"You are not allowed to question God!"  Thus begins a frustrating conversation with a Christian "friend" who lovingly just wants to set you straight in your faith.  What they spin next is their interpretation of what you should believe, lest you go to hell.

I've often wondered:  why can't we question God, and who is the authority on the appropriate interpretation of scripture and the understanding of the world. 

In the book of Job, Job questions the wisdom of God in afflicting his family with such terrible suffering.  Job's "friends" are critical of Job's questioning, and they express their surprise that one would so boldly call the Almighty to task.  Isn't it interesting, that at the end of the book of Job, God calls Job his faithful servant, and God calls Job's so-called "friends" to task.  The Bible is full of stories of those who struggle and question, like the one about Jacob who struggles with God, and yet are considered faithful servants of God.

I think questioning God and our beliefs is a necessary pre-requisite to growing a stronger faith.

I admit, there are times that I question my beliefs and wonder if I've lived a foolish life.  There are some Christians who claim that they would live a Christian life whether there were a God or not.  Maybe those Christians haven't sacrificed enough in their lives for their faith. 

From my perspective, If there is not a God at the end of the life, I'm gonna be a little ticked off, and God is gonna have some explaining to do (oh, that's right... there wouldn't be a God to do any explaining).  Therefore, I do question. In the end, however, despite the struggles of life and the questions I may have, I believe. 

This is why I understand those who question and struggle.  We need a place where we can talk and debate issues of faith without being told, "You're going to hell."  This I do believe about God:  God has created us curious people, so God's shoulders are broad enough to handle our questions and criticisms.  I have many questions, but I still believe. 

NEXT UP:  "What are my questions" and, "Why do I still believe?"

 

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