DOUBTING THOMAS Meaning and
Definition
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Doubting Thomas is a colloquial term often used to describe a person who is skeptical or refuses to believe something without concrete evidence or proof. The phrase originated from a biblical reference in John 20:24-29, which recounts the story of Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus. According to the account, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, Thomas expressed doubt about his identity and claimed that he would only believe if he could physically touch Jesus' wounds.
The term Doubting Thomas thus characterizes an individual who questions or challenges claims or ideas, often requiring solid evidence before accepting them as true. It connotes a certain level of skepticism and reluctance to accept things at face value or based solely on faith or hearsay.
However, it's important to note that being a Doubting Thomas does not necessarily imply negativity. Questioning, skepticism, and critical thinking can be beneficial and even essential in certain situations, as they encourage thorough examination and understanding. Doubting Thomas can also be used as a cautionary term, reminding individuals to seek evidence and engage in critical analysis rather than blindly accepting information or beliefs.
In summary, a Doubting Thomas is someone who displays skepticism, hesitancy, or the need for proof before accepting something as true or valid.
Common Misspellings for DOUBTING THOMAS
- soubting thomas
- xoubting thomas
- coubting thomas
- foubting thomas
- roubting thomas
- eoubting thomas
- diubting thomas
- dkubting thomas
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- dpubting thomas
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- doybting thomas
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- do8bting thomas
- do7bting thomas
- douvting thomas
Etymology of DOUBTING THOMAS
The phrase "Doubting Thomas" originates from the New Testament of the Bible. It refers to Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who initially doubted Jesus' resurrection and refused to believe that Jesus had appeared to the other disciples after his crucifixion. Thomas famously said, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe". (John 20:25) Eventually, Jesus appeared to Thomas and allowed him to touch his wounds, leading Thomas to proclaim, "My Lord and my God"! (John 20:28)
Over time, Thomas' doubts have become symbolic of skepticism or disbelief in general, and the phrase "Doubting Thomas" has been used to describe someone who is skeptical or hesitant to believe something without evidence.
Idioms with the word DOUBTING THOMAS
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a doubting Thomas
The idiom "a doubting Thomas" refers to a person who is skeptical or refuses to believe something without substantial evidence or proof. It originates from the biblical account where the disciple Thomas doubts the resurrection of Jesus until he sees and physically touches his wounds.
