How can there be such a thing as a single, integrated “Christian worldview” when Christians stand divided on so many issues? I’m forever hearing conservative evangelicals talk about the “Christian” or “biblical worldview,” as if that’s a term everyone recognizes, accepts, and understands. But I don’t think any such consensus exists. Everyone believes his or …
Family Q&A
Has Focus on the Family reviewed William P. Young’s novel, The Shack?
Do you believe that God still performs miracles today? Christians who believe in “signs and wonders” say that we’re supposed to be doing the same works that Jesus did, “and even greater works than these” (John 14:12). Others claim that the era of supernatural intervention came to an end at the close of the New …
How can a nation that was built on slavery and that’s still full of racial discrimination today possibly have “biblical roots”? I’ve been hurt by racism in so-called “Christian” America, and I just don’t understand why so many conservative evangelicals say this country is based on “Christian values.” As an African-American who has faced racial …
Exactly what is “postmodernism?” I’ve heard a lot of talk about it lately. Supposedly it’s a great threat to Christianity in contemporary culture. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a comprehensive and easily understandable definition of the term. How would you describe the basic beliefs associated with “postmodernism?” Can you name some of the primary philosophers and …
Did God create evil? Some people say no. They argue that man’s free will is the source of evil. But didn’t God create free will? And doesn’t that make Him the ultimate source of evil? Doesn’t that make Him responsible for our sins? Is that why the Lord says in Isaiah 45:7 (KJV), “I make …
Can you offer any assistance to a teenager who is pregnant and needs some help? My parents don’t know about my condition yet, but they’re going to find out eventually, and I have no idea how to talk to them. What should I do?
Can you help me and my girlfriend figure out what to do now that she’s pregnant? Neither one of us is old enough to take care of a child on our own. I’ve been raised in a Christian home, and I’ve always believed that abortion is out of the question, but right now it’s hard …
How can I get my brothers and sisters to be more involved in caring for our elderly mother? I’m the oldest, and my siblings seem to have decided that I should do most of the work. I don’t mind being the primary caregiver, but the lack of support is frustrating. If I don’t do something …
What advice do you have for a family on a limited budget when it comes to buying a car? Our car is about to die, so we’re in the market for something more reliable.
How do I survive unemployment? It’s been two years since I lost my job. After exhausting every possibility in my search for work, I no longer have any hope that my situation will ever change. My wife has gone back to work, but her income isn’t enough to cover our bills even though we’ve trimmed …
What are some biblical principles to keep in mind as I begin writing up my will? I’d like to know that when I’m gone my financial assets will be used in the best and wisest way possible to benefit my family and advance the work of God’s kingdom. Any tips or pointers?
How can a loser like me ever be happy? I hate myself for who and what I am. I hate myself for the laundry that’s not done, for the dirty socks and clothes on the floor, for a bunch of clean and unfolded clothes, for dirty dishes all over the house. I feel like the …
How long should I take antidepressants? After struggling with anxiety and depression for several years, I finally decided to see a doctor about my problem. He put me on an antidepressant, and it’s definitely improved my mood. But I’m worried that I’ll have to take this drug for the rest of my life. Would it …
What would it take to help an aging parent maintain the greatest possible sense of his own human dignity, worth, and independence? My wife and I are more than willing to take care of my aging father, but he’s always been a proud man, and we don’t want to crush his spirit. How do we …
Do you think it’s wrong for my spouse to smoke marijuana? He’s been a fairly regular user for most of our married life, and I’ve never seen it as a big problem since many people have assured me that pot isn’t addictive. But he’s been using it more often lately, and sometimes he even smokes …
Is my husband going through “male menopause”? Lately he’s been irritable and moody, but when I ask him about it he says he can’t put a finger on anything. We’re both in our mid-fifties, and I remember that when I went through menopause I felt a lot like my husband seems to be feeling now. …
How can I help my adolescent son deal with his anger? It’s easy to tell that he is very angry about something, but I have a sense that he’s trying desperately to squash his feelings and keep a lid on his emotions. Try as I might, I can’t get him to talk about it. What …
How can I encourage my teens to combine cell phone use with a proper respect for others? In the beginning I was happy to provide my son and daughter with their own phones because I wanted to make sure that we could stay in touch at all times. More recently, however, I’ve become increasingly frustrated …