"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (John 16:11-14)
The point with which many Christians seem to take issue is the idea of the sheep. I have personally been called a "sheep" and a "blind follower." I know many people who have been ridiculed for not questioning church leaders, and I have seen those that do rebel against their religious authorities defend themselves by asking if they are "not allowed to question."
I would like to tell a story to illustrate a point regarding sheep:
Once there was a good shepherd that had a flock of sheep. He kept watch over them with the help of a faithful sheep dog. Together, they spent their time in a beautiful meadow near a cool clear river of water. The sheep loved grazing and being with the shepherd in the sunshine, and they trusted his care as they slept at night.
Not far from the meadow was a dark thick forest that frightened the sheep. There were odd creaks and groans that echoed from within the mysterious darkness, and the sheep were certain that there were dangerous predators in the wood.
After many days, the shepherd turned to the sheep and spoke to them saying: "follow me into the woods." He then turned and walked toward the dark forest. The sheep whispered among one another, but after a few moments, the dog began encouraging the sheep to follow, and the majority of the sheep headed toward their shepherd. There was a group of sheep that became angry at the situation, and resolved to remain behind. They called to the other sheep telling them that they would be killed in the forest, and that it was madness to follow the shepherd with no reason.
Eventually, the sheep dog came back and confronted the group of defiant sheep. He told them that the shepherd had asked them to go to the woods, and that they should follow.
"Why?" asked one of the sheep.
"Trust in the judgement of the shepherd, and trust in his power to protect you," encouraged the dog.
"That's it?" snorted the sheep. "Just blindly follow?! Am I not allowed to ask questions?!"
"Of course you're allowed to ask questions," said the dog. "But do not let your questions keep you from following the shepherd."
"But I don't even know that he has our best interests at heart," replied the sheep. "There could be dangerous creatures in the wood. Also, there is not enough sunlight for grass to grow on the forest floor... what would we eat? What would we drink?"
"Has the shepherd ever given you reason to think he does not care for you?" asked the dog.
"He has now," replied the sheep defiantly. "If he has good reason, let him come and explain himself."
"He has good reason," said the dog. "Go to him and see it if you will..."
"We will stay where it is safe," replied the sheep. The dog shook his head in sorrow.
"I hope you will reconsider," said the dog. The dog turned and rushed into the woods.
The sheep that remained returned to the grazing, the water, and the sunshine. They felt free from having to follow blindly, and they laughed at the foolish sheep that were likely starving or dead in the ominous forest. Their happiness persisted for several days, and their friendships with one another seemed to strengthen. They were happy that they had left the shepherd.
One night as they slept, they were awakened by noise. As they opened their eyes and looked around, they found themselves surrounded by orcs with sharp teeth and drawn swords. One of the orcs stepped up and shouted.
"Looks like meat's back on the menu boys!"
Of course, this is obviously made up. The idea is that the blindly obedient were spared and the defiant questioners were consumed. The counsel of the scriptures was not trust in your critical thinking skills with all your heart but instead "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:4-5)
Of course it is allowed to have questions, but do not let questions keep you from following the shepherd. In the end, he will save those that trust in him.
