Category: Ten Questions

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unChristian: Intro

unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters

David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons  

Hope Fellowship is using this book for it’s Connection Groups to discuss scriptural truths that provide a stronger foundation in Christ and His Word. It’s an interesting study that provides insight into what our society really thinks about Christians.

Table of Contents

  1. The Backstory
  2. Discovering unChristian Faith
  3. Hypocritical
  4. Get Saved!
  5. Anti-Homosexual
  6. Sheltered
  7. Too Political
  8. Judgmental
  9. From unChristian to Christian

Afterword

Introduction

The Barna Group is a visionary research and resource company located in Ventura, California. Started in 1984, the firm is widely considered to be a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture.

Based on extensive research, Kinnaman and Lyons provide objective insights into our culture to gain an understanding of how we, as Christians, are perceived by the world, or at least the United States. Published in 2007, the book is nearly 10 years old and is thus based on data a bit older than that. Though I’ve only read the description, comments, etc., I believe You Lost Me is a follow-up title published in 2011 that affirms the findings in this book. The conclusion remains the same: we need to pay attention to what our society thinks about Christians and hear what they are saying if we want to be relevant.

The book essentially provides statistical data in a narrative form along with insights from church leaders around the country. Compelling stories and quotes from respondents are presented to make us look in the mirror and give us an opportunity to break down barriers we hold onto dearly.

The timing of reading this book (on the heels of Mittelberg’s, Ten Questions) is interesting. Why am I intrigued by this subject? I hope I’m responding to the Holy Spirit to climb out from behind the walls of church and get into the real world where real people are lost and don’t even know. I hope I’m hearing Christ’s call to show people He has the real answers to their questions.

 

Chapter 1 »

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Ten Questions: Conclusion – The questions our friends need us to ask them

Introduction

  • Mark Mittelberg begins this chapter with a great story of Ronald Reagan’s debate with Walter Mondale, the turning of the tide in Reagan’s campaign was the seminal response to the question about his age (73 at the time). His response:

Not at all, and I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience!

  • Reagan turned a perceived weakness into a strength. Incredible.

From Defense to Offense

  • Be prepared to give a good answer 1 Peter 3:15.
  • We don’t have to defend ourselves, offense scores as well 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, our battle is well beyond this world.
  • Nobody is neutral: everybody is making a claim to something
    • The atheist claims there is no God
    • Other religions support their version
    • Christians defend their position
  • All of us should be willing to give a defense for what we believe, but learn to turn defense into offense without being offensive–therein lies the challenge.
    • Stop merely answering our friends’ questions and start asking them a few key questions of our own.

The Questions Revisited

  1. What makes you so sure that God exists at all–especially when you can’t see, hear, or touch him?
    • How do they account the the existence of the universe? Is it eternal?
    • How did it become so precisely fine-tuned?
    • What is the basis to say anything is ultimately right or wrong?
  2. Didn’t evolution put God out of a job? Why rely on religion in an age of science and knowledge?
    • How do you explain where the primordial goop originated?
    • If they maintain that evolution and God are compatible, what have they done to discover who God is?
  3. Why trust the Bible, a book based on myths and full of contradictions and mistakes?
    • What specific myths are you referring to? Which contradictions bother you the most?
    • Would you be willing to explore that in detail with me?
  4. Everyone know that Jesus was a good man and a wise teacher–but why try to make him into the Son of God, too?
    • Have you ever read the Gospels for yourself? Why don’t we both read and discuss them?
    • Demonstrate that we are genuine lovers of truth, unafraid to look at the real evidence and to follow the facts where they lead.
  5. How could a good God allow so much evil, pain, and suffering–or does he simply not care?
    • Remember there is an appropriate time to dive into this discussion–not in the midst of tragedy
    • What is your alternative? No God? If no God, what meaning do pain and suffering have?
    • Hopefully our friends will understand that it’s better to grapple with the problem of evil than to deny it through atheism or Eastern pantheistic philosophies.
    • No one suffered more than Jesus Philippians 2:5-11
  6. Why is abortion such a line in the sand for Christians? Why can’t I be left alone to make my own choices for my own body?
    • Are you 100% certain that it’s not a living human child inside the womb? If not, what is it?
    • The least of these Matthew 25:45
  7. Why do you condemn homosexuality when it’s clear that God made gays and that he loves all people the same?
    • Jesus was full of grace and truth John 1:14, we should lean toward grace without relinquishing truth
    • Recall the Samaritan woman and how Jesus handled the conversation
    • Given Jesus’ strong and positive explanation of God’s plan for marriage, what do you think he would say about gay sexual relationships?
    • Do you see anywhere in Jesus’ words or teachings of the Bible where homosexual behavior is condoned?
      • Don’t wield biblical truth as a weapon or as a way to put up a wall — that’s the opposite of our desire here
  8. & 9. How can I trust in Christianity when so many Christians are hypocrites? And why are they so judgmental toward everyone who doesn’t agree with them?
    • Hypocrisy and judgmentalism are problems for some Christians. Jesus agrees with you on this point. Since you’re on Jesus’ side, why not learn more about him and show us how to be a better example for others?
    • How about you: do you ever struggle living up to your own ideals–or God’s?
    • If they are aggressively taking their position, perhaps you can ask, “how is that different from what you are doing right now?
    • Everyone thinks their opinion is right, the question quickly becomes, “how do you know you’re right?”
  9. Why should I think that heaven really exists–and that God sends people to hell?
    • We can’t directly access heaven right now, but we can listen to the One who died on the cross and rose from the dead: John 8:23, 11:25
    • In light of Jesus’ divine credentials, why wouldn’t you believe what Jesus taught about heaven and hell?
    • If you’re not going to believe Jesus, who are you going to believe–and why?

Back to Where We Started

We need three things in order to appropriately put the information into action: preparation, prayer and proximity.

  1. Preparation. Reading this book and taking notes, discussing it with brothers and sisters in Christ, is all part of preparation.
  2. Prayer.  Keep praying for your friends, family members, co-workers, etc., and keep praying for yourself, that your knowledge and understanding would increase–even that God would open doors to opportunities to use this knowledge.
  3. Proximity. I hope you will no longer shy away from opportunities to get close to people who are far from God.

Remember the purpose of this study is not just to answer question, rather, it’s to lead people to Jesus! We want to help them find not only answers and truth but also the One who said,

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.John 14:6

Go with confidence and a sense of urgency, knowing that the time is short and the information you have to share is life giving.

