Is it rude to ask someone to explain a contradiction in their faith?

1. 80

   Harlan Coltposted 13 years ago

   Is it rude to ask someone to explain a contradiction in their faith?
   
   There is a hubber  who's forum is based on answering questions about her faith. I pointed out that an official church prophet says, " We are not Christians, not anything close to it," and yet all the followers walk around and say - "Oh yea... we're Christians absolutely." Is it rude to query them and say - "but your leader says you are not - how do you explain that?"

   replyreport
2. 67

   goldenpathposted 13 years ago

   No, not at all.  A devout member of any faith should be earnestly studying it's precepts.  They should know the doctrine.  Questions are the way to answers whether right or wrong.  If we are asked a question that we do not know it prompts us to find the answer.  We should be humble enough to search for it instead of being offended and defensive. 
   
   Knowledge is power for both involved.  My whole faith is built upon personal study and not to blindly accept the words of a preacher.

   replyreport
3. 86

   tsmogposted 13 years ago

   I agree with goldenpath. I would suggest as you are pointing out caution should be taken or at least in my view.

   replyreport
4. 59

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   No, it isn't rude.  If she is interested in sharing her faith, and answering questions, ask away.  It isn't rude when you are genuinely curious and she has made it her "mission" to answer queries on her faith.

   replyreport
5. 80

   North Windposted 13 years ago

   Some people might see it as rude, while others might not. It really depends on the person. Not knowing the person I cannot judge the reaction.
   Actually your question might educate her about that specific doctrine and its contradictions. I know many people who have no idea when it comes to the details of the faith they profess. Sometimes when they are made aware of them, they then search to find out for themselves and depending what they find, they decide whether or not they will continue with that faith.
   
   It is not rude to ask a question and if she is established in her faith then even if she is offended she'll try to find the answer if only to prove you wrong.

   replyreport
6. 62

   travislangposted 13 years ago

   To answer correctly on this, I would have to say in my personal opinion no it is not rude to ask such questions, although i can see how some may find it rude. But if they are sincere in there chosen path of worship then they should have no problems to answer any questions, and if unable to, should be able to point you in the direction to find the answer. Personanlly i have no problems of answering questions on my path, and ill answer on other paths as well, if i dont know answers ill look them up and get back to you.

   replyreport
7. 62

   TheBlondieposted 13 years ago

   I don't think so. Asking someone about what they believe in is like asking why someone's favorite color is blue. Its just trying to understand something more in depth. There is a line between just being curious and interested and attacking someone's religion- unfortunately, that line seems to disappear, considering how easily everyone gets offended.

   replyreport
8. 92

   cat on a soapboxposted 13 years ago

   In the context that you've described, I think it is a fair question and does not suggest rudeness.

   replyreport
9. 60

   Becca Lopezposted 13 years ago

   Some people will find it rude but it's because they don't want to address the issue. If they know they're religion they should be able to properly answer your questions. It may help you if you think of how to phrase your questions and make sure they aren't pointed so the person you're asking doesn't find them rude.

   replyreport
10. 71

    Charlotte B Plumposted 13 years ago

    I too agree with goldenpath.
    
    I think she would welcome the opportunity to talk about her faith, and also it would help her to make her faith stronger. If you ask nicely and respectfully It does show that you are interested and curious, and i don't think she'll be defensive or find you rude.

    replyreport
11. 60

    force of habitposted 13 years ago

    This is a tough one... one thing I've learned is that there are rarely any victors on questions regarding one's faith or religion. It is also quite difficult to answer questions on contradictions on one's faith especially when the answers would depend on dogmas or certain beliefs, some without hard scientific proof or basis.
    
    Now to the question whether it would be rude, this is also on a case-to-case basis. Some people will take offense while others welcome such discussions openly. I suggest, as good etiquette, to first ask the person whether it would be fine with him or her to ask for an explanation for a certain contradiction. You may also state that if they find the request offensive, that they tell you so and that they need not reply. An apology may also be in order.

    replyreport
12. 60

    SingSongposted 13 years ago

    It would only be rude if you are being rude when asking the question. For example, asking her in a way that is sarcastic and/or condescending. If she is having a forum based on answering questions about her faith, it cannot be considered rude to ask her then. She opened herself up for questions.
    
    As for an official church prophet saying they are not Christians, I would love to know of which church you were speaking. I live amongst a huge population of the LDS church. "Prophet" makes me think you're speaking about that church.

    replyreport
13. 61

    Bladesinger6640posted 13 years ago

    No - Not at all... I think it was part of God's grand design, it opens up a conversation and questions.

    replyreport
14. 60

    Nancy Rubyposted 13 years ago

    No..not at all. You have the right to question any and everything about your faith. Dont hesitate to ask questions until you are comfortable with the answers you get....

    replyreport
15. 60

    Ashantinaposted 13 years ago

    Religion is a very delicate touchy subject [don know why?!?]... which is why you question your own curiousity / validity. If you seek answers ask....!!! Someone who is comfortable in their faith/knowledge/wisdom will obligingly respond and will also be open for discussion/debate..............

    replyreport
    1. 54

       celafoeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       If they cannot expalin it how can they actually follow it ?

       replyreport
16. 0

    Lesleysherwoodposted 13 years ago

    I dont feel its rude at all.  If a person's faith is strong enough they will be able to handle criticism.  They also might have an explanation as to why there is a contradiction.  Either way its a win win situation.  You will maybe find out it wasn't a contradiction after all, or maybe they will find out something that they had not previously been aware of.

    replyreport
17. 60

    editorposted 13 years ago

    It's not rude in the context you mentioned.
    
