Is it wrong to ask the 'why' behind Church teachings?

[whatevergirl]

Not often, but sometimes, I hear of a Church doctrine, or tradition that I am surprised over, and would like to know ‘why’ The Church teaches it. Is that wrong, to ask ‘why’ The Church has certain doctrine, and where it 'comes from?


I am a bit disappointed in the parish we belonged to in PA, that allowed for women to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday mass…how can one learn the ‘true’ traditions, if imitations are being presented? While I personally don’t see anything wrong with the view of allowing women to have our feet washed during the service, I realized through the help of my CAF friends here, that it is not how Christ intended, according to The Church.

Through some debate, I literally felt the Holy Spirit tapping my on the shoulder, and showing me ‘the Light.’ I also had a huge epiphany last year, when it came to the marital embrace.

But, is it ok to question…not challenge the Church, but question why it teaches something? Just to know the reason. I think to not ask questions, how does one learn? Right? Or is it somehow sinful, that I’m curious as to how certain dogma, traditions, and rituals have come about? My faith is very strong, but at times, I just would like to know why we follow what we do…it’s also important for me to be able to explain things to non Catholics who might ask. If I don’t know the ‘why’ how can I properly evangelize to others?

Look forward to discussing this with you.

 

[PaulinVA]

I think understanding the why of things sometimes makes for profound moments. Everything we believe interlocks with everything else into a coherent, exquisite theology. Seeing those connections, by understanding the *whys *and hows, makes our faith rich and deep.

 

[redrosetea]

There is a book called Catholicism for dummies that might be helpful to you…that is really the name of it…

 

[missal]

Not often, but sometimes, I hear of a Church doctrine, or tradition that I am surprised over, and would like to know ‘why’ The Church teaches it. Is that wrong, to ask ‘why’ The Church has certain doctrine, and where it 'comes from?


I am a bit disappointed in the parish we belonged to in PA, that allowed for women to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday mass…how can one learn the ‘true’ traditions, if imitations are being presented? While I personally don’t see anything wrong with the view of allowing women to have our feet washed during the service, I realized through the help of my CAF friends here, that it is not how Christ intended, according to The Church.

Through some debate, I literally felt the Holy Spirit tapping my on the shoulder, and showing me ‘the Light.’ I also had a huge epiphany last year, when it came to the marital embrace.

But, is it ok to question…not challenge the Church, but question why it teaches something? Just to know the reason. I think to not ask questions, how does one learn? Right? Or is it somehow sinful, that I’m curious as to how certain dogma, traditions, and rituals have come about? My faith is very strong, but at times, I just would like to know why we follow what we do…it’s also important for me to be able to explain things to non Catholics who might ask. If I don’t know the ‘why’ how can I properly evangelize to others?

Look forward to discussing this with you.

It’s wonderful to ask questions. It’s wonderful to be inquisitive about your faith. It’s wonderful to allow the Holy Spirit that dwells within you to guide you to receive all the information you can possilbly assimilate regarding the beauty of the Church of Jesus Christ. You will find, the more you ask, the more you will desire to know, the more you grow in loving the Church of Jesus Christ, and this will continue throughout your whole life. This Truth is so beautiful, as described by Doctors of the Church, saints, martyrs,
You couldn’t in your lifetime embrace it’s entirety. So go ahead and drink up it’s beauty, ask, ask, ask and learn!
View attachment 5455

 

[whatevergirl]

There is a book called Catholicism for dummies that might be helpful to you…that is really the name of it…

I don’t think I’m a dummy when it comes to Catholicism, but there are some teachings that I find anew (perhaps because I was never taught them growing up, etc)

 

[missal]

There is a book called Catholicism for dummies that might be helpful to you…that is really the name of it…

That’s a great great book. The method is tongue in cheek, and some funny and yet very very doctrinal. Easy to open any page and learn. You don’t have to start at the beginning.
This book is sold in some Catholic stores, but I purchased mine on Amazon.
I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[redrosetea]

I don’t think I’m a dummy when it comes to Catholicism, but there are some teachings that I find anew (perhaps because I was never taught them growing up, etc)

That is just what they named to book, I think in an attempt to keep it from sounding so dry no one would want to read it

It deals with all kinds of things , and it explains the why of it

 

[whatevergirl]

