Questioning your beliefs?

Question

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Why do think so?

If you were to question your beliefs, where would you go? Would you go outside of the "normal" route (holy texts, spiritual leaders, etc.) or not? Why or why not?

Answer 1

when i question my beliefs i first pray to God..... and then i start searching.... my firm belief is that regardless of religious affiliation when you come to God with a pure heart you are never turned away..... and i think it's a good thing to care enough to question a practice or something and then research and pray about it.... if you never found something in your faith that you didnt understand right away.... you probably werent learning about it

Answer 2

It is healthy and good to question everything.

I suggest you start looking outside these so-called "holy books". See, if you start with them, you already start with the presumption that what they say is valid. Indeed, this is how the major religions of the world have so many followers - they indoctrine children into believing that their religion is the truth, and some allow questioning of that belief, but only from the vantage point that their belief is valid in the first instance. Instead, the burden should be on those who purport to have such explanations to prove to us that their explanation is true, instead of proceeding from the assumption that it is true unless proven otherwise.

Notice how they are all called "holy" books, as though there is already some special significance to them and what they say. I could write a book and call it "holy", but that type of bootstrapping argument would never work, nor should it. It shouldn't work with these books either just because they are really old and have a lot of adherents. Just because a vast number of people believe something never makes it a true fact.

Answer 3

I think it's a good and necessary thing if you're going to grow up to do some re-evaluation of the world and what you believe. As for the 'normal' or 'abnormal' route: well, I suppose that some might want to consult holy texts as they work up their belief system. The danger in doing that alone, I believe, is that too often people read a text (e.g. The Bible) and take it literally. However, if one were to follow everything to the letter that is in the Bible, they'd find it impossible to do because the world has changed quite a bit since the days of Moses and Jesus. I think one could read whatever holy texts they want, but then I'd supplement that with more contemporary religious writers and philosophers. And, of course, one's own life experience should also get factored in to shaping a belief system.

Answer 4

there are many reasons why one should do both as this depends upon the individual. I started as a " traditional Christian Churchgoer " because of my mother. as I grew older was impressed by other religious belief systems and the Ancient Ways of my ancestors. I changed the " typical Christian belief system " into a customized version which suits me. when I go to Church with others I follow the old adage " when in Rome do as the Romans do " but when I get home finish the Rituals and Ceremonies the way I desire.

if traditional belief systems satisfy the person this is fine because they have a right to worship the way they desire and believe the way they want to just as I do because we all have free will.

Answer 5

I questioned my belief, that is why I became a Christian. We need to see the truth. Look at the Holy Texts. Look around at the natural world and the things in it. Is there a text that supports what you observe? this is how I have refined my belief.

Answer 6

Some people question their beliefs in order to find out what they really believe and why. This the basis of critical thinking, and I believe that it is good, because it helps one to distinguish truth from error, and helps you to decide who you really are..

Other people seem to question themselves, but they never really look for any possible answers to their questions. This implies that they are not questioning their own beliefs (they have already made up their mind and don't want to change), but rather they are trying to attack the beliefs of others in an attempt to defend their own weak position (they hope to "win" by default).

Where to go? Try to read books written by people with different points of view, and see who makes the most logical arguments.

Answer 7

Questioning your beliefs is a very good thing.

why would it be a bad thing? I think only religions that are extremely insecure in the truth of their beliefs would say its a bad thing.

questioning your beliefs, and God, will only help you understand and refine your understandings, beliefs, and truths.

I find the idea of it being bad as some think... to be bizzare. do these people not trust God to lead you to the truth?

the truth is the truth, and is not threatened by questioning.

Answer 8

Yes it's a good thing to question your beliefs and to have them questioned by others, because that is the way to distinguish truth from fiction.

Answer 9

Questioning ANYTHING is a good thing, to a certain degree.

In terms of beliefs, it's fine.

If we didn't question our beliefs, we'd still think we were the center of the universe, after all.

^_^

- 16 yo Pagan

Answer 10

I don't question my beliefs. I don't have to. I know the Truth. I know that Jesus Christ is who He says He is and I have a personal relationship with Him. That is all is need to know - there is nothing else that matters to me.