I’m not sure what I believe. Is that okay?

Yes. Lots of people, including lots of very faithful people, have been unsure. Not knowing yet isn’t failing. It’s what thinking looks like. You can keep asking, keep reading and keep talking to people you trust. Nobody needs your final answer this week. Be honest with yourself, and be kind to people who’ve landed somewhere else.

1 · MindWhat people believe, and how they know

People figure out what they believe in many ways. They think things through, they notice what’s true in their own lives, and they listen to people they trust. Many faiths have a long history of honest doubt. In the Bible, a worried father says to Jesus, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Jesus helps him anyway.

2 · HeartWhat it feels like

Being unsure can feel uncomfortable, especially if your family or friends seem very sure. It can also feel freeing to admit it.

If the questions keep you up at night, you’re not alone. Lots of people do their biggest thinking after dark.

Some of the most faithful people I’ve ever heard from had years where they weren’t sure. Not being sure yet is not the same as not getting there.Neighbor Radio

3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor

Write down your questions. Talk to someone who will listen without rushing you: a parent, a pastor or other faith leader, a counselor or a friend. Read what different people believe, in their own words. And keep being kind while you figure it out. That part isn’t in question.

This weekWrite down one question you have about God, faith or meaning, and ask someone you trust about it.

SourcesWhere it is in the scriptures

New Testament

• Mark 9:24 Read it in the World English Bible on Free Scripture

Plain wordsWhat do these words mean?

Pastor

A minister who leads a Protestant church, preaches and cares for its people. The word comes from the Latin for “shepherd.”

All the words →

Four questions to take with you

From Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan, about the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Samaritan Test.

1. Did they see? Or look right past?
2. Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
3. Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
4. Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?

Try it on: do you treat people who believe differently with the same patience you want for yourself?

Quick questions

Is doubt a sin?

Many Christians say no. Doubt is part of how faith grows. Other traditions have their own answers, so ask someone from yours.

What if I end up not believing?

You’ll still be someone’s neighbor, and still worth loving. Plenty of good people don’t believe.