Is Skepticism Good for Your Faith?

When you go to your church, synagogue, or mosque to worship, what do you see? You'll probably see a lot of other people who share your beliefs. Of course, there may be some differences when it comes to specifics, but for the most part, you can agree on matters of faith. It is comforting to know that there are others who can relate to your struggles and can guide you when you're feeling a bit lost.

But, is it really so bad to question your religious beliefs from time-to-time? If you have never gone through a period of doubt, your faith may have a hard time flourishing. Much like a relationship where two people avoid conflict at all costs, your religious beliefs have a hard time deepening and solidifying unless they have been tested. Remaining curious and searching for answers to the hard questions can be an eye-opening and rewarding experience.

Don't Be Ashamed if You Have Doubts

A lot of people have a hard time admitting that they have some doubts about their religious beliefs. For many, this is due to either the spoken or unspoken pressure of clergy. Therefore, rather than reaching out to other people of the same faith for help, many try to keep their questions a secret. In some cases, this may be the best way to search for an answer because you are then free to process information without outside influences. On the other hand, the wealth of information that is available on religion can be so overwhelming that it leaves the skeptic more confused than they were originally. Only you can decide what is best in your situation.

To this end, a skeptic needs to be focused on the issue or question at hand. You may start with a question like, "Is there any proof that Noah built an ark and that it rained 40 days and 40 nights?" From that point, you can seek specific information that will lead you to an answer. Once you ask a pointed question though, it is almost inevitable that others will follow.

For example, you might wonder why the evolutionary theory is discounted in your religious circle. Once you learn about creationism and feel as if you have a hold on it, you may start to think—but what about the dinosaurs? The Bible doesn't talk about Noah taking dinosaurs on the ark! That leads to yet another set of inquiries. Many people find that questioning their religious beliefs is a never-ending process. This keeps the learning process alive and helps broaden and deepen your faith.

Keep Your Quest for Answers on Course

Faith is a very personal thing and it is normal to get emotional if you're having doubts. To stay focused on the issue at hand without veering due to high levels of anxiety or stress, ask yourself these questions:

• What specific information am I seeking? Do I want to find the answer on my own or do I want the help of someone of my own faith?
• Does the information I've found completely answer my question?
• If not, what other questions do I have and where can I find information that will lead me to an answer?
• Am I satisfied with the conclusion I've come to or do I still feel uneasy?

Once you get to this last question, if you are troubled by what you've found, it may be necessary to seek the help of a pastor, priest, rabbi, or imam. They will be able to offer moral support and resources that will lead you to an answer. Questioning your religious beliefs will inevitably feel a little uncomfortable at first—that's perfectly normal. You can learn a lot about yourself and your religion's beliefs as you go. What might have taken years of study to discover without the encouragement of doubt can be quickly gleaned when you are passionate about finding the answer to a burning question.