I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.Romans 1:16

« Question 10 Intro  
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Ten Questions: #10 – Are Heaven and Hell real?

Full Question: Why should I think that heaven really exists–and that God sends people to hell?

Summary

  • The question of whether or not there is an afterlife is extremely important; Christians need to be able to articulate their confidence to questioning unbelievers.
  • There is nearly universal belief in the afterlife.
  • Jesus made it clear that heaven is a real place of eternal joy and that hell is also a real place, but one of punishment and regret.
  • God doesn’t send people to hell, they choose to go there themselves.
  • God offers heaven to everyone and has made provision for all to be there.
  • Heaven is reserved for those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior and sought to honor him with their lives.
  • Hell is for those who refused to allow God any say in their lives.
  • We can be certain that no one is left without the opportunity to choose. People will be held accountable for what they did with the amount of information they had.

Introduction

  • Mittelberg begins this chapter by reflecting on the amazing life of Marie Little, one who sought to be in the middle of the action throughout her long life.
    • Her memorial service truly felt more like a celebration than a time of grieving.
    • Our confident belief that she truly was in heaven at that very moment.
  • This question of heaven’s existence tied for first place (next to the topic of God’s existence) as one of the questions we as Christians feel least ready to answer.
  • The afterlife involves a discussion whether or not that invisible entity is transported at death, unseen, to an invisible place of which there are not photographs, etc.

Making the Case

What is your own compelling reason for believing that there is an afterlife? Or perhaps, what is your compelling reason for not accepting it?

  1. Eternity in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11. There is something strange about us humans, a sense of having been made for something more.
  2. Near-death Experiences. Eyewitness accounts do seem to add to the evidence for an afterlife, even though they vary widely.
  3. Ultimate Justice. Our irrepressible moral sense that all is not right in this world; a longing for a better place.
  4. Home Beyond the Horizon. “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” (C.S. Lewis). See: 1 Peter 2:11, Hebrews 11:13-16). However, most of these reflections will probably not connect very well with the younger people you talk to.
  5. Eternal perspective with earthly benefits. Dinesh D’Souza argues that having belief in an afterlife can actually improve the overall quality of this life. “…the prospect of an afterlife provides a motive for morality and generosity because it is linked to cosmic justice.”

God As Our Witness

The most compelling argument is Jesus’ direct and clear teaching on the topic.

  1. Jesus’ unique credentials.
    • Jesus established his credibility by rising from the dead three days after his public crucifixion, just as he predicted.
    • He alone was in a position to know about what is true and real about the life beyond the grave. John 1:1-5, 14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:8-12.
    • There is simply no better support for our beliefs than Jesus’ clear conviction that these places are real.
    • For our friends that say they can’t trust the Bible, we need to patiently back up to establish those compelling points, starting with the historical nature of the New Testament record and, perhaps, presenting more of the information we discussed in chapter 3.
  2. Jesus’ clear teaching. Look at the consistent, repeated ways he spoke about this topic so that no single text is taken as an isolated “proof” by itself.
    • John 14:2-3. More than enough room.
    • Matthew 22:29-32. “…when the dead rise…”
    • Matthew 10:28. “…they cannot touch the soul…”
    • John 3:13, 6:38. “…the Son of Man has come down from heaven.”
    • Matthew 5:29-30. “…better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell…”
    • Matthew 23:33. “…how will you escape the judgment of hell?”
    • Luke 6:22-23. “…a great reward awaits you in heaven.”
    • Luke 10:15. “…you will go down to the place of the dead.”
    • Luke 10:20. “…rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
    • John 17:3-5,24. “…Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am…”
    • Matthew 13:41-43. “…the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace…”
    • Matthew 25:31-46. “…Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom…Away with you, you cursed ones…”
    • Luke 16:19-31. The parable of heaven and hell, the rich man and Lazarus.
  3. Jesus, who was the Son of God and therefore in a unique position to know what he was talking about, taught it–clearly and literally.

Questions About The Afterlife

Don’t be surprised when your friends respond with, “Oh yeah?” issues; rather, be encouraged that they reveal a certain measure of curiosity, if not downright interest.

  1. A vacant hell? Some speculate that since God is love, no one actually goes to hell.
  2. But if God is love…how can you believe that God sends people to hell?
    • Short answer: “we don’t.”
    • John 3:16-17. “…to save the world through him.”
    • 1 Timothy 2:3-6. “…He gave his life to purchase freedom fro everyone.”
    • 2 Peter 3:9. “…He does not want anyone to be destroyed…”
    • Romans 6:23. “…The wages of sin is death…”
    • C.S. Lewis provides this insightful distinction: “There are only two kinds of people in the end:
      • those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and
      • those to whom God says, ‘Thy will be done’
    • We need to stress that people are not subject to mere fate…they are the objects of God’s love and targets of his grace, but also the product of the choices they themselves make.
  3. People who haven’t heard
    1. Most have actually heard some form of the Gospel presented
    2. Jesus opens his arms widely, no limits (Matthew 7:7-8).
    3. Not everyone has equal amounts of access or information, but they are responsible to follow whatever measure of light God has afforded them.
    4. God will judge people who reject him according to the amount of light they were given. Luke 12:47-48, Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:21-24, Matthew 12:41-42.
    5. People who ask this question have heard the message.
  4. Who goes to heaven? Surveys suggest that two-thirds of the people think they are heaven-bound, but ask them how they plan to get there and you’ll quickly discover that confusion reigns.

Divine Encounter

Mittelberg presents a enlightening story about a businessman and pastor who meet on an airplane and their discussion of heaven and hell. Read this and let it sink in. Powerful stuff.

Tips for Talking About This Issue

  • Our main argument for the reality of the afterlife is that Jesus told us clearly that these things were true. People do have a built-in respect for Jesus; unfortunately, they often don’t know what he said or taught.
  • Jesus was a good teacher (common statement among most people), so we should take seriously what he tells us, including what he said about the afterlife, heaven, and hell.
  • The question in this chapter rarely comes at us as a mere intellectual curiosity so be sensitive to what they’re really asking, and don’t be afraid to ask them why that issue is a concern for them.
  • Resist the temptation to offer an opinion about where their departed loved ones are right now–especially if there were spiritual doubts and concerns.
  • It’s often helpful to acknowledge to friends that we are not entirely comfortable with the Bible’s teachings on hell ourselves.
  • Let the realities of heaven and hell be strong motivators in your own efforts to reach out to people with the love and truth of Christ.

