invincible ignorance

[ConstantineTG]

I was merely responding to your statement below, in terms of how miracles can draw people closer to Jesus, which can lead to even stronger repentance. I am a good example e.g. my former agnostic days…

“Also miracles are a bad way to convert people, because you only impressed them, you did not really convert them in a way that they repent of their sins and truly believe in God, that is to put all hope in Him.”

Yes and that is consistent with at least my belief around the circumstances of St. Thomas. He wasn’t converted, although his eyes were opened to more truths. He already believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but clearly he didn’t understand what that fully meant. None of them did, in fact, until the Resurrection.

 

[joe371]

Yes and that is consistent with at least my belief around the circumstances of St. Thomas. He wasn’t converted, although his eyes were opened to more truths. He already believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but clearly he didn’t understand what that fully meant. None of them did, in fact, until the Resurrection.

You don’t think that maybe Thomas harboured some doubts about who Jesus claimed to be, prior to Jesus revealing himself?

 

[Robertanthony]

You don’t think that maybe Thomas harboured some doubts about who Jesus claimed to be, prior to Jesus revealing himself?

It is plausible that he did. Otherwise why would he have doubted what Jesus himself prophesied (i.e. that he was going to raise from the dead)?

 

[joe371]

It is plausible that he did. Otherwise why would he have doubted what Jesus himself prophesied (i.e. that he was going to raise from the dead)?

"Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and start believing.” Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

I know I would have been experiencing doubt. However he did just witness 3 years of miracle-working, so perhaps the doubt would have been minimal; perhaps more ambivalent…