What do you think?
Rate this book
The Thomas Factor: Using Your Doubts to Draw Closer to God
An inspirational book that offers words of healing for those wrestling with religious doubts and shows Christians how to grow closer to God through times of uncertainty.
141 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
3 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Gary R. Habermas
62 books171 followersGary R. Habermas was born just outside Detroit, Michigan in 1950. Although he was raised in a Christian home and attended a German Baptist Church, he began having serious doubts about Christianity. For more than ten years, he faced uncertainty about key Christian claims and searched other religious and non-religious systems, especially naturalism. His studies centered chiefly on investigating various world views, occasionally getting close to what he thought might be the proper approach. During this time, as he explains, "The last thing I did at night was recall what I had learned that day to further my search. Early the next morning, it seems that the first thing that came to my mind was, 'Where did I end my studies last night?'" This continued for several agonizing years.
Habermas' interest in the field of apologetics began early in his search when he realized that some religions made claims that could be either verified or falsified. He searched the various religious systems to ascertain if such claims were verifiable. After several years of study, he concluded that very few religious claims could be substantiated. Habermas concluded that even Christianity suffered in this sense. While certainly having more evidential considerations than other religions, there always seemed to be a reason why the argument could not be finalized. While Habermas conducted detailed studies of creation, fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries, and the general reliability of the Old and New Testaments, he constantly asked if there were any "clinching" arguments.
Habermas especially studied the notion that Eastern metaphysics were confirmed by modern physics, as well as the claims made on behalf of various other holy books. He reached the conclusion that, while religious beliefs could be held by faith, they usually lacked great evidence and could not be "proven" to be true.
Habermas' search frequently took the form of debating with various adherents of non-Christian as well as Christian views. He told practitioners from both camps that their beliefs were not as grounded as they would like to believe. He especially recalls one encounter where an exasperated Christian told him that he was filled with demons! Once his mother called to see how he was doing, and he announced that he thought he was close to becoming a Buddhist, his latest research interest.
During this time, one subject began to appeal to Habermas more than any other. He realized that if Jesus had been raised from the dead, this would go a long way toward arguing that Christianity was true. He also studied the founders of the major religious traditions, along with some lesser-known figures, to see if there were other claims that someone had been raised from the dead. He was especially interested in whether there was any historical or other evidence for any such teachings. Thirteen hundred note cards later, he was well on the way to a lifetime of being "hooked" on the subject of Jesus' resurrection. Little did he know that his early years of study on this subject would begin his fascination with the topic that has never lessened.
Habermas continued his search as an undergraduate student at Tyndale College, graduating in 1972 with three majors and three minors. Foremost on his mind was still the question of whether it could be known if there was any basis for answering his religious questions. Habermas went straight to graduate school at the University of Detroit. Studying philosophical theology and the world religions, he earned an M.A. a year later, in 1973. After taking a year off, he pursued a Ph.D. at Michigan State University, graduating two years later (1976), after keeping up a torrid study schedule.
Studying relevant historical, philosophical, and religious questions, Habermas proposed an historical study of Jesus’ resurrection (what else?) for his Ph.D. dissertation. The topic was approved by his committee, but he was told specifically that he could not
Habermas' interest in the field of apologetics began early in his search when he realized that some religions made claims that could be either verified or falsified. He searched the various religious systems to ascertain if such claims were verifiable. After several years of study, he concluded that very few religious claims could be substantiated. Habermas concluded that even Christianity suffered in this sense. While certainly having more evidential considerations than other religions, there always seemed to be a reason why the argument could not be finalized. While Habermas conducted detailed studies of creation, fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries, and the general reliability of the Old and New Testaments, he constantly asked if there were any "clinching" arguments.
Habermas especially studied the notion that Eastern metaphysics were confirmed by modern physics, as well as the claims made on behalf of various other holy books. He reached the conclusion that, while religious beliefs could be held by faith, they usually lacked great evidence and could not be "proven" to be true.
