John Westerhoff, a Christian educator, in his book Will Our Children Have Faith talked about the stages people can go through in their faith journeys. One begins with an experience, then affiliates with significant others who guide what one thinks at the time. At some time one must confront their questions. That may be scary enough to send them back to the shelter of others directing their ideas. Or they may work through those questions and find a faith stance that they can call their own.
Looking at the whole of St. Thomas’ life, he may have done just that. Although we don’t have a record of his experience of being called to join Jesus’ band of followers, we find him there—being nurtured by Jesus’ teaching and actions. He was a part of the group we call the disciples. But when Jesus was crucified he had to face a number of questions. Was Jesus really the one? What is death all about? And then, what do you mean, “Jesus is alive?” His reconnecting with Jesus gave Thomas a new stability to share what Jesus meant to him and might mean to others. Tradition says Thomas went all the way to India witnessing his faith.
I can see that journey in myself. I experienced Christianity in the Church as a kid. I became a part of a group that instructed me in what to believe and how to act. Significant others influenced who I was—pastors, Sunday school teachers, parents and family. But as I said, I moved into a world that raised a lot of questions. The answer from my circle of influence was, “Don’t doubt, just believe!” But I have been facing my questions ever since. Sometimes I settle a question and own my answer. Sometimes I am still asking questions. That is why I’m a friend of Doubting Thomas.
