💡 Doubts about faith, often sparked by intolerant or hypocritical religious behaviors, can increase emotional distress but also foster intellectual humility and an open search for meaning, according to new research in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

❓ A survey of 3,953 US college students revealed that the top reasons for religious doubt were social issues like hypocrisy and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, rather than theological ones.

😔 While religious doubt is linked to negative mental health outcomes, especially for highly religious students, it also correlates with a higher "quest orientation," indicating a willingness to embrace complexity and new ideas.

🌱 The research suggests that experiencing religious uncertainty can be a catalyst for personal growth, leading to more flexible, compassionate, and resilient worldviews.

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