Thomas, who asked for evidence

In the Gospel of John (20:24–29), we encounter the episode of the disciple Thomas, who was absent when the risen Jesus first appeared to the other disciples. When they told him they had seen the Lord, he replied that he would not believe unless he saw the marks of the nails in his hands and put his hand into Jesus’ side.

Eight days later, Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to touch his wounds, saying: “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas was convinced, and Jesus concluded with these words: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

To be honest, this was hardly a wise invitation. Should we accept everything we are told without demanding at least some evidence? If everyone did so, the entire edifice of scientific knowledge would collapse. Far wiser, in this regard, is Carl Sagan’s dictum: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence” (The Demon-Haunted World, 1995).