Unravelling the mystery

We have recently started a house group at our church. It is being led by a professor who is also an ordained minister. In the three sessions we have had we have looked at the books of Amos and Philippians - not at the same time! Our leader has given us a lot of information on the context of both books, some insight into the issues surrounding authorship and context, whilst also explaining world views that were current at the time. In many ways these aren't traditional Bible studies, they raise more questions than answers and challenge traditionally held beliefs. It has provoked much discussion and debate within the group and often we leave with a slight headache, but also the feeling of a deeper understanding of the book. This group has led me to feel quite uncomfortable and question many of my own beliefs about how I express God and view the Word of God which is no bad thing. Due to this, the group isn't to everyone's taste and one member has not been back since the second session which is sad but understandable.

At the same time I have been reading "Dawkins' God" by Alister McGrath as part of my portfolio for candidating. This book seeks to demonstrate how many of Dawkins' atheistic and anti-Christian beliefs are based upon misunderstandings, inconsistencies and out dated theology. It was a useful book as even I could understand most of the arguments that McGrath was presenting even though I have very little scientific knowledge.

However, both the book and the Bible study group have led me to question this unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and desire to explain every facet of life and Christian belief. Don't get me wrong, we all need to strive for a deeper understanding of who God is and what he does. We need to try and grasp more of what Jesus means for us and our society. And we need to have a greater awareness of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the life of our church. However, this desire for facts and evidence can lead to the removing of mystery that is an essential element of God's nature. Even when we unravel some mysteries, new ones present themselves. I wonder whether we can spend our whole time trying to find facts, and actually miss the God behind them all. I think that sometimes, the correct outlook is just to celebrate the mystery.