Tough Questions We Have

Tough Questions We Have

On the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of every month a group of us is meeting at the Spring Lake Library at 6:30 PM in the comfy Local History room. You’re welcome to join us. All kinds of questions are welcome. All kinds of people are welcome. All kinds of stuff gets talked about in this group.

Below you’ll find:

§ A List of Our Tough Questions

§ What Tough Questions is Not

§ Tough Questions Group Roles

§ Etc.

A List of Our Tough Questions:

Similar questions asked multiple times by different members

Inconsistency/Hypocrisy

§ What about Christians that are so hypocritical? Doesn’t that prove their faith to be false?

§ Why did God command so many to be put to death in the Bible? Sometimes whole cities? Isn’t this ethnic cleansing?

§ Why are so many Christians in history such bad people? Like the crusades or the Inquisition?

People Groups/Knowledge of Jesus Questions

§ If someone is in a country where no one has heard of Jesus, would they be excluded from Heaven? If so isn’t that unfair?

§ Many tribes believe in many gods, how would they be saved without hearing of Jesus?

§ What about those are unreached at “judgment time”?

“Act of God” Issues

§ Did God cause the Tsunami or the Hurricane to kill so many?

§ Why does God allow natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina?

Questions About Jesus

§ Why did Jesus tell people “don’t tell anyone about these miracles”? Didn’t he want people to know?

§ This sounds sacrilegious, but why is Jesus such a big part of Christian faith? Can’t you be spiritual and not follow Jesus?

§ Is Jesus God?

§ Jesus said a camel has a better chance of fitting through the eye of a needle than a rich person inheriting the kingdom of God. What does this mean?

§ What was Jesus’ natural complexion (skin)? What did Jesus look like?

§ Does it really matter if I decide to follow Jesus? To my life? To the world?

Other Christian Groups/Denominations

§ What about Catholics? Are they “saved”?

§ What about the differences between Catholics and Protestants? Especially about Mary?

Other Religions

§ What do Christians think happens to people of other faiths when they die (Native Americans, Muslims, etc)?

§ There are many faiths worldwide. Is Christianity the only way to salvation?

§ The Jewish people don’t accept Jesus as savior, so how can they be saved? Are they still God’s chosen people?

§ What does the Bible say about Islam and current times in the Middle East?

Theological/Existence of God Questions

§ Scientists can explain who the whole universe came into being, how can we explain how God came into being?

§ How do we define what the soul is?

§ If someone is “saved” are they “always saved”

§ Do we have a free will to chose right or wrong? If so, how come people say, “God has a plan for everybody?”

§ What about free will and predestination?

§ Why does Satan have access to us to tempt us? (Reference to John Eldridge’s writings)

Science/Religion/Earth History Questions

§ What about cloning for medical research or reproduction?

§ Doesn’t the age of science really make superstitious religious belief out-dated (I have a friend that would say this)?

§ Does the Bible speak to dinosaurs and when they existed?

§ Does the Bible define when man (Adam) was put on the earth in years?

§ How does evolution fit into Christianity

Political/Governmental Hot Button Questions

§ Why does it seem like so many people tie the Republican Party and Christianity together so much?

§ What about homosexuality/the gay lifestyle?

§ What does scripture say about the reasons/motivations for which a nation goes to war? Are there “just” wars?

§ What about people that commit crimes because of their religious beliefs?

Questions about This Tough Questions Group

§ Can we offer scenarios and seek open honest answers [of any kind] in this group?

§ Why does Dave like blue shirts? J

Questions Asked Once

§ Will a criminal’s sin be forgiven?

§ Should Christmas and Easter be celebrated by Christians? What’s the connection to the Bible?

§ What appeals to people in searching spiritual things?

§ Are there dietary guidelines or suggestions in the Bible that apply to today?

§ Do animals have a spirit that exists in the afterlife?

§ Why do Christians put so much stock in the Bible? Aren’t a lot of beliefs propped up by that?

What Tough Questions is Not:

§ Answer-man group

§ A Church Support Group

§ A strict Bible Study

§ A downer

§ A social get-together

§ Closed

§ Judgmental

§ Rigidly planned

§ Christian marketing

Tough Questions Group Roles:

Discussion Leader = David, ______, &______

Snack/Drinks Coordinator = Lori

Journal Keeper = Jen

Internet Researcher = Erica, ______, &______

Biblical Researcher = Chad, ______, &______

Scientific Researcher = Brad, ______, &______

______________________= ______________________

Etc.

q Don’t force anyone to “own up” to a question – they can be considered “anonymous”

q Let’s all act like “analytical seekers” together when we discussion questions

q No question is a bad question

q We may not get to your first question first

q Please respect the opinions of others

q Please offer your opinion because it is valued

q Please contribute in searching for answers to our questions (do a little homework if assigned)

Dave’s Contact info: David@DruryWriting.com