70 years ago — June 25, 1945
I do not know why it should be so natural for some people to believe and so difficult for others, but I find in my heart a very considerate sympathy for the honest doubter. … Did it ever occur to you that the book of Job is an apology or defense for the honest doubter? Job’s three friends were orthodox men of their day. They stood and argued for what was the then accepted theological point of view. But in the end they were rebuked and Job was commended.
“Man’s … confusion and bewilderment, even his complaint and his cursing, are more right and even more pleasing to God than is his unthinking acceptance of a faith handed down to him” (Mary Ellen Chase).
I write these words not to defend the man who is indifferent to matters of faith … but to encourage every honest doubter to realize that he is not beyond the pale. Let any such remember that the proverb, “It is often darkest just before the dawn,” may apply to doubt as well as to sorrow. Take heart!
From the editorial “Honest doubt” by J. Calvin Reid
