Doubt often gets a bad rap. “Don’t be a doubting Thomas,” we might say to someone. We may feel fearful or guilty when we experience doubts regarding our faith or religion.
On the Second Sunday of Easter we always hear the passage of John’s gospel (20:19-31) that includes Thomas’ experience of doubt about the presence of the risen Christ. This Resurrection Narrative helps us to see that doubt is not a bad thing. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Doubt is actually one of the forms of faith. Being inquisitive and questioning leads to deeper faith. This is what happened to Thomas when he acclaimed, “My Lord and my God.”
Faith is different from certainty. In fact, where there is certainty, there is no room for faith. Wrestling with doubt about our faith or God’s love for us or eternal life can become a doorway to another more mature stage of faith. So don’t deny doubts or feel guilty about them. Seek out good doubt-companions who can help you review, update, and strengthen your faith and beliefs.