Doubt: Thomas the Apostle - From Skepticism to Faith
Doubt: Thomas the Apostle - From Skepticism to Faith
By Michael E. Wheelon, Revelation Watchers Contributor
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I got up this morning and had some spare time, so I scanned the internet's main pages to see what was on the world's mind. I was amazed at how many articles were sprinkled among the stories about a possible war with China, articles that told me how to pay off credit card debt quickly, or why my house needed a new gutter guard system.
To my pleasant surprise, there were several stories about Jesus and Christianity. I said to myself, maybe the great awakening is beginning! My joy soon dissolved into sadness after reviewing the stories; I discovered that they were mostly stories about how Jesus was a myth, how many things we thought were in the Bible were made up, and a series on what Christianity is and is not.
Exploring Doubt: The Story of Thomas
After my review, it was obvious that a great awakening wasn't occurring, but these articles were all used to spread doubt among their audiences. So, this became the catalyst for this story; I decided to look at the most famous doubter in the Bible. That being Thomas, the disciple who grappled with doubt and eventually found unwavering faith.
Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, was one of the twelve main disciples of Jesus Christ. According to ancient church historian Eusebius, Peter and his brother Andrew brought Thomas into Jesus's discipleship. (Williams, 2024)
"God is telling me this is the sequel to Hal Lindsey’s book The Late Great Planet Earth. It’s the fifty-years-later sequel." - Pastor Paul Begley
Thomas' Encounter with Jesus
As a Galilean, Thomas likely crossed paths with other future apostles who also hailed from fishing communities in Galilee. His most famous moment occurs in the Gospel of John, where he expresses skepticism about Jesus' resurrection.
In John 20:25, Thomas boldly declared, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Despite witnessing Jesus' miracles and hearing His teachings, Thomas struggled to accept the astonishing claim of Christ's resurrection. His doubt stemmed from a need for direct evidence—a tangible encounter with the risen Lord. While there is no direct evidence that he was a fisherman like some of the other apostles, maybe he was a scientific-minded man who needed raw empirical evidence. We don't know. We know that Thomas was a Jew, but his occupation before becoming an apostle remains unclear. Unlike fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, Thomas's profession is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament.
Thomas' Post-Resurrection Journey
So, Thomas expressed his doubt, and Jesus responded to it in His infinite compassion. When they were gathered together, He appeared to the disciples, including Thomas. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds—the very marks of crucifixion that Thomas had demanded as proof. At that moment, Thomas saw the resurrected Christ and exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
Jesus' response to Thomas holds immense significance: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). This statement transcends Thomas' personal experience, emphasizing the faith of future generations who would believe without physical proof. Thomas' doubt became a catalyst for understanding the power of faith alone.
Following Jesus' resurrection, Thomas continued to serve Him faithfully. Although the New Testament provides limited details about his post-resurrection activities, tradition suggests that Thomas played a vital role in spreading the Gospel. According to traditional accounts among the Saint Thomas Christians in modern-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India, Thomas traveled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel. (Hopler, 2019)
He reached as far as Mylapore in South India (modern-day Tamil Nadu) and Muziris (modern- day North Paravur and Kodungalloor in Kerala State) around AD 52, proclaiming the message of Christ. His unwavering commitment to the risen Savior exemplifies the transformative impact of encountering Jesus. (Hopler, 2019)
Thomas' initial doubt paved the way for a profound revelation that resonates with believers throughout history. His journey from skepticism to faith reminds us that even in our doubts, Jesus meets us with grace and invites us to believe beyond what our eyes can see.
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Understanding Doubt in Christianity
We have all suffered from doubt at some point and level in our Christian walk. Doubt regarding the existence of Jesus is a complex matter influenced by various factors. Let's explore some of the main reasons why people take this stance:
Common Causes of Doubt
Emotional Doubt:
Circumstances play a significant role in shaping our beliefs. When people face tragedy, loss, or disappointment, they may question God's existence. They wonder why a loving and powerful God would allow suffering or pain.
Emotional doubt often arises from questions like, "Why did God let my loved one die?" or "Why did God allow this to happen to me?" These experiences can lead to doubts about God's goodness and existence.
Moral Doubt:
Some individuals reject the idea of God because they are engaged in sin or addiction. They fear acknowledging God's existence would require them to be accountable for their actions.
When people want to continue living in a way contrary to God's standards, they may consciously or subconsciously deny His existence. Moral doubt can be a defense mechanism to avoid facing personal responsibility.
