Maybe Doubting Thomas Was The Only Reasonable One

Fr. Shannon shares a sermon exploring the story of Doubting Thomas from the Gospel of John for this episode. He The post Maybe Doubting Thomas Was The Only Reasonable One appeared first on Queer Theology.

An episode of the Queer Theology podcast, hosted by Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. Kearns, titled "Maybe Doubting Thomas Was The Only Reasonable One" was published on May 4, 2025 and runs 17 minutes.

May 4, 2025 ·17m · Queer Theology

Summary

Fr. Shannon shares a sermon exploring the story of Doubting Thomas from the Gospel of John for this episode. He delves into themes of fear, doubt, and faith, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging doubt as a natural part of faith, particularly in the face of suffering and uncertainty. May we be a little more like Thomas in the sense that it feels like he was being reasonable. And may we embrace our doubts and continue to show up for our communities, promoting peace and justice despite challenges.   Takeaways Doubt is a natural part of faith. Thomas’s demand for proof is reasonable. Historical context is crucial for understanding scripture. Fear can lead to isolation and doubt. Jesus offers peace in times of fear. Community support is vital during struggles. Faith can coexist with questions and uncertainty. Showing up for others is an act of faith. We are loved despite our doubts. Our actions for justice matter, even when we doubt.   Chapters (03:46) Exploring Fear and Doubt   (06:32) Historical Context of the Gospel of John   (09:46) Thomas’s Reasonable Doubt   (12:36) Faith Amidst Suffering and Questions   (15:25) Benediction and Reflection on Doubt   Resources: Join our online community at  Sanctuary Collective Community    If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. (9s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts from Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. Hello and welcome back to the Queer Theology Podcast. Today we’re gonna do something a little bit different, and I’m gonna offer a sermon based on John 20 verses 19 through 31. You’ll recognize this. This is the passage famously known as the Doubting Thomas passage, and this is a new take on it. (50s): So let’s start by reading John 20. It was still the first day of the week. That evening while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, peace be with you. After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them, again, peace be with you as the Father sent me so I am sending you. Then he breathed on them and said, receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven. Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the 12, wasn’t with the disciples. When Jesus came, the other disciples told him, we’ve seen the Lord, but he replied, unless I see the nail marks in his hands, but my finger in the wounds left by the nails and put my hand into his side. (1m 38s): I won’t believe after eight days, his disciples were again in the house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, peace be with you. Then he said to Thomas, put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe Thomas responded to Jesus, my Lord and my God. Jesus replied, do you believe because you see me happier? Those who don’t see and yet believe, then Jesus did. Many other miraculous signs in his disciples presence, signs that aren’t recorded in the scroll, but these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ God’s son, and that believing you will have life in his name. (2m 23s): I was kind of a nervous kid. Ma

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