Stepping into the Madness: On Being Sceptical,Doing Justice,and Hoping Against Hope 1

Abstract

This essay finds room for scepticism in the context of a Reformed understanding of how we come to know, and participate in, the work of God in the world. To disallow scepticism in the face of the impossible things God has promised is to impede the work of bringing God’s Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. This work is done only when we step into that which is beyond anything we can ask or imagine. I develop this argument first by considering how we might do a better job of including and conversing with sceptics in our midst. I then explore three theological themes in the Reformed tradition that suggest the potential value of scepticism. Finally, I suggest that scepticism secures a place for wonder in the face of God’s Kingdom, a place from which we can effectively work for God’s impossible promises to come to fruition.