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December 30, 2024

Q & A: Dealing with Doubt

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-9; Matthew 11:1-5; John 20:24-29

This week we continue our Q & A blog.

Question: What do you do when you have doubts about the Christian faith?

Answer: Thank you for your question. To address the question clearly, I think it would be beneficial to define doubt, demonstrate that it is a common experience by sharing a few Biblical examples, then discuss how to address this concern.

Defining doubt. Doubt within the context of Christianity is lack of certainty concerning a matter of faith. Doubt can come in different forms. For example, there is factual doubt, emotional doubt, and volitional doubt.

Factual doubt. Factual doubt involves challenges brought against Christianity such as: why does God allow evil, did the resurrection really happen, is the Bible reliable, and can we trust that the miracles in the Bible occurred?

Emotional doubt. Emotional doubt can originate from emotional states such as anxiety, depression, or some other mood.  Examples of this doubt may include thoughts such as: “if God loves me why wouldn’t he cure me?” “God accepts me when I perform well but doesn’t when I mess up.” “I don’t feel saved.”  This variety of doubt can appear as factual doubt; however, what makes it different is that once the factual question is addressed it only provides temporary relief because the issue is emotional. The person feels better momentarily but, in a few days, they are back asking their pastor/Bible study leader/friend the same question.

Volitional doubt. Volitional doubt is an issue of will. For example, self-sufficiency could be at the root of this variety of doubts. A Christian knows what God’s will is on a matter but insists on living out his/her will. Consequently, this has created a barrier (i.e., sin & disobedience) in their walk with God which in turns creates doubts.

Biblical examples of doubt. It may come as a surprise to you but some of the Biblical characters experienced doubt as well. Let’s look at a few cases.

Elijah. The context of Elijah’s story can be found in 1 Kings 17-19. Specifically, 1 Kings 19:1-10 is where we get a glimpse of Elijah’s psychological state of mind. He just experienced a victory over the false prophets of Baal in chapter 18. Following that event, Jezebel, the Queen, threatens to kill Elijah (see 1 Kings 19:1-10). Physically exhausted and discouraged, Elijah thinks he is the only faithful servant of God left in the nation. He is so discouraged that he asked God to kill him (see 1 Kings 19:4). His doubt is brought on by his circumstances, emotions, and physical exhaustion (i.e., emotional doubt).

John the Baptist. John the Baptist is a well-known hero of the faith. He is the one responsible for baptizing Jesus of Nazareth (see Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23). In fact, John testified that Jesus was “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NKJV). Fast forward a bit and we see John in prison in Matthew 11. Apparently, John sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was the Messiah (see Matthew 11:2-6). How is that possible? Isn’t this the same John that boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God? Yes, but John’s circumstances caused him to doubt (i.e., factual doubt).

Thomas, one of the twelve disciples. Thomas is probably the most well-known doubter in Scripture. You can find his story in John 20:19-29. Jesus appeared to the disciples; however, on this occasion Thomas was not present. We aren’t told why. When Thomas returns, the rest of the disciples inform him that while he was absent Jesus appeared to them. He didn’t buy it. He replied, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25, NKJV). Thomas experienced factual doubts.

It is comforting to me, and should be to you as well, to know from these three examples that even the strongest of believers can experience doubt.

How to address doubt. Identifying the type of doubt is the first place to begin. Is the doubt factual, emotional, or volitional? If it is factual, then getting solid intellectual answers to your questions will put those doubts to rest. If you find yourself experiencing a temporary peace after hearing and/or reading the answer to your doubt only for it to return later, then your doubt may be emotional. If that is the case, it may be helpful to reflect on how you think of God, explore past influences, especially related to your home of origin, and/or determine if you are living the Christian life by your feelings. Any one of these avenues could be the potential culprit.

Additionally, it may be helpful to talk this over with a trusted Christian friend who knows you well. Their input could be invaluable. If the doubt is volitional, then you may need to do a “course correction.” In other words, if you are not living according to the standards set forth in Scripture, and you are well aware of it, then you may need to bring your life in alignment with what you know God commands. Again, let me encourage you to talk with a trusted Christian friend or pastor.  Doubts are normal in the Christian life; however, there are answers. Finding those answers takes time as a result of addressing what kind of doubt you may be experiencing.

If you want a resource on this topic, I recommend the book Dealing with Doubt by Gary Habermas. His ideas have significantly influenced my thoughts on this topic.