What does Ietsism teach? What is a biblical view of Ietsism?
Some people believe in a spiritual realm, but don't know what to believe about it. They believe the spiritual aspect of life is undefined and unknowable. This belief is called Ietsism, another form of agnosticism. Neither Ietsism nor agnosticism is compatible with Christianity.
Those who follow Ietsism, and there are many who don't even know this label applies to them, acknowledge the existence of some kind of god, but will not define this unknowable god. Some believe we each are gods, like Eastern philosophy teaches.
In some Christian or formerly Christian cultures, there are likely people who go to church and say they have no problems with Christianity who are practicing Ietsists rather than Christians. Such people fall into Christian circles because they want some spiritual place to belong, though they believe they can't know what to believe.
On the other hand, Christians must know what they believe. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." A Christian's belief is founded in the Word of God. To become a Christian, a person puts his trust in Jesus, the Son of God and only Savior (John 3:16; Acts 4:12). There is no nebulous uncertainty about it. Rather than believe in a spiritual "something" as Ietists do, a Christian believes in the very specific God of the Bible and puts his faith in Him. Hebrews 4:14 tells us to "hold firmly to the faith we profess" (NIV).
Christianity requires that we have a faith, a faith in Jesus, and that we have an understanding of who He is and what He has done for us (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Ietsists say Christianity is one acceptable form of spiritualism. Agnostics just aren't sure—the opposite of faith. Christianity claims to be the only way.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).
It comes down to Jesus. Do you believe in the biblical Jesus, the Son of God who came to die on the cross for you and then rose from the dead? "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36).
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