Why are Christians in the Philosophy section? I thought that questioning your faith was wrong?

Question

Disclaimer: I am not trying to be accusing, I am just very curious.

I ask this because in the early days of my life in the church many times I have been beseeched to discontinue in my own philosophies. In other words, even though I was in my mind and heart faking the religious experience, I felt as though persecuted for asking questions, inquiring, etcetera. Please tell me why some Christians are OK with Philosophy, when my experiences have been so bitter?

Utuk, many roses blossom upon your wooden cross. I appreciate your words grandly.

Answer 1

This is not the Philosophy section. This is the Religion and
Spirituality Section.

Answer 2

Although I'm a Christian who hasn't spent much time in the philosophy section of Y/A. I'll say this. There is nothing wrong with philosophy that I can see. Unless it is a teaching or way of looking at things which takes you from God and His truth, what is the problem? Some people think God doesn't want us to "question" certain things, as if that were a bad thing to do. I disagree. Jesus said "Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find". He encourages searching, and looking for answers. That means asking questions.

Jesus is the center of life for me and all of life's philosophies revolve around Him.

Answer 3

properly, if human beings on your church discouraged you from asking questions, that is undesirable. The very founding father of Christianity, Christ inspired questions and responded all that become requested to him, till eventually he become stuck to be crucified. both God exists or no longer, is an argument of religion. guy can't in any respect recognize it by technique of questions till eventually he has measured and widely used the finished universe from one end to a unique and each and every atom to its intensity. properly we do not recognize a lot previous our own galaxies. we do not even recognize what's existence and what's lack of existence So both someone BELIEVES that God exists or He BELIEVES that He does no longer! both require faith! Philosophy is the technology which in user-friendly words facilitates someone recognize a reality already widely used extra obviously or help to coach some thing pretend that become widely used as reality. that is in user-friendly words a device, no longer the way.. and not in any respect each and every man or woman can philosophize like tremendous philosophers. If it turned right into a fashion, everybody should be able to adhere to it. even if that is a device in user-friendly words those experienced or have a organic ability can use it properly. So both Christian or non-Christian, philosophy facilitates you already know and recognize deeper about belongings you've self belief (the life or non-life of God) and its opportunities and causes for an same

Answer 4

I have no idea why your experiences were so bitter - it may be the denomination. In my denomination, philosophy is encouraged. In fact, you cannot understand most of our theologians without a background in (at least) Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus and Heideger. Our form of Christianity is heavily Neo-Platonic and existential. Casual conversation after Church often includes discussions about the ontological status of Platonic universals. Our faith has far more in common with Heideger and Sartre than it has with Billy Graham. (I won't name the denomination, but we are in the top ten of total members world-wide.)

Many modern denominations have something to fear from philosophy. The reason? First, they are recent enough in origin that they have a very shallow philosophy, and cannot project their beliefs in philosophical terminology. Ask any member of a denomination less than a century old to explain their official position on epistemology - they can't, because they have not had time to formulate any opinions on the subject. Second, many young denominations have not had time to reason out all of the 'bugs' in their theological paradigm. They are comfortable with logical contrarities, and feel threatened when you ask difficult questions. Third, many denominations were born out of the anti-intellectual movement of the early 20th century. Because science and philosophy turned a critical eye toward Christianity, many newly forming denominations decided to abandon science and philosophy altogether, and changed theology from a branch of philosophy to a series of unsubstantiated religious dogmas.

Answer 5

I think religious people fall into two categories....those who are religious but know or suspect that they are wrong....and then there are those who know the house of cards will collapse with any reasonable examination of their faith, and cannot even allow a single thought not in line with thier doctrines to be considered.

You will find both kinds in here.... the first, because they are starting to understand what most of us not brought up in environments insulated of free thought have realized long ago.

Or the second, to thoughtlessly challenge ideas, which even consider the possibility that the Bible is folklore. I am so sick of the SAME 'facts' and rhetoric thrown out like a blanket explaination for glaring incongruencies in religious ideology, creationism, socio-political positions that it is becoming hard for me even to extend common courtesy any longer.

It's like trying to establish a point in a debate with a child that obviously cannot provide a counter-point, but feels that as long as they keep providing rhetoric, no inroads can be made into their crumbling logic.

Remember what God said:

"Because I SAID so!"

Answer 6

Internal questioning or meditation on what one reads is a must. Similarly is it important to ask serious questions based on a desire to find the truth about a matter. Each of us is actually being told by God "to make sure" that what we are taught is the truth!

Those who do not permit such are perhaps scared themselves that your questions will reveal their lack of faith, their ignorance, or the falsehood of their teachings? However, foolish questions should be treated as one usually treat foolish things.

Answer 7

Sounds like you had a run-in with the Thought Police.

Answer 8

I can not speak for you,I can only say The Holy Bible tells us over and over to seek Wisdom.

Answer 9

Different strokes for different folks !

Answer 10

It was because your heart wasn't true, it was accusing you. God works in mysterious ways you know.