Tough Questions Part 1

I recently received the following letter from a sincere member of our church. I think her questions are excellent and very thought provoking with deep implications. What I'd like to do is share my responses to each of her questions over several posts and get your feedback. Let's begin with the letter and my initial response:

I am 18 an have been a member of Seacoast for about a year or so. I am looking for some answers to some big issues I am struggling with. My boyfriend and I are both Christians, but we are at a crossroads right now and though we believe in God, Jesus, and WANT to believe in Christianity, we are struggling.

First off, we started reading the old testament and a good bit doesn't make sense. For example, in the story of Job, towards the end God starts to talk about a fire breathing dragon. Another example, I do not remember the specific book, but a woman looked back and was "turned to a pillar of salt."

In addition, God does not seem like the same God in the old testament as he does in the new testament. But I don't know how that is possible, if God is all knowing, then he would know what would work in managing his people and what wouldn't work so I do not understand why or how he would have to change his ways.

My last problem is my biggest problem. I have a great friend who is Muslim. He is an incredible man, he is very faithful to his religion and the God he knows. I just can not believe that a just God would send him to hell for picking the wrong religion. That is not just to me. I am quite aware of people saying that everyone has a opportunity to be exposed to Christianity and therefore if they do not choose it, it is there fault for not going to heaven. But I can not believe in that and I know you can not just pick which parts of Christianity you want to believe so I do not know how to continue being a Christian. If I grew up in another country with a different religion and culture, I am sure I would grow to believe in that religion just as I have grown to believe in Christianity. And as a Christian if somebody was to tell me that being Muslim is correct I would disagree and not change my ways. So why should people who were raised differently and taught to believe in something different just instantly hear about Christianity and convert. I do not feel that is even slightly reasonable. They think that the God they worship is correct and they live by their standards and try to serve the best they can...clearly there is only one God, so will that God tell those people too bad, you should have listened to the Christians, now go spend eternity in hell. Because under NO condition is that just in my mind. I feel a just God would judge your heart and my friend, who does not think Christianity is right, would not have to spend eternity in hell because he practiced what his culture taught him, and did the best to serve God the way he knew and THOUGHT was right. His intention is to get the same place, he just thinks there is a different way to get there. Does he really deserve to suffer for eternity for that?

I know this is a lot. But me nor my boyfriend can not seem to find answers, especially regarding this last issue. So I don't know what to do. I can't continue to consider myself a Christian if I don't believe in everything about it. I want to be a Christian and I am hoping I am ignorant and misinterpreting but if I am not misinterpreting, I do not think I can go on.

Here is the Part 1 of my response:

Thanks for your email. You raise some great questions and I commend you for thinking through these issues. I think all Christians have to wrestle with these kinds of questions as they find what faith really means. While I know I can’t adequately answer these questions in an email, hopefully I can give you some more food for thought.

Before I tackle the issues you have raised let me challenge you to do some homework. Faith is such an important part of life (I would argue that it is the point of life) that it is worth spending some time really investigating the truth. Having said that I would recommend that you read these three books as you wrestle with these questions:

Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory A Boyd
In this book Boyd shares and exchange of letters he and his father engaged in over a period of several years. Many of the topics you raise below are addressed in a very understandable format.

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
Coming from the viewpoint of an agnostic reporter Strobel tackles some of the toughest issues of Christian faith through interviews with experts in a wide-range of fields 

More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell
McDowell looks specifically at the claims and evidence of Christ and what they mean for us 

All of these books are available on Amazon or at the Seacoast bookstore. I recommend that you read each book and find a mature Christian who would be willing to further discuss what you read and the questions you have. If you cannot find someone let me know; I can hook you up.

Here are my questions:

1. Is it a good idea to ask people struggling with faith to do some homework? Why or why not?

2. Are these good resources to offer?

3. What other resources would you ask someone to read.

Tomorrow I'll post my answer to her first question, why is the Old Testament so hard to comprehend?

