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Dialogs - Frequently Asked Questions

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• God
• Jesus
• Gospel
• Bible
• Christianity
• Religions
• Evolution

1. Is there Evidence for God ?
2. Is there evidence for God and Jesus ?
3. I am not sure if there are any gods; can anyone be sure that God exists?
4. What in your life has convinced you that God exists?
   
5. Does the Big Bang point to God ?

6. I am skeptical of the existence of God.
7. How can an athiest say there is no proof that God exists?
   
8. Where do Moral Values come from, and are they linked to the existence of God ?
9. What is the relationship between God, Infinity and Time ?
10. Can you recommend a good website which discusses God and Science, or Faith and Science ?

11. Were can I find information about Science and God ?
12. Can Scientists believe in God ?
13. Can God create a rock that is too heavy for Him to lift?
    
14. What is the role of suffering in the world? is it God ordained?
    
15. If god is perfect, why would he allow people to kill each other?

16. Is the Trinity taught in the Bible ?
17. Isn't the Trinity illogical and irrational ?
18. Is it rational to believe in miracles ?
19. What do you think about Near Death Experiences ?
20. Why do SO MANY people automatically assume that Christians don't THINK?

21. Why did God create us ?
22. Is there absolute truth?
    
23. What is the Meaning of Life?
    
24. What is our purpose?
    

1. Did Jesus really exist ?
2. Is there Evidence for Jesus Christ ?
3. Is there evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ ?
4. Does the Bible teach that Jesus is God?
5. Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene as The Da Vinci Code claims?

1. How did you become a Christian ?
2. How can I come into relationship with God?
3. What is the Christian Gospel ?
4. What must I do to be saved?
   
5. What is the Sinner's Prayer ?

6. Do you have to be absolutely perfect to go to heaven ? Isn't that impossible ?
7. What's so great about heaven?
   
8. What about hell?
9. Are people sent into unbearable suffering for all eternity just for not being convinced to join some organized religion ?
   
10. If Christianity teaches us to forgive, why is there a place called Hell ?

11. How is it fair to provide INFINITE punishment in Hell for FINITE sins on earth?
    
12. What about those who have never heard the gospel?

1. Can we believe the Bible?
2. How was the Bible created?
3. In what Order should I read the Bible ?
4. Where can I find Bible studies online ?
5. Where can I find more information about what the Bible teaches ?

6. Does the Bible encourage slavery ?
7. Does the Bible condone incest ?
8. Did some Bible characters live for ~ 800 years ? How is that possible ?
   

1. How did you become a Christian?
2. How can you be certain that Christianity is the right religion ?
3. Do Christians believe that all other religions are wrong ?
4. What is Christian Faith ? Is it Blind Faith ?
5. What is Christian prayer ?

6. Why do Christians share their Faith?
7. How does God communicate with Christians?
8. Why go to church?
9. Why do some Christians not go to church?
10. Where can I find information about denominations within Christianity ?

11. Are there Muslims who turn to Christ ?
12. What is Old Earth Creationism ?
13. Why are many Muslims coming to Christ ? [examples deleted from question]
14. I am a new Christian, and would like to educate myself more about Christianity. Where can I find such information ?

1. What about other religions?
2. Christians, If you were born somewhere else like the Middle East or India would your faith be different?
3. How can so many people (in other religions) be wrong ?
4. Are there people from other Religions who are coming to Christ ?
5. Religion is evil... Isn't religion the source of all wars?

6. Are u fed up with religion? Isn't every major conflict on this planet caused by relgios infighting??
   
7. Why are scientists mostly atheists ? People who believe in God are the dumbest people on earth.
   
8. Is there a connection between Atheism and Morality ?
9. What is the Da Vinci Code ?
10. What is the difference between Christian and Catholic ?

11. What do you think of Mormons ?
12. What are the doctrines of the jehovah's witnesses ?
    
13. Can a gay person be religious?
14. What is Islam ?
15. Reincarnation -- do you believe in it ? why, or why not ?

16. Where can I learn about Buddhism ?
17. I am a Buddhist, am I going to hell?
18. What is the New Age Movement ?
19. Is it ok for me to try Witchcraft ?
20. Is it ok for me to try Occult Devices such as Ouiji Boards?

1. Is Evolution true ?
2. What is the foundational assumption behind Macro*Evolution, and is it true?
3. Why do people believe in Evolution?
   
4. Why don't you believe in evolution?
5. Has Atheistic Macro*Evolution been proved ?

6. Are there scientific critiques of Evolution ?
7. What is the connection between Evolution and Atheism ?
8. Is there a connection between Evolution and Morality ?
9. Do you believe in Extra-Terrestrial Aliens ?