Questions for discussion

  1. What does it mean that God has “planted eternity in the human heart” as quoted from Ecclesiastes 3:11? How have you experienced that in your own life or seen it in the lives of others?
  2. Look back at the verses quoted in the chapter that contain Jesus’ teachings about heaven and hell. Which verse means the most to you? Which is most surprising or intriguing?
  3. Have you ever experienced the feeling, as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:11, that you are a “temporary resident” or even a “foreigner” here in this world? How?
  4. How do you think most people picture heaven? How do they picture hell? Where do you think they get their mental images of these places?
  5. Do you think it is important to talk about both heaven and hell when discussing the afterlife with unbelievers? Why or why not?
  6. How would you explain to an unbeliever God’s fairness and justice in judging?
  7. React to this statement made by the apostle Paul: “If Christ has not been eased, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). Why is it so important for Christians to be certain of a resurrection and eternity with Christ in heaven?
« Questions 8 & 9 Intro Conclusion »
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Ten Questions: #8 and #9 – Christian Hypocrites Are Often Judgmental

Full questions:

#8. How can I trust in Christianity when so many Christians are hypocrites?

#9. Why are Christians to judgmental toward everyone who doesn’t agree with them?

Summary

  • Mittelberg begins by relating how an actor’s job is to portray someone based on a script and story–it’s their job. Our lives should reflect who we really are, not an act!
  • Statistics bear out the sad fact that many who claim to be Christians fail by falling into serious sin.
  • When people express anger at hypocrisy, they are in good company–Jesus directed some of his harshest words at the hypocritical religious leaders of his day.
  • Jesus alone was free from sin. He will never disappoint. The rest of us need to get in line.
  • There is a difference between a struggling but honest believer and a hypocrite who refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing.
  • Judgmentalism can refer to an arrogant and unacceptable “I’m better than you” attitude. Be aware that
    • spiritual confidence can be misconstrued as arrogance.
    • everyone thinks they are right in their own beliefs
  • Point your friends to the truth found in Christ, not other Christians

Introduction

  • Garry Poole provided an interesting perspective on the profession of acting and how they often portray fictional characters. Sidenote: Garry has a great heart for spiritual seekers. Check out his book, Seeker Small Groups: Engaging Spiritual Seekers in Life-Changing Discussions.
  • Headlines remind us all too often when some evangelical leader falls into some kind of serious sin.
    • It’s always a tragedy when a brother or sister falls
    • Even worse is when it affects someone who is seeking the truth in Christ
  • Hypocrite comes from an ancient Greek word that was a technical term for a stage actor. Hypocrites are mask wearers, acting without ever acknowledging that is what they are doing. They are frauds and imposters living a lie. Ouch!
  • Another book, one that we’re using in our small group, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity, by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons uses research to show there isn’t much difference between people who claim to be Christians and the rest of the world.

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

Gandhi

In response: I am not offering you Christians, I am offering you Christ.

Akbar Abdul-Haqq

Halting Hypocrisy

Our friends are not alone in their harsh judgment of hypocrisy: Jesus often dealt with this issue. Matthew 23 records Jesus’ words about hypocrisy and directly points to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law.

  • When our friends condemn hypocrisy, they’re actually on Jesus’ side!
  • Jesus is the only perfect example–and therefore the only one who won’t disappoint us. Hebrews 4:15, John 8:46
  • The primary issue regarding the validity of Christianity is not Jesus’ followers but what he offers to those who follow him–the powerful, proven person of Jesus Christ himself.
  • Many hypocrites are only pretending to be God’s people. Titus 1:16, 2 Timothy 3:5
    • Hard to discern at times, but Jesus warned us about this from the beginning: Matthew 24:24-25
  • Hypocrisy comes in degrees–and each of us struggles with some measure of it. Romans 3:23, Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:23-24, Philippians 1:6
    • In reality, there should be no surprise that Christians are unable to live up to standards they strive to attain–no one can! We are not perfect. John 3:21
  • Jesus died on the cross to pay for and to free us from our sin–including that of hypocrisy. Don’t miss the verses after John 3:16: John 3:17-18 as well as Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:15-16.

A Personal Response

  • As genuine followers of Jesus, we ought to be able to illustrate the difference that knowing him has made in our lives without glossing over the ups and downs we face in trying to follow him.
  • Keep it real. Be vulnerable.
  • Remember the Lord disciplines those he loves. Hebrews 12:5-6, 12

Judging Judgmentalism

  1. What many people react to is a haughty and arrogant attitude that they sometimes see in others. The “holier than thou” attitude. The truth is we’re just blessed to have found what we have in Christ and are privileged to get to share it with them.
  2. Some think we should never say we’re right and somebody else is wrong. See Matthew 7:1. But Jesus clarifies this position in Matthew 7:24. We need to be discerning and not condescending. Serve one another in humility John 8:32.

Tips for Talking About This Issue

  • Be honest about the reality of Christian hypocrisy. Let the hard truth of failures stand.
  • Listen in order to understand. Listen with empathy.
  • Be transparent.
  • As appropriate for the particular situation, be vulnerable about your own struggles.
  • Redirect. Remember that the basis for evaluating Christ must be Christ, not Christians.
  • Accusations of judgmentalism need to be defined.
  • There is no place for spiritual pride in the church.

Questions for discussion

  1. Why is the hypocrisy of Christians such a hot button for unbelievers? Why do you think it bothers them so much to see Christians acting in unchristian ways?
  2. Why do unbelievers hold Christians to such high standards?
  3. Have you ever encountered a hypocritical Christian? Describe the encounter. How did that person’s hypocrisy make you feel?
  4. Why did Jesus speak so sternly about the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his day?
  5. Can you share a way you have struggled with hypocrisy? What did you do about it? Can you think of a way to utilize that experience to point people to Christ?
  6. Explain the statement, “Authentic Christ followers understand they are works in progress.” Is that a helpful description or an effort to excuse bad behavior or attitudes? How does this help you talk about the hypocrisy with unbelievers?
  7. Describe the difference between “judgmentalism” and “judging with wisdom and discernment.”
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Ten Questions: #7 – Why do you condemn homosexuality?

