Is it better to go through life believing unquestioningly and doing exactly what you are told?

Question

Or is the unexamined life truly not worth living?

How does this relate to your religious beliefs (or lack thereof)?

William B, if I remember correctly you volunteered to answer this question, thus giving me information that I did not specifically ask YOU for. If you really feel that way, you can simply pass the question by and let others that are less anti-social answer.

Ladies and gentlemen, I specified no specific religous belief in this question... if you feel that I'm threatening your own personal beliefs, you may want to examine your own thought process and figure out how you arrived at that conclusion.

American, I like your post, and wouldn't mind if it were longer. I tend to like answerers that gather as much information as they can and process it into a coherrent whole. I think you have a good argument, to say the least.

(((((Eris))))) I missed the memo earlier, but I'm truly glad to see you.

Answer 1

I feel sorry for those people who think life is so narrow that all its answers can be derived from a single doctrine. It's sheer arrogance to think that ONLY the Christians, or ONLY the Muslims, or ONLY the Buddhists, or even ONLY the atheists, have the answer.

The fact that people CANNOT agree on what is correct only confirms that the validity of ALL doctrines must held equally suspect (note: Atheism is NOT a doctrine.)

Ultimately, life comes down to finding whatever works for you.

Answer 2

I definitely do not believe in living an unquestioning life and being a "sheep" to my religion. I constantly question my own beliefs and faith in an attempt to better myself as a human being and get a better grasp and understanding of what my beliefs are. Regardless of anyone else's beliefs whether in my religion or of a different religion. I constantly seek knowledge from all religions and incorporate what I feel is the right way to live from all. In my personal opinion Religion has nothing to do with the afterlife and death as most people seem to think it does. But instead it helps give you a structure with which you can learn how to live your life and learn what is morally correct. Now I am not saying that Atheists have no morals because I know many many Atheists that are as moral if not more moral than theists. But some people need that higher power feeling in order to feel like life is worth living. I know I myself am one of those and will freely admit it. Just because one believes in a higher power though does not mean that one is a blind follower. I believe there is something there and I strive to understand it a fully as possible. I believe though that all of the different Higher powers are in the same league. Either the same being or a group of many all pushing for the same goal. Peace on earth and love towards the fellow man. Unfortunately this seems to get completely lost on some.

Answer 3

Those Germans at the concentration camps did exactly what they were told and did it unquestioningly as well.

A person needs to question what he/she is doing and how it affects others. They need to do this even if it conflicts with their religion, patriotism, or just plain moral code. If more people in the past had done that, then the world would be a much better place today.

Answer 4

That sounds incredibly boring. I like to question everything, from little seemingly insignificant things to the huge ontological and epistemological problems in life. It keeps things interesting.

I think a lot of religious people might fall into the trap of thinking that questioning our beliefs is somehow wrong or sinful. I don't buy into that for one minute. I wouldn't go as far as saying the unexamined life isn't worth living--some people seem to be perfectly happy living that way--but it isn't desirable to me one but. (Non-denom Christian, you know me.)

Answer 5

The unexamined life isn't truly worth living. It doesn't relate to my religious beliefs, just my personal ones.

Answer 6

The unexamined life is NOT worth living.

And neither is a life without Jesus by whom and for whom we were created.

That is why, years ago I studied my mind and the world, kept a philosophical journal, read the Qur'an, the Tao Te Ching, and other major world religions. That is why I reached out to whatever was out there with all of my heart and that is how he ultimately found me and spoke to me from the pages of the New Testament of the Bible.

That is why I come to this board regularly, to challenge the thinking of others and myself so that we can all come to a deeper knowledge of the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Answer 7

Ignorance can be bliss in the short term.

Ultimately, it would be dangerous not to question things, though.

As for religious beliefs: yes, one should analyse and investigate one's own religion, or lack of, but not to excess. I'm Jewish and our faith is about 'doing' rather than endless introspection.

Of course, if some of the people in this forum DID give real thought to their religious beliefs and their stance on various issues, they would probably spontaneously combust!

Answer 8

I am baffled where people get this idea that people who believe the bible never have questioned anything. Where does this come from? I have been in a good bible teaching church, and have studied the bible, for eleven years. I have sought, and found, that I can trust God's word as true. You think that came from taking what I heard without reflection or consideration? How silly. I have never put more thought into anything as I have the bible. That is precisely why I have come to believe it.

Answer 9

It is better to go through life in a relationship with the living God. It is not about "doing what you are told", but doing the right thing. As Christians, we examine life everyday and our part in it. Love is our main thing... for God and others. That is why many try to warn you about hell, sin, etc. We know God exists, as has millions over thousands of years. Jesus IS the exclusive way to restore your relationship with the living God. Searching and questioning is what brought me to the point becoming a Christian. It is not about living a "religious" life... it is the ultimate Spiritual life toward which we can aspire.

Answer 10

i was raised as a devout atheist and taught only the unintelligent became christians as it was a stupid fairy tale. wasnt allowed sunday school or to attend religious classes even at school.

i examined my life as i got older and began to think for myself. I went down my own spiritual path and found the truth. i am now a very very strong christian (was 30 when it happened).

so you see, you can raise your children with any beleifs you like, but so long as you teach them to question intelligently and to think for themselves, they will find their own way. there are many christians who no longer believe and vice versa so it's not quite as black and white as you suggest.

I find it sad people wrongly assume chrisitans are christians, because they are taught that as children, or are somehow unable to think and research for themselves. christians are not quite the stupid brainwashed sheep atheists would like to believe, i know scientists who've become christians through viewing the huge holes in accepted science that make no sense whatsover.
This is not directed at the question asker as no, your question was not perceived as threatening whatsoever.