DEALING WITH DOUBT

Dallas Willard (1935-2013) wrote, “The great problem facing the gospel of Jesus Christ is not the doubt outside the church; it is the doubt that is inside the church. We need to be able to deal with doubt lovingly, helpfully, and especially without ever scolding or shaming anyone for doubting.”

And yet, even as I am surrounded many times in doubt by what seems like contradictions, stubbornness or intimidation, I often remain very quiet and withdrawn for fear of rejection from others because of my doubts. As Willard says, “we need to be able to deal with doubt lovingly…” I must admit this was much more the case when I was younger… now I truly don’t care too much what others may think of my doubts. If I cannot share that space with you…I need an even wider space, or if I cannot share my doubts with you, so be it.

“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” Jesus