Complete question: Why do you condemn homosexuality when it’s clear that God made gays and that he loves all people the same?

Summary

  • The Story of Jesus’ interactions with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26) provides a helpful model for our consideration
  • Jesus modeled the need to affirm God’s love toward all people–including men and women ensnared in any kind of sexual immorality.
  • Our primary focus should be on affirming the positive model God gives us for sexual expression within a biblical marriage–one man and one woman, for life.
  • God clearly prohibits homsexual activity in the Bible, but it isn’t listed as being worse than other sins.
  • Human desire might seem natural, but that doesn’t make it right.
  • We need to explain that someone’s orientation toward or temptation by same-sex attractions is not in and of itself sin.
  • Jesus’ treatment of the woman at the well clearly demonstrates that God wants all kinds of sinners to come to him for salvation.

Introduction

  • As we seek to respond to this difficult question, we can find guidance in what Jesus did and said.
  • In the main passage for this chapter (John 4:1-26), Jesus is seen traveling through Samaria, an area the Jewish leaders avoided because they simply would not associate with those people.
  • In interesting insight from Our Daily Bread, with reference to the woman at the well, “He revealed a supernatural understanding of her unquenched thirst for life.” Jesus saw something in this woman that no one else understood because he wasn’t there to judge her, he was there to save her.

Affirming and Showing God’s Love

  • God loves all people. We should affirm God’s love for all people, regardless of their lifestyle or the particular activities or sins they may be engaged in.
  • Our actions here will speak much louder than our words

God our Savior…wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

  • Jesus reaches out to homosexual men and women–and indeed all those in the LGBTQ community–with the same kind of love and intentionality that he showed to the Samaritan woman
  • His love was radical and real. He genuinely cared.

Extending God’s Grace

  • Jesus, the quintessential evangelist, expressed a mixture of grace and truth–including truth about her moral failures.
  • Don’t focus on trying to reform people from the outside in, but rather on sharing the life-changing gospel…from the inside out.

Affirming God’s Model for Human Sexuality

  • From the beginning, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Genesis 2:24
  • How many people? Two. Which genders? One man and one woman.
  • If you are married, sexual expression between you and your spouse is encouraged and even celebrated as a gift from God. But outside of that, there are no examples of sex condoned by God. Absolutely none.

Telling the Truth About God’s Will

  • We need to lovingly tell the truth about what God says regarding sexual relations.
  • First, make clear that the Bible’s position is not based on isolated verses
  • Second, those who see this issue differently often try to explain away the texts that do seem to prohibit sex between members of the same gender.

Old Testament

New Testament

  • Since Jesus doesn’t explicitly address the issue of same-sex practices, could someone make the case that he actually endorses it just because of a lack of specific prohibition?
    • He never speaks out agains slavery, child trafficking or the oppressive occupation of his homeland by Roman authorities
    • The consistency of his message provides implicit understanding
  • Paul also provides a clear warning about same-gender sexual sin (among others): 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-11.
  • The matter-of-fact way in which Paul includes homosexuality in this list must mean people at that time were familiar with the practice.
  • Paul makes it clear that God expects us to regard these activities as a thing of the past, something we did before accepting Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Addressing a Misguided Assumption

  • Some have said, “it’s clear that God made gays,” that some people have same-sex desires. Since “God made me this way, with these desires, so he must have intended me to have and to fulfill these desires.”
  • There are major problems with this way of thinking.
    • First, all kinds of desires occur in people (food, recreation, fame, fortune, etc.). These can be from God, but taking any of them to the extreme doesn’t automatically make them appropriate.
    • Second, not every desire is from God.

Temptation Does Not Equal Sin

  • Being tempted to steal something is not the same as actually stealing
  • Temptation itself is not sin

God is Looking for True Worshipers

Making the Church a Place of Grace

God Uses Redeemed Sinners of Every Stripe

  • Turning Atheists into Missionaries
  • God seems to delight in turning unlikely candidates into uncanny instruments of his love and truth. The anti-Christian Saul became the apostle Paul.

Tips for Talking About This Issue

  • Prior to talking about this issue, try to gain Jesus’ loving perspective toward all kinds of sinful people.
  • God sent Jesus for all of us…we are all sinners.
  • Eliminate degrading humor and comments about homosexuals and the gay community–the church, small group, within your family–completely. Mittelberg actually says, “to the degree possible;” I have less empathy. Ephesians 5:4
  • This is a charged issue, remember James’ admonition (James 1:19): “you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
  • People often expect us to be uncaring. Surprise and intrigue them with your Jesus-like love “in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:16
  • Speak the truth of God’s Word without pronouncing judgment on individual people. We are all challenged by biblical principles. This is God’s revelation, not your personal opinion.
  • Emphasize the life-giving message of the gospel, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6
  • Try to help people understand the biblical perspective, but be prepared to be misunderstood. Persevere, be consistent, know that God is with you and “joy awaits” you (John 4:36).

Questions for discussion

  1. What kinds of examples have you seen from Christians in addressing issues of homosexuality? Did they emphasize truth at the expense of grace–or vice versa?
  2. How do you feel about the balance of grace and truth in your own perspective on this issue? Do you need to shore up one side or the other a bit? How can you go about doing that?
  3. What can we as Christians do if we’ve been too strong on one side of the issue, failing to live out the WWJD principle discussed at the beginning of the chapter?
  4. What are some practical things your group or your church could do to make it a more accessible and friendly place for serious spiritual seekers who are struggling with this issue?
  5. Toward the end of the passage in John 4, after the disciples came back to find Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman, they urged him to eat. Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about…My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work (John 4:32, 36). Have there been times or eras in your life when you related to Jesus’ statement? What could you do to experience that kind of era once again?
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Ten Questions: #6 – Why is abortion such an Issue?

Full question: Why is abortion such a line in the sand for Christians–why can’t I be left alone to make my own choices for my own body?

Summary

  • The opening story about a child found in a box on the road should cause us to give unborn children the benefit of the doubt and the right to life
  • We know that protecting human life is honorable and right
  • Science has shown us many individual characteristics are evident soon after conception; they are distinct human beings that deserve our loving protection
  • God created us in His own image and Jesus said we should care for “the least of these”
  • Our constitution was founded on principles that all humans were created equally (not that we’ve done a good job displaying loyalty to this opening statement!)
  • Those who have participated in abortion in the past can come to God and find His forgiveness, grace, the promise of a new life and a far better future

Introduction

Mittelberg presents a true story about Arnie Skeie finding a child in a box in the middle of the road and Arnie’s response. Arnie was driving with his young daughter when he decided to stop and take a look at the box. Fortunately for the little boy inside, Arnie made the right choice and saved a life.

