More than likely, you or someone you know has gone – or is going through a faith-crisis. Are you familiar with this phrase? In short, a faith-crisis is to seriously question whether what you believe is actually true. And in recent years it has become more common for people to come out and talk openly about their faith-crises. This takes courage and unites doubters and questioners alike. No one wants to feel alone in their uncertainty.
However, even more recently this phrase has become more like a buzz-word. The idea of going through a faith-crisis is now glorified and talked about in high esteem. Brave writers, podcasters, and influencers publicly share their journey. But some promote the perception that in order to become spiritually strong, you need to go through your own faith-crisis.
Is a faith-crisis bad? No.
But is it necessary? Also no.
Let me explain.
Compelled to know.
In Alma 32:16 it reads, “Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.”
To develop a testimony and truly be converted, we must repent and be humble. Ezra Taft Benson said, “God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble.” Those who are compelled to be humble are blessed. And those who choose to humble themselves are also blessed.
Doubt your doubts.
Several years ago, Dieter F. Uchtdorf counseled, “doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” This has been a pillar for many to lean on when faced with questions about the gospel or church. But there are others who claim it isn’t enough.
I recently read one article that said “doubting your doubts” is no longer enough for honest church members. The author wrote, “[members] are encouraged to ignore all the facts, knowledge, and wisdom, and purely follow our feelings and the spirit.” This idea is false! Doubting your doubts does not mean ignoring your doubts.
To doubt and to ignore are fundamentally different, and we need to separate the two. In contrast, Uchtdorf – and numerous church leaders – encourage us to bring our questions to to the Lord.
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Faith: A Spiritual Gift.
Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. In the Doctrine & Covenants, the Lord encourages His children to “seek … earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given.”
Some of these include the gift of healing, prophecy, miracles, knowledge, the ability to teach, and so much more. Moroni teaches that exceedingly great faith is another. Not having a faith-crisis is indeed a spiritual gift. Having faith doesn’t mean not questioning. Doubting and questioning are not exclusive. But to some, faith comes easily.
Some of you may think that it’s only a matter of time; that surely everyone must go through a faith-crisis to some degree. Many do and each situation is personal and unique. But it’s not inevitable. I offer my sincere love and compassion to you if you have gone through, or are going through a faith-crisis. Please don’t forget to rely on Christ through all your questions, doubts, sorrows, and more. Don’t forget that His Atonement is for YOU.
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