interpretation of religious texts, experiences, and beliefs. It seeks to answer fundamental questions such as the existence of God, humanity's relationship with God, and how humans can live moral lives according to divine will. Certainty refers to the state of being confident that one's beliefs are true and supported by evidence.
The pursuit of certainty in theological matters reveals a deeper anxiety about the uncontrollable nature of love. Love is an emotional bond between individuals characterized by feelings of affection, care, attachment, and commitment. Theologians often claim that love is unconditional and selfless, but this assertion ignores the complexity of human relationships. Love involves vulnerability, risk, uncertainty, and sacrifice, which can be challenging for people who seek control and predictability. Therefore, the obsession with certainty in theological matters reflects a fear of surrendering oneself to another person without knowing what will happen next. This paper argues that theology's emphasis on certainty indicates a desire for order and control that contradicts the dynamic nature of love.
Conceptualizing Love as Uncertainty
Love is not a static concept, but rather a dynamic process that evolves over time. In the beginning stages of a relationship, there may be intense passion, excitement, and attraction, but these feelings do not last forever. As time passes, couples learn more about each other's strengths and weaknesses, leading to greater intimacy, trust, and mutual understanding.
Love requires courage, resilience, and willingness to take risks. It entails vulnerability, which means opening up to someone else despite the possibility of rejection or hurt. Yet, the pursuit of certainty seeks to eliminate all possible risks and uncertainties, even when it comes to love. Certainty implies predictability, stability, and control, which are antithetical to love's essence.
If one partner wants a committed relationship while the other desires independence, both partners must navigate their conflicting needs and expectations through negotiation and compromise. Such negotiations require flexibility, open communication, and empathy, which cannot be controlled or predicted.
The Paradox of Control in Love
Theologians often argue that God loves humans unconditionally and offers salvation irrespective of human actions.
This claim ignores the fact that people have free will and can choose to reject or disobey God's teachings.
Many people interpret divine love as a means for moral guidance and personal growth instead of a guarantee of eternal happiness. This interpretation highlights the paradoxical nature of love: individuals need freedom to develop fully as persons yet crave security and assurance of divine protection. Therefore, the desire for certainty arises from a fear of losing control over one's life and relationships.
Some couples may feel anxious about commitment because they lack faith in each other's promises or fear change. They seek comfort in knowing what the future holds, even though such knowledge is impossible.
Theological Certainty as an Antidote to Vulnerability
Many religious traditions offer frameworks for interpreting divine love, providing believers with rules, rituals, and rites that promote stability and order. These systems aim to eliminate doubt, ambiguity, and risk, which are essential components of love. Yet, such structures also limit individual creativity, spontaneity, and emotional expression. By defining love according to rigid doctrines and dogmas, theology creates false expectations and denies people the opportunity to explore their feelings authentically. As a result, some people become frustrated by religion's demands for conformity and turn away from spiritual practices altogether. Such frustration reflects the tension between the uncontrollable nature of love and the desire for certainty.
Theological pursuits of certainty obscure the complexity of human emotions and desires, particularly when it comes to love. Love involves vulnerability, uncertainty, and risk-taking, which are essential elements of human growth and development. Without these factors, love becomes stagnant and lifeless, devoid of passion, excitement, and intimacy. Therefore, theological claims about divine love must account for its dynamic, paradoxical character if they want to remain relevant and engaging to modern audiences. Only then can individuals cultivate healthy relationships based on trust, communication, empathy, and flexibility instead of fear, control, and predictability.
How does the theological obsession with certainty reveal a deeper anxiety about the uncontrollable nature of love?
There are many reasons why people seek certainty in their religious beliefs. One possible reason is that they may feel anxious about the unpredictability and uncertainty of love. Love can be unpredictable and often involves feelings of vulnerability and risk-taking, which can make some individuals feel uneasy. By seeking certainty through religion, it gives them a sense of control over an aspect of life that they find threatening.