The Importance of the Issue

  • Mittelberg shares the story of their first child being born almost 3 months premature, a tiny baby. He reminds us that we get to make a lot of choices about harmless actions, but no one (male or female) “has the freedom to squash another human life, no matter how small or hidden.”
  • The number of abortions every year in our country is greater than the combined number of people killed in all the wars this country has participated in. Over 50,000,000 unborn Americans have been killed in the past forty years. (See this factsheet on the National Right to Life website.)
  • The overview of abortion procedures is presented in this section…I’m not going to retype them here, simply appalling, but I appreciate the information and how it is presented.

Scientific Answers

Scientific advancements have given great insight into the entire gestation process…truly amazing! In the first four months:

  • genetically unique: all human chromosomes are in place (from day one)
  • beating heart
  • own blood type
  • eyes
  • legs
  • hands
  • fingernails
  • fingerprints
  • all internal organs
  • bones
  • teeth
  • independent brain waves

The unborn child can kick, swim, turn her head back and forth, make facial gestures, grasp objects and even have dreams.

Even the owner of Oregon’s largest abortion clinic admitted: “Of course human life begins at conception.”

Hypothetical Story Illustrates a Good Point

  • Suppose someone broke into your house, left a baby in your family room, then fled the scene. What would you do? Would you call a doctor and have the baby destroyed, thus removing the unwanted child from your home? I don’t think so! Everyone involved would be guilty of murder, even though the existence of the child was not yours, not wanted and “not your fault.”
  • See this article from 10 years ago: “Statistics show that 84 percent of women decide against an abortion after seeing an ultrasound of their baby.”
  • Former director of a Planned Parenthood clinic resigned her post and became a pro-life advocate after seeing the ultrasound image of an abortion actually in progress. “I could see the whole profile of the baby of thirteen weeks…I could see the probe…I could see the baby try to move away from the probe.”

Biblical Answers

Many people who are not Christians respect the Bible for its teaching on morals.

Civic Answers

Our Declaration of Independence includes this in the opening statements:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men.

  • Individuals matter over and above the state and therefore deserve the right of freedom and the government’s protection.
  • The U.S. Constitution declares that “no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” As a country,
    • we have failed African-Americans by denying liberty,
    • we have failed Native Americans by denying their property and
    • we continue to deny life to those unborn.
  • “We cannot afford to wait for history to prove us wrong about the unborn.” (See Link: http://amzn.com/0764220500).

If There’s Any Doubt

Perhaps we can ask this question:

In light of all the information from science, Scripture, and the civil rights due all human beings, how sure are you that this is not a human life worthy of our full protection?

Truth Plus Grace

Remember, “let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:6. We have a God that longs to forgive and heal. His grace is given in abundance! Romans 5:20

Tips for Talking About This Issue

Remember that this is a deeply personal issue for many. Follow James’ advice wisely, “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” James 1:19.

  • Use a story like the one at the beginning of this chapter to help people realize they should give unborn children a chance
  • Speak boldly, but with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15-16
  • Avoid inflammatory terms: it’s one thing to believe abortion is murder, it’s another thing to be accused of murder.
  • Remember that there is an abortion industry that has convinced many that this procedure is like removing “lumps” not an intentional act of murder
  • Remember that people will often resist changing their views on issues until God changes their hearts. Don’t make agreement on this issue a prerequisite to salvation.
  • God’s way is to “conquer evil by doing good” Romans 12:21

Questions for discussion

  1. Have you ever had an experience similar to Arnie’s? If so, did you “give the benefit of the doubt”? How did it work out?
  2. How well-known do you think the scientific data is about the amazing and early development of unborn children?
  3. Are there practical steps that should be taken to make that data better known?
  4. Reread the Psalm 139:13-17 passage. How does it make you feel about God’s attitude toward you? toward unborn children?
  5. How do you think the United States is doing in terms of applying its foundational principles of being “created equal” and “endowed with certain unalienable rights” to all human beings?
  6. What are some dos and don’ts–whether listed in this chapter, or others you can think of–that you think might help as you talk to others about this important question?
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Ten Questions: #5 – How could a good God allow so much evil, pain, and suffering — or does he simply not care?

Summary

  • Many times when people ask this question, they are in the midst of great suffering.
  • Jesus himself warned us we would all face trials and suffering; it’s important to help our friends see this truth with love.
  • As Christians, we believe in three seemingly incompatible truths — God is good, God is great, and evil is real.
  • Remember the illustration of driving in the fog by following the taillights of someone just ahead of you.
  • Evil was not created by God; instead, he gave us a choice.
  • People desire a place without suffering–and God has promised that! One day…
  • God knows about suffering: Jesus suffered in unimaginable ways.
  • God can bring good out of all kinds of evil and suffering.

The question that’s not always a question

  • Realize that when your friends are experiencing pain they are probably not asking for explanations as much as they’re looking for empathy, concern and tangible expressions of love. See James 2:15-16, 1 John 3:18-19
  • Here’s a scripted answer to consider:
    • “Well, that’s a really good question that we can talk about sometime, but I’m pretty sure what you need most right now is not a deep philosophical discussion about pain and suffering. Let’s talk about that later. For now, how can I help you get through this?”

The problem of evil

The conundrum: God is good, God is great, evil is real. How do we deal with this reality?

  • Solution 1: Deny God’s existence — and, with it, the reality of evil.
    • as soon as you throw out the idea of God, you’ve also thrown out the meaning of evil
    • C.S. Lewis: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.”
    • If all we have is a human race that evolved by chance without a God in the picture, then there is no absolute standard.
      • If there is no absolute standard, then there is no real evil.

Consequently, atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, p.45-46

  • Solution 2: Make evil part of God–thus deifying it.
    • Primarily an Eastern thought, especially Hinduism and Buddhism and through New Age teachings in the West.
    • If everything is a part of God, so is evil…the Dark Side of the force.
  • Solution 3: Diminish God’s power
    • This teaches that God himself is a growing, changing being who is caught up in the struggle against evil, and he has only the power of persuasion to aid him in his efforts to, hopefully, win out one day over it
    • There are major problems with this teaching!
  • Solution 4: Diminish God’s goodness
    • Some suggest that God knows about evil and has the power to vanquish it, but apparently doesn’t care enough to deal with it.
    • During bad times it’s easy to forget the good things that God has provided.

