{"id":27594,"date":"2026-09-10T09:48:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/?p=27594"},"modified":"2026-09-10T09:48:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:48:19","slug":"faith-with-doubt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/?p=27594","title":{"rendered":"Faith With Doubt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Lay it All Down feat. Will Reagan (Lyric Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kWNP-JwDTwE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cac.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Faith-With-Doubt-09-06-09-12-Week-36-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Faith with Doubt\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belief Is Not Certainty<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Thursday, September 10, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The issue in prayer is not to pray because we are certain, but to pray&nbsp;<em>because&nbsp;<\/em>we are<em>&nbsp;uncertain<\/em>.&nbsp;<br>\u2014Renita Weems,&nbsp;<em>Listening for God<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Methodist minister Renita Weems was questioned about prayer by a woman no longer practicing her Christian faith:<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat sense is there in praying if you don\u2019t believe in God?\u201d\u2026 She sounded pensive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou pray in order to believe,\u201d I answered.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat sounds backwards to me. What\u2019s the sense in praying if you don\u2019t believe?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSometimes you can\u2019t wait for your mind to catch up. Sometimes the heart has to take the initiative.\u2026&nbsp;Even when I don\u2019t, or can\u2019t, believe, I still believe that it\u2019s important to believe,\u201d I heard myself saying. \u201cThat\u2019s enough to keep me stammering my prayers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t mean to tell me that you have doubts yourself?\u2026 [Why] don\u2019t you just walk away from it?\u201d\u2026&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor the same reason I don\u2019t walk away from any of the myriad things I\u2019ve committed myself to. I don\u2019t want to live my life based solely on my feelings. Feelings change from one moment to the next. I don\u2019t walk away from my marriage just because I don\u2019t love my husband today. Eventually it returns\u2026. I continue to pray until the belief returns.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Weems reflects on the conversation:<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever <strong>spirituality<\/strong> is, it is not something to be discovered. It is something to be recovered\u2014something you misplace and recover a thousand times in a lifetime. Nor is belief in God, mystery, or prayer something one either possesses or doesn\u2019t. Rather, <strong>belief is something one tries continually to keep oneself open to, accessible to, or something one continually refuses to open oneself up to.<\/strong> The only difference between \u2026 [the two of us] was that I still wanted to <strong>remain open<\/strong>. Open to what? Open <strong>to the possibility that there was something more to life than my vanity, something more than what I could manipulate or grasp\u2026<\/strong>. As inadequate as I felt that day \u2026 I wanted to remain open to t<strong>he possibility that there was something nobler in life<\/strong> than what I could see or touch.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sometimes we awaken to it through nature. Sometimes it comes to us through art, music, dance, or silence. Sometimes we are reminded of it by interacting with or observing children. Sometimes we happen upon it through chance encounters with strangers. And for a moment, we are smitten with the sublime. And then we lose it. We lose its scent, we can\u2019t make out its sound. Sometimes we stumble around for what feels like days, months, perhaps years, trying to recapture it\u2014trying to pick back up the scent, trying to make out the sounds. But even though we find ourselves stumbling, we\u2019re onto something.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References:<br><\/strong>Renita J. Weems,&nbsp;<em>Listening for God: A Minister\u2019s Journey Through Silence and Doubt&nbsp;<\/em>(Touchstone, 2000), 43\u201344, 46, 47.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Image Credit and Inspiration:\u00a0<\/strong>Rich\u00e1rd Ecsedi,\u00a0<em>untitled (detail)<\/em>, 2019, photo.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/person-holding-map-pap-QFH2tUbJgKo\">Unsplash<\/a>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cac.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Faith-With-Doubt-09-06-09-12-Week-36-1-scaled.jpg\">Click here to enlarge image<\/a>.\u00a0<em>We trust the way forward even as the unexpected appears just beyond the edges of the map<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>=============================================================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Fapp-link%2Fpost%3Fpublication_id%3D2863497%26post_id%3D214312558%26utm_source%3Dpost-email-title%26utm_campaign%3Demail-post-title%26isFreemail%3Dtrue%26r%3D69zmaq%26token%3DeyJ1c2VyX2lkIjozNzk1NzU0NTgsInBvc3RfaWQiOjIxNDMxMjU1OCwiaWF0IjoxNzg4NjQ5NzE4LCJleHAiOjE3OTEyNDE3MTgsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0yODYzNDk3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.pnpWeH78bdCS7jH8aFhU9Z34zPiMs5Df1a0MHWH53Sc&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C4ae646d7f199467eb14f08df0ba29f60%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639242465218326476%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=277Lj5ggTtSZWWgDHuxt42XqE6yd8PLhHveOHh5%2Fxcs%3D&amp;reserved=0\">A Multi-faith Declaration of Peace &#8211; Safi Kaskas w\/ Bradley Jersak<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discussing Safi Kaskas\u2019s Qur\u2019anic Vision for a Shared Future\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Fredirect%2F774b7fb6-5836-49e1-9cbb-924ee8d6efb5%3Fj%3DeyJ1IjoiNjl6bWFxIn0.p2HZRNkXKPuP-Fxa781NvzGZhkVUuGwokXOm6NpkKNw&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C4ae646d7f199467eb14f08df0ba29f60%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639242465218520627%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=D0mEJR%2FtNzfKOlRQOvZJlk60O3RFNxzUcevDCVjGQpk%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!go3r!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e01cbf3-bd88-434d-b611-03a750ad3e5f_1630x498.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Safi Kaskas with Bradley Jersak<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who\u2019ve known me (Bradley) for a while probably also know my friend Safi Kaskas. Briefly, he is a Jesus-loving Muslim, Qur\u2019anic translator and scholar, and a deeply committed bridge-builder\/peacemaker. Despite being in his eighties, he continues to create opportunities to write and speak about how Jesus is the great Unifier, emphasizing the shared teachings of Jesus and the Qur\u2019an.