Historical Skepticism:
Historians and scholars sometimes question Jesus' historical existence. While there is evidence supporting Jesus' life and teachings, some argue that the available writings are tainted or incomplete.
The Bible's account of Jesus' life has gaps, leaving room for skepticism. However, it's essential to recognize that historical evidence extends beyond religious texts.
Desire for Autonomy:
Pride and a desire for self-control often drive people to reject God. They want to run their own lives without interference.
Believing in God would mean acknowledging His authority and potentially changing their lifestyle. Some prefer autonomy over surrendering to a higher power.
Addressing Doubt and Finding Faith
Doubt about Jesus' existence can stem from emotional experiences, moral conflicts, historical skepticism, and a desire for independence. However, engaging in open-minded exploration and considering the evidence before concluding is crucial. So, what can we do to help overcome this issue?
Jude 22 encourages us to "have mercy on those who doubt." Instead of judging or looking down on doubters, be there for them, comforting and building them up. Patience and understanding are essential when addressing doubts in others and ourselves.
Navigating Doubt in Faith
Doubt often emerges during our 20s and 30s as our faith matures. I know mine did during this period in my life. Consider it as the birth pangs of deeper faith. Testing and trials refine our understanding and commitment to God. Doubt can lead to stronger faith if we engage with it constructively.
While God has revealed much to us, there are still "secret" things that belong to Him alone (Deuteronomy 29:29). Accept that we won't fully comprehend everything (e.g., the Trinity or creation from nothing). Rest in God even when mystery arises.
Focus on the essentials. Paul emphasized the "things of first importance," including Christ's atoning death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3). Don't let secondary issues distract you. Trust in the central truths of the faith.
Strengthening Faith through Scripture
Fill your thoughts with truth from Scripture. Dive into God's Word to strengthen your faith. Study the evidence that supports what you believe. The more rooted you are in biblical truth, the better equipped you'll be to combat doubt.
Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and pray for you. Seek wise counsel from pastors, mentors, or spiritual friends. The community provides support during seasons of doubt.
Cultivate a heart of gratitude. Reflect on God's faithfulness and past answered prayers. Regularly pray, pouring out your doubts and seeking God's presence. Prayer connects us to the source of our faith.
Remember that doubt is not the end of faith; it's an opportunity for growth. (Patton, 2016)
As you navigate doubt just like Thomas did, trust that God can use it to strengthen you and benefit others experiencing similar struggles.
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Michael E. Wheelon, a retired GG-14, held distinguished roles in security, counterintelligence, and special program oversight at the Special Access Programs Division, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Previously, as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) in the Air, Space, and Cyber Directorate, Space Superiority Division, he supervised Counterspace Operations at Peterson Air Force Base. With a military career spanning 31 countries and seven deployments, Wheelon fulfilled critical roles, including heavy weapons operator, high-frequency voice communications operator, ground station operator for high-valued space platforms, and signals intelligence instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information and Networking Operations from Chapman University and a master’s certification in Executive Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, along with several certifications such as the Senior Command Management Civilian Certification Course and the Secretary of the Air Forces’ Program Security Officer (PSO) Certification Course. Wheelon's accolades include numerous Airman and NCO of the Year awards and a Finalist nomination for the USAF's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Following retirement, he teaches at a Bible College in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and contributes to Paul Begley Ministries. Outside his professional pursuits, Wheelon enjoys drumming, backpacking, skiing, ice climbing, and spending time with his wife, Shelley, and their dog, Boo.
Join us in Prayer: Praying for Blessing: Sending Grace and Guidance Through Revelation Watchers
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you with hearts full of gratitude and reverence as we prepare to send out this newsletter through Revelation Watchers. We thank you for the opportunity to share insights and encouragement with our readers through this platform.
Lord, we lift up Michael Wheelon, the writer of this article, to you. We pray for inspiration and wisdom as he communicates important messages about faith and understanding to the readers. May his words be filled with clarity, truth, and grace, touching the hearts of those who receive them.
We also pray for the Revelation Watchers team, who diligently work to spread messages that honor you and promote understanding of your Word. Bless them with unity, creativity, and perseverance in their mission.
Lastly, Lord, we lift up the readers of this newsletter. May each person who encounters these words be touched, blessed and healed by your Spirit. Open their hearts to receive the messages shared and deepen their faith as they engage with the content.
Lord, we commit this newsletter into your hands, trusting that you will use it to glorify your name and draw people closer to you. May your presence go with every word and reach those who need to hear your truth.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.