The Meaning of Skepticism: Doubt and Faith in the Bible

What is skepticism?

Skepticism, in theological contexts, is a questioning or doubting attitude toward truth claims, particularly those concerning faith and divine revelation.

The Bible acknowledges skepticism as a human response to faith, as seen in John 20:25, where Thomas demands physical evidence of Jesus’ resurrection before believing. This verse highlights how doubt can coexist with faith, while also emphasizing the call to trust in God’s promises.

Skepticism in the Story of Thomas (John 20:25)

In John 20:25, Thomas’ skepticism reflects a deep human struggle to reconcile faith with tangible evidence.

Jesus does not rebuke Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He invites him to examine His resurrected body, saying, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side' (John 20:27). Thomas’ immediate response - 'My Lord and my God!' - demonstrates how faith can emerge when doubt is met with grace and evidence. Jesus’ patient engagement underscores the Bible’s recognition of doubt as a legitimate part of spiritual growth.

This interaction models a biblical approach to skepticism: addressing it with compassion and verifiable truth. Jesus’ later commendation of 'those who have not seen and yet have believed' (John 20:29) balances the need for evidence with the call to trust beyond physical proof.

Biblical Responses to Skepticism

Scripture addresses skepticism by affirming the role of evidence in faith while emphasizing trust in God's character, as seen in Hebrews 11:1.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as 'confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,' suggesting that faith is not blind but requires a foundation of evidence and trust. The Bible acknowledges doubt as part of the human experience (e.g., Thomas in John 20:25), yet provides frameworks for balancing it with trust in divine promises. This balance invites believers to seek understanding while relying on God's faithfulness.

The Bible does not dismiss skepticism but engages it through reasoned inquiry and relational encounters with God. Jesus's interaction with Thomas models patience and evidence-based responses to doubt (John 20:25-27), showing that doubt can lead to deeper faith when met with grace. At the same time, Hebrews 11:1 underscores that faith involves trusting in God's character and promises even when evidence is incomplete. This dual approach allows for intellectual honesty while nurturing spiritual growth rooted in divine reliability.

The Role of Evidence in Theological Skepticism

The interplay between faith and evidence in Christian theology finds a pivotal example in Jesus’ encounter with Thomas, where skepticism is met with both tangible proof and a call to deeper trust.

Jesus’ invitation to Thomas - 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side' (John 20:27) - demonstrates a biblical willingness to address doubt through verifiable evidence. This act is more than satisfying curiosity. It emphasizes the importance of relational engagement with divine truth. Thomas’ subsequent declaration, 'My Lord and my God!' (John 20:28) reveals how evidence can catalyze deep faith. However, Jesus’ later commendation of 'those who have not seen and yet have believed' (John 20:29) balances this by affirming faith that transcends physical proof, suggesting that evidence and trust can coexist as complementary facets of belief.

This dynamic reflects the Bible’s nuanced stance on proof: while it acknowledges the human need for tangible assurance (as in Jesus’ resurrection appearances), it ultimately calls believers to anchor their faith in God’s character and promises. Hebrews 11:1 reinforces this by defining faith as 'confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,' illustrating that evidence need not negate spiritual trust but can instead deepen it when aligned with divine revelation.

Why skepticism Matters Today

Modern skepticism challenges believers to reconcile faith with scientific, cultural, and personal uncertainties while remaining grounded in Christ.

Christians are called to engage skepticism with both intellectual rigor and spiritual grace, as seen in Jesus' response to Thomas (John 20:27). This approach invites dialogue with scientific inquiry - acknowledging evidence while trusting in God's revelation - and cultural relativism by anchoring truth in Christ's unchanging nature. Hebrews 11:1 reminds believers that faith thrives when it balances 'assurance about what we do not see' with a commitment to God's promises.

Unchecked skepticism risks reducing faith to mere intellectual exercise or paralyzing trust in God's character. Jesus' commendation of those who believe 'without seeing' (John 20:29) warns against doubt that prioritizes sensory proof over relational trust, urging believers to cultivate faith that transcends empirical limits.

Going Deeper

For those navigating skepticism, the Bible encourages a balance between critical inquiry and trust in God’s character.

Augustine’s concept of 'faith seeking understanding' (John 20:27) invites skeptics to pursue truth through relationship with Christ, as seen when Thomas’s doubt led to a significant declaration (John 20:28). Hebrews 11:1 also reminds us that faith thrives when it balances evidence with trust in God’s promises, encouraging further reflection on how doubt and belief can coexist in spiritual growth.