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this two part video series, Safi discusses with me the foundations (part 1) and principles (part 2) of his \u201cIQRA\u2019 Declaration to Humanity.\u201d As a spokesperson for Islam, he represents the best of that tradition in a way that makes space for a Christian-Muslim collaboration for peace, rooted in our common humanity and our belief in Jesus as the one and only Christ.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While we hold our doctrinal differences with deep respect, our <strong>mutual regard has led us beyond dialogue into collaboration as peacemakers and into communion as Jesus-following lovers of God.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the great values of viewing our conversations is that Christians can become informed about Islam from an actual, deeply-devout cradle-Muslim (originally Lebanese, now American) who regularly preaches in Mosques on these very themes. No, not all Muslims share his perspective, just as not all Christians share mine\u2014but <strong>far better to understand another faith from an authentic adherent than from the caricatures we see in public.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safi\u2019s Ten Core Principles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In the videos to follow, Safi\u2019s ten core principles for human flourishing are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>1. Humanity Is One Family<\/strong><\/em><br><strong>The Oneness of God is the foundation of the unity of humanity.<\/strong> All people share a common origin, equal dignity, and a shared responsibility for the future of our world. <strong>Diversity of cultures, languages, nations, and traditions is not a cause for conflict but an opportunity for mutual understanding, cooperation, and enrichment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>2. Human Dignity Is Sacred<\/strong><\/em><br>Every human being is endowed with God-given dignity. Human dignity transcends race, nationality, religion, gender, social status, and political identity. The protection of dignity requires respect for life, freedom, conscience, equality before the law, and participation in public life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>3. Knowledge Is a Sacred Trust<\/strong><\/em><br>The Qur\u2019an places knowledge at the center of human development. Learning, research, education, and intellectual inquiry are not merely practical pursuits; they are moral responsibilities. Knowledge should be used to advance wisdom, alleviate suffering, strengthen justice, and serve humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>4. Revelation and Reason Work Together<\/strong><\/em><br>Faith and reason are not adversaries but partners. Revelation provides moral guidance and purpose; reason enables humanity to understand reality, solve problems, and advance civilization. The future requires both ethical wisdom and scientific knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>5. Justice Is the Foundation of Peace<\/strong><\/em><br>No lasting peace can exist without justice. The Qur\u2019an commands fairness, accountability, honesty, and equal treatment under the law. Governments, institutions, and individuals alike are responsible for protecting rights and resisting oppression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>6. Mercy Strengthens Society<\/strong><\/em><br>Justice must be accompanied by mercy. The Qur\u2019anic vision calls for compassion toward the vulnerable, care for the poor, support for families, and solidarity within communities. Mercy transforms power into service and strengthens the bonds that hold societies together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>7. Consultation Builds Good Governance<\/strong><\/em><br>The Qur\u2019an describes healthy societies as those whose affairs are conducted through consultation (<em>Sh\u016br\u0101<\/em>). Consultation affirms human dignity by respecting the voices and participation of people in matters that affect their lives. <strong>Good governance requires transparency, accountability, fair representation, and commitment to the common good.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>8. Humanity Is Steward of the Earth<\/strong><\/em><br>Human beings are entrusted with responsibility for the care of creation. Environmental protection, sustainable development, responsible use of resources, and concern for future generations are essential dimensions of this trust. The earth is not merely a possession; it is a trust to be preserved and passed on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>9. Technology Must Serve Humanity<\/strong><\/em><br>The digital age presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant ethical challenges. Artificial intelligence, digital communication, and emerging technologies must be guided by principles of truth, justice, transparency, privacy, and respect for human dignity. Technology should strengthen human flourishing, not undermine it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>10. Renewal Begins with Iqra\u2019<\/strong><\/em><br>Every generation is called to renew its engagement with the Qur\u2019an. <strong>Renewal<\/strong> does not mean abandoning foundational principles. It <strong>means applying timeless values to changing circumstances.<\/strong> The command\u00a0<em>Iqra\u2019<\/em>\u00a0invites every generation to learn, reflect, innovate, and contribute creatively to the advancement of civilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Fredirect%2Ffac8335b-84d2-4eff-9e89-38b3e860bd49%3Fj%3DeyJ1IjoiNjl6bWFxIn0.p2HZRNkXKPuP-Fxa781NvzGZhkVUuGwokXOm6NpkKNw&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C4ae646d7f199467eb14f08df0ba29f60%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639242465218540251%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=TUtqJEzcuqNClE6zz5%2FbHx4RLGvg58x297ZUPLtDyPM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Belief Is Not Certainty Thursday, September 10, 2026 The issue in prayer is not to pray because we are certain, but to pray&nbsp;because&nbsp;we are&nbsp;uncertain.&nbsp;\u2014Renita Weems,&nbsp;Listening for God&nbsp; The Methodist minister Renita Weems was questioned about prayer by a woman no longer practicing her Christian faith:&nbsp; \u201cWhat sense is there in praying if you don\u2019t believe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27594"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=27594"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27594\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27595,"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27594\/revisions\/27595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=27594"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=27594"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=27594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}