Questioning Belief

Belief is something we use to bridge the gap between the way things are and the way we would like them to be. Once adopted a belief often goes unchallenged within one's self.

Most people's beliefs started out as someone else's beliefs first, and upon hearing them we chose to accept or reject them for ourselves. Once accepted most of our beliefs persist without ever really being questioned or re-examined. Arguments are waged and wars are fought over beliefs. Inevitably, both parties always believe they are right and the other is wrong, otherwise they wouldn't be taking such a strong stance in the first place.

Questioning beliefs can be very healthy. When one gets stuck in unchallenged beliefs, the tendency is to be willing to defend those beliefs with a totally closed mind. A closed mind is unable to accept or even listen to opposing beliefs or opinions, thereby locking the person out of personal growth. An open mind is willing to listen to other opinions and beliefs objectively. Listening to others beliefs does not mean that everyone else's belief must always be accepted. We have a free will to choose to accept or reject any information that we are subjected to, so what harm can come from hearing opposing opinions objectively?

Refusing to be open to new information not only keeps one locked in a closed mind view of a subject, it can also keep them from finding information that either further supports, or proves that belief and can also keep them from finding out that a belief may be based on incorrect information.

Ultimately, every belief we have should always be open to re-examination. Man once believed the earth was flat, steel could not float, and man could not fly. It was only through the efforts of those who chose to challenge their beliefs that man was able to transcend those beliefs.

No belief, not even the belief in God should be beyond questioning. No one can deny that a belief in God has produced positive benefits to the world, but it has also produced tremendous bloodshed. If you want to believe in God, that's fine, but keep an open mind as well.

Challenge your beliefs and challenge the supporting beliefs as well. Why do I believe what I believe? What evidence is there either in support of or to the contrary? What can be proven or dis-proven at this time given the evidence at hand? Is it possible that there could be information I don't have yet? Why do others believe differently? What makes me  believe what I believe? Where did my beliefs come from? Who did my beliefs come from? What was it that caused me to accept or reject those beliefs in the first place?

Questioning beliefs can be a great way to open up the mind and explore personal growth and self awareness, so next time you find yourself defending a belief, ask a few questions of yourself first.

Michael L. Fournier