Living in the Tension

  • There is a God — One who is good, who is great and who nevertheless allows real evil in our world for a season and for his greater purposes.
  • It’s wise to admit we don’t have a simplistic solution

Addressing the question with our friends

  1. First point of light: the world is as Jesus predicted John 16:33
  2. Second point of light: evil was not created or caused by God. Real love can never be forced.
  3. Third point of light: the cause behind most suffering is human. We live in a world where people do what they want to do, and therefore all kinds of sin, abuse, and damage occur. God didn’t want any of this and he warns us against it all.
  4. Fourth point of light: we live in a fallen world. Romans 8:19-21.
  5. Fifth point of light: God will finally judge evil. 2 Peter 3:9.
  6. Sixth point of light: God suffered too. Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16.
  7. Seventh point of light: God can bring good out of bad. Romans 8:28.
  • He can use pain to deepen our character (Romans 5:3-4).
  • He can use pain to reshape us as his sons and daughters (Hebrews 12:10-11).
  • He can use pain to give us a more spiritual and eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
  • He can use pain to protect us from ourselves.
  • He can use pain to grab our attention and teach or redirect us in ways that will be important in our lives.
  • He can use pain to lead us to himself.

Tips for Talking About This Issue

  • Remember that many times people’s questions are not really questions, but cries for help. Pray for wisdom and discernment, but lean toward the side of listening and serving.
  • Don’t overreact when your friends blurt out some strong feelings about God or their faith. Remember, “Skeptics argue with each other, but true believers argue with God.” (See Psalm 13)
  • It’s better to admit you don’t know what to say or to say nothing.
  • Don’t tell people that loved ones died because “God must have needed them in heaven” or “This must have been God’s will.”
  • It’s rarely appropriate to quote Romans 8:28 to people in pain; rather, encourage them and love, support and serve them.
  • Remember that prayer is almost always an appropriate response.
  • Don’t underestimate the encouragement and influence you can have on people’s lives by simply being there to love and serve them.

Questions for discussion

  1. Why do people tend to not think about God when their lives are going well, but then blame him when bad things happen?
  2. How would you describe to someone “the problem of good?”
  3. Why is it difficult for people to reconcile the three truths that God is good, God is great, and evil is real? Have you ever struggled with any of these?
  4. Why does the denial of God leave us with no absolute standards? Why is a standard for judging good and evil vital for life in this world?
  5. What does it mean to you that God offers a choice–to love and follow him or to not love and follow him? How does that affect your approach in talking to friends about this question?
  6. How do the words not yet apply to God’s dealing with evil and suffering in the world?
  7. Describe a time when God brought “good out of bad” in your own experience or in the life of someone close to you.
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Ten Questions: #4 – Wasn’t he a wise teacher, why try to make Jesus into the Son of God?

Summary

  • Many people believe Jesus was given a “divine promotion” after his crucifixion that he never claimed for himself.
  • Contrary to that belief, the dramatic explosion of devotion to Jesus points back to his teachings as the source.
  • The New Testament record affirms that Jesus was believed to be the Messiah and that Jesus’ followers trusted in him, prayed to him and worshiped him as such.
  • Jesus made multiple claims to equality with the Father, and he never sought to change the perceptions of his listeners.
  • Jesus predicted that all his claims would be proven by his death and resurrection.

Introduction

  • The beginning of this chapter is quite interesting as Mittelberg takes time to describe how followers of Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise know as the Buddha, was transformed from a “spiritual guide with unique insights and wisdom” into a movement that became a major world religion.
  • Gautama did not want to be considered as a divine person, in fact, he was actually not interested in discussing the existence of God at all, but many Buddhists today treat the Buddha as deity and worship him as such.
  • The belief that Jesus was just a good teacher has been around a long time. Thomas Jefferson notoriously cut up a copy of the New Testament to remove all references to Jesus’ miracles or his divinity. Many people take this approach today.
  • Muslims claim he was a great prophet, but assert he would never claim to be the Son of God.
  • Jews consider him a great teacher, but certainly NOT the Messiah.
  • Even some who profess to be Christians gravitate toward this position—this is a dangerous and slippery slope.

An Explosion of Devotion to Jesus

  • The common claim today is that belief in Jesus as a unique, divine person evolved over the first three centuries, not while eyewitnesses were still alive. Yet as it turns out, the best historical scholarship shows that simply is not the case.
  1. First of all, every New Testament writer refers to Jesus as the “Christ,” or Messiah; they were proclaiming that Jesus was the preeminent Priest-King sent by God to fulfill his promises.
  2. Second and Third, the earliest and the latest New Testament authors alike use the most exalted titles and divine honors for Jesus; there was consistency.

Here’s the key point to remember: there never was a time when the earliest community of followers of Jesus did not regard him as far, far more than a good teacher.

Just who did Jesus think he was?

  • Jesus referred to himself as “the Son of Man” eighty-two times in the four Gospels (even more than the “Christ”).
  • This refers back to Daniel 7:13-14, where Daniels foresees “one like a son of man” being given all power and dominion.

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

62 “I am,” said Jesus.  “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

  • This couples the title, “Son of Man” with the prophecy in Daniel and the frequent occurrences in the New Testament.
  • The reaction of the Pharisees confirms Jesus’ claim.
  • There are numerous examples of Jesus’ adding to the teaching with “but I say…”
  • What’s interesting is that in all these cases Jesus had ample opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings about what he was really saying, but he did not. Instead he reinforced his claim to be the Son of God, true deity, and equal in nature to God the Father.

