Honest Questions

I was flipping through the channels tonight and came across a show called "Honest Questions" on Headline News - it's an interview/discussion between the host and Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller - he's actually pretty intelligent). They've hit a variety of topics including freedom of speech, gun control, and legalization of drugs. It's a very open minded discussion between the two, and to be quite honest, I'm shocked to see it on at 9 oclock on a Friday night. Seems like the type of "hippie" stuff that the network would only air at 3 in the morning.

While they were discussing freedom of speech, one thing that stood out to me was when they mentioned Ben Franklin, and his idea of questioning everything - as long as it's honest questioning. When they elaborated, they basically made the point that there is nothing wrong with questioning something, as long as you are honestly concerned with the answer, and not just out to push your own agenda. They happen to cite religion as an example (maybe even quoting Franklin again - I don't remember) - saying that if there is a God, I'm sure he would prefer people to be interested enough to ask an honest question about religion as opposed to just having blind faith.

Here is a clip of the interview I found on YouTube (this doesn't have the part I just referenced):



I don't necessarily agree with everything he says, it's more the open mindedness.

This is a line of thought I wish more people approached life with (not just religion). Just because someone told you something doesn't mean you have to believe it. Question it and look into yourself before you draw a conclusion. If anyone makes you feel guilty for questioning an idea, odds are, it's not worth believing.