In this episode, Dr. Tanya Paynter continues her deeply personal and insightful conversation on how doubt impacts both our faith and our health. Building on last week’s story of her own spiritual struggles, she dives into the four distinct types of doubt—factual, experiential, emotional, and volitional—and explains why identifying them is essential for true healing. Dr. Paynter shares practical tools, biblical examples, and honest reflection exercises to help Christian women work through their doubts. She also debunks three common myths many believers hold:

1) That most Christians don’t experience doubt,

2) That doubt is sinful or shameful,

3) That facts alone should remove doubt.

This episode offers encouragement and practical guidance for any Christian mom seeking holistic health with God at the center.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Doubt

03:21 - Examples of types of doubts

06:59 - How doubt can strengthen faith when addressed

13:18 - How clarifying beliefs can improve your relationship with God

14:58 - Biblical examples of doubt and God’s responses

15:37 - Reflection prompts to help identify your own doubts

21:27 - Practical tips for naming and addressing your doubts

23:33 - Encouragement that God welcomes your questions and doubts

Action Steps

1) Identify the type of doubt you are experiencing: use the Doubt Diagnostic Tool to help you (link below)

2) Pray and journal about your doubts; ask God for guidance and clarity

3) Choose a physical practice—such as walking, stretching, or breath prayer—to help manage stress as you work through uncertainty.

4) Seek support from trusted friends, counselors, or within your community, especially for doubts connected to trauma or emotional pain.

Download the free Doubt Diagnostic Tool to help you identify the kind of doubt you may be experiencing: https://forms.gle/rbxADTHo8aQdeGxi7

Citations and Resources

Book Resources

1. Groothuis, Douglas, and Andrew Shepardson. The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2022.
2. Guinness, Os. God in the Dark. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996.
3. Habermas, Gary R. The Thomas Factor: Using Your Doubts to Draw Closer to God. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.
4. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. 1st ed. New York, NY: Touchstone, 1996.
5. Re Manning, Russell, ed. 30-Second Religion: The 50 Most Thought-Provoking Religious Beliefs, Each Explained in Half a Minute. New York: Metro Books, 2011.

Studies and Surveys

1. Bockrath, Margaret F., Kenneth I. Pargament, Serena Wong, Valencia A. Harriott, Julie M. Pomerleau, Steffany J. Homolka, Zyad B. Chaudhary, and Julie J. Exline. “Religious and Spiritual Struggles and Their Links to Psychological Adjustment: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies.” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality 14, no. 3 (2022): 283–299.
2. Pargament, Kenneth, and Julie J. Exline. “Religious and Spiritual Struggles.” Americal Psychological Association. Last modified November 1, 2020. Accessed March 30, 2025. https://www.apa.org/topics/belief-systems-religion/spiritual-struggles.
3. Thagard, Paul. “What is Doubt and When Is It Reasonable?” Canadian Journal of Philosophy, Supplementary Volume 30. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2715794917
4. “Two-Thirds of Christians Face Doubt.” Barna Group. Last modified July 25, 2017. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.barna.com/research/two-thirds-christians-face-doubt/.

Bible Verses

Matthew 27:46

Matthew 11:11

Hebrews 12:1–2

Bio and Links

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a naturopathic physician and passionate advocate for the intersection of faith and evidence-based medicine. After a personal journey through spiritual doubt, she pursued a master’s degree in Christian apologetics and now leads conversations to help others revitalize health and renew faith. Dr. Paynter’s unique approach integrates deep theological inquiry with practical clinical wellness, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge, compassion, and truth.

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Email: JesusHeals@psalmmedical.com

Episode Transcript:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zR5aT91L2LGFw6eT_r0By7jafho1TPSV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111320294319945008592&rtpof=true&sd=true