Peter Enns – The Sin of Certainty

P. EnnsGuest: Dr. Enns is Abram S. Clemens Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University in Pennsylvania. He teaches and writes on Old Testament, New Testament, Second Temple Judaism, and the intersection of biblical studies and contemporary Christian faith. He speaks actively in academic and ecclesiastical venues on topics pertaining the Bible and Christian faith. He has written or edited over a dozen books and many articles and essays. His books include Inspiration and Incarnation, The Evolution of Adam,The Bible Tells Me So, and now, The Sin of Certainty.

Interview Details: Pete and Matt L. discuss the uncertainties of faith, of life, and of life with the Bible. We also talk about how Pete has managed the challenge of losing control of his faith. Matt asks Pete his opinion on the ideal of ‘knowing what you believe’ and on ‘always being prepared to give an answer … about the hope that is in you’ (1 Peter 3:15). Pete also talks about the ‘slippery slope’ of certainty. Finally, Pete addresses three of his favorite OT books for navigating the loss of certainty. And, by the way, Pete was swinging a baseball bat in his study during the interview. I’m glad it wasn’t an in-person interview.

Book: The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires our Trust More Than Our ‘Correct’ Beliefs. In this book, Pete explores the idol of certainty, by which he means the need to know in order to have a robust faith. Pete talks about ways that encounters with the Bible trigger faith crises and uncertainty, but also how that same Bible provides resources for a new kind of faith, one that requires trust. Harper One has a FREE Small Group Study Guide available as well, FYI. I know, it’s almost too good to be true.

Special thanks to HarperOne for the review copy of Pete’s book!

4 Replies to “Peter Enns – The Sin of Certainty”

  1. Pingback: OnScript, Podcast Conversations | The Rule of Faith
  2. Linda Kollacks
    Reply

    We are reading this book in our small group, and I have found it compelling and reassuring in so many ways. Having just gone through a horrific experience in my own church of 20 years, resulting in the departure of my husband and myself, this book has provided me with much healing. The encouragement to be honest, as Peter Enns holds up as an important aspect of our faith, may be true insofar as we talk to God, but being honest in the church can cause much damage. We are trying to work through this now in fear and trembling. Hopefully, we can weather this crisis of faith, and your book is so timely as we try to do this.

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