Doubting (atheist, agnostic, quote, faith)

[nezlie]

Is it considered a sin to doubt, to question accepted religious doctrines? Or is it something less than a sin?

[scarmig]

I'd say it's a requirement. What would it say of any belief if it does not welcoming questioning?

[Bud235]

Yes.

According to most religious people, "sin" = "separation from God". If you question any of the religious stuff, that is "separation from God", so it is sin by their definition.

That leaves you only one choice if you want to be religious: be close-minded faithful.

[Nikk]

Originally Posted by Bud235

Yes.

According to most religious people, "sin" = "separation from God". If you question any of the religious stuff, that is "separation from God", so it is sin by their definition.

That leaves you only one choice if you want to be religious: be close-minded faithful.

This is incorrect. Having doubts about religion, does not separate you from God.

To be religious is not "closed minded" either. I am always reading and learning. My religion does not stop me from knowing all that I can.

[mrmikeman]

Originally Posted by nezlie

Is it considered a sin to doubt, to question accepted religious doctrines? Or is it something less than a sin?

Your post implies doubting God or faith in God, is this right. Your question can be viewed several differnt way. Would you clarify?

[coosjoaquin]

Short answer is yes. The long answer is that the way it works, it is ok to doubt anything that's not relevant or favourable to the religion you subscribe to. Doubting the dogma if your own sect on the other hand will get you very bad looks from your peers and you will get some form of punishment in many cases. That's a fact I know all too well.

Since we are talking about it being viewed as a "sin", It boils down to the Jeudo-Abrahamic religions but the sentiment is the same for the most part. If you dare doubt concepts like god or parts of the doctrine, then you will be made to feel guilty about it. For some reason completely eliminating all doubt in these matters is a must.

I've seen a lot of people deviously trying to hide this fact so as to avoid their religion being called "closed minded". Having to feel bad because you have doubts and being told you need to look for guidance in order to eliminate this problem, however, is exactly what they ask for things that they consider sins.

[nezlie]

Originally Posted by nezlie
Is it considered a sin to doubt, to question accepted religious doctrines? Or is it something less than a sin?

Originally Posted by mrmikeman

Your post implies doubting God or faith in God, is this right. Your question can be viewed several differnt way. Would you clarify?

I was referring to when a person expresses doubts or questions the teachings in a particular religious belief system. For example, if a person questions the likelihood that such a thing as a virgin birth ever took place, is the very act of questioning and doubting itself considered a sin? Or must the person express belief in that doctrine in order to be absolved (from that sin)?

[noland123]

I doubt it is a sin.

[Chango]

Originally Posted by nezlie

Is it considered a sin to doubt, to question accepted religious doctrines? Or is it something less than a sin?

It's a sin to your pastor, but probably not to god.

[calmdude]

Originally Posted by nezlie

Is it considered a sin to doubt, to question accepted religious doctrines? Or is it something less than a sin?

For a believer - probably (if the person has strict religious interpretations) or maybe or no(for some less strict religions)

For an agnostic - probably not

For an atheist - no. It would be immoral (not "sin") to do anything but doubt.