Questions about Christianity ...
The purpose of the section is not an attempt to ridicule those who question the Christian faith. In fact, we hope this section encourages honest seeking. The five questions posted are example questions under the five most common categories of objections regarding the Christian faith. Some consider it sacrilegious to question the Bible, assuming "God doesn't want us mere mortals to actually think, but only believe". Others consider seeking real answers a waste of time as "faith has nothing to do with knowing". But the God of the Bible actually commands us to love Him with our minds, (see Mark 12:30). He is not afraid or even offended at our questions. "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow…" (Isaiah 1:18 emphasis mine). If you are looking for excuses not to believe, you'll find them anywhere. If you are looking for reason to believe, we pray you'll find some here.
1. ORIGINS: "Hasn't evolution proven that 'God' is just another myth invented by man?"
This question assumes that evolution is true. If that is your assumption, you are not alone. The theory of evolution is taught as scientific fact in most schools. However, you can't refer to any theory about the origins of the universe as scientific fact. For something to be established as "scientific fact" it must be scrutinized through the scientific method. The scientific method involves the recognition of a problem,(i.e., "where did we come from?"), the collection of data through observation and experimentation, (fossils, chemicals, soil conditions, etc.) and the formulation and testing of hypothesis. Testing involves repetition in a controlled environment. How can you repeat "the Big Bang" or "In the Beginning God"? You can not, and therefore both creationism and evolution have to be taken on faith. In fact there are many credible scientists, both Christian and non-Christian who reject the theory of evolution as an explanation of origins on a scientific basis. There are also scores of scientists who vehemently defend the theory of evolution on the basis of philosophy alone. Consider this quote by Harvard University Bio-chemist George Wald,"When it comes to the origin of life there are only two possibilities: Creation or spontaneous generation. There is no third way. Spontaneous generation was disproved one hundred years ago, but that leads us to only one other conclusion, that of supernatural creation. We cannot accept that on philosophical grounds; therefore we choose to believe the impossible: that life arose spontaneously by chance!" (emphasis mine) (George Wald, "Scientific America", 191:48, May 1954).
When one looks at the evidence, it seems that evolution is the myth.
2. TRUTH: "How can you say there is only one way to God? What's true for one isn't true for all, right?"
This question is a reasonable one. "Who do Christians say that theirs is the only way?" However, the truth is Christians didn't say this, Jesus Christ did. In John 14, Jesus is preparing the disciples for His death, resurrection and ascension back to Heaven. These were predicted events that they didn't "catch on to" until after they witnessed them for themselves. If you read the context, it is obvious Jesus wanted to comfort the hearts of His disciples with the reality of Heaven. But his disciples, (like ourselves), were slow to understand plain truth so when they questioned Him about "the way" to heaven He answered thus: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
The word for "the" in the greek language (the New Testament was originally written in greek), is only used when the speaker/writer wants to make an emphasis; as in THE one and only. Jesus is clearly stating the exclusivity of faith in Him. This is not the only scripture that states this. I would encourage everyone to look up the following scriptures just for starters, (Isaiah 43:11; Hosea 13:4; Luke 2:11; John 1:29, 4:42, 8:24; 1 Timothy 4:10, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Peter 1:1, 1John 4:14). Every other religion or philosophy in the world says you have to do something to "get to God". But the Bible teaches that God came to us and gave Himself on the cross that we might have a relationship with Him. God has made the message of the scriptures plain. Jesus is the only way.
3. SCRIPTURES: "How can you say the Bible is 'God's Word' when it is written by men?"
This is one of those questions that requires much more space than we have available here. Not because it is difficult to answer, but because the evidence is so extensive. But from a philosophical viewpoint consider this: If we assume there is a Creator, (if you can't start with this assumption go to Q. 1), then it is reasonable that He is greater than ourselves. If He is greater than ourselves, then it is reasonable that we are dependent upon Him for an accurate revelation of both His Person and His will. It is also reasonable that He would be revealed, in part, through what He's done, (i.e., the Creation). If He has revealed Himself, then it is reasonable that we would be accountable to that revelation. If we are accountable to His revelation then it is reasonable that the revelation could be 'tested' in objective way, (i.e., the written word). This is confirmed by the fact that most religions/philosophies have some sort of holy book. However, because these books strongly contradict and/or refute one another, it's reasonable to assume that they cannot all be the revelation of God. So what makes the Bible unique?
