Believing Thomas

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April 14, 2012

Believing Thomas

In the Spirit The Rev. James Arrison The Daily News of Newburyport Sat Apr 14, 2012, 03:53 AM EDT

You have probably heard that it is bad to be a "doubting Thomas." I have often thought that Thomas had a bum rap. As Biblical characters go, Thomas is a pretty good role model. The Judeo-Christian scriptures are rich with multidimensional characters. Even the heroes are ordinary, complicated people with strengths and frailties. Thomas didn't happen to be in the room the first time Jesus appeared to the disciples after the resurrection. His bad reputation started when he didn't believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, based solely on his friends' word. "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 it."

What we see in Thomas' example is that doubt is a relational feeling. Doubt retains the idea of struggling with belief, even a desire to believe or at least seek out the available evidence.

Though I believe the evidence for God and the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus is all around us, we all have seasons of doubt. Perhaps, for some, the doubt comes from hard times of trial or loss. For others, doubt may be rooted in seeing supposedly good Christian folk do unconscionable things. There are even many who may never have really believed in God, but have had enough of a glimpse of God's love to begin to doubt their lack of belief.

These doubts are not an abandonment or dismissal of God, but are themselves evidence of a relationship with God — however troubled that relationship may be at the moment. The idea is not to dwell in the midst of these doubts and trials, but accept the doubt as an opportunity to explore our relationship to God. Peter, another of Jesus' otherwise faithful disciples, had denied Jesus leading up to his crucifixion and had doubted the testimony of the women who were the first witnesses of Jesus' resurrection. Though Peter had his doubts, he acted in faith by jumping up and running to the tomb to see for himself. Likewise, Thomas acted in faith by claiming his need to see Jesus to fully believe.

Thankfully, Jesus is the God of second chances. Jesus revealed himself to Peter, despite his denials and doubts. Likewise, Jesus revealed himself to Thomas, saying, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

From the place of our doubts and fears, it takes only the smallest step of faith to get a glimpse of hope. It may be as simple as acknowledging our doubts to God in prayer, opening up to a believing friend or clergy person. Imagine if it really were true that God knows you, loves you and through Jesus' death and resurrection, forgives you. If that really were true, what would be the next thing you would do? Taking the time to explore and live with these doubts can bring an even fuller life of faith.

In some sense, I hope I never let go of my doubts in this lifetime. I find those doubts challenge me to see those areas in my life that I am still holding back from God. Struggling with doubt transforms simple ideas about God into a rich and complex growing relationship with God.

Next time someone calls you a "doubting Thomas," perhaps your first reaction should be to say, "Thank you." I would suggest that a great next step would be to thank God.

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The Rev. James Arrison, of Rock Church Ministries, is a campus minister serving the First United Methodist Church of Amesbury.