The Sin of Certainty by Peter Enns Summary
Overview of The Sin of Certainty
What if certainty is actually a barrier to true faith? Peter Enns' controversial bestseller challenges evangelicals to embrace doubt as sacred, earning praise from Brian McLaren who lamented: "Why didn't Peter write this book years ago?"
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Key takeaways
When Faith Meets the Abyss of Doubt
What happens when the faith you've built your life around suddenly stops making sense? This question haunts countless believers, yet remains taboo in many religious communities. For Peter Enns, the catalyst came from an unexpected source - a Disney movie. While flying home from an academic conference, he watched "Bridge to Terabithia" and encountered a scene where a young non-religious girl innocently questions the harsh portrayal of God she heard in church. This simple observation hit Enns with unexpected force, making him realize he'd never truly examined what kind of God he actually believed in. Despite his theological education and position as a seminary professor, a child's perspective resonated more deeply than the punitive deity he'd accepted throughout his religious career. These "uh-oh moments" arrive uninvited - through films, conversations, or children's questions - introducing instability to once-stable faith. While frightening, they serve a holy purpose: breaking down religious systems that block questioning and growth. Churches, ironically, often become the riskiest places for spiritual honesty, where people suppress doubts until they eventually explode into crisis. The journey through uncertainty isn't a sign of weak faith but often the beginning of a more authentic relationship with God - one built on trust rather than certainty.
The Dangerous Idol of Correct Thinking
When Ancient Texts Question God
Trust: The Heart of Biblical Faith
When Life Shatters Our Certainties
Embracing the Dark Night
Beyond Certainty: A Faith That Transforms
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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