It’s wonderful to ask questions. It’s wonderful to be inquisitive about your faith. It’s wonderful to allow the Holy Spirit that dwells within you to guide you to receive all the information you can possilbly assimilate regarding the beauty of the Church of Jesus Christ. You will find, the more you ask, the more you will desire to know, the more you grow in loving the Church of Jesus Christ, and this will continue throughout your whole life. This Truth is so beautiful, as described by Doctors of the Church, saints, martyrs,
You couldn’t in your lifetime embrace it’s entirety. So go ahead and drink up it’s beauty, ask, ask, ask and learn!
View attachment 5455

Thank you for this. I guess I just felt stupid in a way, not knowing the tradition behind the washing of the feet by Christ. I knew the passage, and was taught that in part, we are to be servants to one another. I think that you are right, in learning this earlier, I really feel closer to Christ, more than before learning it. I think in our weaknesses, Christ reveals Himself most. I feel like I really want to learn the ‘whys’ behind so many things now, instead of remaining ignorant.

 

[whatevergirl]

That is just what they named to book, I think in an attempt to keep it from sounding so dry no one would want to read it

It deals with all kinds of things , and it explains the why of it

lol ok. I think I might check it out, and also I’m planning to buy Scott Hahn’s book about the mass. Thank you.

 

[missal]

I don’t think I’m a dummy when it comes to Catholicism, but there are some teachings that I find anew (perhaps because I was never taught them growing up, etc)

Hi,
That wasn’t a put down…“Catholic’s for dummies” is a series…which started out for Computer Geeks… Macs for dummies then it was followed by every project in the world Chess for dummies…ski for dummies…crafts for dummies…on & on
and EWTN decided to jump on the band wagon with their great team of priests and put together this book, Catholics for Dummies… Let me tell you, they are very funny but- very very thorough!
Cradle Catholics love it!

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi,
That wasn’t a put down…“Catholic’s for dummies” is a series…which started out for Computer Geeks… Macs for dummies then it was followed by every project in the world Chess for dummies…ski for dummies…crafts for dummies…on & on
and EWTN decided to jump on the band wagon with their great team of priests and put together this book, Catholics for Dummies… Let me tell you, they are very funny but- very very thorough!
Cradle Catholics love it!

Thanks – I’m definitely going to check it out. Maybe on Wed, when I run to Borders on my lunchbreak. I am a cradle Catholic, and while there’s much I’m aware of, there are things that I can’t believe I don’t know. My hubby is more versed in Church history (a) he is a history buff and b) going to Catholic school must have helped him immensely

 

[Wowbagger]

Always be ready to submit yourself, in faith, to a teaching.

Never, never, ever, as long as you live, be afraid to pursue the reasons behind the teaching. Don’t even be afraid of playing the devil’s advocate and questioning the teaching directly in pursuit of truth. You may spend many long years in the dark following a teaching you don’t understand, but, if you keep at it, it will eventually crack open like an egg, and you’ll be a much better person, a much better knower of God, for having done so.

In short, no. Enjoy, and God bless!

 

[Geor9e]

There’s nothing wrong with questioning certain teachings, if anything it helps make your faith stronger. Well, I suppose it depends who you get your answers from.

 

[kitafraya]

I agree, ask and ask away. It is always good to ask questions if you don’t understand. Better to ask and learn then don’t ask and wonder.

I have the book Catholicsm for Dummies book - I can say it’s a wonderful book. As a cradle Catholic I am learning a lot from this book. A lot of my “why’s” are being answered.

 

[Schluns]

I have a little story about my first RCIA experience: On our first night (last year), my “mentor” (also a convert), said “what I like about the Catholic faith is that you put on your blinders and do exactly as Father tells you.” Father sees the look on my face and back peddles really, really fast.

Catholics accepting teaching without knowing the “why” is the very reason why we have difficulties with non-Catholic questions about our faith. Just as it does not work as parents or teachers “because its the way we’ve always done it” and “Because I said so” never wins a discussion/argument in the long run.

 

[whatevergirl]

I have a little story about my first RCIA experience: On our first night (last year), my “mentor” (also a convert), said “what I like about the Catholic faith is that you put on your blinders and do exactly as Father tells you.” Father sees the look on my face and back peddles really, really fast.

Catholics accepting teaching without knowing the “why” is the very reason why we have difficulties with non-Catholic questions about our faith. Just as it does not work as parents or teachers “because its the way we’ve always done it” and “Because I said so” never wins a discussion/argument in the long run.

