E185 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 1

About this episode

Paul Young discusses the importance of embracing uncertainty and finding truth in the unknowing, contrasting intellectual belief with relational knowing.

E185 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 1 We are excited to welcome back one of our favorites - Paul Young (author of The Shack) for part one of a two-episode conversation, while also sharing updates on Immanuel Approach for Life Level 1 and 2 cohorts and a Wheaton College research team studying the model's efficacy. Paul reflects on the necessity of "unknowing" as humility and openness, contrasting intellectual belief with whole-person trust and relational knowing. The discussion explores trauma and religious performance as obstacles to embodying God's goodness, emphasizing awareness of an always-present union/non-separation with God rather than earning it. Paul critiques fear-based theology and transactional faith, reframes Hebrews 11's "substance" as Jesus, and offers a practical way to interrupt panic and future-tripping by asking, "What do I know is true right now?" 00:35 Training Cohorts Update 01:15 Research Study Spotlight 01:30 Introducing Paul Young 02:21 Cloud of Unknowing 02:46 Letting Go of Certainty 05:06 Trust Beyond Head Knowledge 12:09 Union Versus Awareness 13:44 Unconditional Father Love 20:06 Trauma Shapes Theology…

People in this episode

Guest: Paul Young

Topics covered

• uncertainty
• truth
• unknowing
• humility
• trust
• relational knowing
• trauma
• religious performance
• God's goodness
• fear-based theology
• transactional faith

Keywords

• The Shack
• Immanuel Approach
• Wheaton College
• research study
• Hebrews 11

Mentioned in this episode

Products: The Shack

Books & works: Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing, The Shack

More episodes of Face to Face Podcast

• E187 | Dr. Jason Swan Clark | Trauma Healing, Mental Health and Ignatian Spiritual Exercises · May 5, 2026 · 1h 9m
• E186 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 2 · April 21, 2026 · 43 min
• E184 | Dr. Bob Schuchts on Healing the Whole Person, Spiritual Formation, and Bridging Catholic–Protestant Divides · March 24, 2026 · 48 min
• E183 | Untangling Love: A Journey with Wayne Jacobsen · March 3, 2026 · 1h 3m
• E182 | Brian Zhand | Christian Nationalism, the Kingdom of Jesus, and a More Beautiful Christianity · February 18, 2026 · 1h 9m
• E181 | Inside the Man Cave: The Heartsmith's Journey with Jason Twombly · February 3, 2026 · 51 min