More on Critically Thinking about Beliefs

Another reader submission...

I’ve written before about the extreme importance of beliefs (e.g., here).

This time the commentary is from a distinguished subscriber to this substack: Kimball Rasmussen. I got to know him in my energy work, as he was the successful CEO of a Utah utility company, Deseret Power. Kimball is a long-time friend and critical thinker, with interests ranging from energy issues to theology, striving to balance both reason and faith.

He recently wrote me:

John -

As always, I love reading and pondering, your thoughts and perspectives. This morning your commentary was about some of your past Reports. "Some Observations about Beliefs” tickled my curiosity because knowledge and belief are a big part of my world. So, I assembled my own thoughts for your consideration:

Belief, Critical Thinking, and the Nature of Knowing

Belief is a powerful force in human life, distinct from Knowledge. By its very nature, belief allows for uncertainty; it holds space for doubt and adjustment. In contrast, knowledge is firm and unchanging—something known with certainty. If we truly know something, we no longer need to believe in it; we understand it to be objectively true.

In the secular world, we often hear the phrase, "seeing is believing," but that is, by its own admission, a misnomer. More accurately, seeing is knowing. When we see something with our own eyes, or we prove it with careful, accurate critical thinking, we no longer have to believe in its existence—we actually know. The realm of belief, however, invites us to act without the security of perfect knowledge. Belief is the starting point for critical thinking.

Belief forms the foundation for most human actions. Rarely do we act with full knowledge of outcomes. We engage in life based on probabilities, possibilities, and hope. This kind of belief lives in the space of the "likely," the "possible,” and even the "uncertain." It is fluid and dynamic, adjusting as new experiences or knowledge arise. It welcomes experimentation, knowing that setbacks, losses, or failures are part of the process. Without belief, life would become static—paralyzed by the fear of uncertainty and unwillingness to take risks.

At the same time, critical thinking is essential to navigating belief and action in a meaningful way. Critical thinking—the ability to think independently, logically, and scientifically—ensures that our beliefs are not swayed by mass hysteria, emotional impulses, or unexamined assumptions. It sharpens our ability to distinguish between what is likely or possible and what is improbable or false. Critical thinking requires careful analysis of evidence, self-reflection, and an openness to adjust one's beliefs when presented with new, compelling facts.

Unfortunately, this skill of critical thinking is increasingly underemphasized in our educational systems, from K-12 to even the university level. Many are taught what to think, but not how to think critically. The ability to question assumptions, evaluate sources of information, and draw reasoned conclusions is foundational to a healthy relationship with belief. Without critical thinking, belief becomes vulnerable to manipulation, whether by social trends, misinformation, or emotional reactions.

Yet, while critical thinking is crucial, it does not preclude belief. In fact, belief and critical thinking can coexist harmoniously. Thoughtful, independent reflection allows us to embrace belief without blindly accepting it, ensuring that our convictions are rooted in reason and not wishful thinking or social pressure. With this balance, belief becomes more than a hopeful leap—it becomes an informed choice, continuously refined as new knowledge emerges.

Belief is preferable to inaction, which often arises from the demand for perfect knowledge before any movement forward. Waiting for absolute certainty results in stagnation. Belief, on the other hand, encourages us to step into the unknown, to take risks, and to act despite uncertainty. And even when our beliefs evolve or change, the act of believing—and more importantly, acting on those beliefs—creates progress and growth.

Belief also makes life far more interesting and meaningful. It adds a touch of magic to our existence, filling our lives with curiosity, hope, and wonder. In fact, much of our happiness is deeply connected to our ability to believe—whether in people, causes, ideas, and most especially our faith and understanding of all Creation. Without belief, many of life’s most meaningful experiences would be stripped of their richness.

It has been said, “You receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” In other words, knowledge or certainty often comes only after we’ve made the leap to act on our belief. The act of trusting in something unproven—whether in a personal goal, a relationship, or a larger vision, including faith in God—leads us to deeper understanding and, often, to the very knowledge we sought in the first place. This dynamic reveals a key truth: belief is not just a passive state of mind, but a gateway to action and discovery.

In the end, belief is what propels us into the unknown, and through it, we learn, grow, and experience life’s fullness. It is belief, supported by critical thinking, that enriches our lives, allowing us to move forward with confidence, curiosity, and an openness to change. Without it, we would lose much of the happiness, wonder, and adventure that make life truly worth living.

The secular world often teaches that you must first know before you can believe—that belief must be preceded by concrete evidence and certainty. However, my spiritual understanding teaches me the opposite: I must first believe, and exercise faith, before I can know. This belief-based approach to knowledge invites me to trust in the unseen and the unproven, relying on a hybrid of faith and critical thinking, involving an alignment and harmony of heart and mind, to reveal deeper truths.

So, which of these two opposites is better supported by critical thinking?  

You can probably guess which approach I prefer.

Yours very truly,

Kimball Rasmussen

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase." —MLK, jr

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John’s brief 2¢: I think that there is uncertainty in both Beliefs and Knowledge. Here is an interesting discussion about the difference between the two. The confusion is that the knowledge term is often misused. For example, a person claiming to KNOW that wind energy is superior to fossil fuels is actually expressing their belief (opinion).

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