Expert: Edward Bode - 3/29/2006

Question
Dear Mr. Bode, hello and I hope you are doing fine. I am a Catholic Christian who is having trouble right at this time with doubt about faith. First I was in doubt because of some skeptics' opinion I read that say Jesus never existed, that He is a myth and there was NO resurrection. Then just as I was "recovering" from this, I discover there is a new book on the market called "The Jesus Papers", which although I have not read the book, the reviews state that the thesis is that the whole crucifixion and resurrection was a conspiracy, and of course not true. Of course, then the skeptics say the New Testament is bogus, myth. Mr. Bode, I do not believe it was a conspiracy and I DO believe in our Lord. How can I combat these stupid doubts ? I must be REALLY weak in my faith for our Lord.  I am so ashamed. I love Him more than ANYTHING. I am sure you have heard skeptics' opinions before. How do you deal with them ? I just need some peace of mind. I have been praying to our Lord but I am sure he may be upset with me, and rightly so. Anyway, I just wanted to get your input. Thank you so much and may you have blessings and peace always.

Answer
The attacks on the truthfulness of the Catholic faith have been going on since shortly after the resurrection -- see Mt 27:64.
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity -- Paul himself recognized this early in the 50s A.D.  See 1 Cor 9:1, 15:3-8. In chapter 15, Paul quotes a tradition [already written or memorized years previously by Christians]that trustworthy persons bore witness to the resurrection.  These persons ultimately paid with their lives for their witness.  They were not liars or deluded.
There are references in the first century A.D. to Christians by Roman authors.
So, our faith [God's gift] rests on reasonable written evidence.
Here is not the place to go into all the details that could be offerred in a rational defense of the faith.
I am not familiar with The Jesus Papers.  As I have said, attacks on the resurrection are ancient.
To have concerns about one's faith is not necessarily a sign of weak faith.  When thoughts against faith come to my mind, I try to make an act of faith, the short one that I learned as a boy more than 50 years ago.  
Thoughts against faith can be a cross that we have to bear.  If we do not consent [approve], they are temptations not sins.
The world and the devil are clever in trying to destroy the faith.  They cannot control our intellects and wills.  With God's grace, we go on.  Prayer and the Eucharist are our main weapons.  St. Thomas Apostle [see John 20:24-29] is a special patron.
I pray that God will grant you his grace to continue in the faith and the cross that you are bearing.
If you would like further thoughts from me, please feel free to write again.
I pray for special graces for you, Louanne.