In today’s world, doubt is often praised as a virtue—a sign of intellectual honesty or emotional depth. But in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, faith, not doubt, is the principle of power.

Is Doubt Always Bad?

No. Honest questions are not only acceptable—they’re essential for growth. The scriptures are full of seekers: Nephi asked, “Have ye inquired of the Lord?” (1 Nephi 15:8), and Joseph Smith’s First Vision came in response to sincere, humble inquiry.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said:

“It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding.”

But there’s a difference between humble seeking and destructive skepticism. One draws us toward God; the other pushes us away from Him.

Why Church Leaders Warn Against Doubt

President Russell M. Nelson and others have cautioned against doubt—not because questions are dangerous, but because doubt that festers can become a form of spiritual paralysis. It’s not the same as searching; it’s refusing to move forward because of fear or mistrust.

President Thomas S. Monson taught:

“Doubt never inspires faith. Doubt never calms the troubled soul.”

And the Savior’s own words are plain:

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (D&C 6:36)

Doubt often walks hand-in-hand with fear—fear that God won’t answer, that the gospel isn’t true, or that we’re alone in our struggle. But fear is the opposite of faith.

Faith and the Role of Questions

Faithful disciples can still have questions. The difference is how they approach them:
Doubt says, “I won’t move until I understand everything.”

Faith says, “I’ll move forward while I continue to seek.”

Doubt demands certainty before commitment.

Faith acts with trust, knowing light comes after the trial of faith (Ether 12:6).

We’re not asked to have all the answers—we’re asked to trust the One who does.

Final Thought: Doubt May Visit, But Faith Must Lead

Doubt may appear along the journey. It might knock on your door after loss, disappointment, or confusion. But you don’t have to let it stay.

In the restored gospel, faith is not the absence of questions—it’s the refusal to give up on God while you search for answers. It is covenantal trust. It’s choosing to keep praying, keep studying, keep serving—even when you don’t understand everything yet.

Elder Richard G. Scott put it beautifully:

“Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.”

Let your questions bring you to Christ—not away from Him.