Is it Sinful to Struggle Intellectually and Emotionally with Catholic Dogmas?

No, struggling with Catholic dogmas—whether intellectually or emotionally—is not inherently sinful, provided that the struggle is approached with humility and a desire for truth (veritas). St. Thomas Aquinas repeatedly affirms that faith (fides) and reason (ratio) work together and that questioning can lead to deeper understanding rather than separation from God. However, there are distinctions to be made between seeking understanding (fides quaerens intellectum) and willful doubt (dubitare voluntarium), which can be spiritually dangerous.

1. The Nature of Faith and Reason in Aquinas

Aquinas teaches that faith is both a gift from God and a virtue that perfects human reason. In Summa Theologica (ST II-II, q. 2, a. 1), he states:

"Fides importat assensum intellectus ad id quod creditur."
("Faith implies an assent of the intellect to that which is believed.")

Faith is not blind belief but an intellectual assent to divine truth. Struggling with dogmas does not necessarily mean one is rejecting them—it may indicate a desire for deeper comprehension.

Furthermore, in De Veritate (q. 14, a. 1), Aquinas affirms that faith is above reason but not contrary to it:

"Quamvis fides sit supra rationem, nulla tamen vera fidei doctrina rationi contrariatur."
("Although faith is above reason, no true doctrine of faith is contrary to reason.")

Thus, intellectual struggles arise when a person encounters apparent contradictions or lacks the philosophical and theological formation to grasp a doctrine fully. These struggles are not sinful but are part of the natural process of growth in faith.

2. Emotional Struggles with Faith

Beyond intellectual difficulties, many people experience emotional struggles with dogmas, especially those concerning suffering, divine justice, or moral teachings that challenge personal experiences. Aquinas acknowledges the affective dimension of faith, particularly in relation to doubt (dubitatio) and fear (timor).

In Summa Theologica (ST II-II, q. 10, a. 3), he distinguishes between two kinds of doubt:

1. Voluntary doubt (dubitare voluntarium) – When someone chooses to reject or resist belief, this is sinful because it contradicts the virtue of faith.

2. Involuntary doubt (dubitare involuntarium) – When someone struggles with faith but seeks understanding, this is not sinful and can even lead to spiritual growth.

Similarly, emotional struggles arise when a person’s passions (passiones animae) conflict with their intellect. Aquinas explains in Summa Theologica (ST I-II, q. 94, a. 2) that human beings sometimes desire things contrary to divine law, which can create inner turmoil:

"Quamvis lex aeterna sit homini indita, potest tamen homo eius ignorantiam pati, secundum quod superat appetitum suum."
("Although the eternal law is instilled in man, he can still experience ignorance of it, insofar as it surpasses his desires.")

In other words, emotional struggles with faith often stem from an inner conflict between human weakness and divine truth. These struggles are not sinful unless they lead to willful rebellion against God’s teaching.

3. When Does Struggle Become Sinful?

Struggling intellectually and emotionally with dogmas is not sinful in itself, but certain attitudes can make it spiritually dangerous:

• Heresy (haeresis) – "Post baptismum pertinax negatio alicuius veritatis divinae fidei credendae." (ST II-II, q. 11, a. 1) – Willfully rejecting Church teaching after knowing it is divinely revealed.

• Obstinacy (pertinacia) – Refusing to seek answers or engage with Church teaching.

• Pride (superbia intellectualis) – Assuming that one’s own reason is superior to divine revelation.

• Despair (desperatio) – Believing that understanding is impossible and abandoning faith altogether.

Aquinas warns against intellectual arrogance, stating in Summa Theologica (ST II-II, q. 162, a. 3):

"Superbia consistit in appetitu excellentiae propria, contra rationem."
("Pride consists in an appetite for one's own excellence, against reason.")

Prideful rejection of doctrine is sinful, but humble questioning is not.

4. How to Overcome Intellectual and Emotional Struggles

Aquinas provides practical guidance on navigating these struggles:

1. Prayer for Understanding (oratio pro intellectu) – "Deus, lumen cordis mei, da mihi intellectum ad te cognoscendum." ("God, light of my heart, grant me understanding to know You.")

2. Study Scripture and Tradition – Engaging with the Church Fathers, Aquinas, and Magisterial teachings helps resolve doubts.

3. Seek Spiritual Direction – A faithful priest or theologian can clarify complex teachings.

4. Practice Humility (humilitas) – Accept that some truths surpass human reason.

5. Live the Faith – Understanding often follows obedience (lex orandi, lex credendi – "The law of prayer is the law of belief").