Sincere question for Christians - what do you do when you have doubts?

Question

I mean no disrespect in this question. I just sincerly want to know.


What do you do when you have doubts about your faith?


If you don't ever doubt your faith, then this question probably does not apply. But I suspect that most Christians/believers our there are a little more reasonable.

I'm sure many of you see atheistic arguments or arguments about the validity of other faiths over Christianity, and have moments where you think, 'maybe I am wrong.' But then you come back to believing.

So my question is, how do you do this?

Lazar - Yuck!

Wonderfully and fearfully made - usually, I try to pick an answer of someone who has answered the question I've asked. However, I'm picking yours for several reasons. One, because I want to tell you I'm glad to see the writing I knew you were capable of. Two, because your answer seemed so heartfelt.

It's so funny, I was just thinking to myself before I saw your answer 'maybe if I spent the time that I spend on the R&S section on this site, as well as on the religiously related books, I would be a better scientist.

But in many things we probably agree: if there really is a God, It would be of extreme importance to know that.

While at this time in my life, I can find no convincing evidence, and I see faith in one religion, just as good as faith in another, I will always try to be open to the possibility that I am wrong.

Today, you have reminded me that I should never close down that possibility.

Thank you.

Answer 1

If you don't ever doubt your faith, then this question probably does not apply. But I suspect that most Christians/believers our there are a little more reasonable.

Doubt my faith? Can you doubt your existence? Can you doubt your consciousness? I can not imagine how one could do such a thing. You see, the root problem, the problem that caused Christ to say ‘the road to hell, is broad and wide, but the path to heaven is narrow’ is when people put their ‘faith’ in religion, church, ideology, a pastor, science, what ever, they are bound to be disappointed. All of these are going to let you down at one time or another. That’s the problem with human nature. On the other hand, when you put your trust in Christ, he is a friend that will stick closer to you than a brother. He is the lover of your soul. He is the reason for which you were made. I fear so few know him. Just as your previous question dealt with ‘how many who understand evolution’ knows a creationist who understands, I would ask, how many non-believers who have read the bible, understand the bible? And I will chance to guess at an answer of less than 1%. If you had spent just 1% of the amount of time you have spent pursuing answers in science, on finding the true answers from the source, you would see how empty your question is. It is no more possible when you KNOW God to doubt him, than it is doubt the rising of tomorrow’s sun. He can not lie, he can not forget, and he will not fail.

I'm sure many of you see atheistic arguments or arguments about the validity of other faiths over Christianity, and have moments where you think, 'maybe I am wrong.' But then you come back to believing.

Not at all. What validity? All other faiths are once again just repackaged attempts by man to get back to a god. Or even worse such as Buddhism finding truth within ourselves. All the while denying the only real truth too ever exsist. OF my 40 years of life as well as my 20 years in knowing the God I serve, I have never had a flash of doubt. What a loss some such as you, who look for the truth most of your lives, refuse to accept such a simple truth that is right before you all the while. I sincerely hope your eyes will one day be opened.

Answer 2

I think the doubts should be faced head on. Let's take Lazar for example. He quotes versus in which the Bible writer predicts the future of Israel if they don't keep their covenant with God. Then Lazar jumps to the conclusion that this dire prediction is what God wants or is God's punishment. Lazar turns a warning of danger into a threat of punishment.

What would be the result if a parent told a teenager not to speed when driving but the teenager did anyway? Wouldn't the likely result be a gory scene? When ought God just let us have our way and let us suffer the consequences?

What is the lesson? God warns but if the warning is ignored, He lets the natural consequences happen. Critics like Lazar aren't much of a threat when you investigate and learn for yourself.

Answer 3

I had many doubts. I was utterly confused. It was for this reason I stopped calling myself a Christian because I felt like a hypocrite if I had these doubts. This was over the summer and it continued until November. Now I'm back again, it was mostly the division in Christianity that confused me and the Old Testament. After much research and guidance from many people I've come to see that Jesus's words are what really matters. That just because some Christians are radical doesn't the religion is wrong. In the Bible it said "by their fruits ye shall know them" and "seek and ye shall find". I sought and I finally found what I was looking for. I hope to do well and I know that just because someone calls themselves Christian doesn't mean they are following Christ's word. I believe and nature has proven to me how a creator is present in every way. I hope not to stray again and to find everlasting peace.

