Doubt about Doubt

Many of us are drawn to stories of Christians who have struggled with doubt during tough times in their lives, and we are inspired by their journey and willingness to ask the tough questions as they seek answers. As of late, there has been an uptick in the number of books and blogs about doubt. I, however, have my own doubts.

To some, doubt is viewed as almost a virtue, something to be celebrated and used like buckshot against every sacred cow in Christendom. Not sure whether heaven exists? Great, neither are they! Should Christians have sex before marriage? Maybe, they'd love to discuss. Is the Bible just a bunch of writings that we subjectively interpret and take what we like? Pretty much, so don't you dare criticize progressive views on homosexuality or you’ll be directed to verses about head coverings and such. Of course, don't you dare mention the word "apologetics" to them, or you'll be accused of peddling "easy answers." All in all, they might be more comfortable with questioning the Faith than growing in faith. It’s a sad spectacle: a support group for the theologically infirm without any plan on how to get patients back on their feet.

Doubt is a valley every Christian will travel through on the journey to the mountaintop, but the Doubt crowd seems more interested in setting up camp at 200 feet below elevation.

If Mr. Cizik had his way . . . ?

Mr. Cizik, formerly of the National Association of Evangelicals, believes that Christians should be more receptive to the idea of giving out contraceptives to avoid unwanted pregnancies, i.e. we should give teenagers birth control. I wonder how many Christian parents will take him up on that? I can only imagine the conversation . . .

(Dad is sitting on the couch watching TV. His daughter comes down the stairs looking all dressed up): So, I hear you’re going out on a date tonight?

Daughter (smiling): Yep. Going out with Brad.

Dad (eyebrow raised): Brad again, huh? This is the fifth time you've gone out with him by my count. Must be serious . . .

Daughter (looking a bit embarrassed): Stop, dad. He's nice, I guess . . .

(Dad gets up and reaches into his wallet): Well, I’ve been meaning to give you this and now is as good a time as any. Here you go.

Daughter (drawing back): Dad! What are you, crazy? That's a condom!

Dad: I just want my princess to be safe.

Daughter (mouth agape) Why in the . . . what is mom going to say?

Dad: We talked about it. She’s totally rad with it.

Daughter: Dad, no one says “rad” anymore and, more importantly, you and mom said it’s wrong to have sex outside of marriage.

Dad: Oh, we say lots of things, honey. And don’t be naïve - everybody your age is doing it.

Daughter: I’m not! And what about the Bible? The Bible says . . .

Dad (holding up a hand): Hey, I’m all for the Bible. I’ve learned so much about how the government should care for poor people, that we should protect the environment from global warming, practice tolerance. And your ideals, however dated, are really great. But when you do have sex, at least you’ll be protecting yourself against [he shudders] an unwanted pregnancy. God certainly doesn't want that. So just hang on to this for me, will you?

Daughter: (confused)

(He reaches back into his wallet): Look, even -I- carry a condom when I go on business trips.

Daughter (lip quivering): Why in the world would you do that?!

Dad: Well, your mom and I talked and we decided if temptation came calling, that it would be better for me to protect myself against the risk of HIV. It's just common sense. And we all know that having an affair is pretty much inevitable for married couples these days. Even your mom carries a condom around in her pocketbook.

Daughter (staring blankly):

Dad: Well, I’m glad we had this little talk. I think I hear Brad driving up. Now you two go have fun!!