DEALING WITH DOUBT
Facing uncertainties in our faith is never easy, but it is necessary. In the book Hard Questions, Real Answers (2003), Dr. William L. Craig, a theologian and philosopher, offers some practical suggestions for dealing with doubts:
1. Recognize that doubt is never purely an intellectual problem.
Every believer faces a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12). Doubt is not merely an intellectual matter, because Satan can use our doubts against us. He is described as a “roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8), and so we must be careful. The issue of doubt has a spiritual dimension because it also affects our spiritual life. This is also a challenge for pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders to be more committed in helping others face their questions. Never forget that training people to think more deeply, without encouraging them to doubt their faith, is equipping them for their spiritual battles.
2. When doubts arise, keep in mind the proper relationship between faith and reason.
As believers, we know our faith is true primarily because of the testimony of the Holy Spirit within us (1 Jn. 5:6–11). God’s testimony is greater than human testimony (v. 9). As children of God, we are being led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14), who guides us into all truth (Jn. 16:13). God gave us reason so that we may better understand our faith and defend it to others. Yet even when doubts (or intellectual struggles) come, our faith can still endure because of the Holy Spirit. Through dependence on the Spirit’s guidance, we can still believe even when we don’t yet have all the answers. “Rather, the secret is learning to live victoriously with one’s unanswered questions. By understanding the true foundation of our faith and by assigning to reason its proper role, we can prevent unanswered questions from turning into destructive doubts…For we shall know that our faith is true on the basis of the Spirit’s witness, and we can live confidently even while having questions we cannot answer.” (Craig, 2003)
3. Remember the frailty of our limited intellect and knowledge.
When we have doubts, instead of abandoning our faith because of them, it is better to admit our limitations—that we don’t yet have the answer. Just because we don’t know the answer doesn’t mean there is no answer at all. Our knowledge and understanding are extremely limited! Having unanswered questions is not enough to overturn all the strong reasons we have to believe that Christianity is true—not to mention that there is much more about God and the Bible that we do not yet know.
4. Pursue your doubts into the ground.
Every thinking Christian has a “question bag” full of unresolved issues. The key to handling doubts is to learn how to live victoriously while carrying this “question bag.” From time to time, when opportunities come, take out one question and look for an answer. When you resolve one of these burdens, it will bring a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind. It will also give you confidence that answers exist for other difficulties still in the “bag.” That’s why no matter how hard it is, questions must be faced! In fact, almost all of your doubts have probably already been thought of by others—and explanations may already be available. If you’re diligent enough, you’ll find answers. Even if not all questions are resolved, at least some will be reduced one by one.
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There are no easy steps to “fix” doubts. Some questions require more time and effort to resolve. With the help of the Holy Spirit, along with the believer’s curiosity and commitment, each uncertainty can lead to a deeper and more meaningful walk with Jesus. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5). Stay Curious.
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