This may seem to be a strange question, but it is a necessary one. My wife and I have had this discussion several times. Growing up, we were not allowed to question anything, or so it seemed. Well, at least it was not encouraged. I remember my parents telling me to do something, and I would respond with, “why?” Of course, as you might guess, their answer was because I told you to. My answer to my kids too often was that it is just the way it is. Just do it, don’t question me!
Too many of us have been taught not to question authority, rules, or why we do what we do. We are told directly or indirectly to believe what is being said and not question it. Believe the authorities on the issues. Believe the teacher. Believe the pastor. Believe the politician. Trust your heart. No questions, just submit. Now I am not suggesting a rebellion or not honoring those who have knowledge about specific subjects. However, we need to understand what we believe and why we believe it and be able to defend that belief.
So, let me ask you, why do you believe what you believe? Have you studied and discovered the truth for yourself, or do you accept another’s opinion simply because they are the authority, “the professional,” or have the corner on the market of a specific truth? My point is that we need to research and ask questions to define our beliefs. In doing so, you may be surprised at what you find in your search.
I lived with my grandmother until I was six years old and visited her during the summer from that point forward. She had several sayings that she presented as truth. Do not swallow watermelon seeds because a watermelon will grow in your stomach. Get in the bathtub if a storm comes. If your nose itches, someone is coming to see you. If your ears are red, someone is talking about you. Hiccups are growing pains. As a child, I accepted these things as truth. But as I grew older, I understood that these things were tales and not based on truth. Her mom told her, and she told me. There is a good chance that her mom’s mom told her, and so on.
With that said, let me observe where we are today! What is posted on Facebook, Twitter, Tick Tock, and other social media may not always be true! I know that is hard to believe! I am sure you have received an email or a Facebook post of a regurgitated news article. The names or dates may be changed, but the same information has been circulating for years and has been proven wrong.
It may also be hard to believe, but media outlets present their biases and slant their presentations to that bias. This includes conservative, liberal, or independent media. All have a bias and therefore sway the truth to their thinking. Political and religious leaders also have specific biases which guide their conversations and what they say to the public.
My point in asking why we believe what we believe is that we live in an environment and culture that asks big questions. It is no longer acceptable to say that is the way it is. Just accept it. This culture is asking why, and because there is so much information, they want solid answers. They want answers that stand up to scrutiny and debate. They also want us to say I do not know the answer but let us discover it together when we do not have answers to their questions.
How different would things be if we had a grip on what we believe and why? This may mean that we need to explore answers for ourselves. We need to explore what we believe and not be afraid of asking questions and getting counsel from those who know this area. It may even be advantageous to get an opposing view so that you hear from both sides of an issue. Looking at opposing views has helped me clarify what I believe and why I believe it!
As I have done this, I have found that we are not too far apart in our beliefs in many cases. My theological background is eclectic. I have attended Pentecostal/charismatic churches. I have attended Baptists churches. I have developed connections with Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and many other denominations. I have also developed relationships with those who have no religious affiliation. From them, I have learned much about my doctrinal positions and have discovered more about what I believe and why. This has not been negative but positive. I am now more convinced than ever about what I believe. In the areas that I still struggle with, I am still exploring. And by the way, there are some things that I may not fully understand, and it is acceptable to say I do not know.
I have written this as food for thought and your consideration. I know I can get pushback from this discussion, which is okay. My point is that I want us to be the best example of truth we can be. Sometimes the truth surprises us and may even leave us bewildered. But truth must be attained. After all, the truth sets us free (John 8:32).
So:
- Do you have beliefs handed to you by a parent, the church, or the media but have not understood or adopted them as your own?
- Are there truths you hold that you need to check out to affirm the validity of that truth?
- Have you considered talking with someone who holds a different view so you can get a different perspective? This is not necessarily to change your belief but to understand how others view things.
- I know politics are a hot topic, but what political views do you hold to without properly vetting these views?
Life on the edge 