Essay Sample on Doubt & Faith: Can They Co-Exist?

Faith is one of those mysterious notions that are essential, indispensable parts of our life, but seem to be almost impossible to define. If you asked me what faith is I would say that it is complete loyalty that knows no doubt. But is doubt really an enemy for faith? Does doubt destroy faith and bring about the soul's fall? Even Jesus doubted for a moment thinking that His Father had forsaken Him. Having read the assigned texts and reflected upon my personal experiences I can say that doubt is only another step on the way of the spiritual evolution of a human being: having lived with doubt and overcome it one can become wiser and 'temper' their faith making it even stronger.

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The poem "He Is Always There" has had a great impact upon me because of the sincere, unquestioning voice of a true believer that you can hear behind the lines and the message of hope that the poem conveys. The title of the poem is a phrase that is repeated in the poem many times. The author is absolutely sure that God is always there when we need Him most. This phrase reminds me of one of the key principles of upbringing: when the child needs you most, she will express it in the most violent way. When children are naughty and disobedient, when they cry and throw tantrums, they are in fact only trying to attract their parents' attention. Wise parents would not walk away from their hysterical offsprings, they would rather stay by the child's side and be there for the struggling kid, wait till the crying is over and show their love and acceptance. We are all God's children and He treats us with the utmost kindness of a loving Father. When we are suffering, struggling, when we are disappointed and desperate we often start questioning the presence of God in our lives by asking: where are you? At this very moment, He is right there next to us. In the time of desperation and doubt, we call for His attention most vehemently and sincerely, and He hears us and helps us get up. Having come through such an ordeal we emerge stronger and sturdier, with more vitality and tenacity. The times of doubt help us realize that He never really leaves us, that He is a loving Father treating us like dear children that can be naughty, disobedient, violent and overreacting, but are nevertheless loved at all times.

The prose text that followed the poem helped me delve even deeper into the issue of faith, doubt and their relationship because I could relate to this text and it helped me see more clearly how one can overcome doubt and benefit from this spiritual victory. Everyone of us can experience moments of loneliness and despair when we sit in bed clutching a pillow, an old teddy bear or a handkerchief to wipe away the tears that are streaming down our cheeks - at such moments we can start thinking that we are forsaken and will never be happy and loved again. There are so many reasons to fall into despair - problems with work or study, health issues, breakups, a loss of a friend or a relative, a betrayal or a financially challenging situation,etc. There is not a single person whose life is spotless and ideal. Everyone of us sooner or later will come face to face with despair. This state of hopelessness is a dangerous trap as it sucks out the energy, the joy and the will to live. One feels like a fly caught in a net. But even in the state of agony, we must remember that we are not insects, we are wonderful human beings created by God who has a plan for us. So, we have the power to overcome the paralysis of grief, sadness, depression. You have only to willingly commit your spirit into His hands. This gesture of submission becomes a foundation for the new edifice of faith that God will help you rebuild. The moment of doubt can be painful and heart-breaking, but it will pass, if you are ready to rely on God again. Having lived through the torture of loneliness and hopelessness you will see that your faith shines even brighter than before.

After I have read the text, I looked at the picture and it astounded my in its truthfulness and simplicity. What I saw in the picture was not just a tattoo, it was a metaphor. Faith and doubts are indeed two feet that help a human being move forward in the spiritual journey. They say that to keep moving you must lose your balance. It is true: moving is losing your balance and regaining it. Little children fall when they are learning to walk and it is an organic part of the process. To start walking independently a little child needs to be brave, to leave the safety of the crip or mother's arms, to take a step, to fall down and to get up again. As adults, we are afraid of doubt, we fear that it will undermine our faith and leave us defenseless and vulnerable in this cruel world. But doubt is your enemy only until you make it your friend. Doubt helps you lose your balance. Then, when you get back on your feet you do it consciously having overcome obstacles that doubt puts in your way. As a result, your faith becomes stronger, brighter and more joyful. In such a way, you keep moving forward and evolving spiritually.

Though it seems at times that doubt is an enemy of faith, their relationship is much more complex: doubt is an indispensable part of faith which can make it stronger and more enduring. Just like steel is tempered to make it resistant and lasting, faith is 'tempered' by ordeals that we overcome, doubt being one of them. Doubt comes at the darkest times of our lives when we feel lonely and forsaken. At the very moment when despair is overwhelming one has to surrender to God and this act of submission will bring joy and consolation: you are not alone anymore, you are loved and accepted, God is there for you. It is not easy and it may take you time and efforts, but it is definitely worth it. Having been 'tempered' by suffering and doubt, our faith will be brighter and stronger than ever before.