This Sunday we will hear the passage in John's gospel in which Thomas expresses his doubt about the resurrection of Jesus, at least until he has the same "hands on and in" experience of the other disciples. Eventually he encounters the risen Christ and expresses his belief. I like Thomas and I like Joshua Harris's cartoon.
It's important to acknowledge doubt because nearly all of us go through it to varying degrees and for a host of reasons. Disappointment and loss, the cruelty of some religious people, the need to use reason and logic, the capriciousness of natural disasters, all lead us to question the existence of a compassionate God.
I figure that denying doubt is, in its own weird way, unfaithful. Mindless "don't ask questions" faith does not honour the brains God gave us. But I also feel that wallowing around in lazy, unreflective doubt is not the answer. We probably need to "out our doubt" more often.
At the Mikael Agricola Church in Helsinki, Finland, a worship service called the "Thomas Mass" creates a place for those who doubt every Sunday evening, which was the day and time when Thomas had his encounter with Jesus. The church website shares an interesting invitation, "The St. Thomas Mass invites doubters and seekers to celebrate, worship God, serve their neighbor, and grow together. Those who feel sinful and weak in faith are especially welcome."
Should congregations have worship opportunities to acknowledge doubt? Would it be helpful to discuss doubt more often? Are you doubtful that talking about doubt will help?
What a perfect preamble into my blog about doubt. It's at http://inthemidstofdoubt.wordpress.com or click on the little dog and she will lead you there. (There is no quizz later to see if anyone clicks on it)
ReplyDeleteI heard someone refer to doubt in comparison to pain....you wish you didn't have it but it tells you that something needs attention and I do think strength comes in facing\paying attention to the questions and doubts....Frederick Buechner says it well,I believe. "If you say you don't have any doubts you are either asleep or kidding yourself. Doubts are the ants- in -our- pants of faith.
ReplyDeleteThey keep it alive and moving."
I struggle with doubt all of the time, and I feel perturbed at my perturbation!
ReplyDeleteYour point on the "mindlessness" of other groups is well placed in this context, David.