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).


Cordially,
John

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

Cordially,
John

You mention that we dont know for sure that there are any gods...

It turns out that I have had enough experience with the Christian God through the years, to know "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the Christian God is real.

Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm )


Cordially,
John

For me, it is a combination of intellectual & scientific evidence in addition to experiential evidence (prayers answered; peace; presence of God etc) and mystical experience.

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.

For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html.

The link above describes the things that influenced me away from Atheism and towards Christ.

Also, for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm.

Cordially,
John

For a discussion of the Big Bang and its Theistic implications, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/bigbang.html


Cordially,
John

Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm ).

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).


Cordially,
John

Well said.
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1. I have come to realize that Strong Atheism is foundationally irrational... A Strong Atheist asserts that "there is no God". How does he know this? To know that there is no God, the Strong Atheist would have to be Omniscient, and therefore be God himself. And by being Omniscient God, his existence would contradict his own statement that there is no God.

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2. The truth of the matter is that there is no absolute proof for ANYTHING apart from the fact that some ONE mind exists (let us assume you are that mind; you could be imagining everything else, including the universe and the text I am typing up; however, as Decartes showed, you have absolute proof that you, as a mind, exist; "you think, therefore you are"; to reject that proof would be irrational; NOTHING else can be proved with that degree of absolute certainity, including the existence of the physical universe, and including the existence of other minds besides your own)...

Sometimes, when Atheists say there is no proof that God exists, they are selectively using that kind of absolute standard (which is an irrational standard to use; irrational, because we do not use that kind of absolute standard in our day to day lives, or even in science). When an atheist uses such a selective standard (requirement for absolute proof) only for the existence of God, but not for other atheist beliefs (such as Macro*evolution), the atheist is using an intellectual double-standard (i.e., a form of intellectual hypocrisy). As I grew to recognize such intellectual hypocrisy on the part of atheism, I began to grow disillusioned (and turned off) to atheism, and gradually moved more towards Theism and ultimately to Christian Theism.

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3. I have come to realize that Strong Committed Atheism is Unfalsifiable even in principle (because no matter what evidence is available the strong committed atheist can explain the evidence away using some wild flight of imagination or the other)... The Parable of the blind man illustrates this...

The Parable of the Blind Man (excerpted from http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ) : The blind man would not accept the testimony of other individuals who could see. They must all be lying, he reasoned, or delusional, or incredibly stupid, or this is all a grand conspiracy to try to cheat me of my money. So, the blind man would not accept the testimony of other individuals who could see. Instead, he gathered to himself other blind men, and together they created little cliques who mocked "those poor fools" who could see, and the blind men called themselves by impressive names such as "skeptics" and "infidels" and "brights" and they impressed the heck out of each other with their arguments which showed (they thought) how stupid those "poor fools" (who could see) were.

Recognizing the unfalsifiability of Committed Atheism, was one factor that contributed to my moving away from Atheism and to Theism (and ultimately to Christian Theism).

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4. It is true that there is no Absolute Proof for anything (apart from the fact that ONE mind exists). And in the same sense, there is no Absolute Proof for the existence of God.

However, there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God. E.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

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5. I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.

For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html

Cordially,
John

Please see...

Moral Values and Accountability as Evidence for God (http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/meta-eth.html )

Abstract: The Indispensability of Theological Meta-Ethical Foundations for Morality: Theism and naturalism are contrasted with respect to furnishing an adequate foundation for the moral life. It is shown that on a theistic worldview an adequate foundation exists for the affirmation of objective moral values, moral duties, and moral accountability. By contrast, naturalism fails in all three respects. Insofar as we believe that moral values and duties do exist, we therefore have good grounds for believing that God exists. Moreover, a practical argument for believing in God is offered on the basis of moral accountability.


Cordially,
John

For discussion of God, Infinity and Time, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/infinity.html

Cordially,
John

Please see http://www.GodSci.org .

The website has articles and links relevant to God and Science, as well as Faith and Science.

Cordially,
John

For discussions of Science and God (and/or Science and Christianity), see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/science.htm


Cordially,
John

Yes, absolutely.

For discussion of Scientists and God (and/or scientists & Christianity), see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/scientists.htm


Cordially,
John

Nope.

The Christian God is logically and rationally omnipotent.

The classical definition of omnipotence is internally contradictory (as indicated by the question above).

The Bible does not present the Christian God as being omnipotent in the classical irrational sense.


Cordially,
John

Excellent question !
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The Role of suffering.


