Dealing Withn Doubt

Book Review.

Habermas, Gary R.  Dealing With Doubt.  Moody Press.  1990.

G.H.- chairman and professor of philosophy and apologetics at Liberty University in Lynchburg , Virginia.

Comment.  Henry.

Even though this is a twenty three old publication it is nevertheless relevant because of the nature of the subject.  Doubt has always been ‘in’.  It comes in various forms and levels.  Unresolved it can become devastating in a hurry.  If properly countered, doubt can be a faith-strengthening blessing.

“Doubts overlap and more than one type is frequently present.  Yet, proper identification of the primary form is still a major step in the healing process.” (11)  Doubt is fundamentally “a human problem”. (Os Guinness)   Deepened convictions are the result of intellectual struggles which include doubt.  Doubt and faith are not opposites.

There are three types of doubt, “factual, emotional, and volitional” (21) doubt.  Healing comes from God.”  If sin is the source (of doubting) then, conversely, God and his teachings are the answer.” (25)  Some ‘factual doubts’ are examined and dealt with.  Unresolved factual doubts can progress to emotional and volitional doubts.  Faith is part of resolving doubt.

Emotional doubt develops when imagination overwhelms reason in matters of faith.  “Scripture is central to the healing process” (71) coupled with counselling. 

Our volition is involved in our salvation in as much that it is “our choice to act in accordance with God’s will and power.” (94)  It is right choices that result in the growth and the exercise of our faith.  Such choices include “doubt prevention” (109) and “biblical meditations”. (111)

Serious doubt often surrounds such issues as unanswered prayer, the fact that Jesus is alive, the testimony of the Holy Spirit and heaven.

The book closes with an extensive Appendix, “Developmental Theory and Doubt” (189) This section contains very practical material. 

“If the unexamined life is not worth living, neither is the examined faith…  It is only by means of critical reflection on and evaluation of one’s religious commitment that faith becomes truly personal and more than a mere submission to religious convention.” (235) Doubt should be viewed from the larger perspective of holistic development: cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual growth all play a part in the complete picture of maturation.” (242)

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