Doubt Essay

Various faith groups hold a diversity of beliefs towards doubt, either promoting it as a path towards truth, or opposing it as a conduit heresy. A double-edged sword as some may say. John Patrick Shanleys play Doubt is a firm example of the various ways that Doubt can be perceived. Some believe that the plot sheds light on the secret truths of sexual abuse while others believe that it casts doubt on the whole institute of the Roman Catholic Faith.

The play opens with a sermon given by Father Flynn, St. Blanks newest pastor. He speaks of lifes uncertainty and despair, and how despite its negative orientation that there is in fact a good side to this. Doubt is a bond more powerful that certainty he claims. His words are real in the fact that as a person I can relate to them. However, these words hold an even greater sense of truth (or so they seem to, doesnt mean they should) because hes a priest. Growing up Roman Catholic I know how these expectations work. A pastor is someone who can be trusted with anything simply because of his position. I mean, he is in fact a servant of the lord, so they say. Why not? We forget to remember that these people are human, they do wrong and make mistakes like the rest of us. This sense of godliness contributes to an overcoming

There are many examples in the play that show the corilation between doubt and religion. One for instance is the ending. After Father Flynn has been reassigned to a new Parish, Sister A confesses to Sister James that despite how she acts, she too has doubts. Her confession could be perceived in a few different ways. Is she doubtful whether or not Father Flynn actually took advantage of Robert? Or is it a question of something else? It could very well be a question of a self decision. After all Sister A had to go through to get this priest removed he winds up getting a higher position at another Catholic School where he will more than likely do the exact thing. She didnt stop anything, the problem was just relocated. Did in fact she do the right thing? At least while he was working at Saint Js, he was under her supervision. She could of maybe contained him. Her confession could also be conceived as a question of faith. As a nun shes supposed to be trying to bring others into the faith. How can she do that when shes seeing such a negative thing? This might also raise the question of what kind of God would let this happen? What good could possibly come from a situation like this?