Question (Our) Authority | WT #97

For you parents (growing or grown), do you ever recall being annoyed at your kids’ constantly asking of questions? Don’t get me wrong - children asking questions of us is a good thing and I’m sure you’ll agree with that. However, there are those moments:

• When the questions come at an imposing time (like working, watching a ball game, on the phone, in church, etc.)
• When we don’t know the answer to the (algebra?) question (and perhaps just a bit too embarrassed to admit it)
• When we know the answer, but we’re not sure we want them to (“Where’s this question coming from?”, “Where did you hear THAT word!?”)

No doubt, questions carry a LOT of power. It’s the key to learning. It’s the key to growing. You have no doubt seen the bumper sticker with the expression “QUESTION AUTHORITY.” This expression traces its roots to the 1960s and the counter-cultural movement. In recent years, “Question Authority” has become a broader call for us to not blindly accept information or directives from those in power, but rather to think critically and always seek an unbiased understanding, and knowledge of TRUTH. And perhaps this is truly the power (dare I say “authority?”) of the QUESTION. Jesus' disciples asked a lot of questions, and often they did not understand the answers. But understanding wasn't always required. Something more powerful was at work. It often takes doubt to ask questions, which is a natural part of critical thinking. It also leads to the conclusion that faith cannot exist without doubt. Indeed, it is the tension between the two that prompts us to seek Truth, pushing us to grow in understanding and conviction. Further, if a conversion of any form occurs, IT HAS BECAUSE WE HAVE CONVERTED OURSELVES; we have seen, felt and experienced the TRUTH. Critical thinking is also a cornerstone of Authentic Leadership. As we share our mission and engage with new stakeholders (students, parents, organizations, and supporters), one challenge is explaining what we do and why it matters. This is why we want your questions. Quite simply, we invite you to challenge our authority (which, really, isn’t ours—it’s God’s; we’re simply the messengers). And indeed, asking questions, and getting answers, amounts to what…? A CONVERSATION. And conversations are what we seek to foster. To support this, we’ve launched a new Frequently Asked Questions page—long overdue, but timely nonetheless. It’s there for you to better understand our mission, our work, and, most importantly, to encourage more questions. We believe in the power of questions to challenge, to deepen understanding, and to spark growth. So, don’t hesitate—Question our authority and help us strengthen the dialogue. Visit our FAQ page, keep asking, keep seeking, and let’s discover together.