“Lesson 3: Asking Questions with Faith in Jesus Christ,” Answering My Gospel Questions Teacher Material (2022)
“Asking Questions with Faith in Jesus Christ,” Answering My Gospel Questions Teacher Material
Lesson 3
Asking Questions with Faith in Jesus Christ
Students have many questions. Some questions are straightforward, some deal with sensitive topics, and others introduce ambiguity and complexity. Some students may feel anxious asking their questions or may be uncertain how to articulate them. In this lesson students will discuss the importance of asking questions, consider how to address ambiguity, and practice framing questions from a perspective of faith in Jesus Christ.
Suggestions for Teaching
Developing learning and discussion skills with microtrainings
Explain to students that during this course they will have the opportunity to participate in microtrainings to help them improve their ability to learn about and discuss topics related to the doctrine, teachings, policies, and history of the Church. Select a skill from the microtrainings, and complete the training with your students.
Asking questions with faith
Tell students that today you will explore the role questions play in gospel learning. Display the following statements, and have students consider how they would respond to each one using one of the following responses: (1) strongly disagree, (2) disagree, (3) neither agree nor disagree, (4) agree, or (5) strongly agree. Let students know that these statements will be the basis for group discussions that will follow this activity.
It is inappropriate to ask questions regarding the doctrine, teachings, policies, and history of the Church.
There are always simple and straightforward answers to questions about the doctrine, teachings, policies, and history of the Church.
Belief or unbelief in God will not affect how we approach questions about the meaning of morality and the purpose of life.
Have students form small groups based on which statement they most want to discuss. (Ensure all statements are discussed.) Give each group the relevant handout. Invite them to have a discussion based on the material and questions in the handout.
After plenty of time for group discussion, you could invite a student from each group to write their revised statement on the board. These statements may be similar to the following ideas:
It is appropriate, and perhaps even necessary to our spiritual growth, to ask faith-inspired questions regarding the doctrine, teachings, policies, and history of the Church.
There are not always simple and straightforward answers about the doctrine, teachings, policies, and history of the Church.
Belief or unbelief in God will affect how we approach questions about the meaning of morality and the purpose of life.
Provide students time to explain their revised statements and what they learned from their discussions. As students share their insights, consider asking follow-up questions that can help them better understand what it means to ask and answer questions with faith. For example, you might ask one or both of the following questions:
How can this insight help us better understand what it means to ask questions with faith?
When has this insight helped you when you were seeking an answer to one of your own questions?
Remind students that in preparation for class they were invited to write down a question they have about the doctrine, teachings, policies, or history of the Church. Ask if any students have changed the way they view their question because of what they have learned today, and invite any who would like to share their insights.
Consider ending class with your own experience and testimony of asking questions from a perspective of faith in Jesus Christ.
For Next Time
Explain that during the next class you will be discussing the divine gift of grace. Encourage students to take some time during the week to see what they can learn about the divine gift of grace from Gospel Library.