Faith’s True Enemy: Not Doubt, but Certitude

Faith is an essential element in the lives of people who believe in God or follow some form of religious or spiritual practice. Often, doubt is presented as the opposite of faith. Among many things, doubt can be about the existence, presence, or support of God. Questions such as Does God exist? or Is God present in my life, particularly in painful events? arise from our struggles and can lead us through seasons that feel dark, long, lonely, and painful. Yet, if the intention is genuine, these very questions can move us toward a faith that is far stronger than a faith that has never wrestled with doubt. In fact, many of the saintly and wise individuals throughout history have struggled deeply with doubts, and it was precisely through this struggle that their faith grew more authentic and resilient.

Richard Rohr, a Franciscan writer, makes a surprising claim: “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is certitude.” Certitude is the strong, even obstinate belief that one is right about God and spiritual realities. In certitude, a person becomes so absorbed in their own ego-driven thinking that they believe they cannot be wrong. They appear confident, even authoritative, about who God is, what God wants, and how God acts. Yet this stance is, at its core, ignorance and arrogance—though from the outside it may appear persuasive or even holy.

The danger of certitude is that it leaves no space for others or for God. A person consumed by it cannot truly love, because they cannot see beyond their rigid thinking. This kind of certitude breeds superiority and, sadly, hatred. Ironically, it often flourishes among those who have long practiced religion. History and present times are filled with painful examples of the harm born of such arrogance.

To walk a spiritual path faithfully, it is okay—even necessary—to doubt. Doubt humbles us. It opens the door to seek God’s light, to consult the wisdom of others, and to recognize our own limitations. Those who doubt are teachable; they can approach others with openness and learn from their experiences. Those who cling to certitude, by contrast, are more likely to remain proud, blind, and unable to grow.

Doubt, when held prayerfully, can become a spiritual tool—a way to discern God’s will and presence. We can never presume to fully know God or to speak with final authority about what God desires. Instead, in humility, we can return to God again and again, asking to be shown the way. Seeking God’s guidance is not a one-time act but a daily practice of openness and surrender.

Certitude blocks the journey toward God. Doubt, paradoxically, keeps the heart open. In the very act of questioning, we remain humble seekers of the One who cannot be contained by our certainty.

            

Notes

Rohr, R. (2024). Richard Rohr on His New Book "The Tears of Things" | Greenbelt Festival 2024