2 types of mysteries

2 types of mysteries - 

1. contradictions
2. insufficient information

To illustrate these 2 types of mysteries, consider Sherlock Holmes investigating a jewel theft:

There may be insufficient information to establish the identity of the thief - initially. The possibility still exists that new information later will be uncovered.

On the other hand, there could be evidence that the suspect was elsewhere when he supposedly was present at the scene of the theft. This is contradictory information, and cannot be fixed by new information - assuming, of course, that the present information is accurate and reliable.

In theology, there is the same difference between these 2 types of mystery. The "appeal to mystery" in order to explain a doctrine, makes sense in a way, if the mystery is of the first type. This is supported by Deut 29:29.

However, the type of mystery which is contradictory in nature, is invalid. This is like saying,

There were 5 Saviors, all of whom were Christs, each of whom died on a cross, any of which can save people.

Then the response may be that ...

This contradicts scripture which says there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved.

Then the appeal to mystery is made, that the contradiction ...

... is simply a mystery which we cannot understand because "God's ways are higher than ours; how can we hope to understand this with our peanut brains? Do we think we are smarter than God, to tell him He cannot have 5 Christ / Saviors?"

This type of reasoning by appeal to mystery of the contradiction type is not useful nor valid for doctrine.