By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder
A systematic approach to asking questions of understanding is a disciplined theological framework for structured Christian inquiry, doctrinal clarity, and biblical reasoning. This article explains how to apply this approach to asking questions, aimed at strengthening theology, critical thinking, and Christian apologetics.
Some people have trouble understanding the value, or power of a question. However, a question is by far one of the most powerful ways in which a person can think. Consider for a moment the power of a few questions:
When I die, will I go to heaven?
Is God going to judge the world?
Is my money soundly invested in the stock market?
Do I have enough insurance?
Is my spouse cheating on me?
Will my children grow up and become model citizens?
Where did I come from, where am I going, why am I here?
As you can see, a question has the power to stimulate the mind in such a way that is both positive and negative. It can take the mind captive and fill it with fear, or it can liberate it with knowledge, wisdom, and new understanding. Understanding the power of a question, it seems reasonable to have a system by which to generate them. Listed below are five methods of questioning that will help us to understand why questions are important. If you apply these five questions to every topic in life you will have a system to analyze and understand the value of questions. This system will prove invaluable in the study of Theology.
Semantics in a Systematic Approach to Asking Questions of Understanding
Semantics: What does something mean?
Example: What does it mean to love my neighbor?
Epistemology and Knowing Truth
Epistemology: What does it mean to know something as opposed to merely having an opinion?
What do we know?
On what can we base certainty?
How do we know things?
How do we manage with uncertain knowledge?
What is meaning, and the implications of knowing it?
Ethics and Moral Reasoning
Ethics: What is right and wrong and the motivation behind choosing either behavior? Why am I my brother’s keeper?
Example: Murder is a crime against humanity. Murder is wrong. Why was the murder committed? The motivation behind the murder was envy?
Axiology and the Value of Decisions
Axiology: What is the value of choosing a right or wrong behavior?
Example: Stealing is wrong because it hurts others. For this reason I will not steal. Because I do not steal the value of my decision is that many people in the world will not be harmed by my actions.
Philosophy and Wisdom
Philosophy: What is the wisdom that I can gain from experiencing, analyzing, or at least considering something?
Theories of Truth and Critical Evaluation
Truth Theories offer further insight by which to expand your questions:
Pragmatic Theory. Truth is what works.
Empiricist Theory. Truth is what we can experience or observe.
Rationalist Theory. Truth is what can be proved by reason.
Coherence Theory. Truth is harmony among a set of ideas.
Emotivist Theory. Truth is what I feel.
Note: the above are theories of truth. They are not necessarily sources of truth. Their value is in the ability to gain insight into how people interpret truth.
Reference: Adapted from The Handbook of Christian Apologetics, by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli.
Reflective Question for Spiritual Growth
Read the below verse:
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (Joh 8:32 ESV).
Now, write five questions about the above verse using the five disciplines above: Semantics, Epistemology, Ethics, Axiology, Philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Systematic Approach to Asking Questions
Why is a systematic approach to asking questions important in theology?
A systematic approach to asking questions of understanding provides structured thinking that strengthens doctrinal clarity, moral reasoning, and biblical interpretation. It prevents shallow conclusions and encourages disciplined theological reflection.
How does epistemology differ from semantics?
Semantics asks what something means. Epistemology asks how we know that meaning is true or justified. One clarifies definition. The other evaluates certainty and knowledge.
How do the theories of truth help Christians think critically?
The theories of truth explain how people interpret truth claims. They do not replace biblical revelation, but they help believers understand cultural reasoning patterns and evaluate them carefully.
How can this framework strengthen personal Bible study?
Applying Semantics, Epistemology, Ethics, Axiology, and Philosophy to Scripture forces deeper engagement. It moves reading beyond surface observation into structured theological inquiry.
Is this system compatible with Christian apologetics?
Yes. This framework aligns closely with classical Christian apologetics as presented by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli, helping believers defend and articulate truth with intellectual clarity.
