Is the most Christian thing you can do with some questions just to leave them unanswered?

Question

Reason I'm asking: yesterday a Buddhist answerer mentioned how Buddha would sometimes not even answer a question because giving any answer would lead people even further astray from the dharma.

I wonder if this applies to us Christians too. Sometimes I run across a question that is so freakin OFF in its very premise. ("If God is all-powerful, can he do something that he can't do while he's not not-doing it?") I wrestle with whether or not I should answer it just to shed, I hope, a little ray of Light in the dark thorny tangle.

What serves a vastly far-afield, off-base person better? Giving an answer he isn't ready for and trusting the Holy Spirit will make it clear to him later ... or not answering at all, letting him work it out on his own, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide him?

Answer 1

I have stared at a lot of the questions, wondering if it's wise (or even possible) to tear down the foundation and start from the beginning so we have some common ground to work from.
Even if the person asking doesn't "get it" - maybe someone else reading will - but most times, I honestly don't want to put forth the effort. I have an abundance of excuses: I'm working on my Masters in Nursing, on top of my job, my family, and all those other things that seem to take precedence when you're making this type of decision.
There have been times, though, when I just "know" I need to try. I've been surprised more than once at the positive response. (I'm emailing back and forth with 4 of those "surprises" right now).
I guess my answer to the question is, there is no "right" answer. We have to trust that we will be lead - and listen when the "leading" comes.

Answer 2

If you study how Jesus answered questions you will begin to see the answer to this question. Jesus discerned their thoughts and answered accordingly. Some questions are traps with no real answer. The Pharisees were always trying to trap Jesus like the issue of paying taxes to Caesar and the woman caught in adultery. Most if not all questions from atheists are rhetorical. They really don't care what you say as per the Socratic method and they will address Christians but pick an atheists answer. Sometimes they will pick a Christian answer for the sake of ridicule.

To answer your question, yes, sometimes you do leave questions unanswered, mostly if you just don't have a good answer or can't discern the motive of a bogus question. However, if you have a good answer that reaches to the heart of the matter, you should give your answer.

For example, just a few moments ago you answered a question posed by someone who lies about their age and gender online. You most likely took the question at face value. This is because you are an honest person and project your honesty onto others. Many others however are not necessarily honest. Discernment comes with experience.

Answer 3

That's why it's called "faith" and not "science." Anyone who claims to have a religion that is rock solid on the facts is even more delusional, like the people who try to read the bible literally or as a good history book. You either accept a faith or you don't. If you don't you go somewhere else- and that's why there are so many versions of each religion- none of which have yet to find the one true faith- becasue that doesn't exist. Oh, and I'm not a Christian or even a little religious- but your question made me think you don't fundamentally understand what a faith is about. It's about beleiving without knowing all the facts. (yes, that is kind of a scary idea at times, I'll admit that)>

Answer 4

Maybe they just need a word or two to get them thinking in the right direction.
Then, possibly, the vastly far-afield person probably won't get it anyway.
I think it is the Christian's place to make the point they want to and let the FAP (above) figure out what they want to accept or not accept. Christians know God is guiding their words and works and can only pray someone is listening and there to receive and accept.

Answer 5

The best thing that you can do is be a shining example by living a good life and letting your light shine. People will see your light more clearly than they will listen to what you have to say. And what I mean by living a good life is to do what is right and avoid what is wrong. As the old saying goes, "Some things are better left unsaid." Most of the time, it is better to keep silent. You can learn more through silence than when you talk. Although I'm not into religion, I admire Buddha.

Answer 6

I would say yes, a little bit of trust in the holy spirit goes a long way.

Alot of times the questions are only taunting from people who don't want to understand so the rule of thumb I go by is Please don't feed the trolls. But when they're asking a real question, I ask the God to guide me with my answer and if I feel he doesn't want me to answer I don't.

I agree sometimes a question is so wrong that whatever you answer is probably going to feed the flames of wrong thinking.

Answer 7

Christians should live their lives as an example. Being honest about the love and compassion of Jesus is very important. All questions deserve an answer. The last thing one should do is make others feel as if their questions are not important. I really don't think that God would ever not answer a question...no matter how unimportant or undeserving WE think it is. We should NEVER cast judgment against another for asking a question. Remember, God is the judge, not you or me.

Answer 8

I do not move to be anywhere God is not.

To answer something that is obviously, taking one down a winding path, and away from the very source of true life, is to me counter-productive in bringing heaven to earth at this time.

To me, it is the ego endlessly trying through "young immature agents of easy game" to loose the obvious reign of the Divine energy.
Now, as always, is the time to stand as heart, as love, to not go to where the heart is dissipated into shattered pieces.

To stand as heart, no matter what "pulls" at the mind.

Peace in the heart

Answer 9

It depends on the question. If it is a provoking question I will usually not answer it. I am not here to fight and debate. I am here to answer questions. Also there are many times when someone else has already answered the question. And many times I just plain do not have a clue what the answer is.

Hope that helps†

Answer 10

I try not to feed trolls because it encourages them; the more of them, the fewer genuine questions get answered. But, if there's any doubt, give a good answer. Better to err on the side of being honest and helpful.