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Faith, really, is anti-dogmatism. By the unknowing, which is the experiential admission of the Mystery of Wisdom, the mind is left free from its limits to know beyond its limits ~ yet, this knowing is not intellectual, but intuitive, or mystical. This knowing is not anti-intellectual, either. This knowing includes dogma, but dogma does not include it.
Therefore, the faith that includes dogma and excludes dogmatism is a loving faith, or a faithful loving. Christian Scripture gives us the teaching of the royal law ~ or most important law, the supreme law:
This royal law is found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." If you obey this law, you are doing right.
*James 4.8, CEV
Dogmatism is violation of this royal law. It sets the mind of person or group above love of the other. While having beliefs, we cannot hold beliefs rightly that violate the royal law. We are lovingly to remain open to God and others. We are to pray to be approachable, teachable, and engaging mind and heart in pursuit of Truth alone and with others. Then, our beliefs can be enhanced by others with other, though often similar, beliefs. More so, we will enjoy the love of God in learning and growing in the Spirit as offspring of Divine Love-ing.
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*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, and their fish, Hope, in Southwest Florida. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and inspires others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ. He advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and the renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons and empathic relating with diverse spiritual traditions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
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