Christian "faith" vs. plain "faith"

[Drich]

I have always felt that the scene with doubting Thomas doesn't need to be understood as a condemnation of skepticism.

Yes only a fool would think Thomas is being repremanded for his doubt. Why do I said that because Jesus commended Him for his acceptance of said evidence when it was provided.

We can see this as Jesus promising to make a special effort to provide the evidence that more skeptical people need. I think that is what you are saying?

Indeed it is. Christ congratulates Thomas for accepting the evidence provided, and then adds a blessing to those who have not seen and believe as strongly. But, again not all can do that, for those who can't there is proof.

The Holy Spirit is what we have been offered in the way of proof. The Holy Spirit is God, so what better proof is there of God?

On the other hand, I have read that the story of doubting Thomas may have been invented by the writers of the gospel of John to denigrate sects that admired Thomas (such as people who valued the Gnostic teachings in the Gospel of Thomas)?

The Gospel of Thomas was written some 150 to 200 years after his death... So I do not believe any of what you brought up would be a concern.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Thomas

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Do you know what Jesus said to doubting Thomas after Thomas demanded 'proof?'

What makes you think Thomas' answer could not apply to you?

Based on the stories, it seems that Thomas knew Jesus and the apostles personally, and probably saw some of the miracles and heard some of the speeches. Anything he missed could have been filled in by the people who were there. So Thomas' lack of faith is very different from that of someone living thousands of years later, in a day when no one even knows who wrote those books or whether any of it is true. The day that a virgin-born, miracle-working, self-resurrecting fortune-teller shows up and starts walking on water and healing the sick, Jesus' words to Thomas will apply to me.

What I am saying is What Christ offered Thomas (proof) is also offered to people who live 2000 years later.

Again I am one of those doubting thomas need proof people. Now that it has been given to me I am equally as sure and resolved of what I believe.

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The thing about the Abrahamic faiths that puzzled me was how unconvincing god was supposed to be to people to which it had actually shown its power to.
I am thinking about the exodus jews.
God had just apparently just secured their freedom by a series of terrorist acts and yet as soon as his chief enforcer had some alone time they decided to worship other things. These were people who were supposed to know first hand of the power that god wielded and yet as soon as they could they ditched the dude.
It was only when Moses returned and slaughtered thousands of them that they supposedly gave in.
Makes zero sense.

Why?