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Useful Skepticism

I recently heard about a conspiracy theory regarding Malaysian flight 370 that disappeared from radar in 2014. This theory stated that the flight was destroyed by advanced secret technology used by the American government to stop 40 American technical experts from defecting to China. When presented with this scenario two elements immediately present themselves for skeptical questioning. The first is why would one person defect to China much less 40 and those all on the same plane. Secondly, it seems unlikely that we would have such advanced technology much less be able to use it effectively.

While not wanting to hurt the feelings of the person presenting the theory, one can offer skepticism as an acceptable reason to hesitate buying into the theory. One does not have to tell someone they are wrong, one can ask for the supporting facts that would answer the questions that arise when attempting to consider how the theory would work. This sort of skepticism is useful not only to deal with what one is presented, but also to evaluate what one has already accepted. The phrase, “Let the buyer beware” captures some of the idea of skepticism prior to a purchase can help avoid disappointment.

Skepticism can be useful to apply to Christian doctrines that one may encounter. For example, the preacher asking you to give him $10 because God will bless you with $100 may not have an accurate understanding of biblical Christianity. We live in a world where people are continually asserting all sorts of things, even in churches. The best defense against that which is not true is truth. One very familiar with the bible has an advantage of familiarity with truth. such that what is not true can simply feel alien.

Logic is another element of skepticism that can be useful. For example a well meaning Christian might assert that God makes everything in the world work the way he wants it to down to the smallest detail. He might be asked why God would give us free will and never let us use it. One has to be careful, particularly in regard to religion as many people are heavily invested in their particular denomination and respond to anything critical or even questioning as if they are being attacked. Skepticism is less about “right” and “wrong” and more about leaning one way or another and trending towards a conclusion based on what proves out.

Skepticism is not refusing to believe anything. It is more a filter through which what one believes has been subjected to scrutiny such that beliefs are more likely to be based on what is true and the reasons for holding them are more clear. Subjecting existing beliefs to skeptical scrutiny can be a useful exercise and help clarify what is believed and why.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. - Acts 17:11

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

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