” I know only in part” (1 Cor. 13:12).
Randal Rauser has rightly pointed out, “Humility about knowledge is not relativism about truth.”
Belief and Knowledge
There is a difference between belief and knowledge. Belief is the acceptance of a claim as truth, which then becomes a rule of action. Knowledge is a justified true belief.
Now not all claims in Christianity reach the level of knowledge. The virgin birth, for example, we have to accept on faith in the testimony of the early church. It is a belief, it is not knowledge properly so called.
Since there are many beliefs we might hold about Christianity, there will be some that are disputed. The theory of the atonement, for example. There has never been universal agreement. That means we should have humility when we share our viewpoint.
Progressive Christians
Progressive Christians recognized that there are many areas of disagreement. And science, history, scholarship, and sociology has brought other issues to light. Things that seemed sure, are now being openly questioned. This makes conservatives very uncomfortable.
But to those who just want the truth, this is a welcomed situation where we get to again examine our faith and make sure we are following the best evidence. And even then, we will always remember that we could be wrong. That is the humility appropriate to fallible humans.
Liberty in Non-Essentials
To paraphrase St. Augustine: In essentials let us have unity, in non-essentials let us have liberty, but in all things let us have love. This is the path of true Christians who love God, Christ, and the Church.
