Wrestling with Doubt: Biblical Truths for Questioning Hearts
- Krista Bontrager
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
We sat down with Hillary Ferrer (founder, Mama Bear Apologetics) to explore how honest questions can strengthen, rather than destroy, our faith. In this episode, we unpack the difference between doubt and deconstruction and why definitions matter for a healthy spiritual life. Monique and Hillary look at biblical examples of faithful doubters and learn practical ways to move from uncertainty to deeper trust. If you’re standing in the dark, unsure what you believe, this conversation will remind you that God welcomes your questions and your wrestling heart.
On tonight’s episode, we welcomed first-time guest, Hillary Ferrer, from Mama Bear Apologetics. We had an insightful discussion on the nature of doubt, its distinctions from skepticism and deconstruction, and how it can be addressed theologically and practically.
Highlights from the discussion:
Q. Tell us a little about yourself and what is Mama Bear Apologetics?
Hillary is the founder and president of Mama Bear Apologetics, a ministry focused on helping mothers (and fathers!) explain complex theological and cultural concepts to their children using simple language and analogies. Despite not having children herself, Hillary uses her time to research and break down these concepts. The ministry began unexpectedly when Hillary felt called by God to start it, initially thinking she would commission someone else. Mama Bear Apologetics has published several books, which are listed below.
Q. How do you define doubt, and how is it different from deconstruction?
Hillary defines doubt as a progression: questions lead to doubt, which, if unanswered, can solidify into unbelief. She distinguishes doubt (wanting to believe but having nagging questions) from skepticism (demanding proof with a "guilty until proven innocent" mindset) and unbelief (rejecting belief entirely). Deconstruction, rooted in Jacques Derrida’s philosophy, separates words from their meaning, undermining scripture’s authority. In contrast, reformation strips away added traditions to return to biblical truth. Deconstruction shifts authority from scripture to personal experience, making it difficult to reconstruct faith, while reformation aligns beliefs with scripture.
Q. Is doubt always negative, or can it be redemptive?
Hillary compares doubt to a fever or a check engine light, signaling something is wrong without specifying what. It can be beneficial, prompting investigation and deeper faith if addressed properly. She cites John the Baptist’s doubt in prison, where Jesus responded with evidence tailored to John’s values (Old Testament prophecy), affirming his faith despite doubt. Ferrer argues that doubt doesn’t indicate weak faith, as even John, a great prophet, doubted. Doubt can purify false expectations, like John’s belief that the Messiah would overthrow earthly oppressors rather than sin.
Q. What are core and peripheral doubts, and what are examples of expectational doubts?
Core doubts concern the truth and goodness of Christianity (e.g., did Jesus live and rise again?). Peripheral doubts involve secondary issues like women’s head coverings or Calvinism vs. Arminianism, which don’t affect the core gospel message. Expectational doubts arise from unmet expectations, such as believing God promises healing or protection from suffering when scripture doesn’t guarantee these. Hillary references suffering as a common trigger, noting that many Christians are surprised by it despite it being “Plan A” for spiritual growth.
Q. What obstacles or circumstances promote doubt?
Hillary categorizes doubts as emotional, intellectual, and behavioral, with subcategories like moral doubt (acting against beliefs, causing cognitive dissonance) and conditioned doubt (negative church experiences triggering ongoing distrust). She introduces self-perception theory, where actions inform beliefs, leading to doubt if behaviors contradict stated beliefs. For example, hypocrisy in Christians can lead others to doubt Christianity’s transformative power. Hillary also mentions father wounds as a risk factor, where negative experiences with earthly fathers skew perceptions of God.
Q. What can the stories of John the Baptist, David, Job, and Thomas teach us about bringing honest questions to God?
Hillary highlights the openness of biblical figures like David, who expressed raw emotions in prayers, and John the Baptist, who publicly voiced doubts. She encourages honest prayers, as seen in her book Honest Prayers for Mama Bears, and shares her own prayer of wanting to desire God. Hillary warns against churches that discourage questions, noting that legitimate inquiries differ from skeptical “stump the chump” questions meant to challenge faith.
Q. How have you used apologetics to counter doubt, and what scriptures encourage you?
Hillary relies on evidential apologetics, particularly the resurrection’s evidence, which she finds undeniable after studying alternative theories (e.g., swoon theory, stolen body). She returns to these proofs during personal doubt. She also cites 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, emphasizing that God comforts us to comfort others, reinforcing her purpose in helping others through doubt. Hillary encourages seeking answers to deepen faith, likening doubt to a plant’s roots growing deeper when seeking water.
Q. What encouragement would you offer someone experiencing doubt?
Hillary advises treating doubt as a signal to seek God and identify underlying lies or unhealed wounds. She emphasizes asking whether the doubt stems from emotional, intellectual, behavioral, or conditioned issues, and seeking healing where needed. Doubt should prompt deeper exploration of truth through scripture and apologetics.
Q. Tell us about your upcoming book on doubt.
Hillary’s book, tentatively set for release in early 2027, aims to diagnose doubt like a medical textbook, offering categories to help readers and ministers identify specific doubt types. It targets those who feel stuck despite trying general solutions, providing tailored approaches to address unique doubt triggers.
Resources:
Keep an eye out for Hillary's forthcoming book on doubt expected in early 2027!
In the meantime, check out the important books published by Mama Bear Apologetics: https://mamabearapologetics.com/book/
Listen to Hillary's recent interview on suffering and doubt on the True Comfort Podcast, hosted by Teasi Cannon. Search in your favorite podcast player.
CFBU is hosting a class for highschoolers titled, Scripture and Society. Check out the link for all the details and register your student:
Visit us at the Women in Apologetics Conference (WIA), this September in Grapevine, TX. Click here to get all the information and get your ticket today:
Connect with the Guest:
Hillary and her team at Mama Bear Apologetics provide a plethora of resources for parents at their website and on social media. Check out their incredible work:
Website: https://mamabearapologetics.com/
IG: @mamabearapologetics
Sponsor:
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