7 signs you’re not a bad Christian, you just like to question what you read in the Bible

We all have beliefs, but sometimes those beliefs are challenged in ways that make us question our faith.

You might look back on your religious journey and struggle to recall a time when you didn’t question what you read in the Bible or feel unsure if what you’re doing is right or wrong.

How do you know if what you’re experiencing is a crisis of faith, or just the natural curiosity that comes with spiritual growth?

After reflecting deeply on my religious journey and the journeys of my friends, I’ve put together a list of signs that could help you understand the nature of your doubts.

If these resonate, it might be time to realize that you’re not a bad Christian, you just like to question what you read in the Bible.

1) You question, not doubt

Many of us were taught as children that questioning the Bible is akin to doubting God. But over time, you’ve begun to see it differently.

Questioning what you read in the Bible doesn’t mean you’re doubting God or your faith. In fact, it could be a sign of a deep and abiding faith.

You see, questioning means you’re engaging with the text. You’re not just accepting it at face value but wrestling with it, trying to understand it in your own way.

Rather than being a sign of weak faith, this questioning could be a sign of spiritual strength. It shows that you are willing to engage with your beliefs on a deeper level, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

2) You embrace the mystery

It’s common to think that being a good Christian means having all the answers, that faith is about certainty. In many religious circles, admitting that you don’t understand something in the Bible is seen as a weakness.

But what if it’s actually a strength?

Embracing the mystery of faith can be a powerful spiritual practice. Rather than trying to have an answer for every question, you remain open to the unknowable and the inexplicable.

You understand that God is beyond human comprehension and that there will always be aspects of faith that remain mysterious. This doesn’t intimidate you or shake your faith. Instead, it fascinates you and draws you deeper into your relationship with God.

So if you find yourself admitting that there are things in the Bible you don’t understand, count it as a sign of maturity in your faith.

You’re not a bad Christian just because you embrace the mystery. In fact, it could be one of your greatest strengths.

3) You’re not afraid of differences

There is a common misconception that to be a good Christian, you must agree with every interpretation of the Bible.

It’s as if questioning or disagreeing with a biblical interpretation is sacrilege.

But what if it’s not?

Being open to different interpretations doesn’t make you a bad Christian. It shows that you understand the Bible is a complex text that has been interpreted in countless ways over thousands of years.

You appreciate that people from different cultures, time periods, and life experiences might see things in the Bible that you don’t.

Instead of feeling threatened by these differences, you see them as opportunities to learn and grow.

It could be a sign that you value diversity and understand the complexity of interpreting an ancient text.

4) You value intellectual honesty

Did you know that some of the greatest theologians in history were also some of the most questioning? They didn’t just accept what they read in the Bible at face value. They wrestled with it, debated it, and sometimes even doubted it.

This isn’t a sign of weak faith. It’s a sign of intellectual honesty.

Intellectual honesty means you’re willing to admit when you don’t know something or when you’re not sure about something.

It means you’re willing to question what you read in the Bible, even if it goes against what you’ve always been taught.

You understand that truth is not threatened by questions. In fact, questions can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the truth.

5) You’re not afraid of the struggle

Faith is not always easy.

There are times when what you read in the Bible might challenge your beliefs, shake your worldview, or even break your heart. But instead of turning away from these difficult moments, you lean into them.

You’re willing to wrestle with the text, to question it, to argue with it. You’re willing to sit with the discomfort and let it shape you.

This isn’t a sign of a bad Christian. This is a sign of a believer who is deeply engaged with their faith.

It’s raw and real. It’s messy and beautiful. It’s the kind of faith that can withstand storms because it’s been tested and found true.

It just makes you human. And maybe, just maybe, it makes your faith all the more authentic and beautiful.

6) You’re patient with your journey

In a world that values instant gratification, you might think that understanding the Bible should come easily and quickly. But what if true understanding isn’t about speed, but about patience?

Being patient with your journey doesn’t mean you’re a bad Christian. It means you understand that faith is not a sprint but a marathon.

You don’t expect to have all the answers immediately. Instead, you’re willing to sit with your questions, to wrestle with them, and to wait for understanding to come in its own time.

Contrary to what some might think, this doesn’t show a lack of faith. It shows a deep respect for the journey. It shows that you understand faith is a lifelong pursuit, not a destination.

So if you often find yourself taking your time to understand what you read in the Bible, don’t see it as a weakness. It’s not a sign that you’re a bad Christian. It’s a sign that you value the journey and are patient with your growth.

7)  You’re open to learning

There’s this idea that once you reach a certain point in your spiritual journey, you should have all the answers. But isn’t faith more about learning and growing than reaching a final destination?

You understand that the Bible is a deep well of wisdom and knowledge, and you’ll never exhaust its depths. You’re not afraid to admit that there’s still much you don’t know.

This willingness to learn shows humility. It shows that you’re not too proud to admit when you don’t understand something. It shows a desire to grow and deepen your faith.

Embracing the journey

The journey of faith is a deeply personal one, and everyone’s path looks different. It’s not a straight road with clear markers, but rather a winding path with unexpected twists and turns.

It’s important to remember that questioning what you read in the Bible isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Rather, it can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development.

When you question what you read, you’re engaging with the text in a meaningful way. You’re not just passively accepting what you’re told, but actively seeking to understand and interpret the text for yourself.

This kind of engagement is not only intellectually stimulating, but it can also be spiritually enriching. It can lead to deeper insights, greater understanding, and a more personal connection with your faith.

It’s also worth noting that questioning doesn’t mean rejecting. You can question certain aspects of your faith or certain interpretations of the Bible without rejecting your faith as a whole.

In fact, questioning can often lead to a stronger, more resilient faith. When you wrestle with difficult questions, you’re forced to confront your beliefs and assumptions. This can lead to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of your faith.

So if you find yourself questioning what you read in the Bible, don’t be discouraged. Remember that it’s okay to have doubts and questions. It’s okay to wrestle with the text. It’s okay to be on a journey.

Being a Christian isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about seeking truth, growing in understanding, and striving to live out your faith in meaningful ways.

So embrace your questions. Embrace your doubts. Embrace your journey. Because you’re not a bad Christian – you’re just on a unique path of spiritual growth and discovery.