Reader voices: Was Thomas doubtful or just realistic?

By Mel Borup Chandler

For the Deseret News

Published: Sunday, Feb. 17 2013 1:05 p.m. MST

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Summary

Does the Easter story of the risen Jesus Christ and Thomas really deserve the moniker “Doubting Thomas” or was the apostle just being realistic, seeking to avoid the pain of having lost his master and worried about the future?

I think the apostles were deeply flawed because we too are deeply flawed and yet not faithless. This story and other gospel portrayals of the apostles give us hope. Jesus continually reaches out to us even in our faithlessness and despair.

Christ lovingly beckons us. He does not reproach us for our lack of faith. He will answer our questions, but we first must ask. The question for us is: Are we prepared to accept those answers? Can we put aside our faithlessness and believe — even though we have not seen? Can we say as Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” with conviction? Christ admonishes us not to be faithless, but believing. This is an Easter message worth contemplation.

Mel Borup Chandler is a guest editorialist and writer for the Deseret News and ksl.com. His religious articles have been published by the More Good Foundation and translated into four languages. His email is mbccomentator@roadrunner.com.

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Thoughts of Home

Forest Grove, OR

One of the stories of Thomas that most overlook, or never notice, is found in John 11, the most significant verse being nubmer 16. This is just prior to Jesus going to raise Lazarus. The disciples are worried sick that the Savior plans to travel More..

12:33 a.m. Feb. 18, 2013
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Twin Lights

Louisville, KY

Thank you.

I have often thought that we give Thomas a bad rap as we do with Peter as well.

With the benefit of perspective, we often think negatively of Thomas or of Peter. Surely we would never be faithless, right?

More..

6:08 p.m. Feb. 17, 2013
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donn

layton, UT

Re;Christ lovingly beckons us. He does not reproach us for our lack of faith. He will answer our questions.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a Spirit has not flesh More..

11:03 a.m. Feb. 17, 2013
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