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| Photo by Luca Ventor |
Part 1 can be found here.
The second aspect that I think makes the story so
significant is that Gungor represents a person of influence expressing their
doubt very publicly.
Philosopher-theologian Peter Rollins makes the point that the church is
designed to insulate us from doubt. Churches often preach sermons of certainty
and sing songs of triumphalism. In short the Church believes for us when we
doubt.[1]
He says “this only becomes apparent when a minister gets up and says I’m
full of doubt and not knowing. I don’t know if God’s there half the time. Or a
musician gets up and sings a song of darkness, a song of despair. Or someone
prays a prayer which says God I don’t think you’re there. Where are you? At
this point the people aren’t faced with something they don’t know; they have those
doubts as well. Rather they are faced with the reality of the thing they would
rather ignore.”[2]
And I think this is the reason why Gungor has caused such a
stir. Because while we know that there are many Christians with significant
questions, as a celebrity Christian, is a person of influence who reminds us
that sometimes believers don’t find their answers in the status quo. Now I
don’t think Gungor is trying to lead people astray. I don’t think he’s sitting
in his evil lair plotting how to unravel Christianity while flaring his cape
for effect. I think he’s someone genuinely doubting what he grew up with.[3]
And I think how we deal with Gungor is going to send a huge
message to the doubters in our mist. I can guarantee you that when you go to
church on Sunday there will be people sitting in the pews who struggle with
doubt immensely. Of course we can choose to “farewell” or excommunitweet
Gungor. But what message does that send those who struggle with the loneliness
of doubt?[4]
Are we going to kick them out of the church if they dare to speak up about
their doubts? Are we going to revoke their Christian card?
