What does the Bible mean when it says we are created “in God’s image” (Genesis 1:27)?
Family Q&A
My dad left dirty magazines lying around the living room — and I saw the pictures of naked women. Should I ever go back?
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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, …
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?
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 …
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?
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 …
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?
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?
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?
Do you have any advice for dealing with a teenage daughter who’s recently gotten involved in premarital sex and other destructive activities? While hunting for an extra set of car keys in my daughter’s purse I came across a condom and a cigarette lighter. Needless to say, I was devastated. Should I confront her about …
How should I deal with the tension that has arisen between my child and his sports coach, who also happens to be his father? The season is starting up again, and I’m dreading the inevitable fights between them. My son doesn’t want to disappoint his dad, but he’s getting nothing out of this particular sport. …
Is there a way to put a stop to the constant state of conflict I’m in with my school age child? I’m spending a lot of time trying to promote harmony and maintain a little order in our home, but when I ask my son to pitch in, I get either passive indifference or outright …
Can you help us deal with the with the issue of sexually suggestive teenage dancing? My teens have been asking to attend parties and school dances, but when my wife and I got a glimpse of some of the lewd activity that goes under the name of “dancing” nowadays we told them “no.” Are we …
Will my sarcastic style of humor hurt my children? I’ve always tended to express myself in a wry, ironic way. It’s all a joke, and I don’t mean any harm by it. But now my spouse is telling me that this is going to be damaging to our kids, especially as they move into the …