Evidence that Jesus’ claims are true

  • Just what was it the convinced Jesus’ followers he was the Messiah?
  • His death, which no one disputes, provides convincing evidence. But it was his resurrection that changed everything.
  • Christianity did no begin with a group of people trying to remember and follow Jesus’ teachings, it began with the belief that God resurrected him from the dead.
  • Jesus told them in advance that he would die and then be resurrected by God

Reasons for believing the reality of the resurrection

Three facts to conclude that the Resurrection is an actual historical event:

  1. No responsible historian denies that Jesus died on a Roman cross
  2. The tomb in which Jesus’ body had been buried was found empty
  3. People had experiences that thy were convinced were encounters with Jesus

Tips for Talking About This Issue

  • Remember that many opinions are based on incomplete information as well as fictional sources such as novels, movies and TV shows. Encourage them to take time to look into these matters, even to read the Gospels as a starting point.
  • Beyond the Bible, here are some good books to consider:
  • Remember the Gospels are at the very least a reliable historical record about the life and teachings of Jesus. Our friends can respect and learn from the Gospel report without first having to decide whether the Gospels are the inspired Word of God.
  • Even if our friends are skeptical, it’s good to encourage them to keep an open mind and even to approach this with a simple prayer.
  • It’s important to remember, and to impress gently upon our friends, that if Jesus is who he claimed to be, then understanding and embracing what he taught is a really big deal.

Questions for discussion

  1. What did you believe about Jesus as you grew up? Have your views changed? If so, why?
  2. What is the most convincing evidence for you that Jesus truly is the Son of God, deity incarnate in humanity?
  3. What are the most serious challenges you’ve heard to the teaching that Jesus really is God in human flesh? What did you do (or can you do) to address those challenges and bolster your own confidence?
  4. How might your answer to the previous question prepare you to help your friends understand the reality of who Jesus is?
  5. Imagine you’re in a conversation with a friend who, after some discussion, finally acknowledges that Jesus seems to be more than a man and probably is the Son of God. What could you say next to help your friend take steps toward actually receiving Christ at as his or her own Savior?
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Ten Questions: #3 – Why trust the Bible?

Summary

The opening story in this chapter depicts what appears to be a conflicting account of a tragic accident. This is ultimately resolved to show how both parts of the story were correct and sets the stage for improving our understanding of how the gospel accounts are told from different perspectives and how this actually gives us more understanding, not less.

Seven examples are provided, each with some insight that helps us understand how we can be confident in the validity of Scripture. Here are a few key ideas:

  • We should begin by realizing that we’re only getting limited perspectives on the story—with an incomplete listing of the details from eyewitnesses
  • Suspend judgment, live with the tension of differing accounts, trust the integrity of both people and seek to discover more information
  • Key point: During the centuries before the printing presses, scribes could—BUT DID NOT—artificially harmonize variations in the Gospels.
  • Published Resources: The Big Book of Bible Difficulties (Baker Books, 2008) and New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties (Zondervan, 2001).

Often people who raise issues are repeating rumors, but don’t know any specifics, just “sound bites” from news or social media. This approach is used to avoid actually learning the truth (which takes time and effort). Study the facts and get the whole story.

We can take a positive approach by showing that

  1. The New Testament is a reliable historical document
  2. The historical record presents Jesus as the unique Son of God
  3. Jesus, the Son of God and therefore the One with real authority, taught that the whole Bible is the inspired Word of God.

Real Questions or Spiritual Smoke Screens?

  • Quite often people are just blowing smoke. Considering asking, “I’m curious, which ones bother you the most? What mistakes and contradictions have you found?”
  • Gently ask them if there may be some reason they’re hoping that the Bible isn’t true. “Is there something in your life you’re afraid you’d have to change or give up in the Bible turns out the be what it claims—the Word of God?”

Myths About Bible Myths

There is growing skepticism in our culture as news reports on moral failures, scams, etc. This actually creates misinformation and people don’t often take time to investigate the issues for themselves.

Objection #1: The Bible is very old and was written by gullible, illiterate people; therefore, we can’t trust it.

Discerning the Truth. The truth is that societies in any age have both gullible as well as discerning people.

Telling the Truth. Many people lost their lives because of their associations with Christianity. Who dies for something they know is false? Nobody.

Objection #2: The Bible was written too far after the events actually happened to be considered reliable.

Early Creed. Matthew and John were written by two of the original twelve disciples; Mark by the “secretary” of Peter. Luke was a companion of Paul, a kind of first century “investigative reporter.” Like the others, he wrote his account well within the life span of the companions of Jesus.

Not Just “The Bible Tells Me So” There are non-biblical sources that corroborate events of the early Christians.

Objection #3: Even if it was accurate at first, the Bible was copied and translated so many times that it surely has been corrupted.

The Facts About Translation. Most people don’t really think about why they have this objection. Today’s modern translations come directly from the ancient texts, not intermediary translations.

Communication in the Ancient World. In an oral culture, people knew how to accurately retell stories; that’s how they communicated. The New Testament has some 20,000 lines of text, and of those, only about 40 lines are in question—none of which affect doctrinal issues.

Objection #4: The Bible has stories that sound like myths; maybe there is truth in there somewhere, like in Aesop’s fables, but you certainly can’t call it true in a historic sense.

Oddly enough, many who object to the Bible would support the idea of the Big Bang theory…that sounds pretty open minded! (Genesis would support this theory as well.)

Those in Jesus day didn’t argue that he performed miracles, they objected to him doing them on the Sabbath.

Objection #5: The New Testament consists of carefully chosen books, banning others that shed light on the real Jesus of history.

The simple truth is this: all those so-called gospels are much, much later than the Gospels in the New Testament. By contrast, the New Testament was completed by the apostles (or those they approved).

Objection #6: How can one religious book be right and all the others wrong? Isn’t it more likely all contain some truth, and all contain some error?

The Bible goes far beyond giving good advice: It teaches us about a Savior, about the need to rely on his righteousness instead of our own.

The Bible has predictive prophecy, which was later fulfilled—to the letter.

Jesus’ crucifixion was described in detail before Roman crucifixion was even invented.

Objection #7: Since ancient mystery religions taught tales of dying and rising gods, isn’t it likely Christians borrowed those ideas and invented a Jesus who claimed to do similar things?

Another reference to the fictional work, The Da Vinci Code, suggests that these ideas were projected into the Gospels. However, these ideas we refuted long before Dan Brown wrote his book. See: The Gospel and the Greeks: Did the New Testament Borrow from Pagan Thought?

Objection #8: Since you can make the Bible say anything you want it to say, why should we give it any special credence? Doesn’t it all come down to subjective opinion, anyway?

This objection points to a real danger—our subjective opinions.

On a daily basis, people reinterpret the law to make it say what they want it to say (e.g., taxes and traffic tickets).

We cannot alter Scripture to suit ourselves. Instead, we need to humbly let the text alter us.

