Is it because then it will become obvious it is utter nonsense?
Because let me tell you, all I see is people left and right completely ignoring reason and common sense in favor of their religion. These people absolutely refuse to listen to anything that might draw their beliefs into question.
Is this a healthy attitude? For those of you who say your religion is the "right" one... how do you know this if you refuse to analyze your beliefs? What is better, living in blissful ignorance (the easy route) or taking the hard route and trying to find the "truth" regardless of what it is?
“Reason is a whore, the greatest enemy that faith has.” -Martin Luther
2007-03-25 17:05:49 · 22 answers · asked by dmlk2 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Oh, I'm sorry fireball226. Perhaps I should have used the following quote instead?
“Faith must trample under foot all reason, sense, and understanding.” - Martin Luther
What point was he making with that?
2007-03-25 17:15:53 · update #1
It's important for you to question everything. In fact the Bible tells us to "test every inspired expression". (1John 4:1)
A sincere Bible Student once said "Religion is a snare and a racket!"
Guess what? The Bible agrees...
"A fool will believe anything..." Proverbs 14:15 TEV
2007-03-25 17:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by imtori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say it is indeed NOT a bad thing to question your religion. In fact, I would go so far as to say question ALL things. Anton LaVey, in his book "The Satanic Bible", points out that "...belief in one false principle is the beginning of all unreason." I would have to admit I find an element of truth in that, because any beliefs based upon a previous belief which is false, will have a faulty foundation.
At the very least, if you question your beliefs and they are true, you will come to know more concerning those beliefs and will at least know WHY you believe as you do, which is more than I can say for most people.
Today, there is an overabundance of herd-mentality and mental sloth, it is easier to go along with the flow and believe what you are told to. People are told not to question the Church, the Government, nor any of the other 'powers the be'. But of course, if you were to question them, they might not remain in power. If you were to question, you might learn to think for yourself, and see through all the lies you are being told by those in power. That is their means of using misdirection to control the masses.
As in the movie "The Matrix", it is time for the sleeper to awaken. So, would you rather wake up, or remain in a manipulated dream, being a puppet of those who would pull your strings and tell you not to question it?
2007-03-25 17:50:25 · answer #2 · answered by demon_blackrose 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a bad thing to question religion. And yes you probably will see many acting without reason...as that has always been the way...with every religion throughout the years..and centuries even.
Thing is that while a religion may be questioned...faith (or your belief in G-d) is a different story.
These two are separate.
You do not need a church to have faith in G-d.
G-d does not need a church to have faith in you.
The right religion is the one where we treat all as human beings. The one where we do not take it upon ourselves to judge others...as that would be rather presumptous of us.
;)
2007-03-25 17:25:31 · answer #3 · answered by efrosini007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Martin Luther's point was:
"(Luther) believed reason is a good gift of God, given to us to examine our environment, to interpret our experiences, and to talk about them. In this role it is to be valued highly.
"Reason, however, has been corrupted by sin. It cannot serve as the source of any truths revealed in the gospel. It is, however, the instrument by which the truths of the Bible are apprehended and understood. Though reason can determine what the words of Scripture say, it cannot accept them by itself. Belief in the message of Scripture can be worked only by the Holy Spirit. The Christian's reason is given a new direction through conversion. Thus, the Christian does not use reason to judge Scripture but to serve Scripture."
Why not stop proof texting and misrepresenting quotes from Martin Luther to attempt to prove a point.
2007-03-27 02:26:36 · answer #4 · answered by Martin Chemnitz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone who enters a religion without questioning any of it is making a big mistake. Most are exposed to religion by their parents and blindly accept all its teachings. This is normal when we are children, but before we can become adults, we must ask ourselves if these are still our beliefs. It's not so much about questioning the religion itself. It's more about questioning the leaders of the religion. Once all questioning and discernment ceases or is suppressed, it becomes highly unlikely that false teachings by current leaders of a religion will be challenged by the members.
2007-03-27 09:10:50 · answer #5 · answered by Darin P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As what i have taught by my religion, it didn't stop me from questioning.
In fact in Buddhism, it teaches us not to believe everything just because it was taught by the great lord of Buddha or due to blind faith. They encourage us to go forward to receive the teaching, then analyze and contemplate the profound teaching, ask tonnes of question when we are in doubts, and even challenge the teaching when it not seem to be logic. If the teaching are overwhelming and seem too difficult to understand due to the level of our mind, we even told that we can just put at the back burner for the time mean till we can comprehend it.
That what attrach me into Buddhism. For me, Spiritual development will never be easy, and that's is not short cut, but Buddhism have give me to most courage to move forward on my spiritual growth.
2007-03-25 17:24:33 · answer #6 · answered by dora_chan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If humanity can survive the next few centuries- withstanding global warming, genetically engineered viruses, nanotech disasters, or the asteroid Apophis- then it will be the questioners who will be remembered and admired.
2007-03-25 17:14:04 · answer #7 · answered by doubt_is_freedom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is never bad to question anything. that is called philosophy. the beauty of life is that we get to explore and find answers to questions. it might be stated "bad" within your own religion because they dont want you to be finding out "the truth" whatever it may be.
"Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned."
Don't restrict yourself. You should always search for higher knowledge.
2007-03-25 17:14:20 · answer #8 · answered by Dave 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have questioned my religion (atheism) and as a result came out of it.
Ultimately I became a Theist, and finally a Rational Christian Theist (I committed my life to Christ).
I continue to question my world-view and to date have seen no rational reasons to abandon my relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Cordially,
John
http://www.GodSci.org
2007-03-25 17:14:15 · answer #9 · answered by John 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
But you see... you're invoking reason with this question. That is not allowed.
ahem... someone needs to get a dictionary and look up the word "reason". Not naming any names but uhm... (looks up)
2007-03-25 17:13:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