Clarification

In a previous post I discussed the role of doubt in the life of a believer. I affirmed the positive function of doubt—that it can lead to a greater confidence in the faith, and even a greater ability to give account for the hope within. Doubt can play an integral role in faith development. However, I wish to offer three points of clarification:

1. The Role of the Community in Doubt: Jude 22 says, "And have mercy on those who doubt." Previously in the letter, Jude called the Body to persevere in the midst of scoffers of the faith and those who cause divisions. While Jude warns the Church against scoffers such as these, doubters are a different category. The community is to bear with doubters in love, even battling alongside them against doubt, saving them "by snatching them out of the fire."

2. The Distinction Between Scoffers and Doubters: Given that Jude warns against one catagory and prescribes mercy towards another, there is a difference between doubting and scoffing. Doubters have a disposition towards faith. Scoffers, on the other hand, are "devoid of the Spirit." Doubters are those who cry, "I believe, help my unbelief." Doubters have seen the beauty of Christ and will persevere. Scoffers have no such hope. Scoffers seek to cause division in the church.

3. Whether Doubt is a Sin: As Jude uses the term doubt here (and he gives a fairly detailed distinction between doubting and scoffing), doubt is not a sin. The community is told to bear with doubters. Nowhere in the New Testament is the church told to bear with sin. Although the church is to seek to help others overcome doubt, Jude portrays doubt as a condition believers will find themselves in from time to time. This is not to say that remaining in doubt is acceptable. Fight against it!