Answer 4

When I was young and so was my faith, I had doubts. I read, I studied (no computers then young'un lol) at the library, I talked to whoever would discuss it and most importantly, I listened to myself and my own opinion.

Now I'm older; much, much older lol ... and the only doubts I have are about my own abilities to do it right. Being an old lady in her 40's I can say with full confidence that I know what is truly important in this life; and sometimes I doubt my own goofy self as to whether I can live up to my responsibility.

But I suppose that's not really a "doubting the faith" thing, I guess we all have doubts about ourselves lol

Answer 5

I think it is fact that all, or most all Christians have doubts about their faith at one time or another. I think that doubting can be a part of faith and the two are inseparable.This happens to most people at some point in their faith-life and it's not at all a comfortable thing. Each person will probably have their own ways of coping with these periods of desolation, these 'dark nights' and, to some extent, the coping mechanisms are individual things. For most of us doubting leads to searching which leads to answers and a stronger faith.

Answer 6

I think that all believers at one time or another has had doubts. Doubt is a human nature. Thomas, one of the 12, had doubts and when I look at his doubt, that's how most Christians wrestle with doubt. I don't doubt that God exists, I don't doubt that Jesus died and was resurrected by God for the salvation of all mankind. That Jesus' sacrifice enables all that come to Jesus to have eternal life. My doubt's come from my own humanity and how effective I am at conveying God's truth to all those that hear.
When that surfaces I turn to the Holy Scripture, "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." (Luke 12:11,12) This correlates to anytime I am put on the spot with questions about God, I must relax and not worry about what will be said, just let the Holy Spirit move within me.

Answer 7

Honestly, (I know it sounds cheesy) I listen to my heart. I go outside and listen to the wind, watch the trees, feel the snow fall. There are things about faith that can not be explained. This is coming from a person who was brought up to follow science and nothing else. Really, my faith is found in complete silence. No discussing, no arguing. I just have to quiet my thoughts. Stop obsessing about the what if's. I believe that I am flawed and that if i am meant to understand something, I will. If not, I'll just have to be a strong enough person to shut up and take it.

Sorry. A bit of a rant, but that's what I do.

Answer 8

Used to have doubts.
Did my homework.
No more doubts.

Acts 17:10 Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas out to Be·roe´a, and these, upon arriving, went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·ni´ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them became believers, and so did not a few of the reputable Greek women and of the men.

“Be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”—ROMANS 12:2.

Answer 9

Hello, Skeptic:

Yes, Satan said: "Has God said you will never die?" Yes, Satan uses serpents and people to instill doubt and weaken our faith, BUT...

God has given us so much tangible evidence for His truthfulness that there is no reason for anyone to fail unless, like Judas, they are clinging to some cherished sin (He was secretly "paying himself" from the disciples purse.

There are 300 prophecies in the O.T. that spoke of Christ's coming and death--they literally fulfilled. For example, one symbolic prophecy concerned Adam's wounded side where He got his Bride. likewise, Jesus receives His church from the wound he suffered.

Then there are the timed prophecies that predicted the exact year Jesus would be baptized, and the year and month He would be crucified.

So we can look at fulfilled prophecies and know that God is faithful, and the handfull that remain will certainly fulfill--it's a sure bet.

One more thing, Skeptic, I once walked the street of infidelity and doubt, but never want to return. And a Bible code puts it all together. You will be amazed at the information God has provided to strengthen your faith in the Messiah and coming events. See http://abiblecode.tripod.com

Shalom, peace in Jesus, Ben Yeshua

Answer 10

It is good to have doubts about the teachings and traditions of man. We need to question what people say and not just have blind faith. We need to search it out and find out the truth. When you do this your faith will be strong and not be broken. Believe in God and not in man. Get to know God and you will have faith. God does speak through man though as He did with Jesus. Find God's voice and you will have faith.