Habermas' search frequently took the form of debating with various adherents of non-Christian as well as Christian views. He told practitioners from both camps that their beliefs were not as grounded as they would like to believe. He especially recalls one encounter where an exasperated Christian told him that he was filled with demons! Once his mother called to see how he was doing, and he announced that he thought he was close to becoming a Buddhist, his latest research interest.
During this time, one subject began to appeal to Habermas more than any other. He realized that if Jesus had been raised from the dead, this would go a long way toward arguing that Christianity was true. He also studied the founders of the major religious traditions, along with some lesser-known figures, to see if there were other claims that someone had been raised from the dead. He was especially interested in whether there was any historical or other evidence for any such teachings. Thirteen hundred note cards later, he was well on the way to a lifetime of being "hooked" on the subject of Jesus' resurrection. Little did he know that his early years of study on this subject would begin his fascination with the topic that has never lessened.
Habermas continued his search as an undergraduate student at Tyndale College, graduating in 1972 with three majors and three minors. Foremost on his mind was still the question of whether it could be known if there was any basis for answering his religious questions. Habermas went straight to graduate school at the University of Detroit. Studying philosophical theology and the world religions, he earned an M.A. a year later, in 1973. After taking a year off, he pursued a Ph.D. at Michigan State University, graduating two years later (1976), after keeping up a torrid study schedule.
Studying relevant historical, philosophical, and religious questions, Habermas proposed an historical study of Jesus’ resurrection (what else?) for his Ph.D. dissertation. The topic was approved by his committee, but he was told specifically that he could not
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 17, 2013
This book is an excellent resource for those dealing with doubt of any kind as well as for those wishing to help those with doubts. It is a very encouraging book showing that many people have doubts, that doubt is different than unbelief, that most doubt is emotional in nature and based on feelings and believing things that aren't true (lies we tell ourselves), and giving a ton if great strategies to help alleviate or eliminate emotional doubt when it comes. I highly recommend checking it out.
July 15, 2018
Is doubt a bad thing in and of itself? Gary Habermas, in this excellent book, would say no.
Habermas classifies doubts into three categories - factual, emotional, and volitional. The majority of the book deals with the one in the middle because they are the most prevalent.
This book is very encouraging, and I highly recommend it.
Habermas classifies doubts into three categories - factual, emotional, and volitional. The majority of the book deals with the one in the middle because they are the most prevalent.
This book is very encouraging, and I highly recommend it.
August 25, 2021
Back in 1999 this book saved my life. Doubt is not death but a part of life. Doubt is not comfortable but ultimately is a facilitator of growth. Dr. Habermas understands this and communicates it efficiently and with intelligent kindness.
June 26, 2025
Excellent book on doubts, namely questions and more settled unbelief, that focus on an emotional variety. He helpfully nuances the subject to show how bad it is and that the solution is in dealing with the issues according to facts and often based on Philippians 4.
October 14, 2014
I am experiencing very painful doubt. I had never heard of emotional doubt and though I wish I could say it has been life changing... it has been more eye opening. I still have painful doubts, but at least I know what do do about them. I am so incredibly thankful for Gary Habermas. Also, I learned this book is available for free on his website (in electronic form).
March 27, 2012
Probably more of a 3.5 if it existed. Liked the book, it definitely had some helpful suggestions, approaches, thoughts, yet not all I hoped it would be. It might unfair to knock a book down a star because it failed to meet my expectations in a way I can't exactly pinpoint, but I'm doing it anyway.
January 13, 2018
I liked the book, but wish that there had been more information on practical application of the instructions of: 1) prayer of petition, 2)) thanksgiving and praise, 3) edifying thinking, 4) practice and Christian modeling. I don't understand how to apply steps three and four.
October 24, 2012
While this book is directed toward doubts about God's existence, it's an excellent essay on the nature of doubt, period. I wish I had known about this book back when it was written.
May 6, 2018
Helpful book for folks like me who deal with not only intellectual, but emotional doubts about God. It was definitely worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews