Not long ago I shared with my students my belief that the door is open for their generation to write influential apologetic material. The world has changed and with it the questions that people are asking about the Christian faith.
Thus, it caught my attention when Scot McKnight spoke at the recent AncientFuture Community Group Life Conference about making groups a safe place for questions. He shared some of the questions that he hears being asked by those investigating Christianity.
1. How did we get the Bible and why are there so many offensive stories in it?
2. If evolution is not true why did God create a world that makes it look like it is?
3. Why are so many Christians mean and so many unbelievers nice?
4. How can a good God send an Afghani child who knows nothing of Christ to Hell?
5. Why does my pastor get so uptight about my lesbian friend who loves God?
Some of those questions are very similar to what you would find in a typical apologetics text. However, there is a noticeable difference in the way that they are being framed. Christians interested in communicating the truth to coming generations must make sure that they are not only answering the questions being asked, but that they are doing so in a manner that addresses the way in which those questions are nuanced.
What questions do you hear being asked about the Christian faith? How do they differ from the questions that were asked ten years ago? Twenty years ago?
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Introduction to Apologetics textbooks
Cultural Analysis textbooks
Intercultural Apologetics textbooks
Danny Akin’s recommended apologetics textbooks
Dear Freind
No sooner I was “Saved” (born again) sickness struck me and was diagnosed suffering from MS. Within 11/2 years time my whole family (Wife, Son and two daughters) too fell sick and were hospitalized one after the other. Consequently I lost my regular income due to my health condition and a severe debt burden fell on my shoulder further aggravating the situation. My effort to dispose some of my assets contributed to more losses as the returns far fell below the values.
Prior to my salvation I was having a very successful career life.
While going through all these trials my faith grew from strength to strength.
Can you please let me know how the Bible describe this situation. Is it right if I say “Can sickness be means of Gods loving discipline for those called for His purpose? Hebrews 12:5-11 & Everything works for good for those love God. Romans 8:28
Your answer is appreciated
Blessings
Nihal Uduwara
Hello Nihal Udawara, I think you have answered your own question when you say that “While going through all these trials my faith grew from strength to strength.” Taking the broad view of Scripture we see that God has a different path for everyone. Some he sets upon thrones and others find themselves in the Lion’s Den. Through it all He is there, leading his children to be conformed to the image of His son.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.