Thomas the Apostle
From SkepticWiki
Thomas the Apostle is the patron saint of skeptics in Christianity. A non-canonical Gospel is attributed to him. The name "Thomas" means "twin" in Aramaic. The equivalent Greek name "Didymus" is sometimes found.
[edit] Skepticism
Thomas's designation as the patron saint of skeptics likely follows from his behavior as related in the Gospel of John: (all excerpts from KJV)
- The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (Jn 20:25-27)
Thomas’s attitude, as related here, is a typical application of the skeptical maxim that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof". The narrative also stresses that truth is demonstrated through objective and reproduceable evidence. Thomas’s method of discovering truth is consistent with other biblical passages: “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matt 7:7) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1Th 5:21)
[edit] Faith
Nevertheless, Thomas is not the hero of the story. Jesus goes on to rebuke him for his lack of faith:
- Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (Jn 20:29)
To the skeptical mind, this raises the question of why faith should be exalted to a superior method of truth-seeking, over the more direct evidence-based methods.
