It is not faith that divides us

Los Angeles Times - Mar 29th, 2025

James Milley, a former missionary and current executive director of BridgesUS, reflects on the delicate balance between faith and certainty through the lens of the film 'Conclave.' The movie, which explores the intrigue of electing a new pope, features a speech by Ralph Fiennes' character warning against the sin of certainty. Milley discusses how this message resonates with his experiences and observations, suggesting that certainty can be an obstacle to tolerance and unity, while faith thrives alongside doubt.

The film's portrayal of faith as a journey with doubt challenges traditional views and has prompted discussions on the nature of belief and ethics. Milley's friend, a non-believer with a complex history, found the film's message transformative, leading to a reevaluation of faith as living with purpose despite uncertainty. This dialogue underscores the broader societal implications, particularly in today's polarized climate, where certainty often fuels division rather than understanding.

Ralph Fiennes James Milley Conclave Film Faith And Doubt Certainty Vs. Tolerance Bridges Us Religious Themes

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging and thoughtful exploration of the themes of faith, doubt, and certainty, grounded in the author's personal experiences and reflections. It effectively captures the reader's attention through relatable anecdotes and philosophical musings. However, the reliance on personal narratives limits the breadth of perspectives and external sourcing, impacting the overall balance and source quality. While the article is clear and accessible, greater transparency and verification of specific claims would enhance its credibility. The discussion of certainty as a divisive force is timely and relevant, encouraging readers to reflect on their beliefs and assumptions. Overall, the article is a valuable contribution to ongoing conversations about faith and doubt, though it would benefit from a more diverse range of perspectives and sources.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims that are generally verifiable but would benefit from additional sourcing. For instance, it references the film "Conclave" and a specific speech within it, which should be checked for accuracy. The article also discusses the author's past as a missionary and minister, which are personal claims that require verification through external sources. The biblical references are accurate in their scriptural context, though interpretations may vary. Overall, while the article is accurate in its broad strokes, specific details like the film's content and the author's background need confirmation.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly personal perspective, reflecting on the author's experiences and interpretations of faith. It introduces a contrasting view through the author's friend, who is skeptical about traditional religious beliefs. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, particularly from individuals with differing views on certainty and faith. The focus on personal anecdotes may inadvertently skew the narrative towards the author's viewpoint, limiting the representation of alternative perspectives.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey its message. The narrative flows logically from the author's experiences to broader reflections on faith and certainty. The tone is conversational and engaging, making complex ideas accessible to a general audience. However, some readers might find the intertwining of personal anecdotes and broader philosophical claims slightly challenging to differentiate without explicit transitions.

Source quality

The article primarily relies on personal anecdotes and interpretations, with limited external sourcing. The references to the film "Conclave" and biblical texts are not supported by direct citations or authoritative sources, which impacts the reliability of the information. The inclusion of the author's and friend's perspectives adds depth but lacks the backing of more diverse or authoritative sources, such as expert opinions or scholarly references, which would enhance the article's credibility.

Transparency

The article provides a clear context for the author's reflections, detailing personal experiences and the inspiration behind the discussion on faith and certainty. However, it lacks transparency regarding the verification of claims, particularly those about the film and the author's background. While the article's basis is understandable, greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would improve the reader's ability to assess the impartiality and reliability of the claims presented.