Why do we question?

Recently I've noticed loads of people questioning all kinds of things about Christianity. It probably stems from the people who are arguing for or against things like the views presented in Rob Bell's latest book, and the concepts of the nature of God as just and loving. But even before his latest book, before this division amongst people who used to say they agreed on things, I had noticed a growing trend amongst people I know.

The trend of questioning for the sake of proving God is or isn't right, coming to the conclusion that we can't ever truly know anything about God. This view is growing in popularity, but I think it is just a lazy way to get out of working at our relationship with God.

I'm not one to downplay questioning. In fact, by nature I am pretty cynical. I question things I don't understand, things I think are wrong, things that frustrate me. Sometimes I question just for the sake of questioning, because that's the type of person I am.

When I was a teenager I attended a church that had some extreme views on certain subjects. I was the kid who would sit down with my youth leaders and ask them, "Why?". Why do we do things this way? Why do we believe this? Why in the world do we trust that kind of teaching? You know, the questions every leader loves to hear from an obnoxious 17 year old.

In that season I was being taught some things that were outright wrong when when compared to what the Bible teaches. And something in me made me question those things. In questioning, I learned more truth, and got closer to God than I was before.

My results, a greater understanding and a deeper relationship with my God, stemmed from my questioning.

But here I sit, frustrated with people who are questioning certain basic tenants of faith. The people who are asking if God could really ever condemn anyone to hell, or judge anyone justly if He really is a loving God. Or the people who have questioned things to such an extent that they don't believe there is any truth to be known.

Today I was reading John Piper's book Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God. He hit on this idea of questioning, and I love his perspective.

I have been struggling with this idea of questioning because I love it, and see it as valuable, but am so frustrated by it as well.

In one chapter Piper has a section that questions questioning: Is it good, or even right to question the Bible?

The conclusion he draws is that it is invaluable to question the Bible, it is the way that we truly engage with God's word and begin to have a greater understanding of who He is. Some questioning, however, is not good. And it is way less than productive.

Take the examples of Zachariah and Mary found in Luke. Both were told of a future, miraculous birth. Both questioned what was to happen. Yet the angel was frustrated with Zachariah and not Mary. Why not?

Piper points out that it is the attitude behind the questioning. Zachariah questioned from an attitude of disbelief and distrust; Mary questioned from a lack of understanding but a desire to "get it".

I think that is the difference between the types of questioning that I love and hate. Do we question part of God, His nature, or faith because we are trying to prove Him wrong, to be smart and catch God in a lie? Or do we question because we don't understand and truly want to understand?

Not all questioning is good. It depends on the attitude. Is there a submission to the Word of God and a readiness to obey God when we understand what he wants of us? Is there a willingness to embrace the mysteries of God if something is plan but over our head?
-Piper, Think

I can't say that my questioning always stems from a healthy place. In fact, I find looking back that I often have fallen into the group that questions God from an attitude of pride rather than humility. But I so long for the ability to filter my questioning through a submissive desire to know my God more. To trust Him, and to obey Him regardless of if I understand or even if I agree with His ways.