I agree. Although, I get caught up in the phrase that Jesus spoke…we need to accept our faith like little children. (Does that mean without question, or does that mean we are to question, as little kids do all the time?)

I am assuming it means to trust without question. I trust in Church authority, but there are some things I have questions on. Perhaps that is the issue I’m driving at, that sometimes I feel like people might think I’m not trusting the Church, when I am asking questions.

 

[Schluns]

I agree. Although, I get caught up in the phrase that Jesus spoke…we need to accept our faith like little children. (Does that mean without question, or does that mean we are to question, as little kids do all the time?)

I am assuming it means to trust without question. I trust in Church authority, but there are some things I have questions on. Perhaps that is the issue I’m driving at, that sometimes I feel like people might think I’m not trusting the Church, when I am asking questions.

I do believe that trusting our faith like little children is wonderful, but also as you point out, children question their surroundings, without any preconceived ideas, and that is the basis of their why. This makes the lesson more profound and more in line with natural law. As adults it is easy to throw natural law out the window and look at the Church in the eyes of 2009 and today’s social mores, which are not so great. This cheapens the Traditions of the Church, because we as adults are looking for the easy way of doing things; so we let our Priests tell us what to believe, without question. Just as we let the media tell us what is truth in the world. I could go on and on.

 

[brigid12]

Not often, but sometimes, I hear of a Church doctrine, or tradition that I am surprised over, and would like to know ‘why’ The Church teaches it. Is that wrong, to ask ‘why’ The Church has certain doctrine, and where it 'comes from?


I am a bit disappointed in the parish we belonged to in PA, that allowed for women to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday mass…how can one learn the ‘true’ traditions, if imitations are being presented? While I personally don’t see anything wrong with the view of allowing women to have our feet washed during the service, I realized through the help of my CAF friends here, that it is not how Christ intended, according to The Church.

Through some debate, I literally felt the Holy Spirit tapping my on the shoulder, and showing me ‘the Light.’ I also had a huge epiphany last year, when it came to the marital embrace.

But, is it ok to question…not challenge the Church, but question why it teaches something? Just to know the reason. I think to not ask questions, how does one learn? Right? Or is it somehow sinful, that I’m curious as to how certain dogma, traditions, and rituals have come about? My faith is very strong, but at times, I just would like to know why we follow what we do…it’s also important for me to be able to explain things to non Catholics who might ask. If I don’t know the ‘why’ how can I properly evangelize to others?

Look forward to discussing this with you.

It isn’t wrong to ask why (or how) at all. As long as even while we are learning we are completely obedient to the Church, as much as we are truly able. We are humans and wondering how it all works is totally natural. Mary, at the Annunciation, while being completely obedient, asked how the Conception would happen since she was a virgen. Compare that with Zechariah, a priest even, who didn’t believe Gabriel and so was struck dumb for a time.

 

[Quarles47]

If you are asking it to be enlighten then there is nothing wrong with asking why, but if the questioning of Church teaching is to challenge the validity of the teaching then, yes, that is wrong.

 

[canne]

Not often, but sometimes, I hear of a Church doctrine, or tradition that I am surprised over, and would like to know ‘why’ The Church teaches it. Is that wrong, to ask ‘why’ The Church has certain doctrine, and where it 'comes from?


I am a bit disappointed in the parish we belonged to in PA, that allowed for women to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday mass…how can one learn the ‘true’ traditions, if imitations are being presented? While I personally don’t see anything wrong with the view of allowing women to have our feet washed during the service, I realized through the help of my CAF friends here, that it is not how Christ intended, according to The Church.

Through some debate, I literally felt the Holy Spirit tapping my on the shoulder, and showing me ‘the Light.’ I also had a huge epiphany last year, when it came to the marital embrace.

But, is it ok to question…not challenge the Church, but question why it teaches something? Just to know the reason. I think to not ask questions, how does one learn? Right? Or is it somehow sinful, that I’m curious as to how certain dogma, traditions, and rituals have come about? My faith is very strong, but at times, I just would like to know why we follow what we do…it’s also important for me to be able to explain things to non Catholics who might ask. If I don’t know the ‘why’ how can I properly evangelize to others?

Look forward to discussing this with you.

Of course you can ask why!
Don’t neglect The Cathecism which of course explains what the Church teaches and why and usually points to where a particular teaching comes from…such as Holy Scripture,…If you do not own a Cathecism you can study and reference it online. vatican.va/archive/catechism/ccc_toc.htm