Comments

[Fern]

My response in simplistic terms:

Every Word of God is true and right. God is Sovreign, and is a Holy and Just God without exception or question. Because He loves us, He laid out a plan of salvation and gave each of us free will to decide to accept or reject Him. He alone is the Almighty, Righteous Judge. She complains that God is judging, yet she is judging God - who made her queen of heaven?

They each need to pray and seek His face before reading the Word, and they also need to be sincere in their respective relationships with Him. It seems that this couple is far more inclined to be in agreement with each other than they are with His Word. They must ACCEPT Christ, which means acceptance of His Word through FAITH, which is with or without understanding or even agreement. We cannot serve two masters, we must serve the One and hate the other. God is a Spirit, and we must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth - the only real truth is the Word, not hers, the boyfriends or even mine.

They must fully surrender their hearts to God first, then each other, not to all people everywhere for whatever reasons seem right. They need to take their focus off of 'Christianity,' whateverall that is. Where is that in the Bible? Whose definition of Christianity is right? From what she says, she idolizes 'opinions,' including her own, far more than she consults the Word of God. Therefore her faith is really in what SHE THINKS is right, not what God's Word says.

It does not seem as if she is receiving any ingrafted teaching whatsoever at this church, but thank God she is in pursuit of truth. The bible says, 'they that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.' I pray that her hunger is ever-increasing, as God will direct her paths and guide her into all truth. God bless!

[phil_style]

I persaonlly think that reading orthodox(ish) apologetics isn't going to get this young lady very far. Apologetic repsonses to these kinds of questions usually rely on elaborate mental gymnastics whihc can often appear contrived, and unless watertight are often unsatisfying.

I would actually suggets to her that Chrsitianity might be a broader velief system than she realises. That different christians have found very differnet responded to these questions. While I don't necessarily agree with all theologies and interpretations of the Bible it gives me greta comfort to kow that there are many facets to the faith and it's not a matter of simply believing one interpretation or throwing the whole thing out just becasue one finds that interpretation distasteful for some reason later on.

[Mark]

You make an excellent point concerning some of the tenets of world religions. While some would like to portray Christianity as a religion of narrow-minded bigots, it doesn't take long for someone to see that most of the other world religions are just as devoted to their own basic beliefs, too.

[Mark]

While I wouldn't claim to have detailed knowledge of the Muslim religion, I do find it interesting that this young woman's struggle seems to be with her Muslim friend and the issue of Hell. As far as I understand the basic tenants of Islam, they believe in a literal Hell and if this young woman does not choose to follow Allah, she will be damned. It may be helpful for this young woman to understand the basic tenants of world religions once she becomes stronger in her understanding of the claims of Christ.

[Leon Alderman]

I would also ask her to read the entire Old Testament. As she reads it, she is to highlite in one color all the verses dealing with God's love and mercy. In another color she is to highlite all that deal with God's wrath. Upon completion she should take her thumb and fan the OT. As she sees the pages speed by I would like for her to tell me if there is a different God in the OT and NT.

[Mark]

I am a little concerned about this young Christian's boy friend. Why does she keep on mentioning him? How is this relevant to the questions she's asking? Maybe its not.

Here is my quick answer to her question about going to hell because you believe in the wrong religion. Jesus warned that following the path that everyone else is following is never the right idea. So following american culture gets you to the same place as following Muslim culture. Religion has no ability to usher in God's kingdom. A careful reading of the gospels, and Jesus's hatred of the religious leaders of his day, makes this abundantly clear.

Ergo - it simply doesn't matter if you believe in the wrong religion because religion does not save.

So what does? Carefully read the book of Romans in the new testament. Here is my outline of the first 3 chapters:

1. A righteousness from God has been revealed - in the Gospel (1:1-16)

2. God is upset with every kind of wickedness of the non-religious (1:18-31)

3. God is even more upset with the religious because they are hypocrites who do the same things the non-religious do (chapter 2) In fact, sometimes the non-religious do the right thing even though they don't go to church.

4. Actually, no one is righteous. Religious or Not religious. American or Iraq. No one. Not even Mother Theresa. (Rom 3). There is no difference between religious people and non-religious people (Rom 3:22 right before the famous Rom 3:23)

Anyway - I believe that the New Testament is talking much more about how to have Jesus be boyfriend #1 rather than another "do this and don't do that" religious system. I would encourage an intense study of this theme in the Bible - maybe starting with Romans, but one of the gospels would do just as well.

