Why fear questions?

[CrystalDragon]

As exemplified by conversations I've had on a few threads, it seems that a lot of times when I or others ask questions, even hypothetical ones, the questions are either dodged, ignored, or given responses similar to "His ways are not our ways" or "it's bad to question things".

So I ask... why? Questions reveal what truth is, so I don't see why a system should condemn people for asking genuine questions—if people are lead to fear asking questions, a system like that should be met with suspicion.

If doctrine is truth, why would questions be considered a threat?

 

[Butch5]

As exemplified by conversations I've had on a few threads, it seems that a lot of times when I or others ask questions, even hypothetical ones, the questions are either dodged, ignored, or given responses similar to "His ways are not our ways" or "it's bad to question things".

So I ask... why? Questions reveal what truth is, so I don't see why a system should condemn people for asking genuine questions—if people are lead to fear asking questions, a system like that should be met with suspicion.

If doctrine is truth, why would questions be considered a threat?

I think the reason many times is because people can't answer the questions. There is quite a bit of erroneous teaching in Christianity today which can't be substantiated from the Scriptures. All to often Christians simply believe something because others do or because people they see as authoritative, such as pastors, say it. To really get back to the original faith takes a study of history and quite a bit of time. I don't think there are very many who are willing to invest the time to do that.

 

[Ken Behrens]

I have the same problem with both questions and odd answers. You need to ask some questions where I will notice.

 

[CrystalDragon]

I think the reason many times is because people can't answer the questions. There is quite a bit of erroneous teaching in Christianity today which can't be substantiated from the Scriptures. All to often Christians simply believe something because others do or because people they see as authoritative, such as pastors, say it. To really get back to the original faith takes a study of history and quite a bit of time. I don't think there are very many who are willing to invest the time to do that.

I can understand people not feeling sure they can answer, I get that. It's discussions like these that frustrate me:

A lot more false deceptive visions have been reported and believed for centuries.
This would just be one more of many to deceive the multitudes.

False deception it may be, but keep in mind it's a hypothetical. Hypotheticals can be answered.

No. It is a total denial of Y'SHUA'S RESURRECTION and YHWH'S PLAN and HIS WORD.
i.e. directly opposed to YHWH, YHWH'S WORD, and SALVATION, as are most all other visions , apparitions, and such.

As it is now, it may be denial, but look at it this way and answer honestly, don't just try to dodge the question:

IF a body was found, and IF it was somehow proven to be Jesus, would your faith be shaken? If it could be 100% confirmed it's Jesus.

This is not even worthy of consideration,
a common deception (and temptation) of the enemy of life.
YHWH says not to get entangled in such - it causes little ones to stumble and may cause some (actually many) to lose their faith (or chance at faith in Y'SHUA) ,
exactly
as has happened often in the past, for multitudes.

Asking questions and entreating hypotheticals are worth considering, as it shows what's close to truth. If asking questions is considered a way to temptation, that's worthy of inquiry if not suspicion. Questions lead to answers, and the only reason to be afraid of questions is because you're afraid of what the answers will be.

Not at all, no.
YHWH and Y'SHUA said "guard your heart" and
"take care what you listen to"
and
avoid things that are of other [false] religions, or the origin is of demons or even just the "thinking like a man" as Y'SHUA STRONGLY REBUKED PETER for, remember ?

When something has been used to deceive billions of people,
when a well is salt water and not sweet water,
it is best not to ever drink from it.

It's not mainly the not knowing that I'm troubled by, it's people dodging questions and acting like it's bad to question anything and that should never be done. To me that's like dishonesty and fear of where answers might lead, choosing to stay in what's comfortable and thus not cause discomfort or potential punishment.

 

[chevyontheriver]

As exemplified by conversations I've had on a few threads, it seems that a lot of times when I or others ask questions, even hypothetical ones, the questions are either dodged, ignored, or given responses similar to "His ways are not our ways" or "it's bad to question things".

So I ask... why? Questions reveal what truth is, so I don't see why a system should condemn people for asking genuine questions—if people are lead to fear asking questions, a system like that should be met with suspicion.

If doctrine is truth, why would questions be considered a threat?

Generally questions are beneficial. The only sort of questions that are nonsensical are the logical conundrums like 'Can God create a rock that He cannot lift?' Even there, it's an askable question. Just don't expect a 'yes' or a 'no' answer because as asked it isn't logically answerable. For all the rest, ask away.

