I have been dealing with theological questions all of my life.  As a woman, a former law student, and as a student working for a professor of Church History and doctrine in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I dealt with many confusing theological questions and quandaries.    Here are some things I have learned that have helped me to deal more successfully with theological questions.

Expect Flexible Guidance

The most common dogmatic conundrums that people face seem to revolve around changing Church policies.  HOW can I believe in a Church that supported polygamy or in which blacks were not allowed to hold the priesthood?

We can expect that the form and function of the Church will change over time.  If you pictured the commandments like a road then expect twists and turns as you drive to your destination.  These twists and turns accommodate changes in society and allow us to safely and most successfully navigate the changing landscape of the human race, arriving safely at our eternal destination.

Or imagine a parent who did not adjust rules, guidelines and expectations to the needs of a growing and changing family.  As we look to our Eternal Father, could we expect any less from his guidance? We don’t need to build an ark or cross the Red Sea today but a health code like the Word of Wisdom may be much more applicable when alcoholism has become a worldwide epidemic.  In the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints flexibility is key.

Expect to Work

We all like to get something for nothing.  But unexpected gifts are rare in life and they are rare in the answers category too.  When we come across something that confuses us we need to put on our boots and get to work.

One really great way to do this is to pray, and even to fast and pray, about these issues.  I have been amazed at how quickly God answers my prayers if I actually take the time to pray.  I can’t think of a question that I have asked that He has not led me to answers for. Do we really want the problem solved or do we just want to talk and stew about the problem? Some people seem to enjoy this.

Expect Answers

I believe in answers.  I remember a time when an issue had been bothering me.  I cannot even remember what it was. But I took the time to fast and pray.  And over time this asking was richly rewarded with a trip to the Church History Library where I learned some amazing details about early Church history that built my testimony in unexpected ways.  I remain grateful to this day for that day in the Church History Library which ranks as one of the most spiritual of my entire life. God wants to answer us, He is waiting to answer us. I know this.

Another time I had a question about Church family policy.  I prayed and then opened to a Book of Mormon scripture which answered my question.  Not only did I receive an answer but I was also powerfully reminded me that God heard me and that He cares.

Satan doesn’t want us to ask questions.  He wants us to grumble, murmur, gossip and complain.  But NOT to go to God. Because He knows that questions asked in this way will be richly rewarded.

Expect Blessings and Joy

Questions are not meant to be the substance of life.  We are not meant to spend our lives thirstily wandering in dry deserts.  The question experience may be important but getting mired in a quagmire of confusion is certainly not essential to our exaltation.  The key to doing this is to do what the Book of Mormon phrase recommends – to “Go forth.” We need to press forward, to pray, to study, to keep active and answers will come.  I believe and indeed know that we will be richly rewarded as we prayerfully seek answers to our questions.