In the first half of life within my circles of “faith,” doubts were a sign of faithlessness or were simply ignored. Nowadays I feel that it is dishonest and unnecessarily shaming to pretend away doubts. Plus, the vulnerability of uncertainty has been (for me) a more realistic spot from which to prayerfully reach out for - and experience - the mercy of God.
My father, who was a Methodist minister and had served in Vietnam, was willing to talk with me about doubt and questions from the time I was old enough to understand. That willingness to let there be unanswered questions or doubt or struggles with faith is one of his greatest gifts to me.
In the first half of life within my circles of “faith,” doubts were a sign of faithlessness or were simply ignored. Nowadays I feel that it is dishonest and unnecessarily shaming to pretend away doubts. Plus, the vulnerability of uncertainty has been (for me) a more realistic spot from which to prayerfully reach out for - and experience - the mercy of God.
Beautiful comment, Amanda. Thank you.
My father, who was a Methodist minister and had served in Vietnam, was willing to talk with me about doubt and questions from the time I was old enough to understand. That willingness to let there be unanswered questions or doubt or struggles with faith is one of his greatest gifts to me.
Thank you Scott.