Search

Family Q&A

girl on hill looking out on road in front of her

Finding God’s Will

How do I seek God’s guidance when faced with major decisions? In other words, how can I get a handle on His will for my life? I’ve been told that it’s important to do this, and for the most part I believe it’s true. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to go about it. I …

younger man helps older man with computer

How Churches Can Support Immobile and Confined Senior Citizens

Can you offer any suggestions for organizing an effective church outreach to shut-ins and residents of nursing homes?

cross under a blue sky

Perspectives on the Compatibility of Christianity and Psychology

What should Christians think of the study and use of psychology and psychiatry?

man walking away through field

Repeatedly Straying Christian Wonders if He’s Beyond God’s Forgiveness

How many times will God forgive me and take me back again? I’m a Christian, but my walk with the Lord has been an on-and-off thing for a number of years. There have been many occasions when I’ve walked away from the Lord only to return to Him again after falling on my face and …

A man sits on a couch reading the Bible

The God of the Old Testament vs. the God of New

Why is God so angry in the Old Testament and so loving in the New?

pic of a baby's hand on top of an adult's hand

What It Means to Be “Made in the Image of God”

What does the Bible mean when it says we are created “in God’s image” (Genesis 1:27)?

teen with head on arms

Child or Teen Disturbed by Exposure to Pornography

My dad left dirty magazines lying around the living room — and I saw the pictures of naked women. Should I ever go back?

girl sitting in shadow elbows on knees sad

Teen Seeking Help After Sexual Assault

I’ve just become a victim of rape. I desperately need help and don’t know where to find it – what should I do now? So far, I haven’t told my parents, and no one else knows. I’m ashamed to admit it to friends and family, and I’m afraid I’ll only make a bad situation worse …

feet in sneakers balancing on a log

Achieving a “Balanced” Lifestyle

How can I adjust my schedule so as to bring about a healthier equalization between the time I spend at work and the time I devote to the rest of life’s activities and demands? I’ve really tried to do this, but it seems that something suffers no matter what I do. Besides, I don’t think …

silhouettes against sunset of woman pushing man in wheelchair

Assuming Care of an Elderly Loved One

Can you help me prepare for the challenges of caring for an aging parent at home? My mother is no longer able to care for herself and has come to live with my husband and me. We preferred to do this rather than place her in an alternative facility, but we’re not sure that we’re …

young women eating pizza and drinking beer

Christians and Social Drinking

What does the Bible say about moderate alcohol consumption? I see an increasing openness to social drinking in our circle of Christian friends. In fact, this seems to be the new norm, but I’m not sure I feel comfortable with it.

lady curled up on a chair depressed

Depression and Supernatural Influences

Could depression be demonic in nature? My personal view is that it can be traced to demonic powers and that mental illnesses almost always have a spiritual basis. If this is true, then only God can take them away, and medications and psychological remedies will only mask the real issue. A person needs deliverance from …

couple talking with advisor

Financial Responsibility for a Deceased Parent’s Debts

Are my spouse and I morally or legally obligated to pay off a deceased parent’s debts? My father-in-law passed away a few months ago with significant indebtedness. To complicate matters, he lived and died in a foreign country and I have no idea how that government handles a situation like this. More to the point, …

man therapist talking describing to female patient lying down

Hypnosis As a Clinical Tool

What’s your opinion of the use of hypnosis in therapy? Is this really a legitimate clinical tool? Are there any spiritual dangers associated with this practice?

old photographs black white spread out

Perspectives on Repressed Memory Syndrome

Is it possible that psychologists and therapists who deal in “Repressed Memory Syndrome” are actually planting false memories in the minds of their patients? I can’t help wondering whether, at least in some cases, the practice of this type of therapy might encourage the invention of past events that never really happened. What do you …

picture of cash, calculator, paper that says 401k

Retirement Plans 101

Can you help me understand the differences — including the relevant pros and cons — between the various kinds of retirement accounts now available? What’s the wisest way to provide for my needs once my paycheck stops?

Unmarried and Pregnant – Boyfriend Uninterested in Fatherhood

How can I encourage my boyfriend to embrace his role as a father-to-be? I’m due to deliver our baby next month, and up to this point he’s been completely uninvolved. It’s not just a matter of feeling unsure of himself – he has actually told me straight out that he’s just not interested in being …

Girl covering face with hands

Adolescent Moodiness vs. Depression

How should I handle my adolescent’s emotional instability? In particular, how can I tell the difference between ‘normal’ teenage moodiness and serious clinical depression? My teen seems to have more “downs” than “ups.” Is this a normal part of adolescence, or should I be concerned?

man in suit with gun in front of explosion

Child Exposed to Violent and Sexual Movies at Friend’s House

Can a one-time viewing of a violent or sexually explicit film or TV show have negative long-term effects on children? I just learned my grade-schooler saw an inappropriate cable movie while spending the day at a friend’s house. What should I do and how can I prevent this happening in the future?

little girl sleeping

Children and Sleep

How can we implement a more consistent bedtime schedule for our children, ages 8, 6, and 4? We haven’t been very successful in this area. How many hours do kids this age need to sleep? Do you have any tips for ways to improve bedtime and make it more pleasant?