Why You Should Ask Questions About Religion
Religion is often considered an “off-limits” subject. Religion can be a sensitive topic, and because of this, a lot of people avoid discussing it. An article titled “Many Americans don’t argue about religion – or even talk about it” from Pew Research Center states that “About half of U.S. adults tell us they seldom (33%) or never (16%) talk about religion with people outside their family. And roughly four-in-ten say they seldom (26%) or never (13%) discuss religion even with members of their immediate family.”
So, considering religion is one of the most significant factors in culture, history, and many people’s lives, why don’t people talk about it?
An article titled “Why People Are Reluctant To Discuss Faith” from Barna talks about why people don’t have conversations about religion: “For instance, the two avoidant responses (among the top four) given for not engaging in conversations are: “Religious conversations always seem to create tension or arguments” (28%) and “I’m put off by how religion has been politicized” (17%). The other two responses indicate ambivalence: “I’m not religious and don’t care about these kinds of topics” (23%) and “I don’t feel like I know enough to talk about religious or spiritual topics” (17%).”
All of the reasons given in the article fall under a common fear: People believe they can’t ask questions or talk about religion. Some people fear arguments will arise and that these arguments may turn political. Some feel like they don’t know/care enough about religion to even be worthy of talking about it or asking questions.
These are completely valid reasons to avoid talking about religion, and these reasons discourage question asking. Many of these reasons arise because of the response of the people answering the questions. It isn’t necessarily that people give bad answers, but that answers can come with extreme judgment.
It is infinitely important that we all welcome any sort of question someone may have about religion or beliefs. I wrote a blog post called “Inverse the Aggression” that is all about how to deal with difficult conversations around religion and personal topics, and everything in that article applies to how to answer questions and deal with disagreement.
Many problems arise when people don’t ask questions about religion and don’t compassionately answer them.
For one, not asking questions about religion leads to misconceptions about religions and religious people. An article from Huff Post titled “Common Misconceptions About Religion” has a whole list of misconceptions about religion that arise as common beliefs because nobody talks about them.
Another real danger that comes from not asking questions about religion is that people end up living in doubt. Everybody has doubted their beliefs at some point in their life, and for religious people especially, this can be terrifying and extremely stressful.
An article titled “Religious Issues” from Good Therapy states that “Those who are questioning their faith may feel off-balance or uncertain, experience anxiety, or fear divine retribution for their doubts, especially when their faith is based on belief in a punitive god.”
The truth is, having doubts about religion or your beliefs isn’t a bad thing, and it doesn’t mean that you don’t believe in what you thought you did. Doubts are extremely normal, and in my opinion, they are a good thing. Leaning into doubts and questions we have is an extremely beneficial thing to do, especially if we ask the right questions about our doubts.
Why is it so important to ask questions about religion?
Asking questions is really at the center of conversations, learning, and teaching. If we want to have more open conversations about religion, it starts with asking and accepting questions.
I believe one of the most important things about religion is that it addresses the most important questions of life, death, morality, and purpose, among many other things. Because of this, it is upsetting that many feel as though they can’t ask questions about something so significant, even in a religious setting.
Every single person has wondered before about their existence. As conscious beings, we should care to understand ourselves and understand the world around us. Even if you aren’t religious or are already set in your beliefs, asking questions about other religions and beliefs is the best way to strengthen your own and understand the world better. In my blog post “Why I Care About Religion So Much” I wrote that “Understanding religion can help you connect with others, with history, with the world, and may help you answer the questions that are in the back of your mind about your existence.”
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Socrates
Asking questions and having conversations about religion is a really hard thing to do, but it often begins with simply asking yourself questions and addressing doubts and wonders you have.
“You were born with the greatest weapon in all of nature—the rational, conscious mind. It has the power to expand your vision far and wide, giving you the unique capacity to distinguish patterns in events, learn from the past, glimpse into the future, see through appearances.”
Robert Greene
This world is full of endless questions, and many of the most important ones surround religion. Your mind is a weapon, so use it to ask questions and explore doubts and understand others. Most importantly, make sure to engage in conversations and answer questions in a way that encourages more open and beneficial discussions.
