In “The Reason for God” Tim Keller points out “A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it.”
He sees that all doubts emerge from a starting point of alternate belief and encourages skeptics to “doubt their doubts” with as much force as they require justification for Christian belief.
Everyone (whether they consider themselves secular or religious) bases how they think people should behave on their own improvable fundamental faith-assumptions.
“…which fundamentals will lead their believers to be the most loving and receptive to those with whom they differ? Which set of unavoidably exclusive beliefs will lead us to humble, peace-loving behavior? …
“At the very heart of [our] view of reality [is] a man who died for his enemies, praying for their forgiveness [Maryann: ‘forgive them, for they know not what they do’]. Reflection on this could only lead to a radically different way of dealing with those who [are] different from [us]. It mean[s] we [can] not act in violence and oppression toward [our] opponents,” (19-20).
“Believers and nonbelievers will rise to the level of disagreement rather than simply denouncing the other. This happens when each side has learned to represent the other’s argument in its strongest and most positive form. … I’ve tried to respectfully help skeptics look at their own faith-foundations while at the same time laying bare my own to their strongest criticisms,” (xxviii, xix).
Even though Thomas doubted, Jesus gave him the evidence he sought; even though the man in Mark 9:24 had doubts, Jesus “blesses him and heals his son.” “I invite you to seek the same kind of honesty and to grow in an understanding of the nature of your own doubts. The result will exceed anything you can imagine,” (xxiii).
Do you fear doubt, questioning, and ‘laying bare’ your beliefs to criticism?
Does your worldview promote humble, peace-loving behavior, and, if so, how?
For what the Bible has to say on examining your beliefs, check out Why is apologetics so important?
Except the horrid doctrine of endless torments which requires pure blind faith. I was kicked out from your facebook group because I challenged that doctrine and concluded I could no longer believe it. I was excommunicated by you. So much for liberty concerning nonessentials.