Doubting Thomas

"Doubting Thomas" is a phrase used to mean somebody wont believe without physical evidence. Thomas the apostle wouldn't believe Jesus got crucified until he felt the wounds. Note, though, that at the end he says "I'm a doubting Thomas I'll take your promise,Though I know nothing's safe". That means that he chooses to believe despite the lack of physical proof.

i think song is about him questioning himself and if he is man enough to do what god whats him. His heart says yes but his will is weak and this sort of a breath to god to ask for strength and forgivness.

Well, I'm glad there are talented people out there who can write down the same thoughts that I have in the form of a song.

I love songs like this one, sure they might be a little sad but more importantly you can tell it's his honest feelings. Maybe that's an important step, being honest about who you are and no longer hiding from other people. This is a great song.

wow. cant beleive theres not a million comments on this one. one of my favorite nickel creek songs for sure. its so real. its about how he knows deep down really what is true, but its hard for him to accept it, hard for him to rationalize it and to do what's right. sure he says he does the stuff, but he doesnt always feel it. he's scared to die, because he doesnt know for certain what lies ahead, which scares him, but in the end he takes his promise in a blind act of faith and trust that God really is what he says He is. great song, we can all feel for this guy, and examine ourselves with this song. thanks chris.

The lyrics seem pretty self-explanitory, don't you think?

I feel that this song is about him wanting to do justice but he's scared of finding something wrong or bad inside the good. A lie.

Maybe, just MAYBE he's also saying he feels a bit like a pawn in that he wants to help but he isn't sure he's strong enough, or not ready to die so soon.

Meh, I'm not 100% sure... At least I tried.

I think the meaning is a bit deeper and broader, expressing some really general doubts about faith and about how the author lives his life, especially if he is leading others. "Can I be used to help others find truth if I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie?" It's also about repentance and pleading for God's patience: "Please give me time to decipher the signs, please forgive me for time that I've wasted..." And in the end, it's about what it says:

"I'm a doubting Thomas I'll take your promise Though I know nothing's safe."

guys... great interpretations. i have nothing more to add except that this song is so powerful, it actually brings tears to my eyes. i think there are times when everybody probably feels this way... his delivery is beautiful. respect.

I think it's simply him doubting the validity of religion, he's a skeptic.

I very much agree with a lot of the comments made about this song. And I also must agree with the person who said that they are glad that there are musicians that are able to write songs that express what people feel. I have just recently come across this song, yet I think it is pretty much a description of me and my journey with faith. I can relate so well with those great feelings of doubt, yet still knowing that God's word is the Truth, and the He really is there and accepts me even tho I doubt his very existence sometimes. All I can say (other than what I just said :-) is wow. Great job Nickel Creek.