Skepticism
Summary
A state of doubt or disbelief regarding God's existence, power, or moral governance, condemned in Scripture as foolishness.
☩Definition
Skepticism is that state of mind in which one hesitates between contradictory conclusions, having no preponderance of evidence in favor of either. In its definitive form, it is the denial or doubt of divine truths. Philosophical skepticism may be provisional (suspending judgment temporarily to examine evidence) or definitive (rejecting the possibility of certain knowledge).
☩Biblical Examples
Scripture records several notable examples of skepticism. Pharaoh demanded, 'Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?' The wicked of Job's day asked, 'What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?' Zephaniah prophesied against those who say in their heart, 'The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.' Thomas doubted the resurrection until he saw and touched the risen Christ.
☩Divine Assessment
Scripture declares that 'the fool has said in his heart, There is no God.' Malachi recorded the cynical skepticism of those who said, 'It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance?' Such skepticism stands condemned as moral rebellion rather than intellectual difficulty.
Related Verses8 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Doubt," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).