Is it OK to "question" our religious or spiritual authority or leaders?

Respectfully questioning from time to time has become necessary these days since there are now over 40,000 versions of Christianity in the world today, each one having its own doctrine. But it is comforting to know that in spite of all the differences, we do have at least two points of common ground that we can all refer to for guidance and understanding; the first is the Spirit within us and the other is the Bible. 

Whether in spiritual leadership or not, we as mere humans are all limited somewhat, to the doctrines of the denominations we have been involved with or absence thereof; and as with general education, we learn "what we are given to learn" as well as accumulating influence from our culture and associations. We also absorb much out of the circumstances into which we were born.  As a result of "all of the above," our values are formed. Yet, as seekers we have asked God to keep showing us what we need to let go of or learn in order to become the people of God that He has in mind. We pray as well that we will be able to discern the difference between holding strong to our core values (a good thing) and “strongholds” which can keep us locked into “winds of doctrine” something which can greatly limit our Freedom in Christ.

Seeking God for ourselves: Regardless of what "point of view," or denomination (or non-denomination) that we or our teachers originate from....all of us still must seek God for wisdom throughout our lives and we must study Scriptures for ourselves rather than wait only to be spoon fed pearls of wisdom each week from a self-help book or pulpit somewhere. We need to become educated in what the Scriptures actually say and learn the meaning of common metaphors in order to build our own understanding. It is also true that a relationship with the Holy Spirit can bring us the gift of “discernment,” of the nature, motive, or origin of things; thus, the connection with the “Greater He” within us along with a bit of Biblically-based common-sense can help us find our way through “winds of doctrine” and onto the sound Doctrine of Christ.

Noticing differences in doctrine: As we become educated, we may begin to notice small, insignificant differences in what we understand vs. what we see or hear going on around us. Concerning minor matters, we can learn how to diplomatically circumnavigate those issues appropriately. But, if we discover large and significant differences between what we have learned and what is being taught in the gathering place, then we can exercise the option to decline the concepts being offered or seek change, but at least we will know the difference. 

When change is needed: Our ultimate Shepherd is Jesus and He tells us in Scripture that the "Church" is “being built within us”; therefore, we can move about the Body when needed, (without having departed from what is “The Church,”) in order to seek more appropriate fellowship. If this should become necessary and if we are truly led by the Holy Spirit, it does not represent abandonment or disobedience to God, but rather, an opportunity to move on to other places which can better support our spiritual growth. We can also depart from where we have been in peace, thanking God for the good we did experience at that gathering place, also knowing that God may have used that situation to show us a few things that we needed to learn about ourselves or possibly, the state of the Body of Christ in general.

So, can we question religious or spiritual authority? Sure, but along with that we must take personal responsibility to spend time studying and learning all we can about God, coupling that effort with meditation (listening for God) as well as vigilant prayer regarding our own growth; and if we do make a change in gathering places, we should do so with kindness and discretion without creating strife or upsetting the remaining group that we leave behind. 

Of course, wherever we find ourselves in the Body at any given time, we can pray without ceasing, that all of us will eventually come into the fullness of what God has for us.....for today and for-ever.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

Ann M. Wolf - c 2015 - BMI - All rights reserved.

Check Understanding:

Question for discussion or add your answers to your notebook:

• Why is it not only OK, but necessary at times to question religious or spiritual authority?
• How does studying the Bible help us to discern true doctrine from “winds of doctrine?”

Apply Understanding: 

Discuss or notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

• What steps can we take to deepen our connection to the Written and Living Word in order to have discernment about the nature of various teachings out in the Body?