Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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DOUBTING FAITH
The theory that, at least in modern times, it is quite possible to remain a good Catholic while positively doubting one or more articles of the faith. Implicit in the theory, condemned by the First Vatican Council, is the claim that "doubt is a spiritual exercise" that presupposes "permanent openness to truth." It ignores the fact that God always gives sufficient grace to believe, without either denial or doubt that what he revealed is certainly true.
