Should a believer be afraid of asking ?

[Spirit of Light]

Why would a believer have to ask questions? He's a believer. Doesn't that suggest that he already has the answers he needs? The essential ones, at least. Perhaps there are minor ones he would like answers to.

The questions a believer ask one self is to deepens their wisdom about the teaching and to realize for them selvs how to gain more wisdom in daily practice

 

[Spirit of Light]

Hmmm... Firstly, I just want to say that one should never feel bad about asking questions. Even if they provoke a negative response, something will be learned.

As for critique from non religious people... It does happen a lot, and sometimes it can pull the topic off topic. If one wanted to avoid that from happening, I might avoid the debate section.

I think the political climate lately has contributed to these attitudes, especially since many non religious folks have had negative experiences with religion... That's just me speculating, though.

I wouldn't let it get you down, however. At the end of the day, people and their criticisms don't have to walk a day in your shoes.

Thank you for your wisdom @SigurdReginson

Since the OP is not about my own personal views or opinions, i dont take it personally when someone critique me

I seen a lot of unessesary critique of Baha'i followers in RF. I still wonder why

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

For a believer, yes it is important to ask one self the difficult questions.

I think it is important for anyone.

 

[Spirit of Light]

I think it is important for anyone.

If it is done toward one self yes

 

[Kenny]

Some time ago I joined a Christian discussion forum and entered into discussion whereby someone was claiming that Jesus raised himself from the dead. This person was not claiming that Jesus, by laying down of his own life, was cause enough that the grave could not hold him, but in fact, this person was claiming that Jesus was still alive when he was dead and therefore could raise himself from the dead.

Since I put it like that, it's no wonder they booted me off the forum. My questions exposed the absurdity of that persons idea. People don't like questions they can't answer, especially when it come to their religious beliefs, because they like to think they know it all.

Good question... don't know why they would boot you off.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I can't remember if I replied to this thread or another since I don't see my reply; but, all in all:

Should believers in a religion and a God be afraid of asking the difficult questions, or the questions that seems difficult to answer?

They shouldn't be afraid to ask difficult questions to themselves and to other people regardless of how the other person takes their faith, challenges it, or so have you. However, I've known a former friend (cradle catholic) with whom I asked a challenging (but not disrespectful) question and she said it would make her doubt her faith if she were to think about it. It was an honest reply, so I didn't ask anymore questions (though at the time I was a practicing catholic myself). Just depends.

So, my opinion, yes, but because of culture and level of spiritual maturity, it may not be for everyone. (Learned that the hard way)

Is it different when a believer ask about non belief, than when a non believer ask a believer difficult questions about his or her belief?

I think so. It depends on the person's character and how open she or he is to learn something outside their comfort zone. I find a lot of non-believers are spiritual or have what believers would call spiritual morals. Just they don't take the time to learn about other people (and vis versa many times) to get a feel we are all different but can share like experiences in the general sense of the word. On RF, I see that in all religious and practitioners of faith. It has it's pros and cons.

Is it more ok for a non believer to make critique of religion than it is for a believer to ask questions why someone do not believe?

I think it's okay for both sides to. I don't think it's okay to criticize others faiths "and" the position a non-believer takes based on his or her own experiences and definition of truth.

There was one believer who said he/she didn't want to talk to anyone else unless they are knowledgeable in the bible and if not, they're not interested. So, I guess it depends on the person. I feel it's okay for both-it's how we learn. Everyone have different of methods to gain knowledge. It helps for believer and non-believer to let people be aware of this. Saves a lot of ills.

 

[SomeRandom]

Why would a believer have to ask questions? He's a believer. Doesn't that suggest that he already has the answers he needs? The essential ones, at least. Perhaps there are minor ones he would like answers to.

If a believer thinks they have all the answers, they essentially stop growing. I mean sure, one would think that their religion has all the answers. But if they are afraid of asking or critiquing (respectfully) those answers, then where is the challenge? I think scrutiny is vital to growth as it allows us to confront “the truth” for lack of a better phrase in often uncomfortable ways. Allowing for growth and maturity and a deeper understanding.
But that’s just my opinion

 

[Vinayaka]

If a believer thinks they have all the answers, they essentially stop growing. I mean sure, one would think that their religion has all the answers. But if they are afraid of asking or critiquing (respectfully) those answers, then where is the challenge? I think scrutiny is vital to growth as it allows us to confront “the truth” for lack of a better phrase in often uncomfortable ways. Allowing for growth and maturity.
But that’s just my opinion

I think we're talking two different things ... one is question which path to be on, (what I'm referring to) and the other is questioning life from within your path (what I think you're referring to).

So on the first part I know my path, (monistic Saiva Siddhanta) but on the second part I know nothing.

 

[SomeRandom]

I think we're talking two different things ... one is question which path to be on, (what I'm referring to) and the other is questioning life from within your path (what I think you're referring to).

So on the first part I know my path, (monistic Saiva Siddhanta) but on the second part I know nothing.

