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Absolutely. Faith and doubt are NOT opposites. Rather, faith depends on doubt to have meaning. It is probably wise to separate between faith (volitional certainty) and lack of doubt (cognitive certainty). Absolute cognitive certainty is unrealistic since we are finite beings limited in knowledge, reason, and experience. That is why Soren Kierkegaard described faith as the leaping of a chasm ("leap of faith"). Our knowledge and reason bring us to a point. But that point is not far enough. We see where we want to be, but our knowledge and reason is inadequate to get us there. This inadequacy is our doubt (normal and healthy recognition of our limitations). Faith chooses to act volitionally (of the will) in spite of our doubts.

In the case of a theist, we in faith throw ourselves on the mercy of God... not because our minds are infinite enough to exclude all other possibilities than God. Rather faith accepts our inabilities, and acts despite these. In the case of an atheist, faith is still used, since an atheist is dogged by the same human limitations. He or she simply chooses to leap over the chasm of doubt to a different endpoint.

Kierkegaard's book, "Fear and Trembling" is great (if a bit heavy especially towards the end).

Never let doubt die... it is a healthy part of our humanity. But never let doubt incapacitate you in your quest for the truth.

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Q: Should faith include doubt and questioning?
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Continue Learning about English Language Arts

What is an antonym for the word credulity?

Doubt I first thought that the opposite of faith is doubt, but then realized that this is not really the case. Perhaps there are some examples of people having a perfect and unwavering faith; this would certainly be the exception rather than the rule. One would not reasonably conclude that a person of faith who occasionally has doubts is in fact not living out a genuine faith. I think a more accurate term for the opposite of faith would be scepticism. It is hard to imagine a person of faith coming from a position of scepticism regarding faith.


What does repose faith in me mean?

Repose means, stand back, sit back. Faith means, believe, hope. Repose faith in me must mean that the faith you have should stand back.


Should the word faith be capitalized?

Only if it is the first word of a sentence, or if "Faith" is used as a proper name. "Faith" used to be a fairly common woman's name, but like all the seven "virtues", it is less common these days.


What is the correct suffix for faith?

the word "faith" can take on many suffixes, depending on the meaning you want. Some examples are:faithfulfaithless


What symbols are in A Prayer for Owen Meany?

There are tons of symbols in this book that appear frequently throughout the entire novel. They include armlessness/dismemberment (The Indian Chief, the armless dress dummy, Lydia's lost leg, the de-clawed armadillo, Owen himself when he loses his arms), angels, religion, granite, faith vs. doubt, the armadillo representing Dan, fate, doubles, and Owen Meany as the second Christ child.

Related questions

Is Judaism a historical faith or a philosophical faith?

Both, definitely. There can be no doubt.


Is it true that the opposite of faith is not doubt but fear?

yes because from doubt stems fear.


What are the release dates for Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero - 2002 TV?

Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero - 2002 TV was released on: USA: September 2002


What are antonyms of doubt?

belief faith surety certainty


Why did Abraham doubt God's promise?

lack of faith


What can happen if a witness dates a catholic?

There will no doubt be conflicts of faith.


What is an antonym for the word credulity?

Doubt I first thought that the opposite of faith is doubt, but then realized that this is not really the case. Perhaps there are some examples of people having a perfect and unwavering faith; this would certainly be the exception rather than the rule. One would not reasonably conclude that a person of faith who occasionally has doubts is in fact not living out a genuine faith. I think a more accurate term for the opposite of faith would be scepticism. It is hard to imagine a person of faith coming from a position of scepticism regarding faith.


Who is the world's top faith Healer presently?

Prophet TB Joshua is the top faith healer in our time, no doubt


Why do people doubt their faith?

Because there is no solid evidence that anything they are taught is true


What is an antonym for the word doubt?

believe,belief,certainty,confidence,dependence,faith


How do you clear your doubt from your mind?

You don't. At least, you do not clear it away completely, and for ever. It is part of the human condition; you will experience some degree of doubt as long as you are in the flesh. If you are concerned about faith, you can be at peace. If you have been given the gift of faith (the only way that you can possibly have faith, after all) then your doubts cannot harm you. If you have not been given the gift of faith, then no amount of worry over your doubts will do you any good. One cause of concern might be: do my doubts indicate that I have NOT been given the gift of faith? I believe that those given the gift of faith will sometimes experience doubt.


What poem Portrays the alternation between faith and doubt?

The poem "Contemplations" by Anne Bradstreet