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Does the bible encourage questions about religion?
Question- Does the bible encourage questions about religion?
Answer- there is a difference between the one who is constantly seeking questions and the one who is seeking
answers. The bible does encourage honest questions that are asked out of a desire to know the answer. God has
provided all we need to know according to 2 Tim. 3:16,17- “all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is
profitable for doctrine, reproof correction and instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God can be complete
and thoroughly furnished unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:15 says that we are to “study to show ourselves
approved of God, workmen that do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Jude 3 tells us to
“contend earnestly for the faith, once for all delivered to the saints.” 1 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has provided to us
“all things that pertain to life and godliness…” Acts 17:11 tells us of a group of people from Berea who “searched
the scriptures to see if what was being said was true.” If our purpose for questioning is to find God’s will for how
we are live and act, then questioning is good. However, some do not question for the purpose of finding the truth
and obeying it and changing their lives to adapt to what God wants. These are described in 1 Timothy 6:4- “He is
proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words to no profit, wherein comes, envy, strife,
railings and evil surmising.”
Titus 3:9-11- “but shun foolish questionings and genealogies, and strife and fighting about the law, for they are
unprofitable and vain” Notice the difference in honest questions and doubtful questions.
- The question-seeker is rarely satisfied with any answers but continually asks unanswerable questions.
The answer-seeker has questions, too, but is able to recognize legitimate answers and is happy to find them.
- The question-seeker’s follow-up is to the effect of, “Yeah, but what about…?” (cf. Luke 10:29 and the lawyer wishing to justify himself).
The answer-seeker’s follow-up is to the effect of, “Now let me understand how to apply this.”
- The question-seeker mistakes a search for questions with a humble search for truth and quits looking.
The answer-seeker finds truth through humble acceptance of legitimate answers and keeps studying.
- The question-seeker looks for clever ways to ask the questions so as to stump others (Cf. Jesus’ opponents who often tried to trap Him).
The answer-seeker looks for clarity, not to stump anyone, but to lead to solid conclusions and grow together.
The question I need to ask myself is simple: Am I a question-seeker or an answer-seeker?
