Why?

By Wayne Harmon

“Why” is one of the first questions a growing child asks.

“Eat your food.”

“Why?”

“Bedtime.”

“Why?”

“It’s time to get up.”

“Why?”

And so on, and so on, and so on.

It’s a natural response of a growing mind. Granted, there is not always time to give a “because”, but that doesn’t negate the validity of the “why”.

For example, “Get out of the street!” doesn’t have time to give a verbal answer to a “why”. There is a very real “because” in the form of an approaching car, and action must be taken immediately.

As we grow older we ask fewer “why’s” and begin to just accept things as they are. In fact, if someone asks too many “why’s” that person is at risk of being labeled a rebel or troublemaker.

I think that when we stop asking “why” is when we stop growing. I am asking “why” about everything in my life right now, especially in the areas of my belief system. I’m going to ask you the same “why’s” I’ve been asking of me. You will have to provide your own answers.

Why do you believe in God as you do?

Is it because that is how you grew up?

What about those who “grew up” in other belief systems?

What makes your beliefs “right” and theirs “wrong”?

Do you believe the Bible is the “Word of God”?

Why?

The Muslim believes the Koran is the “Word of God”.

The Mormon believes the Book of Mormon is the “Word of God”.

Again, why are you “right” and they are “wrong”?

Do you believe you are “going to Heaven”?

Why?

(Hint: As I ask myself these questions, “For the Bible tells me so” isn’t the answer.)

That’s enough for now.

Copyright 2014: Wayne Harmon