Doubting Thomas: Aquinas on Doubt and the Act of Faith

Abstract

Several modern theologians affirm that doubt is compatible with faith, even as authoritative voices from the Christian tradition deny this. While Thomas Aquinas is often seen as an exemplar of the traditional view, few scholars have devoted serious attention to the nature of doubt in Thomas’ thought. In the present article, I address this lacuna by examining how Thomas defines ‘doubt’ in a variety of his writings. I then examine how he relates doubt to the act of faith. I conclude that while faith excludes doubt in most senses, Thomas articulates one sense of doubt that is compatible with faith and therefore may help resolve contemporary debates about faith, doubt, and unbelief.