Doubt is not heresy
Although Sacred Scripture on almost every page praises the greatness of faith, it does not remain silent about the problem of doubt.
At first glance, it seems that faith and doubt are like fire and water that are mutually exclusive. However, the Bible is guided by other laws. John the Baptist sends his disciples from prison to Jesus to ask if Christ is really the promised Messiah, even though he had previously recognized him as such (cf. Mt 11:2-6). Elsewhere, the father of a possessed boy addresses Jesus in intriguing words: " I do believe, help my unbelief" (Mk 9:24). And he utters an apparent contradiction: one can believe and at the same time not believe.
Doubt, that is, a specific internal duality, can arise mainly in the context of faith. It is impossible to doubt if a man believes in nothing or anyone. Therefore, if someone experiences such dilemmas, it does not mean that he has become an unbeliever. Doubt results from our weakness, cognitive limitations, but also from the fact that its development is inscribed in the experience of faith. All starts with a seed from which a larger plant slowly grows.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions two kinds of doubt: voluntary and involuntary (CCC 2088). This is a very important distinction that shows that in the sphere of faith not everything depends on us. The teaching of the Church takes a reasonable position, and treats involuntary doubts rather as a challenge, a positive crisis, a fire that can purify faith like gold in a crucible.
Faith is a complex act that requires the harmonious cooperation of the will, reason, feelings, imagination, memory, body, in the word of the whole person. Faith flows from the depths of the person, not just from one faculty of the soul. Doubts, on the other hand, often arise in one faculty, but they radiate to the whole person.
The reasons for doubt are manifold. First, existential, when, as a result of suffering, failure, the loss of a loved one, the question suddenly arises whether God really wants good for such a person, since He allows painful experiences on him. When man's world crumbles, there is usually rebellion, distrust, which undermines the credibility and benevolence of God. At other times, it is reason itself that stands across the path of faith, demanding more abundant "food" to allow full trust in God. This happens, for example, after acquiring more scientific knowledge, when out of nowhere, there is a clash with weak religious knowledge. Someone learned that the creation of the world took more than 6 days. And if he has never heard of the difference between scientific and theological truth in Scripture, he may get into serious trouble with the faith. Similar problems may be the result of confronting the arguments of people who are indifferent or hostile to religion, or who use its caricatured image. Moreover, if, apart from emotional delight at the beginning of conversion, there has not been a deeper intellectual grounding, a reflection on fundamental issues in life, suddenly uncertainty may arise as soon as emotional gratification disappears.
Imagination, although it is most open to "unbelievable" things, can also play tricks. Suddenly, someone wakes up in the morning and finds that he cannot imagine how the same Jesus could be present simultaneously in heaven and in the Eucharistic species. And he stands in front of the wall.
After all, doubts can be an instrument of spiritual purification on the mystical path, when man is confronted with a certain paradox, which is embodied by the already mentioned cry of the father from the Gospel of St. Mark. The believer turns to God and at the same time is surrounded by darkness, prayer turns into a nightmare, God's presence is called into question. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta endured such torments for many years - she was not sure of the existence of God and her faith. Similar afflictions were experienced by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and many other saints.
The Catechism rightly warns that involuntary doubt can turn into unbelief if a person handles it incorrectly. Two extremes should be avoided in the struggle with doubts. The first is to suppress them as soon as they appear in the name of faithfulness to God and piety. This is some kind faith "by force". Behind this is often the naïve belief that it is always within our power to maintain the fervor of faith. The second trap is obsessively dealing with one's doubts, tormenting oneself, which the devil diligently uses to keep the believer anxious, confused and self-centered.
In everything, even in faith, prudence is needed, that is, discernment and moderation. Not everyone can use the same remedy. When rebellion arises in me because of the evil I am experiencing, the Scriptures recommend arguing and wrestling with God. Doubts can thus make prayer more sincere and personal. Since Christ works through people in the Church, it is certainly a great help to express your disappointment with God, or various dilemmas, to a believing brother or sister. The devil fishes in turbid water. Sometimes it is enough to talk to a trusted person and silted water immediately calms down.
Wolfgang Goethe used to say that "people often ridicule what they do not understand". In this way, they "tame" the mystery. Very often this applies to those who mock religion. Being in an environment unfavorable to faith, it is therefore necessary to strengthen oneself intellectually. Since faith requires the addition of religious knowledge because it is constantly ahead of reason, it is necessary to read Sacred Scripture and other Christian works that deepen its understanding. I am surprised by people who panic when they experience doubts, and at the same time like to stick to the knowledge gained in childhood. Sometimes doubt is an invitation to join a community within the Church, where you can meet people who share the same values and worldview.
Doubt is not yet heresy, but God's knocking on the door of our heart and mind to take a step forward in the pilgrimage of faith.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george