Why Your Doubts Won't Get You Canceled | Anderson, SC Worship

April 05, 2026

Fr. Jon Aamodt

In the kickoff to our Easter season series, Father Jon explores the heavy reality of spiritual doubt. Many of the most revered figures in Christian history—from St. Teresa of Calcutta to C.S. Lewis and Charles Spurgeon—wrestled with deep bouts of emptiness and uncertainty. Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestled with the Father's plan. This sermon takes a fresh look at "Doubting Thomas" and the trauma of broken trust, shattered dreams, and fear that likely fueled his skepticism. Discover why Jesus doesn't meet our doubt with rejection, but with the invitation to "stop doubting and believe". Learn how your moments of uncertainty aren't the end of your faith, but often the growing pains of a faith that is becoming too big for its old boxes. The Altar Church is a Spirit-filled, Missional, and Sacramental worship community in Anderson, SC, rooted in the Anglican tradition but designed for a restless generation.

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Episode Notes

Father Jon’s Study Notes

[00:00] Introduction to the Series: Launching "When Faith Falls Apart" for the Easter season.
[00:44] The Company of Doubters: Recognizing that saints like Mother Teresa (who felt a "terrible emptiness"), C.S. Lewis (who questioned God’s goodness after loss), and Charles Spurgeon (who battled depression) all wrestled with their faith.
[02:18] Jesus in Gethsemane: Even Christ wrestled with the Father's plan, proving that struggling with circumstances is not a sin.
[03:22] Re-evaluating Thomas: Shifting the perspective from a "negative object lesson" to understanding the roots of his doubt.
[03:51] The Trauma of Broken Trust: Thomas saw the arrest and crucifixion; he saw the leaders scatter. Bitterness often starts when we expect one thing from God and receive another.
[04:47] The Death of a Vision: How the "Instagram Gospel" (the idea that Jesus fixes everything immediately) fails to prepare us for the Way of the Cross—sacrifice and suffering.
[06:05] Traumatized by Guilt: Thomas had previously pledged to die with Jesus (John 11:16). His doubt may have been a shield for his own shame at failing his own expectations.
[07:12] The Peace of Christ: Jesus returns not to scold, but to offer "Shalom." He invites Thomas into His scars.
[08:15] The Legacy of "Faithful Thomas": In the East, Thomas is celebrated for traveling 3,000 miles to plant the church in India among the Dalits (the untouchables). The disciple who needed to touch the scars reached those whom society refused to touch.
[09:25] Faith as a Process: Like learning math, you don't always need the "why" to start the "how." Faith is a process of becoming.
[10:45] Closing Benediction: A reminder that you are not canceled. "Peace be with you".

A Note for the Journey: If your faith feels like it's "coming unglued," don't mistake that discomfort for a reason to leave. It might just mean your faith is growing too big for the old box you kept it in. Keep showing up.
The Altar Church is a Three-Streams community in Anderson, SC, rooted in the Anglican tradition but designed for a restless generation. Visit us at thealtarchurch.info