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and soul." (Deut 4:29)

"But seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matt 6:33)

[Korey]

As a pro-intellectual Christian, as it seems this woman and her boyfriend are attempting to be, it seems as though these books, although good, may not answer the questions she is asking. But the "homework" is a good idea, the divine wisdom, created by God before the foundations of the earth is beautifully drawn in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and it is a shame that most evangelicals neglect to acknowledge this aspect and its connection to our lifelong devotion to developing our God given right to think.
As for the sources, I have read all three, and have some hesitancies. Strobel does not approach the book as an agnostic, and his findings are limited, I think, because he lacks a holistic approach to his case. The McDowell book is not going to be adequate either. Miller's Blue Like Jazz, although oddly attractive, really doesn't wrestle with the questions this girl is having. My personal opinion is that it is his 4th best book. I would point her to Searching for God knows what. Also, have her read the Qu'ran, and see it's similarity with the Bible, Old Testament and New.
I would also suggest, Knowing the Unknowable God, how faith strives on Divine Myster by James Lucas. It uses halakic(sp) reasoning to attempt and answer the apparent paradoxes surrounding God in scripture. Also, Understanding the Bible, by Stephen Harris.
And not to argue about semantics, but it doesn't sound like this girl is struggling in her faith, but thriving to solidify it, as we all should.

[Jared]

I feel a just God would judge your heart...

First and foremost, I would explain the gospel to her. God is just and apart from the atoning work of Jesus, we will be judged on the basis of what is in our heart. But this isn't good news for either her or her Muslim friend. Even of the best person who ever lived, except for Christ, it is still true that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked..." Her friend doesn't deserve hell for 'picking the wrong religion,' but for living in rebellion against God, just as we all do. The good news of Christ is that he has borne the wrath of God against sin in our place. Until she grasps that - that salvation is by grace, and not a reward for picking the right religion or doing your best to serve God in the way that you know is right - God, in both the Old and New Testaments will seem cruel and arbitrary. She will never grasp that Old Testament without reading it in light of the cross, and that's where I think I would start.

[Mark T]

John Burke in "No Perfect People Allowed: creating a COME AS YOU ARE culture in the CHURCH" treats the question of the Muslim friend in chapter 7, What about other religions? The tolerance Litmus test-Q1.

The whole book is worth a read.

[Warren Kelly]

I think it's a good thing to show people who are struggling how to get the answers they're looking for. I know that I learn a lot more by looking into things for myself than I do just sitting and having someone give me their answers.

[bobby]

I agree with your thought on Mere Christianity. Hard read. Had a friend who came to Christ who was super analytical, fan of Carl Sagan, and needed some well thought out deep answers. He ate up Mere Christianity in no time and loved it.

Most people, though...I think it's a tough one to get through.

Great answers though! And I look forward to seeing what else you had to say!

[Marie]

I personally like Finding Faith and Velvet Elvis.

[Paul J.]

I'd also recommend Strobel's newest, "The Case For The Real Jesus". Very appropriate stuff for current questions about who He is.

[Peter Hamm]

Great resources! IN that order! It's a great idea to make these great folks do some homework... because they really WANT to.

Keeping in relationship with them is key, too.

[Scott]

I love the suggestion of homework and think the books you suggested would be a huge help, especially if she has someone who she can turn to for questions that will arise. As far as "Mere Christianity" I personally feel that is a hard read for a new believer.
To answer her questions about other religions one suggestion I would make is to get a copy of Naeem's testiomny and share that with her. I feel it is the truth of someone who was in that situation.

[Geoff Surratt]

Chris: Great insight! I agree that true life change always happens in relationship. Hopefully I'll be able to help her connect.

Darrell: I haven't heard of that book, I'll check it out. Thanks.

Brock: Thanks, good stuff

Bill: Great suggestion on the Life Application Bible. That's where I go for a lot of my answers.

