The biblical book of Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological classic. In particular, its author, the Qoheleth, develops a moving theology of time and season.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, adapted from KJV)
There is a time for almost everything, according to the mystical Qoheleth.
What has been left out of the Qoheleth’s poem? Today, some people in Christian churches might also add that there is a time for faith and a time for doubt. However, it would seem that many in the churches of America would disagree. “Every time is a time for faith,” they might say. “There is no time, nor good reason to doubt — doubters are simply unbelievers in disguise.” In contrast to this denunciation of the role of doubt in the journey of faith, the Misfits Theology group has an alternative proposal.
The Misfits Theology approach recognizes that doubt might really be an inalienable aspect of most people’s journey to and through faith. Thomas called “the twin” did not immediately believe in the resurrection of Christ, but needed time and a dramatic experience before he could trust that Jesus had been raised from the dead. The Apostle Paul did not begin as a model of faith; his story began with him persecuting Christians. Great heroes of faith are not born in a vacuum; they are cultivated through time and effort.
Here in Misfits, we seek to provide a safe, non-judgmental zone for spiritual seekers. There is a place for firmly convinced faith; however, we seek to be a place for those who are not convinced and are not yet unshakeable. This is our vision for theological discourse: to encourage growth without viciously condemning weakness. With Christ we say, “Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11). We are not a space of condemnation; we are a space of affirmation. We do not run a sprint; we run a marathon. This vision for the spiritual path can be both life-giving and merciful in a time of militancy.