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Thoughts on doubting and questioning:

Posted by John on June 27th, 2006 at 11:24 am · 5 Comments

  • Even the most fervent believers acknowledge doubt as a virtue (in others)–if it takes you in the right direction.¬† From my own experience as a missionary, I was pretty happy when I encountered a potential convert to Mormonism who had profound doubts concerning their childhood belief system.
  • Every major religious founder had the impact they did because they questioned the prevailing beliefs and customs of their day.¬† (please provide counter examples if you can.)
  • We valorize people like Socrates, Galileo, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr., and Gandhi for having the courage to question and challenge the status quo (granted, there are many others we don’t put on pedestals).
  • I often feel disapproval (and occasionally ostracized or vilified) for doubting, questioning and speaking my doubts.¬† Then I think of people like those I listed above–all of whom were persecuted for following their conscience.¬† I feel like I’m in good company.
  • It’s more difficult to pioneer your own trail than to follow a clearly marked, well-trodden path.¬† It’s easier to get lost and to despair.¬† But if you’re convinced that the road you were walking doesn’t lead where you want it to go (or where you thought it went), then you may be left with little choice but to navigate by the stars.
  • I feel lucky to have encountered other trailblazers in the wilderness.¬† I enjoy sharing experiences with them.¬† Sometimes our paths join and we journey together for awhile.¬† Once again, I feel that I’m in good company.

Tags: Doubt

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Johnny // Jun 27, 2006 at 9:17 pm

    I find it strange that we worship the doubter and non-conformists of the past and then vilify the ones of the present. It is a hard thing for me to figure out, as I have also felt ostracized for such doubting. One of my favorite works on the subject is Emerson’s essay Self Reliance. As he says, “Whose would be a man must be a non-conformist!” (gender inclusive language required) A great essay for all those who feel the whip of tradition crack every once and a while.

  • 2 old prof // Jun 28, 2006 at 12:35 am

    I dunno about the trail blazing John. Sometimes to me its seem more like Midway this life you have awakened to find yourself in a dark wood. I’m not sure Schmidt(?) is the trailblazing guide you’r seeking through all the …(I dont think I can spell mal bouges)or whatever of life.
    or as Omar said, look not to the stars for guidance, they roll as impotently as you and I.
    (Literary fest)

  • 3 Miko // Jun 28, 2006 at 8:13 am

    I actually find it interesting that Christians do not honor St. Thomas all that much. After all, he was the only person to touch Jesus after he rose…and I agree that doubting is very often the way to a very strong fate. It’s like being tested in the fire.

  • 4 John // Jul 6, 2006 at 4:25 pm

    Johnny, “Self Reliance” is on my reading list–it’s been awhile since I’ve read any Emerson (this site’s domain name was inspired by an Emerson biography).

    Miko, Catholics on the Indian subcontinent adore St. Thomas (I think they even call themselves Thomas Christians), but you’re right that westerners don’t honor him much at all. Maybe this will change with the growing popularity of the gnostic Gospel of Thomas…

  • 5 Jonathan // Aug 15, 2006 at 8:00 am

    A great post! My own questioning and doubt has caused me to leave many churches that I have attended in the past. Sadly it seems that in most religious institutions I’ve been a part of, thinking like this is percieved as a danger to the people in power there, and uncomfortable to people who want to practice “religion” by just going to church on Sunday (or whenever they go) to make God happy, do the right thing, believe whatever the pastor/priest says, and not rock the boat. I will never be this way – I find it revolting. But as you said, thinking for yourself and doubting is a hard way to go.

    However, it is the ONLY way. What if we weren’t like this? What would happen? Complacency and inevidable spiritual death. We will look to other pursuits in life and try to fill the spiritual hole with them instead.

    BTW, you have a great weblog here! I have been reading for over a year, although never leaving comments until now, and I always look forward to you thoughts on things. Keep up the good work!

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