1) to build character

2) to be a consequence of sin

3) to be a consequence of rejection of God

4) to remind us that the earth is not our permanent home

5) to remind us that heaven is a place for us to aspire towards

6) to develop other-orientedness in us

7) to develop empathy in us

8) to develop a character of sacrificial servant-leadershp in us

9) to develop god likeness in us



God permits suffering for the purposes listed above. In that sense, yes suffering is God ordained, for a limited period of time.

In the Christian heaven, God promises us, there will be no suffering, no evil, no sorrow.

Cordially,
John

The word perfect merits further definition. Yes, the Christian God is perfect, but in a sense that may not necessarily match an Atheist's definition of perfect (BTW, I'm not saying u r an atheist).

Humans killing each other is a consequence of free-will. God can be perfect and still choose to create creatures with free-will (there is no contradiction between God's perfection and his choosing to create creatures with free-will).

We are created in God's image in the sense of having personhood, having intelligence, having mind, having free-will. How we exercise our free-will is our choice. If we choose to hate and be jealous, that is an exercise of our free-will.

Our flawedness arises out of our free-will choices (to sin, to rebel against God, to pursue actions that hurt ourselves and hurt others etc).

Our having free-will is consistent with God's purposes for our universe and for us.

For a brief explanation of God's purposes in creating the Universe and human beings, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/godspurposes.html

Cordially,
John

Yes, it is.

Here is a brief synopsis of the Trinity:

There is only ONE God. He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestations for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.

Contrary to what some people say, there is nothing irrational or illogical about this concept (of the Trinity).

For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html


Cordially,
John

Actually not...

Here is a brief synopsis of the Trinity:

There is only ONE God. He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestations for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.

Contrary to what some people say, there is nothing irrational or illogical about this concept (of the Trinity).

For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html


Cordially,
John

Regarding miracles...

1. It is rational to believe that God exists (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence... for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God).

2. If God exists, he can perform miracles.

3. Given that it is rational to believe that God exists, it is therefore rational to believe that miracles are possible.

4. I choose to be consistent and rational in my world-view and in my beliefs. Therefore I believe that miracles are possible.


Cordially,
John

For discussion of Near Death Experiences (and references to studies regarding NDEs), see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/doxa/god/args/28_NDE.html


Cordially,
John

Very well said... I agree with you :)

There is evidence that Christianity is rational and reasonable. There is evidence for the existence of God and for the truth of Jesus Christ (see below).

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.

For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm

Cordially,
John

The Christian God indicates that one reason why he created the Universe, was for life to exist, and for humans to exist.

Our Universe is His "art project"; that is why it is so incredibly beautiful. And our Universe is His "scientific and engineering" creation; that is why it is so full of science and engineering, and we are learning this as we crawl in his footsteps via mathematics, physics, cosmology and molecular biology.

Earth is boot-camp for humans to come into relationship with him, and then for our experiences to provide opportunities for us to grow.

We fulfill the purpose for which God created us when we choose to come into relationship with the Christian God (based on what Jesus did for us on the cross)... and then live in daily relationship with Him.

For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html

Cordially,
John

Yes, there is Absolute Truth.

You are right -- it is irrational for anyone to claim there is no absolute truth (given that the claim itself "that there is no absolute truth" is claiming to be an absolute truth).

I have come to the conclusion (after much investigation) that it is the absolute truth that God exists, and that this God is the Christian God.

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm


Cordially,
John

The Christian God indicates that one reason why he created the Universe, was for life to exist, and for humans to exist.

Our Universe is His "art project"; that is why it is so incredibly beautiful. And our Universe is His "scientific and engineering" creation; that is why it is so full of science and engineering, and we are learning this as we crawl in his footsteps via mathematics, physics, cosmology and molecular biology.

Earth is boot-camp for humans to come into relationship with him, and then for our experiences to provide opportunities for us to grow.

We fulfill the purpose for which God created us when we choose to come into relationship with the Christian God (based on what Jesus did for us on the cross)... and then live in daily relationship with Him.

For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html


Cordially,
John

The Christian God indicates that one reason why he created the Universe, was for life to exist, and for humans to exist.

Our Universe is His "art project"; that is why it is so incredibly beautiful. And our Universe is His "scientific and engineering" creation; that is why it is so full of science and engineering, and we are learning this as we crawl in his footsteps via mathematics, physics, cosmology and molecular biology.

Earth is boot-camp for humans to come into relationship with him, and then for our experiences to provide opportunities for us to grow.

We fulfill the purpose for which God created us when we choose to come into relationship with the Christian God (based on what Jesus did for us on the cross)... and then live in daily relationship with Him.

