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?
Faith Q&As
If I’m an atheist, does that make me a bad person? I believe strongly in the validity of the scientific method. I teach my children to approach the world from a scientific perspective, and I also try to instill in them deep-seated principles of compassion, kindness, generosity, and sensitivity to others. Does that make me …
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Go, sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven”? I became a Christian about a year and a half ago, and for the most part I’ve been very happy in my new-found faith. Sure, I’ve had my ups and downs, …
How can I forgive someone who isn’t sorry for what he’s done? My father hurt me deeply when I was young. I’ve tried and tried to forget about this, but every time I think I’ve succeeded the pain jumps up and bites me again. Christian friends have told me that I need to forgive him-in …
Don’t Muslims and Christians believe basically the same things? Since 9/11 some Christian groups have been spreading what I consider slander about our friends in the Muslim community. I find this deeply troubling since there are a couple of fine, upstanding Muslim families living in my neighborhood. As I understand it, Islam is a religion …
What should Christians be doing to get ready for the cataclysmic events preceding the end of the Age and the Second Coming of Christ? Given the current state of affairs in the world, it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Lord may be returning soon. I’m trying to hold on to my confidence in …
How can I believe the Bible in light of what science tells us? I recently went with my family to see the fossilized remains of some dinosaur tracks and bones. I was impressed with what I saw, but I also went away feeling troubled. These tracks and bones, which are said to be millions of …
Do you think we should get a Christmas tree? Christmas has always been a warm and wonderful time of year for our family. We love all of the traditions. Our kids get very excited when, on the first Sunday of Advent, we pull out the decorations and put up the tree. This year, however, I’m …
Is there really any scriptural basis for “focusing on the family”? “Family first” has always been my motto. I spend every weekend with my wife and kids, and I’m committed to putting their needs ahead of my own. But at times I find it hard to reconcile these personal values with the Gospel message. Jesus …
Is it possible for a “backslider” to return to faith? Hebrews 6:4-6 seems to say no. I’m a returned “backslider” myself, so this passage of Scripture has always been painful and confusing for me. How can I be sure I am restored? Doesn’t the message of these verses cancel out everything the New Testament has …
What does the Bible have to say about conservationism and environmental concerns? I’ve noticed lately that several well-known Christian leaders have decided to make “global-warming” a key issue. Other evangelicals suggest that the “climate change” movement is primarily political and ideological in motivation. That’s the way I’ve viewed it, but I’m also aware that God …
Does the Bible verse that warns against “friendship with the world” relate to being friends with non-Christians? I’ve heard it said many times that Christians need to be intentional about developing friendships with non-believers and resist the temptation to spend all their time with like-minded people in the “Christian ghetto.” But James 4:4 says, “Do …
How does God respond to intercessory prayer? I haven’t seen much fruit from my faithful prayers on behalf of a wayward child, and I’m just about ready to give up. Am I missing something? Should I be looking elsewhere for the answers I need?
Why do Christians say human pride is sinful? I don’t understand what’s wrong with a little self-satisfaction and self-confidence. If I feel good about myself for serving at the local soup kitchen or helping a neighbor in need, does that mean I’m going to hell? Aren’t we always telling our kids that it’s important to …
If Christianity is true, why are there so many different religions? There are things about the Christian faith that I find winsome and attractive, but I can’t bring myself to accept it all. It’s difficult to take a step like that in the modern world, where we know so much about so many other belief …
Where did God come from? This is something I’ve always wondered about. When I look at creation, from the astronomical to the cellular level, it’s impossible for me to think that such beauty and complexity is the product of mere chance. But that still leaves one question unanswered: Who made God?
Is “self-forgiveness” a scriptural idea? This isn’t the place to go into details, but certain events and circumstances have left me carrying a heavy load of guilt. I believe in Christ and His death on the cross, but in this case my beliefs don’t seem to have the power to change my feelings. If you …
Why are there so many different translations of the Bible? I find this confusing. Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” If that’s true, how did we end up with so many different versions of the Bible? Why do they all say different things? God doesn’t change, does He? I’ve …
How important is it for Christians to observe the Sabbath? I know that this is one of the Ten Commandments, but is it still valid for believers who are now living under grace rather than the law? And while I’m at it, how did the Sabbath get switched from Saturday to Sunday? Where in the …
How do we explain God’s command to slaughter the Canaanites in the Old Testament? There’s a lot that I find attractive about Christianity, but I have serious problems with certain parts of the Bible, especially those sections of the Old Testament that record incidents of divinely authorized genocide and “Holy War.” When the Israelites captured …
