Faith is something we all practice, whether we’re conscious of it or not. It’s not exclusive to religion—it’s simply relying on something we believe in, even when we don’t have all the facts. From trusting a chair will hold us up when we sit in it, to believing our work will pay off, faith helps guide our actions despite uncertainty. The way we handle that uncertainty varies widely, falling along a spectrum between two extremes: Fortresses and Proven.
A Fortress of Belief
At one extreme of faith we have Fortresses, which reinforces belief by protecting them from anything that might cause doubt. This approach builds up a belief system by supporting it with justifications that strengthen the original idea, often downplaying or ignoring contrary evidence. This might look like someone who is all-in on an idea or perspective and works hard to reinforce it by avoiding things that would make them question it. Whether in politics, lifestyle choices, or personal philosophies, this can create a strong internal consistency, but it runs the risk of becoming a mental fortress.
One relatable term here is confirmation bias—the tendency to seek out or interpret information in ways that confirm what we already believe. It’s natural, but when unchecked, it limits growth by shielding beliefs from challenge. For someone committed to the circular logic of Fortress Faith, this bias isn’t a problem—it’s a tool to keep their belief intact.
Continuously Proven Faith
On the other end of the spectrum is a Proven Faith, which is much more aligned with the scientific method. This type of faith relies on something we believe in, even when we don’t have all the facts, but it's continually putting those beliefs to the test, accumulating proof they can share with those who have doubts. Think of someone who is committed to an idea or belief but regularly challenges it to see if it holds up. If it does, their faith is strengthened. If it doesn’t, they learn more in the process and grow from it. This is what scientists and skeptics aim to do—put their ideas under constant scrutiny and only trust them when they consistently prove themselves.
The term falsifiability fits here. It’s the idea that a claim or belief must be testable and, importantly, disprovable if it’s to hold weight. While this approach might seem like the opposite of faith, it’s a form of belief in which the testing process itself is a crucial part of building enough confidence for their faith to grow.
The In-Between: Where Most People Land
Most people don’t fully commit to either extreme. Instead, they fall somewhere in the middle, where belief is held but not fiercely protected or constantly tested. It’s like hedging your bets—taking a little from both extremes without going all-in on either. For example, someone might hold certain personal beliefs about their future success but not put those beliefs under rigorous testing. At the same time, they might not shut out information that challenges those beliefs.
This in-between space can feel safer, less extreme, but it also lacks the commitment of either end. These are people who maintain faith but without the rigorous techniques that come with circular logic or proven validation. They might occasionally challenge their beliefs or sometimes reinforce them, but the techniques are less defined, more flexible...and when they need a fortress or more strength, it's simply not there....
Practical Faith: A Balanced Approach
Faith, at any point on this spectrum, requires techniques to sustain it. Circular logic builds fortresses around belief, while proven validation tests it rigorously. The options in between reflect varying levels of commitment and techniques, depending on how willing people are to defend or question their beliefs. Both extremes are “all in,” but in different ways—one by guarding the belief, and the other by continually putting it to the test. Understanding where we fall on this spectrum can help us better navigate our beliefs and the choices they guide. But there is one thing for certain -
Fortresses protect where we are, while
Growing stronger enables us to accomplish more;
It all depends on where we want to be....
How This Applies To Churches
For many churches, faith can be understood as a noun—the substance relied upon, which is God. However, the way in which that faith is exercised (the verb) can vary widely. Some churches may feel confident that they know all they need to know about God, but who can claim full understanding of Him? Faith, by its very nature, invites both trust in what we know and openness to what we have yet to discover.
While building strong walls around a church's beliefs can offer safety and protection from outside influences, it’s worth reflecting on whether those walls also allow space for testing and growth. Biblical faith is not something to be left static but is meant to be exercised through continual learning, even within secure boundaries. The goal isn't to tear down the fortress but to ensure that within its walls, there is room for deeper understanding and a more mature faith.
Just as each individual in the congregation is called to continually grow, so too is the church as a whole—not just in size, but in a more complete faith. A church is not a static entity; it is a living body that benefits by 'practicing what it preaches,' modeling for members as it learns in the process. By staying open to learning and maturing in its understanding, a church can strengthen its own faith while guiding its members. After all, the journey of faith is ongoing, and embracing that as a community can help both the institution and its people continue to thrive in faith.
And how does a church learn and grow? By being open to any teacher God provides—whether through local pastors, voices from around the world, its own members, or even unbelievers in the communities it serves. God can use anything to teach us, but faithful learning requires a willingness to listen for His voice through whoever or whatever He provides. While everything must align with Scripture, beyond that, anything that glorifies and enjoys God is for us to discover as He reveals it to us. Maintaining an open and discerning mind in prayer with Him allows us to continue growing, both as individuals and as a church body, as we seek to better understand and honor Him together each day.
P.S. The heart of The Better Ministry is to explore, discover, and learn better ways to glorify and enjoy God. This article reveals the core purpose of the ministry: to encourage reflection, growth, and collaboration in our shared journey of faith. I invite you not only to reflect on and comment about this article but also to participate in the ministry by recognizing and sharing the ways we can learn and grow together. TBM is not an organization with employees—it’s a community of volunteers, united in the desire to learn, encourage one another, and pursue better ways of living out our faith. Whether you’ve been quietly reflecting or actively involved in other ways, your contributions are welcome as we grow in faith together.
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