Ethics and Religion Talk: Orthodoxy - Do you have an obligation to straighten someone's beliefs?

If a member of your flock approaches you with an honest admission that he or she no longer believes in a core doctrine of your religion (afterlife, the idea of God, salvation, etc.), would you consider it your duty to bring this person back into the “correct” belief system? Or would you simply state your case as best you can, and let them figure it out as best they can? And while they might be in this state of doubt, is their soul in any danger?

Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds:

“I would make no effort to move a person from any spiritual decision they are holding. This assumes that there is no moral/ethical component involved. Hinduism is much more a religion of practice than belief. And if one veers from any one of the many common understanding that we tend to share, there is no threat of punishment. Now, if someone came to me and said that they were having a hard time accepting a doctrine and wanted my help, of course I’d explain it to the best of my ability or steer them to resources that might do a better job than I. But in the end, I’m pleased to say that the Hindu Dharma offers a broad freedom of thought. Some criticize us for ‘believing what we want to.’ It’s not that at all. We simply believe what we are able.”

Imam Kip Curnutt, Director of Religious Education and Associate Imam of Masjid At-Tawheed in Grand Rapids, responds:

“In Islam salvation is conditional upon belief in the religion's core principles so if a community member losses that belief it is very concerning. However, in Islam we hold that it is not possible to make anyone believe. We can simply present the message in the most intellectually convincing way possible and it is up to the people whether they are convinced or not. Each person will be judged on their own spiritual and intellectual conclusions about God, prophethood, and the afterlife using the faculties of reason God has given them. This applies to members of the faith and people outside the faith. We try our best to present our case but realize that we do not have the ability to insure anyone's belief.”

The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds:

“Most Unitarian Universalist have questioned the core teaching of various religions and often that is the very reason they become UU. Our Fourth Principles is – the responsible search for truth and meaning. We encourage the questions, doubt, and exploration. I am often talking to new visitors who are struggling with doubts and no longer believe in their family’s religion. My role is to listen and validate their experience and at times suggests ways to find their footing in this new understanding of life.”

Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds:

“Questioning doctrine demonstrates that a person’s faith is impacting their heart as well as their mind. I welcome a questioning parishioner. No, the soul isn’t in danger when doctrine is questioned or even discarded. That would imply that salvation is based on right belief rather than on the grace of God.

“Among my parishioners it was most often the doctrine of the Trinity that elicited an ‘I just don’t believe it.’ A few folks have told me that they can’t say the Apostles Creed because they don’t believe in the bodily resurrection. Sometime through conversation I can clarify a misunderstanding or cast the doctrine in a new light which the questioner can embrace.

“Nevertheless, I do believe that pastors and church educators need to be more rigorous in teaching the historic beliefs of Christianity. Parishioners deserve to know, even if they don’t agree. On the other hand, if questioning or even disbelieving in a particular article of faith doesn’t affect a person’s ability to be kind, loving, grateful and generous, why does the doctrine matter?”

Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds:

“My first responsibility is to listen to the person in front of me. Listening to another person is not always easy!

“There is nothing morally wrong with doubt. Remember, the apostles did not believe Jesus was raised from the dead, especially Thomas. When confronted with the truth, doubt became the starting point for building faith.

“Problems arise when the individual does not seek truth to overcome doubt. The virtue of prudence ‘disposes one to right reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 444).

“I do not see my responsibility as a priest to ‘beat people into submission.’ My preference is to engage a person in dialogue about their faith. Thereby, I come to understand what that person believes and why. Further, I may communicate my own experience of God. The goal is to build and deepen faith as we journey together to eternal life.”

Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds:

“Presbyterianism asserts the doctrine of ‘Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience’ (Westminster Confession, Ch. XX). ‘God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to His Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship’ (Confession, XX.II). My task as a minister of the Word is to tell others, as faithfully and clearly as I can, what God says in His Word. I have no power to dictate to others what they must believe or how they should worship. No one can do the work of believing God and trusting His Word for anyone else.

“In the case you propose, I would do my best to hear what the church member has to say, with charity and understanding. Only then would I open the Scriptures and reason with him or her. But at that point I must stand back and, and commend them to the work of God’s Word and Holy Spirit. If God has begun a good work in them, He will not leave it unfinished (Philippians 1:6), and they will find the way forward, and go on with Christ. The sheep of God are ever safe, never in danger, even the darkest times in their lives (Psalm 23:4). Christ Himself declares, ‘They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand’ (John 10:29).”

The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds:

“It is not my duty to change anyone. God alone is responsible for that. However, as a Pastor and mentor, it is my duty to present the truth about a core doctrine with clarity, humility, and love. Therefore, I would state my case for the truth to the best of my ability and leave the rest up to God. Meanwhile, it is also my duty to continue to love this person, regardless of whether they come back to the truth or not. One day everyone will have to give account to God--not to me! Until that day comes, I am only called to witness to the truth and leave the changing up to God--the only One who can do a good job at it! ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.’ (2 Corinthians 5:10).”