Have Faith Enough to Question

In Principles of Zen, Martine Batchelor wrote:

There is a paradox between great faith and great questioning. We need faith to anchor us and questioning to open us. With faith only, we might stagnate and become narrow-minded, with questioning only we might become disturbed and agitated. These two qualities balance and support each other.

I think it's important to question our faith and belief systems often, and with childlike wonder. Not only those that we hold together with the rest of society but our private and personal faith systems.

Do we say one thing and do the other? Are we living in someone else's belief system? Sometimes it's easier not to question but that would be resisting life.

Believe in that which makes you happy, but ask "Why?" Have faith in the unseen and unproven if it brings you comfort, but ask "Why?"

"Question with boldness, even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." -Thomas Jefferson.

The Why Game,written by Connee Chandler
Photo: The Black Cordelias