Good doubts and bad doubts

Doubt is a natural part of any faith journey. A reasonable doubt, born of an open and questioning mind, can actually strengthen faith by challenging us to deepen our understanding and commitment. However, doubt that springs from fear, apathy, or cowardice serves only as an obstacle to faith.

Blind faith with no room for inquiry tends toward unthinking dogma. But doubts motivated by intellectual humility invite us to wrestle with complexities, synthesizing rationality with belief. In this struggle, we emerge with a hard-won, thoughtful faith. Doubts arising from laziness or fear, however, sap faith’s power. They discourage the soul-searching faith requires. This doubt erodes our convictions precisely when challenges demand strong beliefs. It diverts us to easier paths. The difference lies in our motives. Reasonable doubt propels us toward enlightenment. Doubts of cowardice lead us to darkness. By examining our doubts’ origins, we can discern which ones illuminate our faith journey.

Matthew 14:22-33. “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-225: AUGUST 13, 2023]