What is it about?
Many people have doubts about religious teachings. In this study of undergraduates, religious intolerance (toward LGBTQ+ individuals and other religions) was one of the top reasons for religious doubt. Although religious doubts can be distressing, they are also linked with openness, meaning-making, and a humble outlook.
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Why is it important?
Many people are troubled by doubts about religion, and some might worry that these doubts are simply "bad". Yes, it can be upsetting to doubt things that we've been told are true. But sometimes we need to question in order to grow.
Perspectives
My hope is that this article will help to show how religious doubts have both a dark side and a bright side--that they're not "all bad."
Julie Exline
University of Virginia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Many reasons for religious doubt: Links with doubt struggles, mental health, and an open, humble, questing orientation., Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, December 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/rel0000596.
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