ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
March 6, 2022
A couple of days ago, one of the readers of my Etchings asked the question: Is it better for faithful people to not ask questions that may challenge central tenets of the faith? It’s a question I think being asked even beyond religious circles. Let’s call it Security by Ignorance. It is an approach being utilized out of fear, and though it might give the impression of a sort of naive blissfulness, it in fact has a negative impact upon religion. I would even go as far as saying it might be one of the top three reasons Christianity is on the decline among younger people. Ignoring questions or offering embarrassingly simplistic answers gives religion the appearance of insecurity, and the appearance might be reality. It is one thing to have faith, but faith is not intended to be an escape clause from hard and uncomfortable questions. Even if a question causes discomfort or even some embarrassment, wouldn’t it be better to say, “That’s a really good question, and right now I’m not too sure exactly how to answer it. You’ve really given me something to ponder.” It may not be a flashy response, but don’t you imagine people who are a tad skeptical will be a bit more respectful of honesty?
I want to live a faith where answers may not always come easy and explanations are not always available. If grace is a gift you give, O God, then I can live today without evading the discomforting questions being asked. Amen.