 

[CrystalDragon]

I have the same problem with both questions and odd answers. You need to ask some questions where I will notice.

Which forum sections do you hang around? I started a certain thread on a tough question a while back (http://www.christianforums.com/threads/if-god-is-love-what-about-gods-more-violent-actions.7971135/) (I need to reply to it) and a lot of responses I got were, well, frustratingly dodgy.

 

[chevyontheriver]

It's not mainly the not knowing that I'm troubled by, it's people dodging questions and acting like it's bad to question anything and that should never be done. To me that's like dishonesty and fear of where answers might lead, choosing to stay in what's comfortable and thus not cause discomfort or potential punishment.

Had I not asked questions I would not have found answers. If they tell you that you cannot ask questions (in the proper forum, of course) then something's wrong.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Generally questions are beneficial. The only sort of questions that are nonsensical are the logical conundrums like 'Can God create a rock that He cannot lift?' Even there, it's an askable question. Just don't expect a 'yes' or a 'no' answer because as asked it isn't logically answerable. For all the rest, ask away.

Thanks—like I said above and quoted, the nonsense-logic questions don't bother me, it's people deliberately avoiding questions and reprimanding me or others for asking them, like seeking answers shouldn't be attempted.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Had I not asked questions I would not have found answers. If they tell you that you cannot ask questions (in the proper forum, of course) then something's wrong.

Yeah, I always try to ask questions in the proper forum, though as showcased by that conversation I quoted between yeshuaslavejeff and I it seems like some reprimand questioning altogether.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Thanks—like I said above and quoted, the nonsense-logic questions don't bother me, it's people deliberately avoiding questions and reprimanding me or others for asking them, like seeking answers shouldn't be attempted.

Jesus did say 'I am the truth.' I would think that would mean the questions, honest ones, would be askable and answerable. Today we heard Luke 20:27-38. The Sadducees asked with intent to show up Jesus. They thought they had a trick question. But He answered them anyhow.

 

[Butch5]

I can understand people not feeling sure they can answer, I get that. It's discussions like these that frustrate me:

Why's that?

 

[John Hyperspace]

As exemplified by conversations I've had on a few threads, it seems that a lot of times when I or others ask questions, even hypothetical ones, the questions are either dodged, ignored, or given responses similar to "His ways are not our ways" or "it's bad to question things".

So I ask... why? Questions reveal what truth is, so I don't see why a system should condemn people for asking genuine questions—if people are lead to fear asking questions, a system like that should be met with suspicion.

If doctrine is truth, why would questions be considered a threat?

I feel it is because the person who does such things does not actually care about the truth, they only care about maintaining their truth (which is probably not true at all, since they have never rigorously self-evaluated): the greater majority of people simply do not care about truth, and only care about "being right": what I've found is this: a man will sooner see the world crumble than challenge his own beliefs.

But I feel that a person who does says such things as "it's bad to question things" (or, the like) does the hearer a favor of sorts: it allows the hearer to immediately recognize the one as uninterested in truth.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Why's that?

In that post conversation I quoted, when I was trying to address a hypothetical question, the response I got was essentially "It's bad to ask, YHWH says we aren't supposed to ask". That's why, because it's like they're afraid of questions.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Jesus did say 'I am the truth.' I would think that would mean the questions, honest ones, would be askable and answerable. Today we heard Luke 20:27-38. The Sadducees asked with intent to show up Jesus. They thought they had a trick question. But He answered them anyhow.

Yes,
Y'SHUA exposed their hypocrisy.
Likewise today, with dishonest questions,
with questions from corrupt sources not seeking truth,
with or from sources that have led many astray
and/or caused many to stumble -
those questions deserve no better, and not even as good,
as the scribes and pharisees got directly from Y'SHUA MESSIAH
when HE exposed them...

HIS WORD says to expose the errors of darkness, not to dabble in it,
not to taste the bitter water,
but to warn others about it and reject it.

 

[CrystalDragon]

I feel it is because the person who does such things does not actually care about the truth, they only care about maintaining their truth (which is probably not true at all, since they have never rigorously self-evaluated): the greater majority of people simply do not care about truth, and only care about "being right": what I've found is this: a man will sooner see the world crumble than challenge his own beliefs.

