(NOTE: This is a Summary from the video transcript. Click on the link above to view Video.)

Introduction

This episode of the Unheard Words Podcast features an insightful discussion between host Bob Engle and his guest, Andre Rabe, a storyteller, author, and “philosopher of the things of God.” Andre is known for his profound exploration of faith, doubt, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. In this episode, listeners are invited to journey through thought-provoking themes such as the nature of faith, the power of doubt, and the incarnation of divine ideas.

Among the questions explored are: What is the “divine gift of doubt,” and why might it be essential to true faith? How do our personal limitations help reveal the inexhaustible mystery of God? What does it mean to be a part of the divine becoming, and how does this influence our role in the world?

Through these questions, Andre offers a challenging yet comforting perspective on spirituality that encourages openness, humility, and a continuous, evolving relationship with God.

Categories Summary

The Divine Gift of Doubt

Andre opens up about the concept of doubt as a divine gift rather than a destructive force. He explains, “When God opens us up to new possibilities, one of the things that happens is we need to let go of what we’re currently holding onto.” Rabe suggests that questioning our beliefs is a natural part of growth, a way to “make room” for deeper understanding. He contrasts this with the false security of certainty, noting that “the opposite of faith is not doubt; it’s certainty.” He further emphasizes, “Doubt is actually initiated by God so that I can make room for myself.” Through his personal stories, he shares how embracing doubt led him to a more profound experience of God’s presence, saying, “In the midst of that disturbance, I encountered a God that is more than my concepts.”

Orthodoxy and Its Limitations

Andre critiques the concept of orthodoxy, describing it as “speculation designed to shut down all speculation.” He explains that while orthodoxy attempts to bring stability, it often stifles genuine exploration of faith. “Orthodoxy is the final version of speculation that we all need to sign up for,” he remarks, pointing out the dangers of allowing belief systems to become rigid. He calls himself a “heretic” in the sense that he values truth over tradition, quoting, “A heretic is not at odds with God but a man who values truth more than tradition.” He encourages listeners to move beyond established doctrines, echoing Jesus’ tendency to “go beyond accepted boundaries” and seek new ways of understanding God.

Incarnation: An Ongoing Process

Andre dives into the concept of incarnation, emphasizing that “the incarnation is not finished.” He challenges the notion that Jesus’ work was a one-time event, instead suggesting that God continuously seeks to “inflesh” Himself through humanity. “God’s ambition is to become us,” urging listeners to realize that the divine is actively unfolding within each of us. He adds, “The incarnation as displayed in Jesus was a revelation of what happens all the time, everywhere.” This perspective transforms the incarnation into a living, evolving process that each person participates in. “It has always been God’s dream to inflesh himself,” emphasizing the ongoing, dynamic nature of the divine-human relationship.

Worship and True Relationship

Andre touches on the nature of worship and how it relates to our everyday actions. He argues that “the most accurate measure of our worship is how we love.” Instead of merely practicing rituals or attending services, true worship manifests in how we treat others and the natural world. He draws a vivid comparison: “It’s not just how we treat the environment but how we love nature and every human being as part of it.” Worship, he says, is less about outward displays and more about inward connections and compassionate actions. “The most accurate measure of our worship is not the way we sing or prostrate ourselves, but how we value and treat nature and other people.”

Crisis as Opportunity

In a world filled with conflict and crisis, Andre views each crisis as a “dangerous opportunity.” He refers to the conflicts between different groups and emphasizes that these moments are opportunities for transformation, urging people to “allow kindness to infiltrate conversations.” He encourages individuals to act locally, noting, “The impact of small acts of love can ripple far beyond what we can imagine.” By shifting our focus from division to connection, we can begin to heal the world one relationship at a time. “It begins right where you are,” Reminding us that our influence starts with the immediate environment and extends outward.

Going Beyond Tradition

Andre is clear that following Jesus means more than sticking to traditions. “Jesus didn’t exhaust the mystery,” he states. Instead, Jesus invites us to continue seeking and discovering. He highlights Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman as an example of breaking social norms to create deeper connections. “Jesus specifically took those opportunities where there were boundaries and said there’s something more valid than the boundary you’ve built.” Andre challenges listeners to look beyond the cultural and political boundaries that divide us, and instead to focus on the “river of living water” that unites us all. “We are drawing from the same source,” Rabe reminds us, encouraging a perspective that embraces unity in diversity.