The Need for Cognitive Closure in Dealing with Doubts
Apologetics, Christianity, Epistemic Warrant, Evidence, faith, Gospel, Intellectual doubt, Jonathan McLatchie, probability, Proverbs 3:5-6, Theology and Christian Apologetics
Over the years in my work as a public apologist, I have spoken with many dozens of ex-Christians who have renounced their faith and become atheists, as well as numerous individuals who still consider themselves believers but nonetheless are struggling seriously with intellectual doubts concerning the veracity of the Christian faith. In addition, I have watched literally hundreds of YouTube videos wherein a testimony is given of one’s journey out of the Christian faith towards atheism. Through listening to countless people in this situation, I have come to realize how difficult it is for believers to express to members of their church or Christian community that they are struggling with doubts (presumably because to express that one struggles with doubt carries a negative stigma in many churches today). Struggling with…