The Positive Benefits of Doubt
Some people take the art of skepticism to such lofty heights that it becomes a reflexive response to anything they don't like or agree with. Others employ doubt sincerely and inquisitively, applying the aphorism named for the late cosmologist Carl Sagan - extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. After reading the Gospel story of "doubting Thomas" (John 20:19-31) Fr. Garrett lauds the apostle for his insistence on seeing Jesus with his own eyes after hearing his companions' claim that Jesus' appeared to them following his crucifixion. Personal experience of the presence of God is a necessary anchor of faith for most people considering the extraordinary Christian claim of the resurrection. If you, like Thomas, have doubts, that might be a good thing. It just depends on whether those doubts also motivate you, like Thomas, to pursue the extraordinary evidence.