Questions have always played an important role in shaping humanity. Since early childhood, humans learn from questions like "why does this function as it does?" "How does the world operate?", and "what gives my existence (and other forms of life) its value?" While many consider faith-based systems as having no place for questions about them, there is concern that question-asking will indicate one has doubts regarding faith or one's faith-based system. There is also some degree of concern that asking questions about long-held views and/or beliefs could result in lessening the conviction one holds for those views/beliefs.
The actual fact is that thoughtful questions typically cause individuals to develop greater confidence and deeper understanding in their own convictions; further, thoughtful questions provide a means for developing a more mature and strong faith. Questions therefore, should be considered as an aid to growing spiritually, rather than as an obstacle.
Curiosity is not opposing faith. Instead, curiosity and faith are very closely linked.
Curiosity is the desire to learn about the world around us and to understand it. Faith invites you into a lifelong journey of discovery. Both require openness, humility, and a willingness to admit there is always more to learn.
When we stop asking questions, we can get comfortable with assumptions. We may settle for simple answers on complex issues or accept beliefs without fully understanding them. Curiosity encourages us to dig deeper than just surface-level answers. It says let's think through this idea and engage thoughtfully with important ideas.
A faith that welcomes questions isn't weak. It's a growing faith. It knows that understanding develops over time, and many times meaningful learning starts with your willingness to ask difficult questions.
Although people will often confuse questioning and doubting, these two concepts are very different. Doubt may cause a person to pull away from something that they previously believed in. Questioning, however, is a way for a person to actively seek knowledge and understanding of what they believe.
People do not have to abandon faith simply because they ask questions. In fact, many times asking questions stems from a person's deep love for their beliefs and their desire to gain a better understanding of them. Therefore, individuals who truly care about their beliefs are often motivated to explore their beliefs through the use of significant questions. These types of questions (i.e., "what does this mean?" or "how does this relate to me?") typically foster increased levels of thinking and reflection, which can lead to more clarity regarding one's convictions.
When we choose our words in order to explore an issue — when we want to understand and grow as well as argue — we are choosing which direction of conversation we will be able to go.
For example, "Can I prove my side?" Is very much about winning an argument. "What could I possibly find out about your view?", or "What could you show me about your view?", are both ways to invite others' perspectives into our world so we may learn.
Communities of faith flourish when members know they are safe enough to ask their genuine questions. When people are willing to listen and learn, to take time to consider multiple views, rather than immediately reject them, then real conversations begin to occur.
Better questions give us all the opportunity for connection, understanding, and empathy. Better questions serve as a reminder that faith isn't just what one experiences personally. Faith is developed through relationships, conversations, and shared explorations.
Many individuals find comfort and security in certainty. However, many times growth is initiated through the process of encountering uncertainty. Frequently, times of challenge, change, or transition require an individual to think differently about their faith and their life, as well as present questions which may have been unconsidered before this experience.
Life events such as a career change, the death of someone close to you, entry into a new relationship, etc., may present new questions for consideration. Although these events may be unpleasant, they provide an opportunity for growth.
Strong faith does not avoid these time periods. Rather, strong faith chooses to use thoughtful reflection of each moment. Strong faith views the questioning process as a means to gain additional wisdom and insight regarding faith.
Oftentimes, some of the greatest lessons learned during our lives occur at those times we do not have all the answers, but rather choose to take the time to consider difficult questions and respond with patience and humility.
Faith is often perceived as a destination with certainty for everyone. Many find out that faith is best thought of as a journey.
New experiences will continually mold our perspective in life. The type of question asked at one point in your life could be totally different than what you are asking at another part of your life. The key thing is not getting answers to everything but continuing to learn and grow.
The journey of living the questions is about embracing the discovery process. This is about realizing that there might be some questions that need to wait for an answer, and other questions that will always challenge you in your life. Rather than thinking this is a weakness, we can think of it as being open to deeper reflection and increased wisdom.
There is encouragement for humility. We realize nobody has all the knowledge and that we have to keep learning through life.
The purpose of faith is not just to gather answers. Faith seeks out the truth, fosters wisdom, and increases our knowledge of God. Better questions will assist us in reaching these ends as they encourage contemplation, curiosity, and involvement.
By asking good questions, we are going to become more engaged and attentive students. We will listen to the material more intently. We will be more involved with concepts and experiences. We will be more willing to grow and change.
Better faith does mean no questions. Better faith means having the courage to ask them. Stronger faith has an openness to learn and discover, as they know that most personal growth comes from learning and discovering.
Better questions ultimately produce greater knowledge of faith, a larger perspective on the world's complexity, and a greater love and commitment to the values and beliefs you hold onto. There should be no fear about questions; there could be a pathway to wisdom and a greater understanding of your faith.