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All of
us have doubted some time or the other on something or
the other. Our doubts can be of different ranges and at
different levels. Doubting everything and not believing
anything is some time celebrated and is encouraged by
those who call themselves skeptics.
On the other side many fight physical, intellectual and
spiritual battles because of their doubts. When a
skeptical question is answered with an absolutely
certain truth, truth triumphs and doubts flee. If one is
skeptical about all truth and does not believe in
anything, then the problem is not with the truth but
with the skeptical investigator. However, when one
understands this truth by experiencing it, doubts
evaporate.
Sometimes our doubts are intellectual ones. These are
those questions we asked our teachers at school. We grow
up asking questions about the physical world around us.
These doubts can be clarified by someone who knows more
than us or by doing a systematic research.
All of us as kids asked questions after questions to our
parents and teachers in a quest to clear our doubts and
acquire knowledge. Even as adults we ask questions about
the physical world. It is this kind of ‘academic
skepticism’ which is useful to arrive at a conclusion.
Once a conclusion is deduced, then using that conclusion
as a base, we ask the next question. This process goes
on and on establishing various conclusive truths. Most
of the questions asked by King Solomon belong to this
category. Once our intellect is satisfied when these
kinds of doubts are cleared and we attain ‘knowledge’.
Our doubt can be circumstantial too. On seeing the
circumstances around our life and we ask more difficult
questions like why did such things happen? We commonly
say that these questions as the ‘whys’ of life. We ask
these questions when we are at the crossroads of our
lives.
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Imagine the doubts that would have gone through the
minds of Joseph in the Old Testament when his brothers
sold him. Think of the questions of Joseph of New
Testament when he found out that Mary was pregnant.
These are the circumstances we wonder and ask ‘why such
things happen?’ ‘Where is God’? These questions have no
easy answers and most of us learn valuable lessons
retrospectively. These doubts are settled when we look
at things in proper perspective and we gain valuable
experience from this. Once our circumstantial doubts are
cleared, we gain ‘wisdom’.
Deeper still, are spiritual doubts. These are the
questions about our origin, meaning, morality and
destiny. These questions have deeper implications. Many
shun away from asking these questions and try to find an
answer. Many sink in these questions and drown in
multiple opinions; others get rattled by their doubts
and hate to think about it.
Nicodemus came to Jesus and asked questions! He was
asking spiritual questions to Jesus. Or that rich young
man who asked questions about eternal life. Questions
like ‘Where did I come from? Why am I here on earth? Do
I matter? What is the purpose of my life? Does my life
have a meaning? What is right and what is wrong? Where
will I go when I die? Is death the end of all? These
questions do have answers. Once these questions are
cleared and doubts are cleared we attain ‘Salvation’
May be science can answer the first category, philosophy
the next but only God can answer our spiritual doubts
and questions. We will arrive at a conclusion only if we
search at the right place. If we explore carefully and
honestly, we will arrive at a conclusion that the
pursuit of ultimate knowledge, wisdom or salvation will
lead to the source of all – God. So finding God alone
can satisfy our ultimate quest for knowledge or
‘enlightening’. Only the God of the Bible has the answer
to origin, meaning, morality and destiny of man. It is
very important that we ask questions and clarify our
doubts rather than to sink in them. We must have faith
to understand and acquire knowledge, wisdom and
Salvation. We need to stand on faith and not on our
doubts. If you have doubts and questions, seek active
help from knowledgeable, experienced and wise people who
have already found salvation.
All of us will have doubts and should ask questions but
know that there is always an answer in God. God of the
Bible is not an abstract concept but a living person
whom we can experience. He is the source of all truth
and answer. Perhaps it is possible that some of our
questions may never be answered. So, it is very
important to know the person who can answer all our
questions. You may ask me what you will do if you never
find an answer or proof… I would say, I will ask such
questions to God himself when I will meet Him face to
face! I am sure He is capable of giving me an absolutely
convincing answer. Well, all of us can do that!
Dr. Blesson C. S. M.Sc.,
M.Phil., Ph.D. is working as Research Scientist in the
Division for Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of
Woman and Child Health, Karolinska University Hospital
in Sweden. |
