What Do I Really Believe? Skepticism and Faith

What is a Skeptic? A skeptic is a person who doubts and questions ideas generally accepted by others. A skeptic is not easily persuaded or convinced and often has to see evidence that confirms an idea before she will believe that it is true.

Activity In groups of 3 or 4 you have five minutes to make a list of ideas about which you are skeptical. Be prepared to share!

Possible Answers UFOs Near-death experiences The Loch Ness Monster The Abominable Snowman The Bermuda Triangle The existence of Atlantis Near-death experiences Reincarnation Communication with the dead Psychics Fortune telling Why do they cause skepticism? What would it take to make a person believe that one of these ideas were true?

The Simpsons – Lisa the Skeptic Sit back, relax, but still pay attention!

John 20: 24 – 29 But Thomas (who was called the twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord”. But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.

John 20: 24 – 29 Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Discussion Think about the story of Thomas’ encounter with the resurrected presence of Jesus. What does this story have to say about skepticism and faith? Is Lisa like Thomas? Thomas refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he could actually see Jesus and touch his wounds. Jesus did not condemn Thomas for his skepticism, but simply allowed him to prove to himself that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. This story indicates that skepticism and doubts often lead us to a deeper sense of faith.

Prayer Journal Write a one-page reflection answering the following questions: What does Jesus mean when he says “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”? How are you like Thomas, needing proof before you believe?