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Asking hypothetical questions can be a good way to think something out. Got something you’re afraid will happen? Talk out that hypothetical with someone and get a grasp on your fear; it might help you overcome that fear. Got something you wonder about but probably won’t ever happen? Talk that hypothetical out with someone and get a grasp on that concept; it might help you answer a similar question that has happened or is happening now. Are there some questions that turn out to be unimportant? Yes, but that doesn’t always mean we didn’t learn something.

For example, sometimes if I’m afraid of something that could happen because of a choice I make, I talk with God and a few friends about it. Talking it out helps me figure out that this thing either won’t happen, or that I can prepare for it. It also helps to talk about the outcome I want out of a decision and how I can prepare for that. Contrasting the two can make it easier not to worry so much.

For another example, if I have a question about something that hasn’t happened but could, I talk with God and a few friends about it. Sometimes getting a handle on an idea or situation before you face it for real makes it easier to deal with if or when it does come.

If you’re like me, you could also just be talking with your friends about the moral implications of human cloning and whether or not a clone has a soul, or the reactions people would have if we discovered the existence of aliens and if aliens would have the same concept of God as we do. Those questions may or may not be important, but the underlying topics of the questions are: What is a soul and where does it come from? How would/should we present God to people who may not think of Him quite like we do? How do we treat people when we’re not sure how to treat them?

Sometimes you just need to ask the hypothetical question and see where it takes you. You might learn something. And remember, whatever happens and whatever could happen, God knows either way.

Related:
You Are Allowed to Ask Questions
Challenging Questions
Fear, Worry, and Trust
Worst Fears
Trusting God
Trusting God with Others
A Few Doctrinally Unimportant Questions