The teacher stood on the stage in a room filled with college students. The audience was mostly comprised of skeptics of the faith, and the speaker was trying to teach some of the mysteries of the Bible in a way they could understand. 

Occasionally, while the teacher was speaking, I could feel myself getting tense about a story. Then, they would come to some complicated passage, give one concrete answer, and move on to the next topic.

As a preacher and a person who studies the Bible weekly, I knew that some parts of scripture have been discussed for millennia. One reference to Noah has been debated for the better part of three thousand years by both Jews and Christians. Yet, they gave one solid answer and continued talking. There was no debate, discussion, or interaction, and they were not taking questions. The speaker finished their hour-and-a-half talk, and never once was there a glimmer of doubt in their voice about anything they said. 

One challenge for a believer is to process some complicated passages and topics and then come out with firm convictions. These must be grounded on solid scholarship, interpretation, and historical considerations. We do not arrive at them after watching a thirty-second social media clip. But still, once we are informed of all possible meanings, we pick the clearest and settle into rock-solid beliefs. Unwavering. 

While I disagreed with some of the teacher’s conclusions, I did appreciate their conviction about their faith. Finding someone confident about what they believe is always refreshing.