- Science: Though not a scientific book, when compared to what we know about history, archeology, and cosmology, among religious writings, the Bible stands alone as being accurate.
- Content: The Bible contains 66 books written by 40 different authors over 1500 years and yet contains one message- God's redemption of mankind.
- Prophesy: the Bible not only has several predictions about the future, but it also sets a very tough standard for knowing if a particular prophesy is from God. What's the standard? 100% accuracy.
- Message: the Bible alone balances freedom of choice with responsibility for actions. All that is good about western society, (i.e., hospitals, human rights, education for the masses, value of life, helping the poor), was motivated by scriptural principles.
God did in fact use men to write down His revelation. He used their personalities, perspectives, experiences, and circumstances to reveal who He is and what He requires. And as we examine the scriptures, we see the "fingerprints" of the Creator. God used men as a musician plays different instruments. Each instrument makes a unique sound, but the music reveals Who plays the song. If you are willing to listen, you'll hear the music, (see Romans 10:17).
4. SUFFERING: "If God is good how come there is so much evil in the world?"
Unless you're mad about working on cars, a scrap yard can be a depressing place. It testifies of abuse, neglect, destruction and even death. But what it doesn't testify of is bad manufacturing. Unless you could see each vehicle being used as it was designed, you can't stand in the scrap yard and accurately say, "Man, Toyota surely doesn't design cars very well." So it is with this world we live in. The Bible clearly states that God created everything and it was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). The Bible also clearly testifies to the "wreck" Adam and Eve got in. Part of the 'good' God put into the world was man's ability to choose. Choice enables us to love, to think and to grow.
God gave us this choice because He wants a love relationship with us. Unfortunately, for choice to be valid, one must be able to choose wrongly. That's what Adam did. And each on of us has followed suit. There is so much evil because we continue to choose it. So why doesn't God do something about it? He has. He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sinful choices. The punishment that we deserve, He took on Himself. What He suffered as the innocent Man is more than we can imagine. "But that was 2000 years ago," you say, "and evil still continues." True. But Jesus said He would come again, (see John 14:1-3, Acts 1:11). And when He comes again He will rid the world of all injustice, sin and evil, (read the book of Revelation). Until then we still choose. We choose who we are going to trust. We choose how we are going to view the world. We choose who we are going to live are lives for. The question is; do our lives prevent evil or promote evil? If you come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you'll find that evil is overcome by good, (Romans 12:21). If you choose to ignore His offer of forgiveness and freedom, you'll experience evil eternally. (John3:36). It's good that you recognize evil. He question is; what are you going to do about it?
5. JUSTICE: "What about all the good people? Doesn't God reward good?"
It's true that God rewards good. But He also punishes evil. Everybody, even those who say that all morality is relative, still have an innate sense of justice. (Which is why they ask such a question.) We see injustice everywhere and it makes us angry, (or at least it should). So who determines what is right and wrong? Who determines justice? If you say the "majority of society" or "the educated elite", than how can you justify that position in light of the last hundred years of history alone? The Truth is either absolute or non-existent. The Bible teaches that God Himself is the standard of right and wrong. If you need a concise, written definition of Truth, look at the Ten Commandments, (Exodus 20:1-17). If you want to see Truth lived out in the practical, look at the Person of Jesus Christ in the gospels. When we measure our goodness or even our sincerity by God's standards, we find ALL OF US falling short. For those who desire to do good, the best thing is start by admitting that you are not good. God calls that humility and it’s a very good thing, (see James 4:1-10).
If your questions are more specific, please contact us at needanswers@calvarychapelnorwich.com or check our some of the links listed on the Downloads & Links page.