Below are some additional interactions on the article: I’m Just a Skeptical Person. Read it first.
Here is the etymology (history of the word origin) of skeptic. Now, we talk about what good doubt is in another subtopic; but notice here how the word skeptic refers to a suspended judgment of opinion. It’s a permanent suspension when you are living your life with a skeptical attitude. Good doubt is a temporary and productive process where you eventually arrive at a solid truth that God provides us. This is where it becomes harmful to adopt the attitude of the skeptics in your life. Even on the big issues, God always provides us with answers – such as existing in love, joy, grace for others, and humility to his sovereignty and purpose. Keep these verses in mind:
Proverbs 2:6 “It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding.”
James 1:5–8 “But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord.”
also sceptic, 1580s, “member of an ancient Greek school that doubted the possibility of real knowledge,” from Middle French sceptique and directly from Latin scepticus “the sect of the Skeptics,” from Greek skeptikos (plural Skeptikoi “the Skeptics, followers of Pyrrho”), noun use of adjective meaning “inquiring, reflective” (the name taken by the disciples of the Greek philosopher Pyrrho, who lived c.360-c.270 B.C.E.), related to skeptesthai “to reflect, look, view” (see scope (n.1)).
Skeptic does not mean him who doubts, but him who investigates or researches as opposed to him who asserts and thinks that he has found. [Miguel de Unamuno, “Essays and Soliloquies,” 1924]
The extended sense of “one with a doubting attitude” first recorded 1610s. The sk- spelling is an early 17c. Greek revival and is preferred in U.S. As a verb, scepticize (1690s) failed to catch on.
Considering the way that different struggles and sins push each of us toward adapting a skeptical attitude. Take some time to talk with God about your heart and pay attention to the things that come to the surface, particularly areas where you feel anger, resentment, and rebellion over against obeying God and keeping Jesus as the Lord of your life. After that, make a list of the different sins or tendencies you struggle with in regard to cynicism. Each day this week, take some time, do some reading of relevant texts, look up Scripture, pray, journal, etc, and start to address specifically these things on your list. Don’t forget to include God in this process as well as your youth leader, parent, and pastor.
For some insight into just how skeptical you might be in your every day life, take this quiz. It’s interesting that having this sort of pervasive doubt has actually been linked to heart conditions!
Romans 5:1–2—Here we see how we are meant to experience life. It is a far cry from the deformity that skepticism reeks on our hearts.
2 Peter 2:10–15—Scripture says some pretty strong things about people who openly slander the teachings of God. Their pride and rejection of his truth guarantees them destruction and pain.
Isaiah 40:13–16, 28—A big part of the cynicism of our culture comes from pride. While you are precious and wonderfully made, God is always worthy of our humble adoration. Never forget that.
Isaiah 26:3–4—A call to have faith and confidence in the power, purpose, and peace of the Lord.
Hebrews 6:7–8—This passage illustrates how it is important for our hearts to remain open and receptive to God’s love and instruction. Skepticism often twists the doors of our hearts closed and fills our ears with cotton.
Small group guide:
Large group guide:
- After taking some time to think and look introspectively, make a list of all the ways that skepticism has entered your life and influenced your heart, thoughts, and actions. Then spend some time talking honestly with God about each of those things. Maybe you like them in your life, maybe you are overwhelmed, maybe you feel rebellion and anger welling up inside you. However you feel, be articulate and open with God and listen to what he might say in response. He loves you always.
- Look at the Supporting Scripture section and choose one to memorize this week. Put it by your bed, fridge, locker, or somewhere you will see it multiple times a day. Tell a family member or close friend why you chose that verse and what you need to understand about Jesus Christ’s presence in your life.
Wanna have some fun looking at some of the craziest things this world has to offer? Then set your skepticism aside and take a look at some clips from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not TV Show. The Bee Man and the Cat who eats with a fork are my favorite!