Do I Always Have to Be Right?

How We Can Grow Through Intellectual Vulnerability

In my journey as an apologist, I often grapple with the weighty responsibility of representing my faith accurately and honestly, alongside the expectation of always having the right answers. Presenting philosophy or theology to the public is daunting, knowing that my understanding is imperfect and my knowledge limited.

The older I get, the more I wrestle with the question: Do I always have to be right? This question underscores the tension inherent in public apologetics. On one hand, I feel the pressure to provide definitive answers to complex issues. On the other, I recognize the danger of pretending to know it all—of presenting my interpretations as unassailable truth. To adopt such a stance in theology, philosophy, or any field is not only unbiblical but intellectually dishonest. No one has all the answers; only God is omniscient.

While projecting certainty may seem like strength, it actually fosters an unhealthy intellectual environment. The fear of being wrong—or even being perceived as wrong—stifles inquiry, replacing open-ended exploration with a performance of unwavering confidence. In reality, the obsession with always being correct leads not to true knowledge-seeking, but to the mere appearance of it.

This mindset shifts the focus from pursuing truth to preserving an infallible image, a contradiction that ultimately undermines genuine learning. I’ve seen it manifest in rigid adherence to preconceived notions, dismissal of contradicting evidence, and even the silencing of dissenting voices. Such behavior breeds arrogance and exclusion, sacrificing intellectual humility and honest dialogue at the altar of perceived authority. In the end, it creates an echo chamber, hindering progress and meaningful contribution to the conversation.

The Alternative of Intellectual Virtue & Vulnerability

To write, speak, and engage with intellectual virtue means embracing a posture of ongoing inquiry rather than pronouncements of absolute certainty. It requires shifting from a mindset of needing to be right to one that values honesty, transparency, humility, and accountability. Let’s consider how to cultivate these virtues in communication and public discourse.

Honesty
Intellectual integrity demands acknowledging the limitations of our knowledge. Instead of making dogmatic claims, we should present ideas with nuance—using phrases like "My research suggests..." or "I interpret this as..."—leaving room for refinement in light of new insights. Embracing the possibility of error fosters genuine discourse and intellectual growth.

Transparency
Transparency means making our reasoning visible to others. This includes explaining methodology, citing sources meticulously, and articulating the thought process behind conclusions. Rather than presenting a polished argument as a finished product, we should illuminate the path that led us there, allowing readers and listeners to critically engage with our ideas. Acknowledging limitations in our data or reasoning further strengthens our commitment to transparency.

Humility
Humility demands recognizing the limits of our understanding and engaging with perspectives different from our own. Actively seeking out and thoughtfully responding to dissenting opinions strengthens rather than weakens our work. True intellectual modesty is not threatened by opposing arguments—it welcomes them. Can I get an amen?

Accountability
Intellectual virtue requires the willingness to be corrected. Rather than treating our contributions as the final word, we should frame them as part of an ongoing conversation. Encouraging feedback and revising our views when warranted demonstrates a genuine commitment to learning.

By incorporating these four virtues—honesty, transparency, humility, and accountability—into our writing, speaking, and platform-building, we move from a defensive posture of seeking only to be right toward a more rewarding position of collaborative inquiry. In doing so, we not only enrich our own intellectual growth but also create a space where truth is pursued with both courage and integrity.