Tunnel Of Doubts
This subject was discussed in the 1. Feb.01 WT. It is an interesting expression, ‘tunnel of doubts’ – as if several doubts merge to produce an overall ‘tunnel’ from which it could be difficult to emerge. The article promised much but it failed to assist those in such a position in my opinion. I would be interested in any comments on this including any instruction that would indeed help those in a ‘tunnel of doubts’.
Please find below a fair summary of the material under the heading ‘What if Doubts Linger?’
On page 10, parag 9 the WT said’ What if we do find ourselves in a tunnel of doubts? What should we do then? Wise King Solomon provides the answer: Prov 2:1-5.
I found that the choice of scripture was somewhat surprising because the account deals with the invitation from a father to a son to continue seeking and searching wisdom and discernment as if searching for hidden treasure. DOUBT would not be an overpowering element in the father-son relationship. I think the discovering of gems from the scriptures, YOURSELF, can be inspiring and can enhance your view of truth/scripture but will not assist those who have doubts particularly where the doubt is based on an apparent unscriptural teaching/view. It may in actual fact add to the ‘tunnel’ the person finds themselves in.
Parag. 10 states ‘The hidden treasures of his Word can dispel any doubts and help us see the light of truth.’ Not necessarily so as indicated above and I would submit that the ‘light of truth’ should be readily understood and not only after immense research. It was at least that way for many in the first century.
Parag.11 used the account of 2 Kings 6:11-18 where Elisha’s attendant expressed some doubt. The parag. Started by saying ‘A clear example of how prayer helped a fearful and doubting servant of God…..’
It would be fair to say that Elisha’s attendant expressed some doubt but I wouldn’t describe it as a ‘tunnel ‘ but momentary. It was also at a time when God was actively identifying himself and the servant’s comment could be understood differently as oppose to any real perceived doubt.
Furthermore the prayer referred to at the start of parag. 11 was not from the person with alleged doubts but from Elisha himself! So the account cannot be used to show how the person with doubts HIMSELF used prayer.
Parag.12 highlighted how the Jehovah made the servant see the heavenly armies that were fighting for them but then takes the matter onto a different subject in that it says ‘Remember, that attendant of the prophet did not have the complete Bible to study in order to strengthen his faith. We do have the Bible. If we put it to good use, our faith can be strengthened.’
The attendant did not seem to rely on any portion of scripture but received the vision. The mention of the Bible appears to take us back to parag.9 and Proverbs 2. 1-5 which has been dealt with.
The section ends with the following ‘For example, we might ponder on the several accounts that describe Jehovah in his heavenly court. These leave no room for doubt that Jehovah does have a heavenly organization supporting his servants in the worldwide educational work today.’
This might only be of benefit if that was our particular doubt. You may also take issue over whether the scriptures quoted do support what is being suggested. To someone in a ‘tunnel’ it would seem unlikely the WT’s conclusions would be followed.
So to me the article appeared to take the matter of doubts seriously and at least tried to deal with the situation. I think the objective was a good one but the article would unlikely help any who found themselves in the unfortunate spiritual circumstances referred to.
ISP