The Positive Case

  1. The New Testament is, at minimum, a reliable historical record
  2. The historical record presents Jesus as the unique Son of God
  3. Jesus, the Son of God, taught that the Bible is the inspired Word of God

Tips for Talking About This Issue

  • When people question the Bible, don’t take it personally, don’t get defensive
  • Not understanding something in the Bible means you’re in good company, even Paul is quoted by Peter saying that, “some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16).
  • The Bible is a big book! No one can master it all!
  • Remember that people have been reading the Bible for centuries and it’s still being debated
  • Suggest that they read one book (e.g., Mark or Luke) and jot down questions as they go. Agree to walk with them through the journey. Be patient.

Questions for discussion

  1. Have you ever been in a discussion with an unbeliever who argued against the validity of the Bible? How did you respond?
  2. Can you think of a time when two people recounted the same event—with two seemingly different scenarios? What is the best way to get at the real picture of what happened? How might this help you explain the so-called contradictions in the Gospel accounts?
  3. Have you ever seen someone use arguments against the Bible as a smoke screen to avoid the implications of its teachings in his or her life? How did you respond, or how might you in the future?
  4. The chapter quoted Mark Twain as saying, “It ain’t those parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.” What are some examples of biblical teachings that might intimidate people?
  5. Why do you think books that are critical of the Bible, such as The Da Vinci Code, have such an impact on people’s opinions? How can you become better prepared to face these challenges?
  6. In the past, how have you faced questions you’ve had about the Bible? What has most helped you?
  7. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). How do these words affect your own commitment to learn and study Scripture?
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Ten Questions: #2 – Didn’t Evolution put God out of a job?

Summary

From Dawkins we read,

“Today the theory of evolution is about as much open to doubt as the theory that the earth goes around the sun” (The Selfish Gene, 1976) and “It is absolutely safe to say that if you meet somebody who claims not to believe in evolution, that person is ignorant, stupid or insane (or wicked, but I’d rather not consider that).” (Ignorance is no Crime, 2001).

  • The evidence for a creator is actually much more compelling than for a universe without one.
  • Evolution does not define the “trunk”, how “that being first came to life was beyond the scope of Darwin’s focus. Its existence was obviously implied, but never really explained.”
  • Things do change over time, no one denies that microevolution occurs.
  • If life began out of the proverbial primordial soup, where did the ingredients and recipe originate?

Three unaccounted for building blocks for Darwin’s theory:

  1. Matter matters.  The formation of a universe in which all organic life would reside along with the “ingredients” it would consist of;
  2. the origin of the first life itself;
  3. the encoding of information that makes all organic life possible.

Matter matters:

  • To say evolution started on its own is a huge leap.  “Randomly, without cause or purpose or outside help of any kind, it arranged itself into the exact elements and order necessary to cause self-replicating and upwardly evolving life to suddenly leap into existence.”
  • It’s possible to name an event (Big Bang, etc.) without explaining how or why it happened.
  • “Science and religion…are friends, not foes, in the common quest for knowledge” (Quarks, Chaos and Christianity, 1994)
  • In her 2010 study, Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think, Ecklund found 50% of the 1700 scientists were religious.
  • Science doesn’t have to be an atheistic endeavor. The Big Bang is a great argument for the existence of God, not against it! The fine-tuning (chapter 1) provides evidence that “has convinced spiritual skeptics that there must be an intelligent designer behind the physical universe; in fact, this evidence was instrumental in form atheist Patrick Glynn’s concluding that God does exist. (GOD: The Evidence)

The Origin of the First Life

  • Biochemist Klaus Dose concludes, “More than 30 years of experimentation on the origin of life in the fields of chemical and molecular evolution have led to a better perception of the immensity of the problem of the origin of life on Earth rather to its solution.
  • Mathematicians studying the fossil records conclude that life emerged suddenly and abundantly–bam! Even the simplest protein molecule requires immensely precise construction. Odds of this happening is 1 in 1×10^125
  • As Christians, I think we have a better explanation for that “random” occurrence.

The Origin of Information

How could nature, without intelligent guidance, take the massive informational jumps needed for life to originate?

  • Francis Collins, Human Genome Project (mapped the entire DNA sequence of the human species), describes DNA like this: “text…3 billions letters long, and written in a strange and cryptographic 4-letter code…that a live reading of that code at a rate of 3 letters per second would take 31 years.” Such a revelation prompted Collins to name his book, The Language of God.
  • The “Even if” approach
    • All three of these points powerfully demonstrate, from a scientific perspective, the need for an intelligent designer.  I don’t think we necessarily have to change people’s minds about evolution itself in order to lead them to faith in Jesus.
    • In fact, trying to do so can actually put up an additional barrier for someone who might have been otherwise ready to hear and respond to the gospel message.

Remember, it’s not our job to change their minds about every conceivable question or topic we might discuss.  Making disciples comes first, then the ongoing teaching.

Differing Christian Views

  1. Young Earth Creationism.
  2. Progressive Creationism (Old Earth Creationism)
  3. Theistic Evolution (Fully Gifted Creation)
  • Timothy Keller writes, “Since Christians occupy different positions on both the meaning of Genesis 1 and on the nature of evolution, those who are considering Christianity as a whole should not allow themselves to be distracted by this intramural debate.” (The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism).
  • For the Record: Darwin’s theory depends on God.
    • The fingerprints of God are all around us, the common thread all points back to His intelligent design
    • Over 150 years of research since “The Origin of Species” has yet to close any of the huge gaps in the theory.

Questions for discussion

  1. Why do people tend to separate God and science as if the two cannot coexist?
  2. The theory of evolution is just that–a theory that has never been proven in all its claims. Why, then, do so many people treat it as fact?
  3. Some have said that it takes more faith to believe that there isn’t an intelligent designer than to believe that there is one. What information from the chapter would support this statement?
  4. This chapter describes three “missing elements” that have to be in place for Darwin’s theory to even be a theoretical possibility: the origin of the universe (and all matter), the origin of the first living organism, and the encoding of information in DNA. Which of these could you best use to point your friends to God?
  5. React to the statement, “Our goal…is to lead friends to faith–not to initially change their minds about every conceivable question or topic we might discuss with them.” What other social or scientific topics might this relate to? In what ways can Christians focus on Jesus and salvation first?
  6. Briefly describe the differences between Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism and Theistic Evolution.  How can we move past these differences when we talk to our friends who don’t know Christ?
  7. How would you describe the problems in the fossil records related to evolution?
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