Is It Okay to Have Doubts About Faith?
Doubt is often seen as the opposite of faith, but is that really the case? As a Christian theologian, I want to affirm that not only is it okay to have doubts about faith—it is a natural, even essential, part of a living and growing relationship with God. Many churches in Boulder, Colorado, and around the world, echo this conviction: doubt is not a sign of spiritual failure, but a sign of honest engagement with the mysteries of God.
Doubt as a Natural Part of Faith
Faith is not about having all the answers or achieving perfection. Rather, it is a journey marked by questions, struggles, and growth. Churches such as All Souls Boulder and St. Paul's Boulder encourage their members to bring their doubts and questions into the open. In these communities, doubt is not something to be ashamed of, but a normal and expected part of the Christian life.
“Faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to trust God in the midst of uncertainty.”
This openness is rooted in the belief that faith should grow from understanding, approached thoughtfully and with reason. As North Boulder Community Church teaches, doubt can be a step toward deeper clarity and a stronger relationship with God.
Biblical Examples of Doubt
The Bible is filled with stories of faithful people who experienced doubt. Gideon asked God for signs (Judges 6), Abraham questioned God’s promises (Genesis 15), Moses doubted his own ability to lead (Exodus 3-4), John the Baptist sent messengers to ask Jesus if He was truly the Messiah (Luke 7:18-23), and Thomas famously doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus for himself (John 20:24-29). Even these heroes of faith were not immune to uncertainty.
These stories show that doubt is not a barrier to faith, but often a catalyst for deeper trust and understanding. God meets people in their doubts, offering reassurance, guidance, and grace.
Doubt as a Pathway to Deeper Faith
Renowned pastor and theologian Tim Keller once compared faith without doubt to a body without antibodies: “People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic.” In other words, doubt functions like spiritual antibodies, helping faith become robust and mature by engaging with hard questions.
Christianity does not call for “blind faith”—an unthinking acceptance of doctrine without question. Instead, it invites us to wrestle with our doubts, to seek understanding, and to grow through the process. This active engagement is a sign of a living faith, not a weak one.
How Churches Respond to Doubt
In Boulder and beyond, many church communities are committed to walking alongside those who wrestle with doubt. Sermons, small groups, and pastoral care are designed to create safe spaces for honest questions. As Flatirons Community Church teaches, doubt is not the enemy of faith, but a vital part of it. It is met with grace, patience, and a willingness to journey together.
If you are experiencing doubt, know that you are not alone. The church is a place where you can bring your honest questions and struggles, and find support as you seek deeper understanding.
Conclusion: Doubt and the Journey of Faith
In summary, doubt is not the enemy of faith, but a companion on the journey. It is a sign of a living, growing relationship with God. The Christian tradition, the witness of Scripture, and the experience of church communities all affirm that it is okay—even healthy—to have doubts about faith. Bring your questions, your uncertainties, and your struggles. God welcomes them, and so does the church.
If you are wrestling with doubt, take heart: you are in good company, and your faith community is ready to walk with you through it.
Further Reading:
All Souls Boulder |
St. Paul's Boulder |
North Boulder Community Church