If Kids are Going to Doubt, Most do it between Ages 7-12
Kids doubting their faith? It’s never something we like to consider. Ready for the good news? They’re in good company. Thomas doubted. John the baptizer doubted. Shoot, perhaps even your own child’s parents doubted. (Am I speaking to anyone besides myself?)
Both Thomas and John were on fire for Jesus. One, Jesus called the “greatest” man ever to live. Although the other gets a bad rap, he was no slouch, either.
“But these are my kids,” you say.
I know. I’m with you. Because we’ve both read the horrifying statistics that most Christian kids dump their faith when they become adults.
And we see it all the time. Usually in college, where they’re immersed in a culture that pushes back on Christianity and its claims—a culture that asks questions Christians hadn’t considered. Questions they can’t answer.
After final graduation, grown kids are officially on their own. They may have dumped their faith internally years ago when their seeds of doubt overtook their seeds of faith. Now they don’t have to pretend anymore. Now they can dump it externally.
(Sidenote: This is why Apologetics is so Important)
Elizabeth Urbanowicz at Foundation Worldview is an expert at equipping parents to teach in-depth apologetics to kids of all ages. Here at PtL, I get into apologetics somewhat. But Elizabeth has very comprehensive curriculums starting at $125. You can even sign up for her free webinar alerts. She’s a pleasure to listen to and always full of practical takeaways parents can apply immediately.
But for Help Now, Right Now, here’s Some Biblical Wisdom in its Truest form:
In Matthew 11, John the Baptizer Doubts.
John was Jesus’ own cousin- the one Jesus called the “greatest man to ever live.” He knew Jesus even when he was a baby in his mother’s womb. As a man, John lived in the woods, wore animal skins, and ate bugs and honey- all preparing “the way for the Lord.” And he saw the Holy Spirit come down like a dove and land on Jesus while he was baptizing Him.
Yet John sits in prison doubting, wondering: How can this be? So, he sends word: Are you really the One? Did I get it wrong?
Jesus doesn’t scold him. He doesn’t ignore him or blow him off. He sends word back—word of all the miracles happening—of all that’s been prophesied hundreds of years ago. He sends word of the evidence.
In John 21, Thomas Doubts.
“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
And guess what?
Jesus came to him. With the evidence of holes in His hands and side—the same holes He showed to the rest of the disciples earlier—the ones who didn’t believe Mary when she told them, “He’s alive!”
Like Jesus, we can meet them where they are. And with evidence and testimony.
But What if They’re Hiding Their Doubt?
Be open. Doubt is natural. You want them to come to you when they are conflicted. You want them to feel safe telling you the truth about this.
Here’s 4 simple things you can do to help kids doubting their faith:
- Welcome their conversations and questions with undivided attention. Especially the unimportant ones. From this, they know they can count on you.
- Read and discuss John 21 and Matthew 11. And read them interactively.
- Share a time when you’ve doubted—and why you don’t anymore. Share your testimonies.
- Pray for them. Prayer is no joke. Prayer can shake the gates of hell.
Keeping doubts in the dark can shrivel seeds of faith. But a safe place to share—and some responding like Jesus—offers a ray of sunlight.
Keep going, Mama. I’m praying with you.
