The Bible is full of stories of people, David, Samson, Balaam, Thomas, Judas, of mixed reputation. Let’s consider Samson and Thomas. Samson’s reputation as a self-centered, hedonistic, prideful, egotist is at odds with God’s behavior toward him. Thomas, the doubter, seems to warn us against doing as he did and possibly meriting the same reproof by Jesus. Think doubting might be the first step toward becoming a heretic? Think again.

Richard C. Russell