Doubt is one of the most taboo topics in Christianity. Most people are under the impression that those who are truly faithful never experience spiritual doubt. They never have questions. They are never confused by what the Bible or their pastor says. They never struggle to reconcile faith with what they see or experience in an imperfect world. To the majority of Christians, doubt is equated with failing faith. To doubt is be to losing one’s way and a sign that a person might be slipping away from Christ. As such, all questions and doubts are ruthlessly suppressed. People do not admit they have doubts, or if they do, it is in an uncertain, trembling voice as if confessing some unspeakable shame. 

 

Churches need to address the fact that spiritual questions and doubts are normal. When a person who is grieving wonders why God would allow a good person to die young, they should not be ostracized or fed platitudes. They need to be able to have a frank discussion without facing the judgement of their congregation. Left alone, doubts fester and rot and can do serious damage to a person’s faith. When spiritual questions are addressed, however, they can be used as a force for good and actually strengthen a person’s faith.