Hmm. I think one should do both. I mean, is it not a little hubristic to know exactly where we are going, what path is the best for us and what life is going to be like on your path?
I’m talking at a younger age, perhaps. But surely a person who grows and changes would ask questions pertaining to both, in order to better understand themselves and which path they traverse?

 

[Vinayaka]

Hmm. I think one should do both. I mean, is it not a little hubristic to know exactly where we are going, what path is the best for us and what life is going to be like on your path?
I’m talking at a younger age, perhaps. But surely a person who grows and changes would ask questions pertaining to both, in order to better understand themselves and which path they traverse?

I'm totally happy with the particular sampradaya I belong to. An outsider would be totally amazed at the diversity within it though. We're approximately one third Mauritian, one third American, and one third Malaysian, with a few people from here and there, like Russia, Australia, and Britain. But I still have a million questions, and I pursue them within meditation, not externally. Generally at our semi-regular person meeting with my Satguru, I have only 1 or 2 questions, and they're never trivial.

I agree that as a younger person, there are more questions. I'm 67, and have been in the same sampradaya for over 40 years. It's like a marriage. I would hope that when you get older you're not still searching for a mate.

 

[Deeje]

Should believers in a religion and a God be afraid of asking the difficult questions, or the questions that seems difficult to answer?

For a believer, yes it is important to ask one self the difficult questions.

If you cannot answer the difficult questions, then your faith is blind, and of no use because you cannot answer questions for anyone else. What use is knowledge that you cannot share?

If you can't get answers to any difficult question, then its time to find some answers elsewhere. That is what I did.
I had a million questions and it frustrated me to no end when no one could give me answers that made sense in the big picture. I found that most "believers" had no big picture. "I dunno" is not a valid answer IMO.

I am a logic freak, so if something is illogical and does not find its place in the big jigsaw puzzle that is life, I will go and search for the missing piece.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I'm totally happy with the particular sampradaya I belong to. An outsider would be totally amazed at the diversity within it though. We're approximately one third Mauritian, one third American, and one third Malaysian, with a few people from here and there, like Russia, Australia, and Britain. But I still have a million questions, and I pursue them within meditation, not externally. Generally at our semi-regular person meeting with my Satguru, I have only 1 or 2 questions, and they're never trivial.

I agree that as a younger person, there are more questions. I'm 67, and have been in the same sampradaya for over 40 years. It's like a marriage. I would hope that when you get older you're not still searching for a mate.

I think you're misunderstanding. It's not about learning about your faith as a young person would-as if you didn't know about your faith or doubting it. It's about questioning things that you don't know (assuming you're still learning and want to learn) to strengthen your faith "even more." Why would a wise person stop asking questions?

There's a difference between asking questions because one knows they don't know everything and asking questions because they are doubting what they know. I don't personally see this as an age related thing. I would never want to get 100 years old and feel I no longer need to ask questions.

I'm sure you know the difference between the two, no?
(It's not meant to be an insult just a direct observation and curious as to why questions are only for the young at heart)

 

[Deeje]

If a believer thinks they have all the answers, they essentially stop growing.

Not necessarily as long as you add the word..."yet" to "have you found all the answers?".

A spiritual journey is one of discovery, where you find out who you are, and what you need to satisfy that innate need in humans....to find their spiritual "home". We know when that is achieved when we feel comfortable and confident with our decision. It is my belief that God (my God) will allow all to choose a path for themselves....even if it is the wrong one, our choice is still about who we are. God will not change or interfere with free will.

I mean sure, one would think that their religion has all the answers. But if they are afraid of asking or critiquing (respectfully) those answers, then where is the challenge? I think scrutiny is vital to growth as it allows us to confront “the truth” for lack of a better phrase in often uncomfortable ways. Allowing for growth and maturity and a deeper understanding.
But that’s just my opinion

That is a good platform to scrutinize any belief system. If people are afraid of asking the hard questions, then it means one of two things....they are afraid of the answers.....or ignorance suits them because they don't want to rock their own boat. But if you have leaders of your faith who have no answers, then that is the signal to run a mile.

 

[SomeRandom]

I'm totally happy with the particular sampradaya I belong to. An outsider would be totally amazed at the diversity within it though. We're approximately one third Mauritian, one third American, and one third Malaysian, with a few people from here and there, like Russia, Australia, and Britain. But I still have a million questions, and I pursue them within meditation, not externally. Generally at our semi-regular person meeting with my Satguru, I have only 1 or 2 questions, and they're never trivial.

I agree that as a younger person, there are more questions. I'm 67, and have been in the same sampradaya for over 40 years. It's like a marriage. I would hope that when you get older you're not still searching for a mate.

Oh well I think asking questions is a part of “growing up.” So I can understand if that “slows down” as one ages.

 

[SomeRandom]

Not necessarily as long as you add the word..."yet" to "have you found all the answers?".

Okay, fair enough.

A spiritual journey is one of discovery, where you find out who you are, and what you need to satisfy that innate need in humans....to find their spiritual "home". We know when that is achieved when we feel comfortable and confident with our decision. It is my belief that God (my God) will allow all to choose a path for themselves....even if it is the wrong one, our choice is still about who we are. God will not change or interfere with free will.

