Is It Wrong to Question God? What Scripture Says About Doubt

Experiencing doubt and questioning one's faith are common aspects of the human spiritual journey. Throughout the Bible, several figures express their uncertainties and seek understanding from God. These narratives offer insight into how questioning can coexist with faith.

Biblical Instances of Questioning God

• Job’s Lament: Job, a righteous man who faced immense suffering, openly questioned God’s justice and reasons for his afflictions. In Job 10:3, he asks, “Is it good for You that You should oppress, that You should despise the work of Your hands and smile on the counsel of the wicked?” Despite his profound anguish and questioning, Job’s story concludes with a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and his own limitations (Job 42:1-6).

• Habakkuk’s Inquiry: The prophet Habakkuk challenged God’s plan to use the Babylonians to punish Judah, struggling to reconcile this with God’s nature. In Habakkuk 1:13, he expresses, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?” This dialogue illustrates that seeking clarity from God is a part of faith (Habakkuk 2:1-4).

• Thomas the Apostle’s Doubt: After the resurrection, Thomas refused to believe until he saw Christ’s wounds himself. In John 20:25, he says, “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.” Instead of condemning Thomas, Jesus invites him to touch His wounds, affirming that faith can grow through honest questioning (John 20:27-29).

Catholic Teachings on Doubt

The Catholic Church acknowledges that doubt can be a natural part of faith development. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2088-2089) distinguishes between:

• Involuntary Doubt – Hesitation in believing or difficulty in overcoming objections related to the faith. This can lead to spiritual growth when explored with sincerity.
• Voluntary Doubt – Willfully disregarding or rejecting what God has revealed and what the Church teaches. This can lead one away from faith.

Rather than rejecting those who doubt, the Church encourages engagement with Scripture, prayer, and theological study to seek clarity (CCC 158).

Embracing Questions as a Path to Deeper Faith

Questioning, when approached with humility and a genuine desire for understanding, can lead to a more profound and resilient faith. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding:

• James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
• Mark 9:24 – The father of a possessed boy cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” showing that doubt and faith can coexist.
• Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Engaging with doubts through prayer, study, and community discussion can strengthen one’s relationship with God.

Conclusion

Questioning God is not inherently wrong; it reflects a dynamic and seeking faith. Scriptural examples and Catholic teachings suggest that doubt, when navigated thoughtfully, can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of one's beliefs. Embracing questions as part of the faith journey allows individuals to develop a more authentic and robust relationship with the divine.