Posted by Dr. Bob on September 17, 2003, at 23:56:43
In reply to Just My 2 Cents' Worth, as a Person of Faith..., posted by Dena on September 16, 2003, at 19:25:36
> Dear All -
>
> I assume it's been established that I am a "person of faith", as are many others here on this board. I feel prompted to speak up as such - & I only speak for myself, not for any other person of faith...
>
> When I read Hannah's post, I received it at face-value. She's a person who's become discouraged about faith - she's been hurt & she's been plagued with doubts. My heart went out to her, because I've been there.
>
> To me, this is just the flip-side of faith. It's a "crisis of faith" that almost every person who has faith experiences at one time or another. It's the responsibility & the priviledge of those of us with faith to welcome her, to encourage her to share her doubts, to let her know that we receive her, we understand her, we empathize with her.
>
> Where else would she go?
>
> I'm reminded of the man who approached Jesus with a request to heal his daughter. Jesus asked him, "Do you believe?" The man answered honestly, "I believe. Help my unbelief!"
>
> I'm so glad he answered that way, to let me know it's normal & expected to have unbelief at times. And guess what? Jesus healed the man's daughter, & never condemned the man for expressing the honesty of his unbelief.
>
> Hannah, you're welcome here. I applaud you for having the courage to express your doubts & unbelief! You're human, just like the rest of us. Keep posting, keep sharing who you are, doubts & all. I pray that you, too, will be healed, despite your ubelief.
>
> Shalom, Dena
>
> P.S. Dr. Bob - I appreciate your desire to help those of us with faith to feel supported by others. But, perhaps it would be more beneficial for all of us to be able to express our beliefs honestly. Civilly, of course, but without censure. I wouldn't be offended to hear someone say that they thought my beliefs were wrong. They would have the right to have & express such an idea. I wouldn't despise them or take it personally. I just wish we could all receive from each other as mature adults, & have the freedom to speak what we believe openly. I personally don't believe that "walking on eggshells" in order to post is psychologically helpful.
>
> Oops - I guess I gave my 4 cents' worth!
>
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:261219
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030808/msgs/261219.html