Responses to DB - A Blog Series - Dealing with Doubt

Doubt is an extremely healthy and yet an extremely negatively viewed concept. I, personally, find it difficult to think about Thomas in such a regard that he was a terrible disciple because he simply was willing to ask questions. The concept of asking questions is at the base of finding truth. If I am not willing to ask questions about the topic, then how can I possibly expect to find truth. Philosophers are professional inquisitors. They are commissioned with one task: Ask as many questions about as many topics as possible in order to discover what is ultimately the clearest truth that they can find.

As one that is responsible for the spiritual lives of many students, I must understand that the act of doubting this whole "Christian" thing, is completely natural and I would say is encouraged for someone that needs people to give them guidance on where to turn. What I think is unhealthy is when the inquisitor is unwilling to accept the fact that we are mortal beings and we have an end to our comprehension of the ways of the Lord.

As far as this doubt concept is in my own life, I find myself doubting people more than concepts. I find myself doubting Joel Osteen because he seems to present the Gospel in a way that gives into cultural norms: prosperity, wealth, greed. I find it difficult to not doubt Fmr. President Clinton on the allegations that he faced in reference to the Monica Lewinski scandal. I find myself doubting many people that give me a reason to doubt.

What I find myself not doubting is the things that I can find in the Word of God and the things that His Spirit whispers to me that affirm what the Word of God says. I find myself not doubting certain people that affirm the turths found in the Word of God. People like Pastor Dave Engbrecht at NMC. Dr. Bob at BC and GCC. Pastor Mark Beeson at GCC. Pastor Jason Miller at GCC. Pastor Derry Prenkert at NMC. My close friend Kory Lantz. My good friend Michael Yoder. I don't have to doubt everything that they say because I can trust that they are passionately seeking God's face in every situation of their lives. I can trust that they are dedicated to following the same Lord that I affirm.

However, that's not to say that I don't have doubts about what they are saying sometimes. But their lives are more of a testament to the truthfulness of their words. It is by their actions that I trust them and am able to doubt, less. It's not to say that sometimes I may doubt some of the things that they are saying. But rather than doubt their character, I am doubting my understanding of what they are saying.

This seems to play into my lack of doubt. I don't doubt what the Bible says is true, because the One who was the Word lived a life that no one could doubt. He lived a life that fulfilled the Law of Moses and fulfilled the prophesies that even HE proclaimed. He rose from the grave. The cross is an example of His faithfulness; the dispersion of the believer's doubt. Sure I doubt some things that I understand. I don't doubt those things that I read. I have no choice but to believe!