What should Christians think of the study and use of psychology and psychiatry?
Faith Q&As
How many times will God forgive me and take me back again? I’m a Christian, but my walk with the Lord has been an on-and-off thing for a number of years. There have been many occasions when I’ve walked away from the Lord only to return to Him again after falling on my face and …
Why is God so angry in the Old Testament and so loving in the New?
What does the Bible mean when it says we are created “in God’s image” (Genesis 1:27)?
Why should I “submit” to a government that I believe is moving in the wrong direction? I love my country and want to cooperate with the political system, but I’m struggling to understand what the Bible says on this subject. How in the world can the apostle Paul tell Christians to submit to the authorities …
Is it “un-Christian” to serve as a public official? I’ve always had a strong desire to inject my Christian beliefs and values into the culture by playing an active role in public life. But a Christian friend of mine thinks this is wrong. He says I shouldn’t assume that the United States is a “Christian …
Will Focus on the Family’s family advice help me if I’m not a Christian? I’ve been listening to some of your radio shows, and I’m intrigued by your guests’ unique insights into the nuts and bolts issues of family life. There’s just one problem: I don’t consider myself a believer and doubt I ever will. …
Why is God so “hit-or-miss” in the way He responds to our petitions for His miraculous intervention? When my son was born with a heart defect and needed open-heart surgery, our prayers were answered miraculously. But when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, his condition deteriorated steadily in spite of the constant intercession of family, …
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 …
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?
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 …
