Does the Bible teach that we should not question our leaders?

John Kelly asks: Hey gentlemen, does the Bible says we should not argue about the Bible? If so, how can we correct our leaders if they teach things that aren't true? Can and should we question our leaders? I've been to 2 of your debates in Miami, and you guys crushed the atheists, so do you guys not believe in that?

Hey John,

Thanks for your question. Not only are we allowed to question our leader's beliefs, we also have a responsibility to do so. If we were not to judge teachings, you would never know if you are following a cult or a false religion. In the New Testament, Paul actually commends the Bereans for testing his teachings to see if he was speaking the true or not (Acts17:11). Similarly, in the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to practice sound judgment by testing the teachings of their leaders (Deuteronomy 13). In fact, Jesus himself, teaches that we are to judge false prophets whose teachings have lead people astray (Matthew 15-20).

Lastly, while there are many other examples in the Bible, such as Paul rebuking Peter to his face (Galatians 2:11), or Paul rebuking Hymenaeus and Philetus whose teachings "spread like gangrene" (2 Timothy 2:17-18), we also need to use our common sense. Not doing so can easily result in cases like Jim Jones and the Jonestown Massacre, where his members and faithful followers were commanded to drink poison and died. Hope this clears the air on your question. Peace be with you.

Comments:

John Kelly: Yeah, I agree with your points, but wondering, because I've been told by our Pastor that the Bible says we shouldn't argue about the Bible and that we should just let people be.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: I don't think that the Bible teaches that at all, there are many verse that tell us not to argue, and your Pastor might be thinking of 2 Timothy 2:23-25 "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil", but again there is a difference between correcting and defending the truth vs being quarrelsome. If this were not the case, then we would never be able to win people over from other religions, since healthy debates would not be allowed. Or worse, we would not have a way of knowing if we are in a true religion or cult. Lastly, our intention in our debates is not to crush anyone, we are simply defending the reason why we believe.

John Kelly: Thanks brother, may God bless you guys and your ministry. Please dm me the info for your next Miami debate.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: God Bless and thanks for your support. Will do.