“Put everything to the test, hold fast to that which is good.” –St. Paul, 1 Thess. 5:21
“Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher, his age or wisdom. But if after due examination and analysis, you find it to be kind, conducive to the benefit and welfare of all beings, then take that doctrine as your guide.” —The Buddha
Many people assume religion is irrational by its very nature. It can be claimed that many, if not most religious people, belong to a faith that asks them not to question certain assumptions or to disobey certain authorities. But does religion have to be that way?
Would not the skeptical atheism of Buddha violate that simple view of religion as irrational belief? Would the Sabbath violations of Jesus not refute the idea that he was teaching unquestioning obedience?
Toward the end of his life, Paul left an admonition to the Philippians to dwell on whatever is true and beautiful and good. To me, that implies that he considered scripture to be the first word in a conversation, not the last.