If God has a plan, why should we pray? Do our prayers really make a difference if He already knows how things are going to turn out? Christian friends have often assured me that God is working out His plan for me and my children. At the same time, they have also urged me many …
Family Q&A
How do I answer the argument that everything can be explained in terms of evolution? By way of example: I told an atheist friend that evolutionary theory doesn’t account for altruism or self-sacrifice. If survival is what it’s all about, why would a soldier throw himself on a grenade to save his friend? He said …
Do you have any thoughts on Julius Wellhausen’s (1844-1918) so-called “Documentary Theory” of the Torah or Pentateuch? According to this theory, the traditional “Books of Moses” (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) weren’t written by Moses at all, but by a group of authors who can be distinguished by their different literary styles: the “Jahwist” …
Should Christians believe in the rapture or not? I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about this in Christian fiction and on evangelical talk shows. Is there a scriptural basis for this popular teaching?
Can you give me any advice about selecting a good college or university?
What’s the problem with having sexual intercourse before marriage? I’m an intelligent, responsible and mature high school student, and I can’t see why having sex with someone I love is wrong. Most of the arguments I’ve heard against my position are religious in nature and I just don’t buy them. What’s your response to that?
As a recovering addict, how can I find someone to walk with me through the difficult beginning stages of the healing process? Do you have any advice on choosing an accountability partner and what this relationship should look like? I’d really appreciate any suggestions you can offer.
Is a nursing facility the only option for my mother? Her health has been in decline for a long time, and it’s recently become clear that she can no longer live on her own. She doesn’t want to move, and I don’t like the idea of putting her in some kind of “institution.” What are …
How does God view social gambling between friends? My buddies and I enjoy getting together for a game of poker now and then. Everybody who knows anything about the game understands that it’s just not the same if it doesn’t include a real risk of some kind, however small. How do you feel about Christians …
Is there anything I can do to help my aging mother when she gets blue and down in the dumps? She used to be a very positive person, but now she can barely speak to us when we visit her in the nursing home where she’s been living for just over a year. Is depression …
How can I trust God enough to be released from drug and alcohol abuse? I once heard a Christian speaker who had suffered from addictions describe how he found healing when he turned his life over to God. I’ve prayed for this, but I guess I’m not trying hard enough or don’t really know what …
How can our church minister most effectively to victims of disaster and trauma? I’m the pastor of a small congregation in a mid-size town. Over the past month our community has been devastated by a terrible flood. Many families in this area have endured the loss of their homes, interruption of work and school, loss …
What’s wrong with marijuana? Personally, I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be legalized. Many people have assured me that pot isn’t addictive. Besides, most states have already legalized it for medical or recreational purposes. Can you tell me why it shouldn’t be legal across the board?
Should I withdraw money from my IRA for a down payment on a new home? The stock market’s been underperforming, but I’m optimistic about long-term home values.
How can I help my 15-year-old son feel more confident around girls his age? He’s still very shy and nervous in mixed company, and I’m looking for ways to give him a boost in this area. Any suggestions?
How can we stop our child from wetting the bed? What do we need to know about the causes of this behavior? Our son is well past the age of potty-training, yet I still have to change his bedding several times a week. I’ve lost my patience with him more than once, and I can …
How can I tell if my child is faking it or not when he complains of a “stomach cramps?” These ailments have a suspicious way of arising when it’s time to do chores or get ready for school. Is this pain real, or is it just a ploy? Should we take him to the doctor, …
Can the nightly news reports about war, murder, rape, and urban gang activity have a negative effect on kids? I try not to let my children watch too much of this, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Am I right to be concerned?
Am I being too sensitive about the put-downs and insults my daughter and her boyfriend toss back and forth at each other? She acts like it’s no big deal, but I’m alarmed and don’t consider this to be healthy behavior. What do you think?
How can I reconnect with my children after divorcing their mother and abandoning them? I regret to say that I walked out on my wife and family several years ago. Since then, I’ve found the Lord and realized my mistake. Now I’d like to get back in touch with my kids, but they don’t want …