A Patron Saint for Agnostics

The church usually frowns on people that have doubts and questions. Ever since St. John's gospel found its way into the New Testament cannon rather than St. Thomas' - orthodoxy has trumped mysticism. Orthodoxy demands "belief in" and "metal assent to" perceived absolutes. Mysticism embraces mystery - thus allowing for and even honoring doubts and questions. St. John's gospel is the one that gives us the story of Thomas being the Doubter; maybe trying to discourage folk from following the more mystical ways of Thomas. Other gospel traditions however, refer to Thomas as the Twin - the one most like Jesus.

Maybe we could make Thomas the patron saint for agnostics (a- "without", gnosis- "knowledge"). What a beautiful, honest, authentic, and humble thing to admit, "I don't know". The spiritual path of "Thomas the Twin" (mysticism) is a beautiful path that leads to something beyond knowledge - it leads to wisdom. Agnosis moves one to diagnosis (dia- "to evaluate or struggle with", gnosis- "knowledge"). Diagnosis leads one to prognosis (pro- "before, to precede, beyond", gnosis- "knowledge"). The questions and doubts of the agnostic is a valid spiritual path that can lead one to that place of awe and wonder beyond knowledge; to wisdom and into the limitless mystery. What a beautiful journey to pursue - a beautiful quest to be engaged with and you can't quest without questions.

To be honest, I am over debating scripture and I have no interest in having a theological wrestling match with anyone. I do desire however, a living and direct experience with ultimate wisdom. To authentically embrace our doubts, struggles, and questions is the path of Thomas - the path of the Twin. A path that carries us into the great mystery and leads to direct experience with holy wisdom. I will meet you there!