All faiths - Is asking certain questions 'inappropriate' in your faith?

Question

I have noticed some people have an aversion to being questioned about their beliefs, even if it isn't an insulting question. I know many of us have received violations for this 'crime'. So that got me wondering if this is common in religions other than my own. I question pretty much everything, and it is encouraged in my faith. It's considered a valuable part of the learning process. The Gods gave us a brain, so use it, right?

Oh, and while we're here - Which types of questions are offensive/inappropriate, if it is inappropriate to question certain things? Or is it only specific questions? And please identify your religion when you let me know which questions are offensive. Thank you!

Answer 1

You should read the book titled, "The Faith Club"
It has 3 authors. Ranya Idliby (Islamic), Suzanne Oliver (Christian) and Pricilla Warner (Jewish)

These are 3 women who want to have a better understanding of the other faiths, their rituals, their histories, their beliefs, etc...

I saw them on the Today show a while back and was intrigued. I found the book at Barnes and Noble. It is VERY interesting and informative!

In this book, the 3 women of different faiths ask many questions to each other about their religions in a friendly setting. All have respect for the others and are open-minded. I haven't finished the book yet. I'm just over half way through it, but it is fascinating! Maybe it would answer some of the questions that you have too!

Answer 2

I think your first few words are your answer. The attitude you are speaking of is an individual reaction, not specific to a religion.
I love to ask... I think Christ wanted me to ask...He said question all things.. I think this is so we are not decieved and only in asking questions can we relate the principals to our individual lives.

My mom was from the old school. That it was a lack of faith to ask..
I then explained, I am not questioning God, I am questioning others interpetations. I ask to learn, I am confident in my beliefs, but they grow and change, so I ask. She agreed and discussing faith became a regular time which I dearly miss.

If a question is asked in earnest, and not as a debate or way to tear down someone elses beliefs, its accepted better. Question only as far as that person is comfortable. At some point they may feel their beliefs are being threatened and will be offended.
Recognize that some people will claim unquestioning faith, when they are too lazy to find logic in their beliefs.
There is logic in all faiths, if you take the time to research it.
A lack of confidence, to say 'I don't know, but I'll find out' and then put out the energy to think and read, are lacking in all people, including athieism.
You should remember faith, is a personal thing, and the reactions are different because people are different, it has nothing to do with a specific religion.
Pat
Pentecostal

Answer 3

Answering as a non-churching Christian, with Catholic-style theology.

I don't find honest questions offensive at all. If a person has serious questions or doubts about the faith, they should fire away! God is not afraid of such honest queries, and we should not be either. If the question involves something beyond our scope, we should just be humble enough to say "I don't know", and re-direct the query to an appropriate source.

The only questions I find offensive are those that are deliberately crass. In these cases, the "question" is insincere. It is just a disguise for verbal abuse. I won't honor this crap by giving an example; there is enough of that going on already. You know it when you see it!

There is no excuse for verbal abuse, even when it comes with a question mark.

Answer 4

You must ask questions in order to progress. One of the main reasons why people find religion so hindering is becasue they promote blind faith and not questioning anything, which is harmful.

As far as what is offensive, alot of people will be offended no matter what, because questioning anything is "forbidden" in their religion and goes against the entire concept of faith, which they consider to be sinful.

I'm Pagan and my religion teaches that even when you get to the point where you think you know everything, you don't and you have to keep reading and questioning and learning all the time.

Answer 5

I am United Methodist. I don't think specific questions are offensive / inappropriate. Although I prefer to not be put into defensive mode - I believe somethings - just because i do. There is no rhyme or reason to some of my thinking.
I think it's more that people are unsure of exactly what they believe or how to defend ourselves scripturally for our beliefs. Some people can quote a lot of scripture but do not put in to practice, while other practice it but can't quote it.
I suppose your question would have to be stated where it isn't confrontational to make it not offensive. If you are truly searching then by all means - ask away.

Answer 6

Im a Roman Catholic- although I dont attend services as much as I should I still have a belief system and I get a lot of people asking questions about catholicism. I dont mind at all. I am okay with people asking me pretty much anything about my religion and I ask about others - I find each religion beautiful in a way so I dont have problem with people asking me - if I say something they dont like I just tell them they shouldnt of asked if they didnt want a truthful answer. The worst question I get re: my religion is "Did your priest ever molest you?"

Answer 7

I am Spiritualist. In my faith ALL questions are appropriate; however, the timing and wording must be contextual with the situation. As an example, it is inappropriate to ask a question about Tantric sex while explaining eternal life to children. The question about Tantria is an appropriate question, but the timing and the group present (children) would not be appropriate.

Answer 8

From my experience we Christains are encouraged to question. Many of our most respected Biblical ancestors questioned. Our scriptures are full of people questioning God.

The only offensive questions are the ones that imply that we're ignorant or less human because of our beliefs. You rarely meet someone who has blindly followed with faith. Most people have questioned and studied their faith. When people make statements that indicate that beleivers are blind followers, those people really aren't facing reality. It's easier to say that others are blind than it is to admit that we haven't really given something a fair try.

Answer 9

In my religion (Islam) questions are what get you to the truth. Asking them is never inappropriate unless it involves something of a private nature, to which you should then ask a woman if you are woman or man if you are man. God blessed us with knowledge and a brain and trusts us to use it to its full advantages. I've often heard by Muslims and non-Muslims alike that the religion of Islam is a religion for the thinking wo/man! :-P

Answer 10

I am Jewish, and I get this question often, ''Why don't Jews believe in G-d?'' It is not inappropriate, it just plain shows the stupidity of the person asking it.

Christians consider G-d and Jesus the same, and if we do not believe in Jesus as G-d, we automatically do not believe in G-d.

I have a Muslim friend who says she is asked this question alot, too. People cannot understand that Allah and G-d are the one and same. Why can't people understand the very basics of other religions!!?!!