[Bill]

I commend you for searching and questioning. I truly believe that God is fighting for your heart. Faith by definition is believing in the things you can't see. We all have questions that we can't answer with our own understanding.

I think the suggestions given so far are excellent. I also struggle with the old testament understanding but try to put it in the right perspective of its time and the fact that it was before Christ.

I would recommend that search for wisdom and there is no better place to go than to Proverbs - read a chapter everyday - if it is the first of the month, read Chapter 1 and continue this approach everyday. I also suggest that you focus on the new testament first and then go back to the old testament. I have found a Life Applications Bible to be very helpful in my walk with Christ.

Christ wants to develop an on-going and growing relationship with you. Be sure to do that through daily prayer (ask Him for help and wisdom)and be sure to go deeper in your relationship with Him - use Seacoast resources to help you. There is no more important choice that you will make than to chose between Christ and Satan: between light and darkness.

[Brock]

on the comment of people going to hell for believing in a different religion, I think the attitude is what makes it so harsh and unloving. Being a believer in Christ isn't a guideline that God decided to draw up so certain people could go to heaven and others to hell. Because of Christ our sinful soul is made righteous in the eyes of God; this is what allows us to spend eternity with Him - grace. If someone does not receive Christ, their own righteousness is never enough to stand before a perfect God; no matter how much good things the person does. But the attitude of saying," You're not a Christian; therfore, you're not good enough" is judgemental and condemning in nature. That's not what God is. God is trying to save the world, but because of sin and our own free will, He can't force people to love Him or believe in Him. And while it is a tragedy, and I mean that, it would be even more unfair for God to make any one person believe or love Him. What does it mean for everyone to go to heaven if no one loves the God who waits for them there? I hope this point of view helps in some way.

[Darrell Brace]

I believe storytelling and categorized answers come together in Art Lindsley's "C.S. Lewis's Case for Christ: Insights from Reason, Imagination, and Faith." It's like a mix of Strobel with stories from Lewis's life all in a dialogue format between fictional characters that make up several different views of faith and religion.
I'll second Chris though with the need for a relationship to develop between this woman and someone that would continue to encourage her as she seeks truth.
Putting it in their hands is key

[Chris Russo]

Geoff, if she is willing to sit down with somebody, I think it's a combination of resources and answers but also relationship. I've found that in most cases, intellectual issues with the faith are typically only an offshoot of deeper heart questions that can only be addressed in the context of relationship. Then you can go through a book together and really figure out what the core issues are. The key is finding the right person for the job.

Hope this helps....

Chris Russo

[Geoff Surratt]

Dee: Blue Like Jazz is a great suggestion. I like my answers more categorized, but I would imagine the average seeker would connect more to the story telling of Miller. Thanks.

[Dee]

Personally I recommend, The Case for Christ and Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz. These books seem to travel the path that a lot of Seekers are traveling. Some of the kids (younger then we are) in our life read Blue Like Jazz and are now attending Seacoast and signed up for Baptism. The Case For Christ is a great book for the intellectuals looking for answer. It may be a little intimidating for others and Blue Like Jazz is a easier read.

[Geoff Surratt]

Rick: I haven't read Finding Faith, I'll check it out. I love C.S. Lewis, but sometimes I wonder if he is too challenging for some?

Joey: I agree, my answers won't work for you until they become your answers.

Betsy: I like Paul Little as well. Do you think Little is a good recomendation for a seeker or more for a Christian defending the faith?

[Betsy]

I think it's a great idea to suggest homework, especially in a case like this, where the young lady has obviously spent a lot of time and thought on her questions. However, she has asked the questions that are most typical of seekers, and it's not unreasonable to ask her to educate herself on the basics rather than relying on the wisdom of another for all of her info.

I am not familiar with the Boyd or McDowell book, although I've read McDowell's Evidence that Demands a Verdict (too complicated for most seekers, in my opinion). I like Strobel's books and Paul Little's books on the basics of what/why we believe.

[joey svendsen]

i second Mere Christianity. ...and i agree with the stance of having them search through some of their answers. i think it's a balance. we are asked to be ready to give an answer to unbelievers as to why we have our hope, but they also won't find unless THEY seek.