Should I question things I’ve been taught about my faith?

The short answer is yes.

Does that surprise you? I think we get confused between theology and faith; a tension between the two creates moments of confusion, prompting us to seek clarity.

Theology is defined as the study of God and religion. Theo means God, and ology means the study of; it is a pretty straightforward understanding of the word. As believers, we seek knowledge to understand who God is and how to build a relationship with Him. That knowledge, appropriately applied, develops our wisdom as to how to live what we know.

Scripture is clear that we are to seek after wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 assures us that the knowledge and wisdom is in Jesus, we must look for it. “2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Faith, although related, is based on belief in God, spiritual understanding instead of proof. As it says in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Faith, pistis in the Greek, means a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is God.

We sum it up, theology is knowledge-based, while faith is belief-based. When we question theology, we are not to throw away faith. On the contrary, when we investigate, we are simply answering the why we believe to grow our faith.

As imperfect beings, we recognize we don’t know it all, we continue to seek wisdom and knowledge through our relationship with Jesus Christ to build our understanding of who He is and who we are to become. Find a trusted friend and investigate these questions together. Accurately apply Scripture, while pressing into Jesus to learn more of what He has for you.