Common fears
Nicodemus came by night.
In short. The Church teaches that the act of faith is of its very nature a free act, and that nobody is to be forced to embrace the faith against his will.1 Believing is contrary neither to human freedom nor to human reason.2
Key points
- Christ invited people to faith and conversion, but never coerced them.1
- There can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason.3
- The faith needed for Baptism is a beginning that is called to develop.4
- No one can believe alone, just as no one can live alone.5
Try this, this week
- Read John 3:1-21. Notice that Jesus takes Nicodemus’ questions seriously.
- Write down your three biggest fears. Cross out any you could ask about this week.
- Read Mark 9:14-27. A father brings Jesus his faith and his unbelief together.
- Tell one person you are looking into this. Choose someone who will listen.
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.’”
Watch out: what this does not mean
- Freedom is not indifference: all people are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and His Church.9
- Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by Him.10
Common questions
What if I still have doubts?
Video answer: The Thomistic Institute (Dominican friars), stoneandincense.com/en/questions/what-if-i-still-have-doubts/
The Catechism admits that faith is often lived in darkness and can be put to the test.6 It also says that revealed truths can seem obscure to human reason and experience, but “ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt.”7
Can faith grow, or is it all or nothing?
Video answer: Ascension Presents, stoneandincense.com/en/questions/can-faith-grow-or-is-it-all-or-nothing/
To live, grow and persevere in faith, we must nourish it with the word of God and beg the Lord to increase our faith.8 The faith required for Baptism is a beginning that is called to develop.4
Remember: You are free, and you are not alone.