Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth comes about as we begin to question.

Our children are very insightful at a young age. They question everything, their curiosity is what drives them. They are completely in the Now moment; being and questioning.

They are, therefore they know. Or I am; therefore, I know.

As we mature, we are rewarded for having the answers not for asking the questions. Our questions are squelched, our innate propensity to question is diminished and our curiosity wanes. We begin to strive for the answer and quit contemplating the questions, and asking "Why?"

We move into I know; therefore, I am.

This means that our value and self-worth comes from knowing. We are no longer good enough just being, we must know to be accepted, to be somebody.

Jesus says, we must become like children. I believe this means we must become teachable. We must begin to question, question all things we have been taught. I believe that in our faith traditions, we have not been given the right to question what we are told. Therefore, we are stagnant in our spiritual growth. Eugene Ionesco suggests, "It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question"(38).

Henry David Thoreau said, " It is only when we begin to question all our learning that we begin to know"(38).

Both quotes are from Secrets from Great Minds, by John H. McMurphy.