Tolerance of ambiguity and Catholic mystagogy
Understanding the Terms Tolerance of Ambiguity — A personality trait describing one’s comfort with uncertainty, complexity, and unresolved questions. People high in this trait are more open to paradox, nuance, and mystery. Catholic Mystagogy — A spiritual process of entering into the mystery of faith, especially after receiving the sacraments. It emphasizes reflection, symbolic depth, and ongoing revelation rather than fixed answers. 1. Shared Comfort with Mystery Mystagogy is not about explaining everything—it’s about dwelling in mystery . Those with high tolerance of ambiguity are naturally suited to this: They don’t need immediate closure or rigid definitions. They can sit with paradox (e.g., Christ as both human and divine) without anxiety. They’re more likely to engage mystagogy as a lifelong unfolding rather than a checklist. This trait supports the contemplative, poetic, and symbolic nature of mystagogical formation. 2. Resistance to Over-Simplification Mys...