Today we’re excited to share a special live episode recorded at the Compass Gallery in Provo, as part of our Big Questions series with Terryl Givens. Each month, Terryl is joined by a guest for a conversation about some of our biggest theological and historical questions.
In this episode, he’s joined by scholar and teacher Jared Halverson. Together, Terryl and Jared explore the question: can doubt be a spiritual gift? They consider how doubt might play a meaningful role in our spiritual development, and ask whether we can reclaim faith as something relational, built on loyalty, trust, and love—rather than a list of things we intellectually agree to.
One of the most powerful ideas that emerges is that faith and doubt aren’t opposites—in fact, they may need to coexist. It’s often in the tension between the two that deeper discipleship takes root. Terryl and Jared also explore how the Restoration, at its core, invites us into a life of ongoing seeking and expanding, not one of perfect certainty.
So if you’ve ever felt some fear, guilt, or shame around your questions—or worried that doubt means you’re falling behind, out of reach, or off the path—this conversation is for you. We hope it offers a hopeful reframe: that the wrestle is sacred, that you’re in good company, and that sometimes, this is exactly what spiritual growth looks like.
For even more on these topics, check out:
You can also browse the “Faith & Doubt” tag on our website, and check out more resources for the Big Question “I’m going through a period of serious doubt. Does doubt ever lead to greater faith, or is this likely my new normal?”
More from The Big Questions Series
Join us every month at The Compass in downtown Provo as Terryl Givens is joined by guest scholars to discuss a new Big Question. On May 22, Dr. Phil Barlow will join us to discuss what the claim of being “only true Church” means today, and in the months to come we’ll be joined by Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait to tackle making sense of Church history, Dr. Jonathan Stapley to discuss “What is priesthood?,” Dr. Patrick Mason on the big question of polygamy, Bill Turnbull to discuss the legacy of Joseph Smith, Dr. Diedre Green to discuss “What is Atonement?,” and more still to be announced!
You get access to all the recordings from past events and the livestream links for future events when you become a donor or paid subscriber. Thank you for your support that allows us to put on these great events!
Plus! This month at The Compass: learn about creating a Zion community, and break bread with a leader in the Baha’i community.
Stay up-to-date with future Faith Matters events at The Compass by subscribing to our special Compass Events newsletter.
You can also find free resources we’ve collected on other Big Questions on our website. Questions like:
What other Big Questions would you like to see resources on? Is there a perspective we’re missing that we should include? Write to us! info@faithmatters.org.
STUDY “COME FOLLOW ME” WITH FAITH MATTERS
Imagining a Church where everyone feels truly welcome
How can we help others feel more welcome at Church? Can not knowing the Church is true be a spiritual gift? How can we appreciate a wider range of spiritual gifts? How should we think about Church history? How do we create Zion?
How can we embrace all truth?
“Our religion… embraces all truth, wherever found, in all the works of God and man…” How can we do this while remaining dedicated to a particular tradition? How do we learn from and with each other, particularly people who are different? How do we discern truth and light?
To receive Come Follow Me resource roundups from Faith Matters in your inbox, first be sure you are subscribed to the Faith Matters Substack, then go to manage your subscription and turn on notifications for “Come Follow Me”.
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH WAYFARE:
Happy Mother’s Day from Wayfare. We have collected a profusion of beautiful essays into a literary bouquet to celebrate Mother's Day this year. We're confident that there will be many blooms here to raise interesting ideas as they awaken your senses and stir your heart.
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