The current issue of GROUP Magazine features a study on what Christian kids today fear most. For the next few weeks, we will be posting individual students’ responses that are insightful but not featured in the original article. To read the full article, subscribe to GROUP Magazine today!
Fear of Admitting My Doubts
By Bethany Fix
Most Christian teenagers still have doubts about our faith, even if we won’t admit it. For example, I look like the “ultimate” Christian girl on the outside. I’m respectful, kind, and love Jesus. But I also have doubts about the Lord. I still wonder whether or not he can do miracles, and how he is going to work in my life. I’ve even doubted whether or not God is real!
That’s not something I’ll admit easily, because I like my “perfect Christian kid” identity. And so, I pretend to have it all together. I act as if I don’t have doubts to “admit.” And I’m not alone—many of us have doubts we’re sure we’re not supposed to have. ◊
What do you think? Have you seen this to be true with your own students? Bethany would love to read your comments below! 🙂
Bethany,
I am glad you are interested in feedback on this complicated issue. Just a couple of thoughts:
1) I try to encourage students to verbalize their doubts with adults they can trust. We do that by not acting freaked out when a student expresses their doubts.
2) we talk about hard subjects sometimes so that we, as adults, can also express our doubts, too.
3) I know I haven’t heard it all, but it is normal for older students to have doubts. I think it is part of how we “own” our faith and stop leaning on our parents’ faith.
I hope your thoughts help others to admit their struggles!