The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Christian Discipleship: Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul
Most of us have encountered the overly confident young Christian, those whose passion and zeal have motivated them to dig deep, but their lack of knowledge and experience have lead to them becoming the expert on whatever particular theological fixation they have developed. Bible college freshman are notorious for this, and to be honest, I think we’ve all been there.
As each of us seeks to grow in our faith, and journey down the road of Christian discipleship, we dig deep, seeking to expand our understanding of God through his word, and become like Him in Christ-like actions and attitudes. However, we’re human, and even this path is impacted by our fallen nature. The path to Christ-likeness, in itself, can be impacted by pride. One psychological phenomenon, known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, can significantly impact this spiritual journey, presenting both obstacles and opportunities for growth.
Understanding the Dunning-Kruger Effect
The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where individuals with limited knowledge or competence in a particular area overestimate their own abilities (typically due to a high level of enthusiasm, passion, or conviction. In contrast, those with more expertise often underestimate their capabilities, aware of how much they don't know, after all, knowledge of what we know make it apparent that there is much we do not know. Practically we see this phenomenon can lead to overconfidence among novices and humility among the truly skilled, we see this in the humility of a PhD student, and the boldness of first year undergraduate. The trick, I have found, is maintaining enthusiasm, passion, and conviction in the bold, while also generating sufficient humility to allow growth to occur
The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Christian Discipleship
In the context of Christian discipleship, the Dunning-Kruger effect can manifest in various ways. New believers or those who are dipping into theology for the first time may exhibit a high level of confidence in their understanding of scripture, theology, and spiritual practices. This overconfidence can hinder their growth, as they may feel less inclined to seek further learning, fellowship with those with diverse orthodox views, or to be open to correction and deeper insights.
The Obstacle: Overconfidence and Shallow Faith
Overconfidence stemming from the Dunning-Kruger effect can create a superficial faith experience, a boldness, and in some cases, let’s admit it, an abrasiveness. Believers might think they have all the answers, leading to a shallow (or narrow) engagement with scripture and a hindered understanding of God's profound mysteries. This can prevent them from developing a more mature and nuanced faith. In fellowship and community settings, this attitude can also create friction, as overconfident individuals might resist guidance from more experienced Christians or dismiss the complexities of theological discussions, even in some cases causes offence. Perhaps, more worryingly, since “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18, ESV), if we are unaware of the potential impact the Dunning-Kruger effect can have on discipleship, then potentially a young disciple might find themselves facing a rather painful or embarrassing fall when they are met with the reality of their situation. I would like to suggest that a heathy disciple maker be aware of this possibility, and walks closely with those they are mentoring, to help them navigate the pitfalls of growth and maintain an upward trajectory.
The Dark Night of the Soul: A Season of Low Confidence
The “dark night of the soul,” a term popularised by St. John of the Cross, refers to a period of spiritual desolation, doubt, and seeming distance from God. For many believers, this season can be deeply challenging, filled with uncertainty and low confidence in their faith. Paradoxically, this experience can be a response to the overconfidence stemming from the Dunning-Kruger effect.
During this dark night, believers often confront the limitations of their understanding and the depth of their need for God. This period of humility and brokenness can strip away the false confidence of the Dunning-Kruger effect, leading to a more authentic and grounded faith. It’s a time when believers are compelled to rely more deeply on God, recognising their own insufficiency and His sufficiency.
Embracing the Dark Night for Deeper Faith
While the dark night of the soul can be painful, it holds the potential for profound spiritual growth. Here are some ways to navigate this season effectively:
Embrace Humility: Recognise that no one has all the answers. Approach your faith with humility, understanding that there is always more to learn and discover about God.
Seek Community: Surround yourself with mature believers who can offer guidance, support, and wisdom. Be open to their insights and corrections.
Persist in Prayer: Even when God feels distant, continue in prayer and spiritual practices. These disciplines can sustain you and eventually lead to a renewed sense of God's presence.
Study Diligently: Deepen your engagement with scripture and theological study. Seek out reputable sources and be willing to wrestle with difficult questions.
Trust the Process: Understand that the dark night is often a part of the spiritual journey. Trust that God is at work in this season, refining your faith and drawing you closer to Him.
Conclusion
The Dunning-Kruger effect can present significant challenges in the journey of Christian discipleship, leading to overconfidence and shallow faith. Falling from confidence can lead to a season of the dark night of the soul, which in itself doesn’t have to be the end of the world, and can in fact make faith more real than ever. The dark night of the soul provides an opportunity to confront our limitations and develop a deeper, more rooted faith. By embracing humility, seeking community, persisting in prayer, studying diligently, and trusting the process, believers can navigate this challenging season and emerge with a more authentic and mature relationship with God.
Supporting Bible Verses and Passages
To help navigate the challenges posed by the Dunning-Kruger effect in Christian discipleship and to find comfort and guidance during the dark night of the soul, here is a list of Bible verses and passages that can offer insight, encouragement, and wisdom.
1. Humility and Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 11:2 - "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
2. Self-Examination and Growth
2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
3. Perseverance and Faith
James 1:2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Romans 5:3-5 - "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
4. Trusting God’s Guidance
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
5. Encouragement in Difficult Times
Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Isaiah 40:31 - "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
6. Learning and Discipleship
Matthew 11:29-30 - "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
These passages provide a solid foundation for understanding the importance of humility, seeking wisdom, persevering through challenges, and trusting in God's guidance. They can help believers navigate the obstacles posed by the Dunning-Kruger effect and grow deeper in their faith during the dark night of the soul.