Faith and Doubt | Greg Tonkinson | TEDxGrandCanyonUniversity

Summary

In this poignant narrative, the speaker recounts the tragic car accident that claimed his wife's life, and the subsequent emotional turmoil that shook his faith. He explores the complex interplay between faith and doubt, questioning God's plan amidst grief. Through introspection and reflection, he finds solace in the idea that doubt can strengthen faith, and that tragedy can lead to positive change, as seen in the lives touched by his wife's legacy.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The speaker's wife was killed in a car accident while he was at home with their children.
• 🏠 The family's life changed dramatically, starting a journey of grief and various emotions.
• 📖 The speaker, a man of faith, found his beliefs shaken by the tragedy.
• 🤔 He questioned the existence and control of a higher power after the accident.
• 📚 Reading the Bible and finding examples of others doubting God helped him cope.
• 💭 He considered whether faith and doubt are permanently linked, especially after trauma.
• 🔄 He realized that doubt can be a way to feel like one has some control over tragic events.
• 🛤️ The speaker decided to either continue doubting or to follow God's plan for his life.
• 🌟 He chose to believe that good can come from tragedy, such as increased faith and positive actions inspired by his wife's life.
• 👪 The speaker remarried and is navigating the complexities of a new family dynamic.
• 🙏 He continues to doubt but is striving to ask for wisdom rather than doubting God's will.

Q & A

What was the make and model of the car involved in the accident?

The car involved in the accident was a 2005 Ford Tourus.

What was the speed of the vehicle that hit the Ford Tourus?

The vehicle that hit the Ford Tourus was traveling at a speed of 75 miles an hour.

How did the impact of the accident affect the Ford Tourus?

The impact caused significant damage to the Ford Tourus, launching it into the air and landing it on its top.

Where was the narrator when the accident occurred?

The narrator was at home with his three children when the accident occurred.

How did the police inform the narrator about the accident?

The police knocked on the door and informed the narrator that his wife was killed in a car accident.

What was the narrator's initial reaction to the news of his wife's death?

The narrator asked the officer to tell him directly without needing to sit down, showing his readiness to hear the news.

How did the narrator describe his journey after his wife's death?

The narrator described his journey as one of grief burdened by various emotions including rage, anger, hopelessness, frustration, and moments of serenity.

What was the narrator's profession and how was it connected to his faith?

The narrator was a man of faith, with his current occupation, academic achievements, and the way he raised his children all centered around his faith.

What was the narrator's stance on faith and doubt after experiencing the tragedy?

The narrator believes that honest doubting can be a normal experience for a person of faith and that faith and doubt can be inextricably linked.

How did the narrator's faith evolve after the accident?

The narrator's faith was traumatized by the event, leading him to question and argue with God, but eventually, he chose to follow God's plan rather than doubting it.

What was the narrator's conclusion about the relationship between faith and doubt?

The narrator concluded that doubting can increase one's faith and that it's possible to maintain a relationship with an infinite being while experiencing doubt.

What did the narrator suggest as a way to better understand and support those who are grieving?

The narrator suggested creating spaces free of judgment where people can share their aches, anguishes, and agonies, regardless of their religious dispositions.