Is it right to argue and disagree with what your pastor says in the pulpit if you accept him as your teacher?

Question

Growing up I heard my parents and others do this quite often. Was this right, or were they setting a bad example?

I don't mean arguing with the pastor face to face--I mean openly disagreeing with him, say, in the car on the way home with your kid in the back seat.

My point is if you can't trust a pastor to speak god's word accurately, how do you know if he's wrong or it's just your arrogant ego telling you he's wrong?

Anyone can give their oppinions and interpretations of the Bible--so why have pastors if they don't have some kind of authority?

Answer 1

That is a very good example to set, they are teaching you to think for yourself. If you question things you will find what you truly believe and what you don't. So if you question what people say or even disagree that is fine, my advice is to talk with them about it and see what they have to say and go from there.

Answer 2

Well I think that you are not going to agree 100% with everything he believes. I don't think that you can find a church where you agree with everything. As long as the main things are accepted than it is okay to disagree with a few little things. Now if you are in a place where you are not allowed to have a differ ant opinion than run because that is what they call a cult.

I think that people should not try and stir up trouble and dissension in the church and there are many who do this. If at home you casually mention to your spouse that something didn't set right with you that is fine. But if it is done in a gossipy way than that is not okay. Also you may ask a pastor or an elder to explain that to you there should always be someone to talk to about your concerns.

Answer 3

You are within your rights to disagree with what your pastors is saying. First I would look up whatever he/she said for myself, then I would meet with the pastor to discuss (not argue) what I see as different from them.
What I feel is this, every person that is in the pulpit is not necessarily meant to be there. I truly believe that a person should be called by God to bring his message, some people call themselves. You must remember we are all human and no one is perfect.
You should never blindly be led by any one person, read, study and research for yourself.
I was an active member in the last church I attended, I went religiously (key word), but over a period of time, the message the pastor was bringing from the pulpit did not sit well in my spirit. It took me a while, but I eventually felt the need to leave because I was not getting what I needed and I found myself being very critical of the pastor. The bible teaches us to pray, for ourselves and others, that includes pastors. I prayed, and pray for him, but I felt that was not the place for me.
You parents were not necessarily setting a bad example for you, they were doing what they knew to do. But you do have a mind of your own, and I think you were wise to ask the question.

Answer 4

Those in Acts 17:11 were called of "noble character" because, hearing Paul preach, they received the word with great eagerness, and searched the scriptures to see if it was true. We should follow the word of God as our guide, not just a man. If they were "noble" to compare the apostle's teaching to the scripture, shouldn't we do the same with any teacher today?
In Acts 18:24-26, Aquilla and Priscilla heard Apollos preach a sermon in which he did not correctly understand the baptism commanded by Christ. They took him aside and taught him more perfectly.
We should look to the Bible as our guide. The scriptures can be used for teaching, correcting, and instruction. When used this way, the servant of God can be complete and thouroughly equipped for good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
It is right to disagree with the teaching of any preacher, and to discuss your questions among your family, but these questions should be taken to the scriptures to find the true answer. Once you have a "thus saith the Lord" answer, if this answer disagrees with the preacher, you should take him aside and show him what you have found the scriptures say. No preacher should feel threatened by a comparison of his lesson to the Bible, in fact, he should encourage it!
In the end, the word of God should be the authority, and not the opinions of men. It does little good to disagree on the basis of my opinion over yours.

Answer 5

I guess it depends on exactly what your pastor was preaching??
I've heard a few sermons that didn't really flow with either the teachings of that religion or the bible.

Sometimes the sermons are actually directed at a few people in the congregation who might be needing a specific lesson at that time. Without being in that circumstance, the entire sermon will be out of context for you.

Teaching your children to question things is not bad. Teaching them the correct way to question things is good. If you can show them ways to ask questions to seek more knowledge without disrespecting authorities, you've done a wonderful thing.

Answer 6

I agree that it was a bad example. The only times I have disagreed with my pastor I have spoken directly to him - not in an argumentative way, but explaining my thoughts and asking for a more detailed explanation. Every time I have learned that I either misheard something or misinterpreted something he said and we were able to resolve it immediately.

I can't speak for your parents, but I'd say that anyone who regularly disagrees with their pastor and don't discuss it with him may be trying to justify their own sin. I would never go to a church where I couldn't be 100% frank & honest with my pastor, because then I'd never be able to grow spiritually. I hope this helps & I'll pray for you & your family.

Answer 7

If you don't agree with something the pastor said, try to find a time to speak to him in private about it. If he is wise he will hear you out. Be sure to be prepared as to why you disagree about a matter It's alright to "prove all things", meaning if you question something then you have the right to speak up about it.

It is always right to be respectful of your pastor and his position, so it depends on how your parents disagreed with him. Did they shout and argue with him in front of others or did they go to him in private? A bad example was set if they disrespected him in front of others.

Answer 8

Your parents are quite right to question what your pastor was saying. Do you worship a god that wants a giant group of brown-nosing yes-men or does your god want you to use the intelligence you were given?

I fail to see where questioning is "unbiblical". Doesn't the bible say something about Jesus telling people to ask, and it would be opened and whatnot? And exactly how many bible translations are there out there anyway? If that isn't someone questioning someone else's word, then what is?

Peace

Answer 9

Arguing with your pastor is wrong. Arguing never accomplishes anything.

Disagreements with your pastor on doctrinal issues, should be discussed in private. If the pastor is wrong doctrinally, then it should be brought before the Deacons or elders(depends on your church set up)

One of two things should happen, your pastor will admit wrong and repent and get back on track with Gods word, or your pastor will need to step down.

If you are wrong, and your pastor shows you biblically where you are wrong, then thank him for the lesson learned.

Answer 10

It depends on the denomination of the church. I've heard it done a lot by Missionary Baptists lately. Growing up Presbyterian, we never did that during the service, however. We waited to discuss this further with our minister after the service. Personally, since I'm Wiccan / Unitarian Universalist, I'd prefer to wait until AFTER the service and have an open discussion between myself, my minister / priest(ess), and others in my religious setting so I can get a fuller understanding of what the "head person" was trying to say and then make up my own mind.

Answer 11

Most protestants do not consider pastors teachers. They consider them the person responsible for maintaining the church building and organizing efforts by the organization.

Protestants aren't catholics, they are free to form their own beliefs about what the bible says, regardless what the preacher says or does.


Catholics are required to obey the pope, they have no free will to interpret the bible.