I can agree with that stance. I just think that to stop asking questions is to allow complacency. By all means if your path has stood up to scrutiny to your satisfaction, then hooray, you’ve found a home. But as we age and grow, we will want to challenge that. I think that is healthy and can make for a deeper understanding of oneself and path.

That is a good platform to scrutinize any belief system. If people are afraid of asking the hard questions, then it means one of two things....they are afraid of the answers.....or ignorance suits them because they don't want to rock their own boat. But if you have leaders of your faith who have no answers, then that is the signal to run a mile.

Well I don’t really follow leaders. I have a few issues with my mother’s leader. But her choice is her choice, so meh. She’s happy so I’m happy
Though I will agree that if your leaders offer no real spiritual guidance then one should definitely look elsewhere.

 

[Deeje]

I can agree with that stance. I just think that to stop asking questions is to allow complacency. By all means if your path has stood up to scrutiny to your satisfaction, then hooray, you’ve found a home. But as we age and grow, we will want to challenge that. I think that is healthy and can make for a deeper understanding of oneself and path.

I have always seen myself as a perpetual student...always learning...always asking questions and finding satisfying answers. I have been on this path now for over 50 years and it has never led me anywhere I have not wanted to go, after careful scrutiny. Having been raised in Christendom, it taught me to examine everything. I love what I have learned...about God, about life, and about creation.....all of it draws me to him in such appreciative ways. His wisdom astounds me.

 

[SomeRandom]

I have always seen myself as a perpetual student...always learning...always asking questions and finding satisfying answers. I have been on this path now for over 50 years and it has never led me anywhere I have not wanted to go, after careful scrutiny. Having been raised in Christendom, it taught me to examine everything. I love what I have learned...about God, about life, and about creation.....all of it draws me to him in such appreciative ways. His wisdom astounds me.

Now that to me is what a persons faith should bring them (if they are of the religious persuasion of course.)
God gave us a brain with critical thinking skills. Is it not a bit of an affront not to use it?

 

[SomeRandom]

I think you're misunderstanding. It's not about learning about your faith as a young person would-as if you didn't know about your faith or doubting it. It's about questioning things that you don't know (assuming you're still learning and want to learn) to strengthen your faith "even more." Why would a wise person stop asking questions?

There's a difference between asking questions because one knows they don't know everything and asking questions because they are doubting what they know. I don't personally see this as an age related thing. I would never want to get 100 years old and feel I no longer need to ask questions.

I'm sure you know the difference between the two, no?
(It's not meant to be an insult just a direct observation and curious as to why questions are only for the young at heart)

Perhaps it is a perception we have of youth vs experience?
We expect young people to be constantly questioning because they’re young and presumably naive. They are still learning about the world around them, themselves and their opinions. By the time you reach older milestones there seems to be a cultural expectation that you’ve gotten your life together. That you have found your ways and are going to stick to them. But maybe I’m wrong

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Perhaps it is a perception we have of youth vs experience?

We expect young people to be constantly questioning because they’re young and presumably naive. They are still learning about the world around them, themselves and their opinions. By the time you reach older milestones there seems to be a cultural expectation that you’ve gotten your life together. That you have found your ways and are going to stick to them. But maybe I’m wrong

I agree completely. I think a lot of it is culture. In the U.S. we're "progressives." So, you'll see it in our sciences, electronic-area, medicines, and so forth we are always in one way or another trying to advance ourselves (per history-tradition isn't our thing/conservative vs. liberals, I guess). So, someone who is family oriented and set in tradition would find it hard to look out of his or her own comfort zone whereas someone whose in a changing environment it may be a bit more easier (generalizing). So, experience or being wise can mean either being able to advance and learn more or it could be upholding traditions and beliefs of the family for present and future generations. So, if you put the former in a box they'd rebel. If you put the latter in a box, they'd feel venerable to a break in their foundations.

I think definitions of being wise vary by culture; but, I've only known in person those who get a certain age, they feel they have nothing more to learn. I personally believe it's sad but I've been in the U.S. since birth... probably other parts of the U.S. have similar traditional views but closer to the city you may not get that cause of the diversity.

 

[Spirit of Light]

If you cannot answer the difficult questions, then your faith is blind, and of no use because you cannot answer questions for anyone else. What use is knowledge that you cannot share?

If you can't get answers to any difficult question, then its time to find some answers elsewhere. That is what I did.
I had a million questions and it frustrated me to no end when no one could give me answers that made sense in the big picture. I found that most "believers" had no big picture. "I dunno" is not a valid answer IMO.

I am a logic freak, so if something is illogical and does not find its place in the big jigsaw puzzle that is life, I will go and search for the missing piece.

The answers i seek is within the teaching so to look within my own being is the solution to gaining the answers after i read the scripture
A thing i found in my search is that no matter how deep within me i seek, the answer always get more clear, but those answers i find is given to me for my own development as a spiritual person. That means that when i do speak to others, they might not understand me, because the answers they have gotten themselves was only meant for them to understand. Every person see truth in their own understanding, not in what others have come to understand.

Hope this made any sense