Is it wrong for a Christian to criticize or be skeptical of his/her religion?

Question

Is it okay to be skeptical? Is it okay to ask questions and have doubt of the validity Christianity?

If so, then is it still okay for that skepticism to lead to nonbelief? Where do you draw the line? If the only thing that is holding someone back from atheism is the fear of hell, do you still feel that it is better to cling to religious beliefs, even when it is impossible to sincerely believe every word of it?

Fish: Okay...is it wrong for me to be skeptical of the validity of the Bible? Or would you prefer that I mindlessly believe every word of it?

Answer 1

Why is it okay to question political issues and not religion? Why is it okay to question immigration laws and not religious beliefs? Why is it okay to question the eligibility of blood donors based on their sexual preference and not religious faith? Why is it okay to question people's motives for doing anything and everything, but not religious scripture?

It's okay to be skeptical of religion. It's smart to be skeptical. If you aren't, you're just a mindless follower with foolish beliefs. If you're going to be a theist, at least commit yourself to your religion fully and knowingly.

Answer 2

The thing about religion and/or theology is that you will never get an absolute answer. You will never know if what you believe and rely on is actually true. Some Christians will tell you that they "know" God exists...I understand the sentiment but it is not logical and actually negates the value of faith by saying this. The whole concept of religion is ingenious. It is something that can constantly evolve and adapt to ANY society and can never be dissproved.
It comes down to this...If you believe in God you have to just accept that there will never be a peace of mind about it. It's going to be natural to question. I'm sure God does not expect anyone to believe blindly without any thought or investigation. While we know those thoughts and investigations will lead to no answers, it is the natural response of an intelligent person.
I dont think God would want a bunch of mindless followers...I have a little more respect for him than to think that.

Answer 3

Yes it's ok and encouraged to be skeptical of any religion. It's encouraged for Christians to ask questions about their faith.

If you are honest with the evidence then you have to believe whatever you feel is the best answer given the evidence. It is not impossible to sincerely believe every word of Christianity, like you mention. If you believe that then you already have the idea of what you want the outcome of your skepticism to be which would then mean you're not a true skeptic.

Answer 4

Questioning can be the cutting edge to a deeper faith; as for leading to nonbelief, that hasn't happened to me, so I can't answer your question about where to draw the line. And I don't feel I must believe "every word of it." Actually the older I get the less I realize I know. The extra stuff falls away; that's not necessarily a bad thing. What's important stays intact.

Answer 5

It's okay to be skeptical, it only causes you to learn more.

If you don't believe...don't lie to others(family and friends) and say you do believe. I would rather have my friend tell me they don't believe in Christ anymore than for them to live a lie...

If you fear hell, then it would seem you're still a believer, or you have some shred of belief...

I would suggest you find out why you doubt, take some time and think about it. Once you've located the source of your disbelief, ask around for people's opinions, or if it's a specific question, look for the answer....

Don't give up because you don't understand...ask until you cannot ask anymore and if you're still not satisfied with the answers, then you should stop believing.

Answer 6

I think everyone at one time or another needs to be skeptical. Most of the time, you grow up believing one thing because you have been told that since you were young. I think it is only normal to try to find out more, proof in your own personal life- whatever that may be. Then choose one way or another. Keeping skepticism beyond that is silly and you might as well just not believe. I'm an all or nothing kinda girl. No wishy washy.

Answer 7

If questions about your religion's validity are popping up, then good for you for not being the sheep that follows the herd. If nobody questioned what they were taught, there would only be one religion and no progress in the world. People would believe the Earth is flat. Or that reflections are magic. There would not be any science or medical knowledge. We would still believe that demons were making us sick. Fear is a bad motivator. If a religion keeps it's members in line through fear or guilt, it's not positive or progressive. If we believe everything without ever questioning things, there would be no progress in life. We would be susceptible to those who would have total control over us. I applaud those willing to question "sacred" truths and think for themselves.

Answer 8

Skeptical is the best thing you can be. You need to think and examine what you believe to know if you really are on the right path or are you there because it's what you have been taught? I wouldn't be afraid that this quest will lead you to atheism, being an atheist does not mean having no beliefs and no spirituality as many may lead you to believe.

Answer 9

Protestant Christians do it all the time. That's why were are called PROTESTant!!!

When something is out of line with the Word of God, we trust GOD!

I attend an Assembly of God where the basic beliefs have not changed in a century, but we are constantly voting on issues of morality, that come up in every day life.

Scientific developments keep raising new issues, that never came up decades ago. We do not mistake our leadeinfalible "popes"!

Trends toward violent and vile entertainments, etc. That's where the rubber hits the road!

Answer 10

It isn't wrong to doubt--the example of "doubting Thomas" was put in the Bible to show us that even the disciples expressed doubts. But as Jesus said, "Blessed are those who don't see and yet believe".

If you are waiting for a sign or proof before you believe, you won't likely get it. God reveals Himself to us in the still small voice of His Spirit that is very real if we are open to it.

I think a Christian should be looking at it with the more positive attitude and mindset of trying to build and grow his faith and find reasons to believe rather than more and more room for doubt.

The skepticism that you are talking about sounds like just what Satan wants us to have to keep us insecure and also to keep us from growing stronger in our faith and our ability to serve the Lord and lead others to Him. That's exactly how Satan works by just planting a little seed of doubt here & there and trying to see if he can get it to take root in our hearts.

I may not understand it all, and I don't necessarily agree with all the traditions of the church when I doubt that their origins are truly Scriptural, but I take God at His Word, and I have seen enough evidence of Him in my life to know that He is real and His promises are true. The rest I will take on faith until I "understand it better by and by".

God doesn't want you to just cling to your beliefs for fear of hell--He has an abundant life here and now He wants you to experience as you grow closer to Him. Study the Word; pray for your faith to be strengthened; resist the devil and his deceit; and ask intelligent questions of wise believers you trust when there are things you truly don't understand or can't accept at face value.