Michael J, Kruger has some helpful advice for those dealing with (or helping others to deal with) doubt.

Here’s his advice, mainly in paraphrase form.

1. ‘Doubting is normal.’  It is a normal part of the Christian life.  The Scriptures are full of instances of doubt.  So is church history.  To doubt is not to reject your faith.  The Christian says, with the worried father in Mark 9:24: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”

2. ‘Christ was compassionate on doubters.’  Jesus understands the pain of being caught between belief and unbelief.  He did not scorn and shame such people, but was patient with them.  He does humiliate Thomas, but invites him toe “Put your finger here” (John 20:27).  “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench”  (Matthew 12:20/Isaiah 42:2).  For those whose faith seems to be falling apart, offer compassion rather than rebuke.

3. ‘Doubt is not a virtue to be pursued.’  In some places, doubt is a virtue to be celebrated.  It is certainty which is sinful.  Now, it is true that we cannot, and should not, be equally certain about everything we claim to believe.  But universal and unchecked doubt is a real danger.  In this, case we need to heed to words of Jesus: “Have faith and do not doubt”  (Matthew 21:21; cf. James 1:6)

4. ‘Doubt has many different causes.’ The doubting Christian is not necessarily deficient in intelligence, or uninformed about the evidence or the arguments.  Doubt cannot always be solved by giving a person yet another book to read.

On the other hand, there may be moral reasons for doubt.  A person may doubt because they have become aware of (or personally experienced) abuse in the church and an inadequate response to that abuse.  No wonder that if the church cannot be trusted, the God of the church may not be trusted either.  The church needs to adopt a posture of humility and compassion towards those who doubt for such reasons.

5. ‘Doubt has many different solutions.’  Some doubts can be dealt with by serious study.  But, sometimes, it is helpful and healthy to ‘doubt our doubts’: to ask questions of that which we are tempted to put in the place of Christian faith.

In conclusion: remember that in horror movies the same mistake regularly occurs: the protagonist wanders off alone in the dark.  When spiritual doubts start bubbling up, don’t wander off alone in the dark.  Instead, stay with the others and stay in the light.  Face your challenges with those who can support and encouragement.