Questioning
""Independent thinking is an important goal of our education system. We want our children to grow up thinking for themselves so that they can make rational judgements and not be led by the impulses of emotion. We want them to question the information placed before them and weigh up evidence in order to reach conclusions. This applies to the Christian faith as much as to anything else. We do not want what is sometimes called “blind faith” from our congregations, where anything and everything is accepted in a lazy haze of unthinking. Part of loving God is to be humble in our thinking so that we do not place ourselves as the final judge on everything, but similarly we must use the mind God has given us." (Father Spyridon Baily)
“We can find God in our own questions; we don’t have to settle for others’ answers.” (Timothy Johnson)
“I’ve always appreciated skeptics’ arguments and the invaluable role they play in defining and clarifying what is unique about Christianity. It bothers me when Christians dismiss these questions glibly or condescendingly. Taking the time and effort to answer hard questions gives believers the opportunity to deepen their own faith while creating the possibility that doubtful people may become open to the joy of Christianity.” (Pastor Timothy Keller)
“Sometimes we ask God questions and then receive no answer. This may not be because God is saying no. We may have asked for knowledge beyond our ability to understand or accept.” (Life Application Study Bible, Judges 13:18)
“The Bible is essentially a Book in which God asks man many questions, and man in turn asks God many questions.” (Tim Hansel)
If we are to have a personal relationship with God, we must be open and honest and unafraid to question." (Abbot Tryphon)
“The more you are willing to express doubt honestly and humbly, the more you bring up your honest questions, the further you, and the people around you, are going to get…A faith without some doubts is like a human body without antibodies. It is susceptible to attack.” (Pastor Timothy Keller)
“Times of questioning can help us sort out our beliefs and strengthen our faith, but those times can also be dangerous. If we are dealing with doubt, be aware that we are especially vulnerable to temptation…God can handle our doubts and He welcomes our questions…Only as you face your doubts honestly can you begin to resolve them.” (Life Application Study Bible, Luke 4:3, 7:18-23)
“Religion can make valid claims upon any human being because it is not a blind force, demanding unquestioning acceptance, but a constant challenge to acceptable and widely held beliefs and opinions.” (Father Demetrios J. Constantelos)
“The whole point is not not ever doubting or questioning. It is that we walk it through and we find our God faithful.” (Beth Moore)