Dear all,
We have lots of questions on our faith that we often shoot to the leaders of
the church and elders. We are often very demanding and want immediate
answers. Surely questions and discussions do help us grow, but they
can be double edged swords too! If not handled properly the inquisitiveness to
learn can actually become the greatest obstacle to learning.
Let us note that during Christ's time and before too, there were
many questions raised. May we classify these questions broadly as -
(a) Sincere questions and (b) Cunning questions.
Sincere questions arise from a humble heart, a yearning to learn, a
willingness to correct and a love for the Truth. It is perhaps often put in
place at the correct time by the Holy Spirit to help us grow.
Each parish must make earnest efforts to address the sincere
questions of its parishoners. Maintaining a small library of books in the
parish, and other resources available today which address
many questions (quite a few of these directed against "doubts" planted by
Protestantism) could be useful. Each parish has a responsibility to cater to
these "sincere" questions. We may keep lamenting about initiatives
from the center, but initiatives at parish levels could be more
practical.
Let us see how Christ reacted to some sincere questions:
Mark 4:10:- "But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve
asked Him about the parable." And Jesus went on to explain the
Parable of the sower to them.
Mark 9:11 - Question about Elijah - Jesus gives them the answer
without hesitation.
Mark 9:28 - The disciples ask why they could not cast out an evil
spirit
Jesus answers - giving them the secret for miracles - prayer and
fasting
Mark 13:4: question about the coming of the End of the world
Jesus answers their question
Many such instances could be cited from the Bible........
Then there are insincere questions - cunning questions. The
intention of such questions is simply to trap. Jesus dealt with such
questions with stern retorts and scathing reprimands - few instances:
Mark 7:5 Question about unwashed hands - Jesus replies quoting from
the Scriptures sneering at their hollow traditions - pointing out
the gap in their Preaching and Practice.
Mark 11:28: Jesus is questioned about His authority - Jesus reacts
with a counter question about the authority of John.
Luke 6:2 : question about Jesus breaking the Law of Sabbath
Jesus reminds them about when David broke the Law of the Sabbath.
Also in context is the classic question which forms the crown of all
cunningness - coming from the Serpent -
Genesis 3:1:"Did God say, you shall not eat from any tree in the
garden?" -- note the pretence of innocence here.(familiar?!)
The church needs to steer clear of such questions, react in the same
vein as our Master. We need not explain our faith or be defensive
about our faith to every Tom, Dick, Harry (and Pentecostal Pastor!)
springing up (I read a statistic that 5 new Protestant "Sabhas" are
formed every week!!)
"For faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1) First lets nurture the faith and
grow in it, then within the parameters of the faith, let the Holy
Spirit guide us with sincere questions intended at unravelling the
Heavenly Mysteries at His set times.
Regards,
Mathew Samuel
Austin, TX.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/5095
We have lots of questions on our faith that we often shoot to the leaders of
the church and elders. We are often very demanding and want immediate
answers. Surely questions and discussions do help us grow, but they
can be double edged swords too! If not handled properly the inquisitiveness to
learn can actually become the greatest obstacle to learning.
Let us note that during Christ's time and before too, there were
many questions raised. May we classify these questions broadly as -
(a) Sincere questions and (b) Cunning questions.
Sincere questions arise from a humble heart, a yearning to learn, a
willingness to correct and a love for the Truth. It is perhaps often put in
place at the correct time by the Holy Spirit to help us grow.
Each parish must make earnest efforts to address the sincere
questions of its parishoners. Maintaining a small library of books in the
parish, and other resources available today which address
many questions (quite a few of these directed against "doubts" planted by
Protestantism) could be useful. Each parish has a responsibility to cater to
these "sincere" questions. We may keep lamenting about initiatives
from the center, but initiatives at parish levels could be more
practical.
Let us see how Christ reacted to some sincere questions:
Mark 4:10:- "But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve
asked Him about the parable." And Jesus went on to explain the
Parable of the sower to them.
Mark 9:11 - Question about Elijah - Jesus gives them the answer
without hesitation.
Mark 9:28 - The disciples ask why they could not cast out an evil
spirit
Jesus answers - giving them the secret for miracles - prayer and
fasting
Mark 13:4: question about the coming of the End of the world
Jesus answers their question
Many such instances could be cited from the Bible........
Then there are insincere questions - cunning questions. The
intention of such questions is simply to trap. Jesus dealt with such
questions with stern retorts and scathing reprimands - few instances:
Mark 7:5 Question about unwashed hands - Jesus replies quoting from
the Scriptures sneering at their hollow traditions - pointing out
the gap in their Preaching and Practice.
Mark 11:28: Jesus is questioned about His authority - Jesus reacts
with a counter question about the authority of John.
Luke 6:2 : question about Jesus breaking the Law of Sabbath
Jesus reminds them about when David broke the Law of the Sabbath.
Also in context is the classic question which forms the crown of all
cunningness - coming from the Serpent -
Genesis 3:1:"Did God say, you shall not eat from any tree in the
garden?" -- note the pretence of innocence here.(familiar?!)
The church needs to steer clear of such questions, react in the same
vein as our Master. We need not explain our faith or be defensive
about our faith to every Tom, Dick, Harry (and Pentecostal Pastor!)
springing up (I read a statistic that 5 new Protestant "Sabhas" are
formed every week!!)
"For faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1) First lets nurture the faith and
grow in it, then within the parameters of the faith, let the Holy
Spirit guide us with sincere questions intended at unravelling the
Heavenly Mysteries at His set times.
Regards,
Mathew Samuel
Austin, TX.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/5095
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