Maybe I'm wrong in assuming that one of Jesus' own disciples required proof of his claims but if I'm correct

Question

than why would anyone who is a Christian have difficulty accepting that there are those who require proof?

Answer 1

The statement of Jesus in response to the "doubt" of Thomas has been pounded from so many pulpits that some think that even honest questions are evidence of doubt. Of course these preachers and priests didn't want you to doubt them!

Certainly one has blessings through belief without a visual, as Jesus promised, but note that Thomas got what he was seeking. Take all the Scripture into consideration and those who persist with God get what they are after. God presents Himself as a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

If you don't have proof to your own satisfaction, beyond the teaching you have accepted or were brought up with, ( beyond the claims of other men ), I wouldn't trust what I had and would move on. Nobody else in the universe can answer for any other. If Christians point someone wrong then that persons blood is upon their heads as well.

My objection is not that people seek proof; but that they lie about being seekers; require it of someone else or limit truth to reactions between proteins.

Everyman is responsible for his own; and the most brilliant minds are not saved from egotism and spiritual blindness.

It is not questions; but the condition of your heart in relation to your mind that makes all the difference

Answer 2

You are correct. Personally, I came from a place of nonbelief for 30-something years, so it's not too hard for me to accept. But sometimes it is, because I'm so completely convinced now. And my life has changed so much as a result of Jesus, that of course I would love for everyone to know this love. We are only human, and without our insides having been changed by the Spirit, it would only make sense that proof would be needed. Proof for me actually came (and continues to come) after I accepted Christ. If you are requiring proof or know someone who is, I found a great book called One Heartbeat Away: Your Journey Into Eternity by Mark Cahill. The best examination of evidence and arguments I've ever read.

Answer 3

Maybe you speak of Thomas who doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead, I think he may have needed that because of hi own doubt that is a very different thing than just doubting to be doubting because your human mind cannot accept some of the facts written in the Bible, I also have had a lot of doubt of some things and I questioned it until I found an answer usually in the Bible
It is natural to say why this and why that there is always an answer
thanks

Answer 4

You're referring to the disciple Thomas, who would not believe that the Lord had risen from the dead until he (Thomas) had seen it for himself and touched the Lord's body physically.

But remember that after he got his proof, Thomas did not feel satisfaction -- he felt shame and regret that he did not believe beforehand.

Jesus did not condemn Thomas because He knows human nature -- He knows that faith without proof is a very hard thing for us.

But He was also careful to point out for Thomas -- and for us -- that true faith is not about proof. He even used the word "happy" to describe the feeling of not having proof and yet still believing.

Thomas' weak faith, while understandable, is not held up as the Christian ideal.

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Answer 5

All the Christians I know wouldn't put someone down who want proof. But If your Talking about 'Doubting Thomas' when he had to put is fingers in Jesus, side and holes in his hands. It wasn't that he had doubt of who Jesus was, it was that the person who was in front of him, truly was Jesus. I mean let's say you followed someone who you believed was the messiah, then you saw him hung on a cross and killed. Then you saw him 3 days later standing in front of you. Wouldn't you have a lot of emotions running through your head?

As far as proof. For the true believer, it's having faith that what you've read in the bible is true. Every believer at moments have doubts. But that;s what faith is. Believing in what the Word of God tells us. But everyone I know, after that initial faith, have felt the presence of God at times in their life. They feel at times his spirit in them. It's just taking that first step, then you grow in faith. But if you are around Christians that have difficulty being around others that want proof, find new christian friends

Answer 6

Thomas......The Skeptic...Requiring proof of your faith is a good and healthy thing.....The scriptures say to keep testing your faith....If you ask hard questions, you will sooner filter out the garbage if all the false prophesy going around..
I will never understand those born of faith, not questioning and testing their beliefs...
I spent 22 years as a Jehovah's Witness...now being a true christian, I am VERY hard on pastors....They need to be able to answer my questions with proper biblical answers.

Answer 7

I think most Christians look at a sign of "doubt" as a weakness. There's absolutely nothing wrong with asking for proof. But to do that means you will be looked down upon by the religious masses. Asking for proof is grounds for "shunning." But hey, if there weren't any of us out there asking for proof, there would be no opportunities for most Christians to feel superior.

Answer 8

He the disciple was asking for proof of the Resurrection,, and when he touched the hole from the nail he believe and fell to his knees.. Is that the proof you are asking about,, If you knew 12 people and knew them well or had heard of them and they all believe this really happened,, and were willing to die a horrible death, (stoning,decapitation,crucified) and did die that way would you also believe ??Would you die for a lie ??

Answer 9

You are correct, Ivy Vine:

Jesus told Thomas that he believed because he placed his hand in Jesus´wound, blessed are those who have not seen and believe.

Yet God does not expect our faith to be blind. For those who want to live the heavenly lifestyle, there is ample evidence in His Word to substantiate the faith.

But for those who wish to continue their lives, and know the cost of discipleship, God spoke in parables just to confound them. He has enough problems with Satan´s implants . He does not need the wholesale entrance of unreformed transgressors in His church.

There is a Bible code, the only part of the Bible that twice says the words are closed until the end of the days. It will help build faith because the saints have great trials to go through before the controversy is over. select http://abiblecode.tripod.com

Blessings, Balaam

Answer 10

Faith based on acceptance without seeing is required of all Christians since Christ ascended to His Father.