But I feel that a person who does says such things as "it's bad to question things" (or, the like) does the hearer a favor of sorts: it allows the hearer to immediately recognize the one as uninterested in truth.

I wish I could "Agree" and "Like" a post more than once. I agree so much with this, and it really shows how people sometimes hold onto their truth sometimes by sacrificing knowing about the objective truth when all viewpoints are taken into account.

 

[Ken Behrens]

Which forum sections do you hang around? I started a certain thread on a tough question a while back (http://www.christianforums.com/threads/if-god-is-love-what-about-gods-more-violent-actions.7971135/) (I need to reply to it) and a lot of responses I got were, well, frustratingly dodgy.

I traced the history of our particular exchange. posts 7, 13, 25, 27, 45, 47. I got busy and lost you after post 47. Sorry, the thread was getting cumbersome and flying madly off in so many directions. My response should have been "please find those passages for me, so I can check the context. I am certain that the comparison is not justified".

I have several ministries and a couple jobs going, and give CF what time I can. So after a while, if I get nonsense responses, I give up. It is clear that it was taking a great deal of your time also, to keep so many discussions going, and it is clear now that you considered some to be not worth your time. I was not trying to be dodgy. We have argued this up and down in my online fellowship group, but I did not have time to prove everything I was saying here. If you are serious, we can get back to it and I will do so. The answer I gave you is the correct one, but is hard to understand, as we now have the Holy Spirit, as I mentioned.

As far as where I hang around, I respond to my alerts (Active threads) and look through all the new posts for anything new that I think I can add to. In your case, it was because of the time spent in my online group, that I knew I could add something to what you were asking, so I got involved.

 

[John Hyperspace]

Generally questions are beneficial. The only sort of questions that are nonsensical are the logical conundrums like 'Can God create a rock that He cannot lift?' Even there, it's an askable question. Just don't expect a 'yes' or a 'no' answer because as asked it isn't logically answerable. For all the rest, ask away.

You could answer that question, No: any universe containing an "immoveable object" precludes the existence of an "irresistable force" and so any question containing both is as logically absurd as asking "what happens when an only son meets his brother?" So the question of the "rock that cannot be lifted" is the same as asking "Can God create an immoveable object which can be moved?" or "Can God create a triangle with 10 sides" the answer is, No; language allows absurdity to be spoken, but absurdity is not real except in the construct of language.

So, in short, the question, merely shows that the one asking the question can use language to construct an absurd statement, which is allowed by language. "Can God create a rock big enough that He can't lift it?" is the equivalent of the question "If rock made blue rain would the cricket have lemon jobs?"

 

[Butch5]

In that post conversation I quoted, when I was trying to address a hypothetical question, the response I got was essentially "It's bad to ask, YHWH says we aren't supposed to ask". That's why, because it's like they're afraid of questions.

Sometimes people tell you not to question because they want to keep power. One of the reasons there's so much error in the faith is because people don't question. I see so many Christians who accept teachings that are simply either a contradiction themselves or contradict Scripture.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Yes,
Y'SHUA exposed their hypocrisy.
Likewise today, with dishonest questions,
with questions from corrupt sources not seeking truth,
with or from sources that have led many astray
and/or caused many to stumble -
those questions deserve no better, and not even as good,
as the scribes and pharisees got directly from Y'SHUA MESSIAH
when HE exposed them...

HIS WORD says to expose the errors of darkness, not to dabble in it,
not to taste the bitter water,
but to warn others about it and reject it.

Jesus actually replied to the question. You seem more interested in figuring out if a question is in bad faith, meaning I guess that it threatens some existing understanding. Questions are opportunities for analysis and for answers. But some people really are threatened by questions. Jesus did not seem to be one of them, even when His questioners sometimes were trying to trip Him up.

 

[Radrook]

Fear of God's retribution or his deep disfavor if they even dare to briefly contemplate the concept. Some Christians entertain the quaint notion that God is hypersensitive to such a thing. So it becomes a matter of a desperate need for survival in the face of imminent retributory danger for such individuals. In stark contrast, the person who perceives God as wiling to be questioned so he can provide answers doesn't react in that irrational way. It is the difference between a hermetically sealed mind and one that is open to new and positive perspectives.