Mature Doubt Strengthens

Doubt can be a part of many people’s faith experience. Even the Disciples experienced doubt as Jesus ascended into heaven (Matthew 28:17) and Thomas certainly experienced doubt when he was informed of the resurrection (John 20:25).

Doubt can and should motivate our search for truth. Oftentimes, our doubt can stem from a limited or incorrect understanding of a particular teaching. Accordingly, a mature and responsible experience of doubt will lead to deepened study so as to correctly understand that teaching.

However, not all doubt can be resolved by correct understanding. Faith involves revealed mysteries that go beyond our human capacity to grasp. Some doubt can only be overcome through an ascent of faith based on the credibility of witnesses or the overwhelming experience of spiritual encounter (as was the case with Thomas).

Immature doubt leads a person to reject a teaching of faith without seeking greater understanding.