For all Christians out there, what are the hardest questions that you struggle with

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

You are referring to the part that discourages women from leading a church?

Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left, he had the two women lead the church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If there’s a God, how do you explain:

Kids suffering and dying of cancer

The tsunami that killed 200k people in Thailand and Indonesia

Does he just not care?

So the question of suffering is a common question and one that’s hard to grasp. Bad things happen because of sin, which was caused by the Fall. While God does care for everyone, He’s not going to stop all suffering because there is sin. It may seem cruel that God doesn’t stop bad things from happening to bad people, especially children. But we have to remember that this life is temporary. Christians believe in life after death. In heaven, there will be no suffering for eternity. Bad things happen now, but we must endure it and look to a future in heaven. Some bad things are a trial by God to test those to see how much faith they have in His promise that good will triumph in the end

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

Homosexuality is a sin in gods eyes. As are many of the things we ALL do on a daily basis. The good news is that this is why we have Jesus! Thanks Jesus!!!

I truly do not think this is true. There are a lot of thoughtful theologians who think homosexuality is not a sin, the passages generally used to oppose it can be understood in more than one way. I think Jesus would have us read the Bible in terms of how to love greatly and selflessly.

I don't expect to change PP's mind, but want any LGBTQ readers to know there are churches that will welcome and value you as you are.

It’s because we love people that we tell them what things are wrong and will hurt them, even if they don’t see the long term effects. When parents scold children for doing wrong, it is out of love, because we don’t want them to repeat the same mistakes that we all have made. Love isn’t always about telling you that everything you’re doing is okay or acceptable, it’s about caring about people’s well being and their eternal future. I want as many people as possible to go to heaven, that’s why I tell them the truth, even if it hurts. Because I care about them and love them. Like what Jesus preached

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

Homosexuality is a sin in gods eyes. As are many of the things we ALL do on a daily basis. The good news is that this is why we have Jesus! Thanks Jesus!!!

I truly do not think this is true. There are a lot of thoughtful theologians who think homosexuality is not a sin, the passages generally used to oppose it can be understood in more than one way. I think Jesus would have us read the Bible in terms of how to love greatly and selflessly.

I don't expect to change PP's mind, but want any LGBTQ readers to know there are churches that will welcome and value you as you are.

It’s because we love people that we tell them what things are wrong and will hurt them, even if they don’t see the long term effects. When parents scold children for doing wrong, it is out of love, because we don’t want them to repeat the same mistakes that we all have made. Love isn’t always about telling you that everything you’re doing is okay or acceptable, it’s about caring about people’s well being and their eternal future. I want as many people as possible to go to heaven, that’s why I tell them the truth, even if it hurts. Because I care about them and love them. Like what Jesus preached

+1000. Exactly this. We don't get to remake the truth to suit our wants, or our political times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

Homosexuality is a sin in gods eyes. As are many of the things we ALL do on a daily basis. The good news is that this is why we have Jesus! Thanks Jesus!!!

I truly do not think this is true. There are a lot of thoughtful theologians who think homosexuality is not a sin, the passages generally used to oppose it can be understood in more than one way. I think Jesus would have us read the Bible in terms of how to love greatly and selflessly.

I don't expect to change PP's mind, but want any LGBTQ readers to know there are churches that will welcome and value you as you are.

The Old Testament passages call it an abomination. The New Testament passages lump it in with a bunch of other sins that lead to death and singles it out as a result of worshiping unrighteousness and the creation rather than the Creator. If you want to disregard the Bible as having any moral authority on the matter of human sexuality, I can understand that you would want to do that. But I'm curious how this can be seen as ambiguous passages except if you just don't want to deal with them. You have to go through all sorts of pretzel logic to get where you want to go with these passages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

Homosexuality is a sin in gods eyes. As are many of the things we ALL do on a daily basis. The good news is that this is why we have Jesus! Thanks Jesus!!!

I truly do not think this is true. There are a lot of thoughtful theologians who think homosexuality is not a sin, the passages generally used to oppose it can be understood in more than one way. I think Jesus would have us read the Bible in terms of how to love greatly and selflessly.

