Doubt
Introduction and general idea:
His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the problem of doubt in its multiple forms and that it affects even holy and believing people like Peter and others, and he shows that doubt is not only a sign of lack of faith but has causes and types.
Types of doubt and its causes:
He explains that doubt can be about God’s existence or His attributes or His help, and it may arise from reading atheistic ideas or denying philosophies, or from mingling with doubters, or from prolonged waiting and afflictions, or from fear and the investigative nature of some people.
Doubt regarding doctrinal and spiritual matters:
He warns of the danger of neglecting deep teaching of doctrine to children and youth, and that neglecting doctrinal teaching makes them vulnerable to the challenges of sects and thinkers. He calls for teaching theology at the appropriate ages and answering with Scripture verses when needed.
Doubt in virtues and spiritual life:
He deals with doubt about virtues (like fasting, forgiveness, giving, asceticism) and how misunderstanding or comparisons or expecting quick fruits sows doubt, pointing to the need to distinguish true humility from harsh self-destruction.
Doubts in relationships and society:
He explains that doubt can arise about friends, loved ones, and society because of rumors, gossip, or long relationships or periods of distance, and he emphasizes the virtue of confrontation and reproach according to Christ’s teachings.
Role of the devil and the spiritual battle:
He stresses that the devil uses doubt as a basic weapon since Adam, using temptations about faith, writings, miracles, and forgiveness, so the believer must be careful about spiritual struggle and vigilance.
Ways of confronting and prevention:
He recommends instilling faith from childhood, teaching children and young people doctrinal lessons in stages (simple in childhood, with explanation in preparatory age, with defense and answers in secondary stage), and memorizing Scripture verses to respond to objections, and encouraging others and giving appropriate encouragement.
Educational and spiritual conclusion:
He affirms that doubt has multiple causes (personal nature, fear, prolonged duration, association with doubters, or illusions) but with rooted faith, doctrinal education, reliance on Scripture verses, and prayers, the believer can overcome these spiritual battles.
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