For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html


Cordially,
John

Yes, Jesus really did exist.

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm

Cordially,
John

Yes, there is.

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm


Cordially,
John

Yes.

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm

Cordially,
John

Yes, the Bible does teach that Jesus is God.

Please see http://godsci.org/gs/chri/jc/deity2.html for relevant discussion.


Cordially,
John

There is no credible historical evidence that Jesus was married.

See http://www.godsci.org/gs/dvc/ for an evaluation of the claims of the Da Vinci Code.


Cordially,
John

I used to be an Atheist. However, over a period of time I became convinced of the existence of God, and then of the Christian God. Ultimately committed my life to Christ.

For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm


Cordially,
John

For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html


Cordially,
John

If we repent of our sins and turn to Jesus in sincerity and humility, he will forgive us.

Please commit your life to Jesus Christ. He loves you and died on the cross for you.

For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through JesusChrist), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html


Cordially,
John

Please pray this prayer...

"Dear Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner, and that I deserve to be punished for my sin. I now accept You as my Savior, and I now claim the gift of eternal life. Please forgive my sins and save me right now. I believe that you died and rose again to pay for my sins and I trust in you completely for heaven. Amen."

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever (anyone) who believeth on him should not perish (go to hell etc...) but have everlasting life (go to heaven when you die)


Cordially,
Christian

The precise words you use to commit yourself to God are not important. He knows the intentions of your heart. If you are unsure of what to pray, this might help you put it into words:

"Jesus, I want to know you. I want you to come into my life. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin so that I could be fully accepted by you. Only you can give me the power to change and become the person you created me to be. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life with God. I give my life to you. Please do with it as you wish. Amen."
(from http://www.everystudent.com/features/gettingconnected.html )


Cordially,
John

Christianity is based on Jesus Christ death on the cross followed by his Resurrection... that these make it possible for us to be reconciled with God (if we commit our lives to God based on what Jesus did for us on the cross).

After commiting our lives to Christ, we can still screw up at times and fall into sin. When that happens, I John 1:9 says that we are to repent, confess our sins to God and turn back to him (and he will forgive us; assuming we are sincere in our repentance of course).

However if we make a continuing Lifestyle of sin (and rebellion against God) then we are not saved, and we will not make it to heaven.

The bottom line, is that you do not have to be perfect to go to heaven (if you depend on Jesus' and his payment for our sins on the cross). However, on the other hand, you cant live in a continuing lifestyle of sin (and rebellion against God) and hope to make it to heaven.


Cordially,
John

Excellent question (thought-provoking)... :)

Background... I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html

In response to your question "why would you want to go to heaven"... I provide some reasons below...

Reason 1:

I now have had personal experience with the Christian God, to the point where I have grown to Trust, love and Appreciate Him. Based on this experience, for me to spend time with the Christian God is a Joy.

In heaven, I will experience this Joy to a greater and deeper extent.

This is my first reason to want to go to heaven. (I realize that you may not be interested in this Joy, and I respect your choice).

Reason #2:

Furthermore, the Christian God has created incredible beauty in our universe (that was one of the things that touched me and contributed to bringing me out of Atheism and to Christ -- as in the link above). This same God promises that heaven is even more beautiful than the most incredible beauty we see on earth.

So my second reason for interest in heaven is the presence of incredible beauty.

Reason 3:

The God of our universe has been incredibly creative with the materials in our limited physical universe. Heaven is less limited than our physical universe. And so that makes it possible for God to created even more amazing wonders in heaven (than on earth for instance).

I would like to see and experience those wonders of God's unlimited creativity.

That is my third reason to want to go to heaven.

Reason 4:

There will be no pain or suffering or tears in heaven. Rather there will be peace, love, joy. I woud like to experience these in fullness.

That is my fourth reason.

Reason 5:

Sounds like Christians will be given new bodies (in heaven) with possibly new fascinating powers and capabilities.

This will open up new vistas of possible things to do, expeeriences to experience etc.

Reason 6:

One thing I enjoy very much on earth is being creative, and to create beautiful things.

In heaven, given vastly superior creative powers (compared to what we now possess), there will be fun of creating new things, and enjoying the beauty of the things created by others as well.

Reason 7:

I enjoy beautiful music (both playing as well as hearing, experiencing).

In heaven, with increased creativity and vastly superior means of makign music, I would love the pleasure of creating and experiencing such music.

Reason 8:

The joy of spending time with friends and family, in a beautiful environment, surrounded by beauty, and without pain or suffering.

Reason 9:

The joy of learning and new knowledge.

Reason 10:

etc.

--

How about hell?

