Certainty Kills
A Primer for Approaching the Bible with a
God-honoring & Neighbor-loving Openness
By Bruce Pagano II
Certainty Kills
A Primer for Approaching the Bible with a God-honoring & Neighbor-loving Openness
When we become overly confident in the correctness of our biblical interpretations, either as individuals or as a group, we run the risk of developing a sense of superiority that hinders the growth of a more God-honoring and neighbor-loving faith. Certainty Kills is an introduction to exploring a biblical interpretation approach that values open-mindedness, reflecting a Christlike faith that honors God and others. The following ten attributes are crucial to a faith that follows Jesus, but absolute certainty can stifle them: Conscience, Curiosity, Context, Critical Thinking, Culture, Creativity, Community, Connection, Compassion, and Christlikeness.
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Praise for Certainty Kills
Dr. Janyne McConnaughey
Author of Trauma in the Pews: The Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices
"This book is a powerful reminder that the human need to know something beyond a doubt, while sometimes necessary, can also be the root cause of division and polarization. Pagano demonstrates the vast difference between rigid, dogmatic unity and the unity that grows from a desire to follow the example of Jesus."
Dr. Thomas Jay Oord
Author of Open and Relational Theology and many other books
"Claims about absolute certainty have destroyed so many. Whether that certain was said to be a particular interpretation of the Bible or a particular view of God, the results are damaging. Bruce Pagano II rightly calls us to humble claims about what matters most. Certainty certainly kills."
Dr. Thomas J. Hogan
Community Chaplin
"This primer reveals how closed systems fail us, but curiosity and committed faith foster adventure into the diverse tapestry of human experience. By promoting humility over dogmatism, Pagano calls us to recenter our faith on embodying the way of Jesus."
"This is a very compelling read, and serves as an eye-opener on how a lack of openness and humility have caused division and wreaked havoc in their churches and families. This is not a hard-to-read book, unless you find yourself in the camp of 'absolute certainty' that your interpretation, or that of your tribe/group, is the only correct one.And if you are, you owe it to yourself to read this..."
- Micah Kimball -
"The book excels in not just diagnosing the problems associated with certainty but also in offering practical suggestions for fostering openness, curiosity, and humility in one's faith journey."
- Jessica Mercier -
"I found this book to be a refreshing, engaging conversation about a very sensitive topic today. Grounded in love and respect, Pagano explains how different kinds of certainty and perspectives can impact relationships."
- Jenny Dillman -
"Certainty Kills is a practical guide for reflecting on your beliefs and their role in pursuing Christ-likeness."
- Trevor Dillman -