Why Would a Believer Question the Existence of God?

The question 'Why would a believer question the existence of God?' often arises in discussions involving faith and skepticism. However, focusing on this question might be missing the deeper, more crucial issue: How could someone possibly believe in God, or even take the idea of God seriously?

As I reflect on my journey, I recall a time when I believed fervently. I was young, and like many, I believed in a myriad of things that now seem naive. I'm no longer young, and I haven't believed in God for a long time—yet I am not an atheist. Many questions about the existence of God have led me to doubt, even as a Christian.

The Human Rebellion Against God

Man has an inherent tendency to rebel against the concept of a supreme being. We are all sinners, and while some seek redemption, others find it hard to reconcile with the idea of divine judgment. The path to salvation, in much Christian thought, involves acknowledging our sinful nature, repenting, and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This journey to enter heaven is closely tied to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

My upbringing in the Catholic faith introduced me to various beliefs and practices. But several factors made me question the existence of God. First, there is the existence of immense evil in the world. War, the Holocaust, famines, earthquakes, and diseases like cancer—why would a good God allow such suffering? If God is benevolent, why does natural and human suffering persist?

Human Hypocrisy and Bible Discrepancies

Secondly, I observed the hypocrisy of many self-proclaimed believers. Their actions often contradicted their professed faith, leading to a sense of disillusionment. Thirdly, the Bible itself appeared unreliable to me at times. While the four Gospels present foundational stories of Jesus, there are discrepancies in some details, suggesting a lack of absolute consistency. These observations fueled my doubts, though I remain a Christian and recognize other spiritual paths.

Questioning for Critical Thinking

Every individual should be inquisitive and question everything. Being preoccupied with beliefs without critical thinking is akin to becoming a victim of deception. It is crucial to teach critical thinking from a young age, as it is done in some enlightened countries like Finland, to avoid following unverified beliefs. Developing the ability to question, think critically about information provided, and recognize flawed arguments is essential.

If one failed to receive such an education, it would be unwise to continue believing in something merely because someone else holds it to be true. Believing for the sake of following is not beneficial and can lead to stagnation. Instead, engaging in critical thinking allows for a more informed and meaningful approach to one's beliefs, whether they are about God, religion, politics, or any other subject.