You may not believe Jesus rose from the dead.  You may not believe in Jesus at all.  “Prove it” is a fair response.

That was Thomas’ response.

But Thomas, one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, was not with them when Jesus came, risen from the dead.  The other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Thomas was one of Jesus’ first followers.  He was part of Jesus’ inner circle.  He had lived and traveled with him for three years.  Jesus had specifically told them in advance he would die and then be raised from the dead.

But Thomas was also an empiricist.  He wanted tangible, experiential, reproducible proof.  And he wanted it personally.  He was not willing to take someone else’s word for it, even from those close to him.

“Prove it,” said Thomas.

Fine.

After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them.  Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see my hands; and reach here your hand and put it into my side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”  Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

Jesus gave no rebuke.  No abstract theological argument.  No criticism.  No judgment.  Just proof.  The very proof that Thomas was asking for.

Sincere questions are always welcome.

Intellectual integrity requires that the request for proof be genuine.  That is, one legitimately asking for proof must in fact be open to it.  This is the difference between legitimately asking for proof and just being a scoffer.  One may have doubts.  That’s fair.  Or one may just be a flame thrower, close minded and dogmatic, with whom there can be no productive dialogue.  No amount of proof or reason will be productive if there is not openness to it.

Genuine discourse and dialogue, including between differing points of view, and especially between them, is as valuable as it is rare.  The public square is filled with the din of the bombastic, the rude and the shrill.  From all quarters.

But for those who want it, the call of “come let us reason together” endures.  Dialogue between and among those with varying viewpoints can and should be civil and respectful.  Every sincere comment should have a respectful listening ear, and every sincere question should be given a meaningful answer.

I love that Jesus included at least one doubter among those he called as disciples.  Come to think of it, that probably describes most of us.  Genuine faith usually results only after wrestling with genuine doubts.

What is it that challenges belief for you?  Don’t be afraid to express it.  To engage with others about it.  That is how we all learn and grow.

This site is one place where it is safe to ask.  Respectful comments, including those with different points of view, are welcome.  Indeed, those are the only ones that will be permitted.

Whether here or elsewhere, with someone you trust and respect, or even in private prayer, ask what it is that bothers you.  And don’t be surprised if Jesus shows up to answer.

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