I don't expect to change PP's mind, but want any LGBTQ readers to know there are churches that will welcome and value you as you are.

It’s because we love people that we tell them what things are wrong and will hurt them, even if they don’t see the long term effects. When parents scold children for doing wrong, it is out of love, because we don’t want them to repeat the same mistakes that we all have made. Love isn’t always about telling you that everything you’re doing is okay or acceptable, it’s about caring about people’s well being and their eternal future. I want as many people as possible to go to heaven, that’s why I tell them the truth, even if it hurts. Because I care about them and love them. Like what Jesus preached

+1000. Exactly this. We don't get to remake the truth to suit our wants, or our political times.

When telling the truth, it's important to say that there is absolutely no evidence for heaven.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there’s a God, how do you explain:

Kids suffering and dying of cancer

The tsunami that killed 200k people in Thailand and Indonesia

Does he just not care?

So the question of suffering is a common question and one that’s hard to grasp. Bad things happen because of sin, which was caused by the Fall. While God does care for everyone, He’s not going to stop all suffering because there is sin. It may seem cruel that God doesn’t stop bad things from happening to bad people, especially children. But we have to remember that this life is temporary. Christians believe in life after death. In heaven, there will be no suffering for eternity. Bad things happen now, but we must endure it and look to a future in heaven. Some bad things are a trial by God to test those to see how much faith they have in His promise that good will triumph in the end

Said the rich person to the poor person to keep them in their place

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

Ask the 42 year old single Christian woman who's still a virgin ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there’s a God, how do you explain:

Kids suffering and dying of cancer

The tsunami that killed 200k people in Thailand and Indonesia

Does he just not care?

So the question of suffering is a common question and one that’s hard to grasp. Bad things happen because of sin, which was caused by the Fall. While God does care for everyone, He’s not going to stop all suffering because there is sin. It may seem cruel that God doesn’t stop bad things from happening to bad people, especially children. But we have to remember that this life is temporary. Christians believe in life after death. In heaven, there will be no suffering for eternity. Bad things happen now, but we must endure it and look to a future in heaven. Some bad things are a trial by God to test those to see how much faith they have in His promise that good will triumph in the end

Said the rich person to the poor person to keep them in their place

While some people would try to use it to keep poor people in their place, that is not what I meant. Some people will never escape poverty in their lifetime, but it’s okay if they keep hope in heaven, and I genuinely mean that. Our life here is temporary, in heaven it will be eternal. I’d rather be poor on earth and rich in heaven than rich on earth and poor for the rest of eternity because I lost hope in what’s to come.

[Anonymous]

I started to go to church but I struggle to believe everything

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there’s a God, how do you explain:

Kids suffering and dying of cancer

The tsunami that killed 200k people in Thailand and Indonesia

Does he just not care?

So the question of suffering is a common question and one that’s hard to grasp. Bad things happen because of sin, which was caused by the Fall. While God does care for everyone, He’s not going to stop all suffering because there is sin. It may seem cruel that God doesn’t stop bad things from happening to bad people, especially children. But we have to remember that this life is temporary. Christians believe in life after death. In heaven, there will be no suffering for eternity. Bad things happen now, but we must endure it and look to a future in heaven. Some bad things are a trial by God to test those to see how much faith they have in His promise that good will triumph in the end

Said the rich person to the poor person to keep them in their place

While some people would try to use it to keep poor people in their place, that is not what I meant. Some people will never escape poverty in their lifetime, but it’s okay if they keep hope in heaven, and I genuinely mean that. Our life here is temporary, in heaven it will be eternal. I’d rather be poor on earth and rich in heaven than rich on earth and poor for the rest of eternity because I lost hope in what’s to come.

GIve all your money to a poor person and see how you feel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started to go to church but I struggle to believe everything

Try a Unitarian Church or the Washington Ethical Society and your struggles will be over. They don't appeal to you to believe things that just don't add up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started to go to church but I struggle to believe everything

Try a Unitarian Church or the Washington Ethical Society and your struggles will be over. They don't appeal to you to believe things that just don't add up.

OK, explain the problem of evil from the Washington Ethical Society perspective.