Lately I have been thinking a lot about . . . DOUBT.
Do you think it is healthy for churches, pastors or Christians in general to engage in conversations that create doubt? I think that this whole hullabaloo about Rob Bell‘s book Love Wins, will cause some who read it to doubt things that they have been taught about the Christian faith or its traditions. I believe that at times during Bell’s book he creates a doubt in the mind of the reader, at least he did for me. Is this irresponsible of him? Or is it okay to engage people in conversations that create doubt?
It has often been said to me and to others that “God is bigger than all of your doubts and questions.” If that is really true, then is it unhealthy to create a conversation of doubt about a certain part of the Christian faith or Christian traditions? Is any level of doubt healthy?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
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In my opinion, it’s okay for Christians to experience doubt, and I think churches should engage this topic even more. People get scared about doubt, because the immediate thought is that people will turn away from God. However, doubt can lead people into a deeper level of growth with God, because doubt often times, leads people to research to find answers. It promotes healthy conversations and a level of transparency that most of the time is hidden out of fear.
Great thoughts Tony. I thought about this a lot yesterday, because for me Bell’s book didn’t cause much doubt, but it did force me to engage in the topic, do some research and pull out my Bible dictionaries, study Bible notes, etc. I am better off because it has caused me to deepen my knowledge of the subject.
I really like what you said, “transparency” is so important! Thanks for chiming in.