Being A Religious Skeptic

For some years I have been thinking about religious believers and whether it is a good thing that they get along with each other.  Many would say, of course it is. These days, the fear of inter religious conflict and violence makes us want to have everybody get along.  Let’s emphasize what unites us rather than what divides us. Let’s realize that all religions want us to be nice to each other.  The ecumenical movement of the last century was convinced that getting along was better than arguing about the truth.  But I think all this overlooks what religion is really about.

Every religion promotes and  believes in a distinct set of truths about the way the world works. And let’s be honest, there are important differences between your religious way of thinking and mine.  For example, in my religious tradition arguing with and questioning God’s methodology is considered an act of faith and devotion to God.  Some of my students tell me, in their Christian tradition, arguing and questioning is a sign they have a weak or distrustful faith. In some Christian traditions, you are taught that you ought forgive people that hurt you, seventy times seven.  But in Jewish tradition, forgiveness cannot be given until a person repents and changes their behavior. Some Christians spend a great deal of time trying to convince others to become Christian.  Jews do not actively pursue non-Jews; they actually work to discourage people from converting. 

A religion is created when people believe a fundamental truth has been revealed to them.  They have no option except to bear witness to that truth.  They gather together.  They proclaim the truth and try to get others to see the truth that has been revealed.  There are believers and unbelievers, those who respect the truth and those who disagree.  You see, religions are not created to get along with each other.  They are there to proclaim their truths. When religious truths collide people may feel threatened.  Some resort to verbal or physical violence to defend their revealed truths.

Instead of getting along or getting violent, which merely diminishes each of our truth claims, we religious people would do better to be honest with each other.  All these different religious and theological perspectives are a good thing.  Let’s listen and engage each other.  Let’s talk honestly about where we agree and where we disagree.  Let’s not just respectfully disagree.  Let’s learn to argue creatively.  Let’s come to grips with what works and what doesn’t work in the truths and traditions that we follow.  Let’s take the risk to trust each other enough to sit down and engage another revelation.  We all have much to learn.

But here is the real secret.  The point of religion is not believe but to pursue the truth wherever it can be found, no holds or questions barred.  When the data of life tell us that our beliefs are misguided, we cannot just ignore the facts, we must pursue them.  Faith is never frightened of the questions that call faith itself into question.  Being a religious skeptic can be the most religious statement a person can make.  If you are religious or not religious, remember, you could be wrong.  Our five senses allow us and deny us the ability to see what is real and actually there.  So, let’s listen, respectfully engage and argue with each others beliefs.  The truth about everything is out there and in here.  Keep looking!!!