Holiness Is Still Important

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I don't know--but I do know that SOMETIMES questioning can be disrespectful, because it is done disrespectfully. I've seen/heard it happen. I've seen young ministers talk down to older ministers, be disdainful, mocking and generally condescending. Many older ministers aren't opposed to discussion, but they're not stupid, and they easily pick up on tone and intent. When they hone in on that, they're going to take the whole conversation off the table, and I don't blame them.

I believe in questioning and discussion, but if it's not done respectfully, then it is disrespectful [profundity alert]. If a young minister goes into it with the intent to make the older minister look bad or lose face, he's the one who's wrong.

On the flip side, there are preachers who take offense at anyone questioning the validity of their beliefs or asking for proof, context or scriptural backing. What that usually reveals is either a fear of the answers or the fear of revealing that they don't have the answers. In that case, I'd say leave it alone. Pushing a person who's afraid of investigation won't be profitable anyway. It's disrespectful (and impolite) to force someone into an unwanted conversation.

I don't think that questioning can take place respectfully unless you are willing to accept the answer of the person you ask. I don't think the felt disrespect by the minister stems from the questioner being disrespectful. I think its just that most ministers view it as disrespectful to ask a question and then have a problem with their answer.