The Certainty of Uncertainty: The Way of Inescapable Doubt and Its Virtue

The world is full of people who are very certain--in politics, in religion, in all manner of things. In addition, political, religious, and social organizations are marketing certainty as a cure all to all life's problems. But is such certainty possible? Or even good?

The Certainty of Uncertainty explores the question of certainty by looking at the reasons human beings crave certainty and the religious responses we frequently fashion to help meet that need. The book takes an in-depth view of religion, language, our senses, our science, and our world to explore the inescapable uncertainties they reveal. We find that the certainty we crave does not exist.

As we reflect on the unavoidable uncertainties in our world, we come to understand that letting go of certainty is not only necessary, it's beneficial. For, in embracing doubt and uncertainty, we find a more meaningful and courageous religious faith, a deeper encounter with mystery, and a way to build strong relationships across religious and philosophical lines. In The Certainty of Uncertainty, we see that embracing our belief systems with humility and uncertainty can be transformative for ourselves and for our world.


""In this important book, Mark Schaefer demonstrates that we cannot be certain about anything that matters. And yet, through metaphor we are drawn toward deeper understanding of both religious and scientific reality. Schaefer demonstrates broad knowledge, great insight, and humility in a book that will help overcome the unfounded fanaticisms of our age. I hope it will be widely recognized and read.""
--J. Philip Wogaman, Wesley Theological Seminary


Mark Schaefer is the University Chaplain at American University (AU) in Washington, DC, and Director of AU's Kay Spiritual Life Center, one of the oldest interfaith centers in the United States. With degrees in language and law, and with nearly two decades serving in young adult campus ministry, he also serves as an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at AU and Wesley Theological Seminary, teaching courses in Religion, New Testament, and Biblical Greek.