    If she's inviting questions about her faith she'll have to expect some queries will be more difficult to answer than others. She'll either find an answer or except the contradiction.

    replyreport
18. 61

    TheSeniorposted 13 years ago

    It also depends on the voice given - if I hear of a contradiction then I will speak up and ask that person that I feel it's contradictory and ask for a complete explanation.  I also do not feel it's rude - I not only want to understand the speaker but also understand what their saying.

    replyreport
19. 79

    David Warrenposted 13 years ago

    I don't think it would be rude to ask a person what they think about a contradiction in their faith providing it isn't just a lead in to demean whatever faith they choose too follow.

    replyreport
20. 57

    petraparagonposted 13 years ago

    I don't find it rude to ask someone to explain a contradiction in their faith because it allows an individual to better understand either their religious beliefs and or whether their faith is derived more from a spiritual point of view.  I consider myself Catholic although I often find when stating my religion that I will also mention that I may not agree with all Catholic beliefs.  (ie. praying to saints)

    replyreport
21. 64

    Ramsa1posted 13 years ago

    No. It's not, especially if someone is trying to push their beliefs on you, trying to convert you to their religion or trying to get you to attend their church. Only this morning two Jehovah Witnesses knocked on my door!
    
    I stopped going to church many years ago because the pastors could not answer my tough questions. Attending a seminary for a few years and being able to quote Bible passages doesn't suddenly make someone an expert on God, religion or spirituality.
    
    Personal research, thinking and meditation have served me well.

    replyreport
22. 0

    JadedLoveposted 13 years ago

    thats not rude, especially if her forum is based on answering questions about her failth. Now if you were to walk up to a church and start yelling contradictions at the parishoners than that would be rude, but im sure her forum is to clear up any misgivings one would have about her faith. Just be polite and tell her you are confused about it and that you are sure there is an explination.

    replyreport
23. 61

    kezan98posted 13 years ago

    I don't think it's rude to ask for clarification but phrasing it in a way  such as "but your leader says your not - how do you explain that?" will make the person very defensive.

    replyreport
24. 76

    Theo20185posted 13 years ago

    No, it's not rude. Most religions encourage their members to bear witness. If you don't allow the person to answer by cutting them off, then it becomes rude.

    replyreport
25. 72

    Titen-Sxullposted 13 years ago

    From what I know of Christian doctrine Christians are meant to be able to "give an account" to those who ask them about their faith, to testify, so-to-speak. So no I don't think its rude to ask a perfectly valid question unless you phrase it rudely.

    replyreport
26. 60

    Coach Julieposted 13 years ago

    It's not rude if it's done in a respectful manner.  Questioning anything is a great way to learn.  For two people who have different opinions on something to hold an open and honest discussion on that subject is a great thing.  We all have something to learn and we all have something to teach.  Ask away.

    replyreport
27. 83

    Ayman Nisarposted 13 years ago

    I don't think it's like being rude. Because every person has his separate and different views. You can' change his faith. If he believes in something it's his view.

    replyreport
28. 60

    point2makeposted 13 years ago

    It is never rude to ask someone for clarification of a perceived contradiction. In fact your question should be welcomed, by any Christian, as an opportunity to help you better understand the Word or their interpretation of it. The situation you present is certainly confusing to say the least. For a Church Prophet to state "We are not Christians" begs the question......then what are you?
    
    Go ahead ask your question!

    replyreport
29. 60

    jtylerposted 13 years ago

    If you're face to face, it depends on how well you know that person.  If it's online, I don't think it really matters as long as it's asked in a polite way.

    replyreport
30. 73

    platinumOwl4posted 13 years ago

    No, this is not rude. Most people practice the religion of their parents. They start to except ideologies without question at an early age. Later in life they are afraid to question the contrary Ideal. If could  assist in relieving a great burden by asking for an explanation.

    replyreport
31. 80

    Harlan Coltposted 13 years ago

    I asked that question almost two weeks ago, and thus far she has not allowed it to appear in her forum, neither has she responded. I guess the question was either offensive to her, she has no comment, or is studying it out. I have no idea. But, in contrast, she is presenting herself as a teacher of her religion and runs a forum based on answering questions about her faith.
    
    It was an honest question asked in good faith. Certainly, I meant no harm.
    
    Thank you all for your input, these are all excellent answers.

    replyreport
32. 60

    Sesshoumaru2stposted 13 years ago

    You know i believe in Jesus and the bible said ,if anyone comes to us with a question,we should always have an answer.I think that should clear it up for you.For example,Jesus always pwned the guys who constantly asked him tricky questions.

    replyreport
33. 71

    Darrell Robertsposted 12 years ago

    I think it is good to ask about the contradictions in a persons faith.  It show you have been paying attention.  I think it then becomes their responsibility to answer your question.  In my faith I am always reading and asking question, my friend who is also my priest find my answer if I am having trouble or we seek some more knowledgeable person to assist us with the answer. 
    
    Best wishes.

    replyreport