I came across this today, a quote by Flannery O’ Connor (1925-1964) from her book The Habit of Being.
“I think there is no suffering greater than what is caused by the doubts of those who want to believe. I know what torment this is, but I can only see it, in myself anyway, as the process by which faith is deepened. A faith that just accepts is a child’s faith and all right for children, but eventually you have to grow religiously as every other way, though some never do.
“What people don’t realize is how much religion costs. They think faith is a big electric blanket, when of course it is the cross. It is much harder to believe than not to believe. If you feel you can’t believe, you must at least do this: keep an open mind. Keep it open toward faith, keep wanting it, keep asking for it, and leave the rest to God.
“…
“… When we get our spiritual house in order, we’ll be dead. This goes on. You arrive at enough certainty to be able to make your way, but it is making it in darkness. Don’t expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty …â€
Flannery O’Connor, The Habit of Being 353-54 (letter to Louise Abbot, 1959).
You can also find some more O’ Connor quotes and other cool spiritual observations at the Minor Wisdom blog. The fact the blogger is a lawyer should not be held against him. 🙂 Its a good blog.