I grew up in a faith tradition that somewhat frowned upon questioning the Bible. I understand the concerns that may arise when people doubt or challenge God’s Words, but I have a hunch that this restriction has played a crucial part in the massive deconstruction movement we are currently witnessing.
Part of the problem, in my humble opinion, is that many who were raised in the evangelical church were taught specific sections of the Bible that they (the teachers and leaders of the local churches) were confident they could fluff up enough and point toward Jesus. In many places, they did a wonderful job teaching children the fundamentals of our faith this way.
But neglecting to teach children/young adults how to read ALL of God’s Word and how to ask questions of the text to better understand what it’s saying has led to a biblically illiterate generation who has taken their questions elsewhere because the church has refused to give space for their confusion or concerns.
I don’t blame the Church or any specific denomination for the downward spiral of deconstruction. However, I think it’s past time to recognize all our individual roles in how we have led, taught, discipled, mentored, and/or carried out our personal faith journies within the church.
If we’re afraid to ask questions due to the potential that church leaders may assume we have lost faith, then our siblings, friends, children, or Sunday School kids will be too.
If we’re not seeking to understand ALL of Scripture, then our siblings, friends, children, or Sunday School kids won’t either.
If we’re keeping our doubt or concerns about trying to understand God’s Word to ourselves, then our siblings, friends, children, or Sunday School kids will too. Or worse, they will seek advice elsewhere, and the internet is ravenous to tell them what’s wrong with their God.
If our pastors, parents, and youth leaders don’t create space for questions about God, the Bible or Christianity, future generations will learn that Chat GPT is a better pastor to them and a safer place to bring their curiosities than the local church.
An Trustworthy Intimacy of Questions
Think about an intimate relationship in your life: a spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling, a close friend, a grandparent. Consider what that relationship would be like if you or the other person would never have asked each other questions. It’s likely that without those questions, that relationship would not be what it is today or maybe you’re realizing that a downfall in that relationship is the lack of questions.
Questions make or break our relationships, but the vulnerability of asking is what creates trust and intimacy for better relational health.
As I began this 90-Days in the Word reading plan, I knew I would be re-reading a lot of text I’ve read before. I was excited though for the books I have never given the time of day (because they never seemed important enough to discuss at church, so clearly they were low on the Bible-Reading totem pole and not as vital to the gospel message).
After reading through Leviticus, I had some QUESTIONS. I’ll be honest with y’all to share some with you.
Why did some of the cleanliness laws of things that were completely natural to how God created our bodies (menstruation for one) require a sin offering? See Leviticus 15
Why was a woman unclean longer when birthing a baby girl than if she birthed a baby boy? See Leviticus 12
Why wouldn’t God be more clear about certain things in Scripture so it could be translated clearer and reduce the amount of opposition and/or controversies surrounding His words?
Why would God, who values both men and women equally and gave them both vital roles in living out the gospel truth, choose men to dictate His words and leave out women from so much of the story of Scripture (genealogies, etc)?
I know that God has answers for all of these.
I know the Spirit is my guide to all truth.
I know some scholars have answers (and I’ve been researching).
I know that prayer and surrender are the best postures for reading the Bible.
I also know that I may never have answers to these questions on this side of heaven.
That’s where that surrender posture has been helpful. However, if I don’t welcome the questions into my conversations and relationship with God, then that reveals a lack of trust in my Father who desires connection and intimacy with me.
I posted something about this on Threads, and it kind of exploded with some excellent conversation!
Some of the responses to this proved my point perfectly. Some people believe that all you need to have in order to understand God’s Word is the Holy Spirit and prayer, and while I agree those are crucial and should be the first steps, there are many resources God has gifted us with to better read the text.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
The Holy Spirit will guide us to teaching and remembrance, but we have to remember the biblical text we are reading every day is a translation (and often of a previous translation or translations), and there are many things to consider when studying God’s Word: contextual differences in culture, laws, and language differences to name a few. Because of this, it is impossible to just “take it at face value.” I believe the Holy Spirit will guide us to ways to remember and be taught: commentaries, original languages, biblical scholarly reference, pastoral guidance, etc.
When you look at the Scriptures in their entirety, ESPECIALLY the life of Jesus, where do you see questioning God shunned or rebuked? In fact, we see the opposite. Take the beginning of Moses’ leadership journey in Exodus 4 for example. He believed in God wholeheartedly, but that didn’t stop him from challenging God’s decision or asking God for further clarification.
It’s not weak to have or ask questions. It’s strong trust and faith in God that gives us the freedom and confidence to ask questions.
Jesus invited questions and concerns all throughout his ministry on earth, and even added questions of his own to enhance his relationships with his disciples. The result of these concerning conversations was not just an answer to the question asked (often times it might not have felt like the disciple’s question was answered), but deeper relationship and trust for those who were willing to surrender their questions to the One who knew best.
A Spiritual Practice of Questioning
As I read through the Bible in a new way this year, I have been confronted with my own questions, concerns, and—dare I say—doubts. Instead of those pulling me away from God, I have put forth the effort to allow it to draw me closer to God. He can handle the tough questions. In fact, I dare say He is hoping and waiting for us to bring these questions to Him.
A spiritual practice is often the idea wrapped around a specific type of prayer or journal, worship or reflection, but it can be anything that focuses our attention and spirit on drawing closer to God through a unique activity. I have found deep solace and joy in the spiritual practice of asking these questions of God because, while I may not receive answers fully, I know the One who has the answers and that is good enough for me.
Discipleship is learning to be curious enough to keep following and seeking the mystery and wonder of an infinite God who we may never fully comprehend this side of heaven.
Many of my questions start with “why.” I was listening to a podcast recently where Annie F. Downs mentioned how thankful she is that the Bible keeps her curiosity piqued because it reveals something new to her everytime she reads it. John Mark Comer responded that he wondered if that’s why God allowed some things to be vague or up to interpretation—because God knew the limitations and boredom of humanity and wanted to ensure our curiosity would keep us chasing after Him.
I love that thought, and I hope you do too. This thought gives us the freedom to consider the reality that we may never know the answer but God does, and we can find joy in the pursuit of curiously seeking to know God better.
So, this week, I hope you’ll engage in the spiritual practice of asking questions, sharing your concerns with God about something you’re experiencing, reading, or thinking. It will deepen your relationship with God, adjust your heart to a posture of surrender, and remind you that you are not God (and likely don’t want to be).
What questions are you bringing to God this week?
Good stuff here, Steph. So much of of what you shared resonated, specifically the connection between questions being discouraged and deconstruction. Thankful for how the spiritual practice of questions has strengthened my relationship with God, even in the midst of mystery that will remain on this side of eternity. Thankful for your voice!