I've seen that passage a lot. In many places Jesus takes a common phrase or pharsitical interpretation from physical to the spiritual, or from the law of condemnation to the new covenant. I would interpret that scripture contextually, in the light of his recent crucifixion and ressurection, was that many will not have to opportunity to see Jesus in the flesh, and their belief (without seeing) will bless them as much as Thomas has been blessed. It doesn't say they are more or less blessed than anyone else, just that they can be just as blessed without sticking their fingers in the wounds (faith). Faith doesn't preclude, logic or reason as you imply. I doesn't raise up those who believe with faith over evidence, just simply notes that not everyone needs to touch to believe.
"There ought to be a term that would designate those who actually follow the teachings of Jesus, since the word 'Christian' has been largely divorced from those teachings, and so polluted by fundamentalists that it has come to connote their polar opposite: intolerance, vindictive hatred, and bigotry." -- Philip Stater, Huffington Post
always working on cleaning my windows- me regarding Johari
always working on cleaning my windows- me regarding Johari
