I am a recovering skeptic. That is to say, I am learning
what it means to give the benefit of the doubt and not reject new ideas out of
hand. But I am still insatiably curious and I despise pat answers. So I
question things.
There’s a fine line, though, between being someone who
questions things and being a skeptic. In fact, many people would call someone
who questions everything a skeptic.
Here’s the thing; I don’t think many skeptics actually question anything. They may phrase their
challenges as questions, but their heart is set on rejection and disproving. To
truly question something is to pose questions to it and about it for the sake
of understanding. This may lead to
disproving or rejecting, but the heart behind it is in learning.
And in this sense, we ought to question everything. And I do
mean everything, whether it is the traditions in which we were raised, the
authorities over us, the religions we hold to, or the God in which we believe.
If the heart of the questioning is to learn, then ask away.
It is often frowned upon to ask questions of established
ideas, structures, or authorities. It is seen as disrespectful, crass, or
rebellious. Truly, though, what is more important that seeking every ounce of
truth in an established reality? And what is more harmful than abiding in that
reality if no truth is to be found there? And so we must question.
So I say to you, question everything. That is find good
questions to ask about everything and of everything. Just don’t be a skeptic.