You dont get to do what you want in hell. There you are judged and punished in manners appropriate to the extent to which you rebelled against everything that is Good -- and the extent to which your actions (or inaction) caused hurt or pain or suffering for others. And in some versions of hell (within Christian theology) once you have been punished to an appropriate extent, you will be destroyed.

Not a pleasant place.

--

In summary above, I have provided a brief list of some of the reasons why I would prefer to go to heaven rather than to go to hell.



Cordially,
John

Hell is Just.

Hell is a place where people experience the Just consequences for the harm they did to others (by their actions or by the inaction).

God's rules are intended to minimize the harm that we do to each other... and when we violate the rules, we increase evil and harm and pain in human society.


Cordially,
John

People are NOT sent into unbearable suffering for all eternity "just for not being convinced to join some organized religion"...

Hell is a place where people experience the Just consequences for the harm they did to others (by their actions or by their inaction). The punishment will fit the crime. The Bible indicates that there are different levels of punishment in hell. And the language used in the Bible is consistent with Hell not being necessarily eternal.


Cordially,
John

Our being taught to forgive is not contradictory with the existence of Hell.

E.g., let us say that we are to forgive those who repent and sincerely ask for our forgiveness. (Jesus told one of his followers to forgive his brother 70 times 7 times, if his brother sins against him and then turns around and asks him for forgiveness -- implicit within this is the assumption that the the brother was sorry for what he had done, i.e., he repented, and then asked for forgiveness).

So, if ANY person sincerely repents (repents of their rebellion against God, of their evil deeds, of their hurting others for their actions and their inaction), and turns to God on the basis of what Jesus Christ has done for them on the cross, -- then based on Jesus' death on the cross, God can and will forgive them. (For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html )

However if a person NEVER repents of their actions (of their having killed others, or raped others, or beaten up others, or stolen, or destroyed familes or their children) then it is indeed JUST and RIGHT that that person should experience negative consequences for their actions.

Those negative consequences (in the afterlife), we call Hell.

God will NOT punish any person more than they deserve to be punished (based on the extent to which they rebelled against God, and the extent to which they were selfish self-centered individuals who hurt others by their actions and by their inaction).

Cordially,
John

First, the punishment will be proportional to how evil the person was during their life on earth. Hitler will get more punishment than your average non-axe-murderer atheist ;)

The punishment / negative consequences will be commensurate with the amount of pain/suffering the person caused (in other people's lives) during their life on earth. This pain/suffering could be due to things the person maliciously did, or negligently did, or things they should have done (out of social responsibility) but chose not to do.

We now have two alternatives (both of which are consistent the language used in the Christian Bible).

Alternative #1: Hell is indeed eternal.

Alternative #2: Hell is temporally finite (i.e., it lasts for a finite period of time, e.g., 1 year or 10 years or 1000 years).

To be just (and not unfair) let us say that if a person-A caused a total of 10,000 units of pain and suffering in the lives of others (while in their life on earth) -- then that person has to experience 10,000 units of pain and suffering in hell (to be just) and no more.

Let us first consider alternative #2 (temporally-finite hell).

To be just, all we have to do is take the total pain-units owed and divide by the temporal-duration of hell. This gives us the time-rate of pain required for that person, to satisfy justice.

Example: let us say hell lasts 1000 years. Then, we divide the pain-units owed (10,000) by the temporal-duration of hell (1000 years). This gives us 10000/1000 = 10 units per year. So the person-A would have to experience 10 units of pain per year for the 1000 years.

Example: Consider Hitler who was responsible for 9,000,000 deaths (or more). Let us say that he owes 9,000,000 units of pain/suffering. Given that hell lasts 1000, years, Hitler would owe 9,000,000/1000 = 9,000 units of pain/suffering per year.

---------------------

Now consider alternative #2a which is a modified version of alernative #2. In this alternative #2a, the experience of hell is temporally-finite for each individual, but the temporal-duration is different for each individual.

In such a case, if the maximum suffering a person could endure (and retain sanity) is 100 units per year, then person-A (discussed above), who owed 10000 suffering units, would pay for 100 years (at the rate of 100 pain-units per year). When his debt was paid, he would cease to exist.

And Hitler, who owed 9,000,000 pain-units, would pay for 90,000 years (at the rate of 100 pain-units per year). When his debt was paid, he would cease to exist.

---------------------

How about alternative #1?

This is the alternative where hell is indeed eternal.

We then have 2 alternatives, #1a (where hell is eternal, but individuals are punished for a finite-duration of time in hell -- as in alternatives 2 and 2a), and #1b (where hell is eternal and the punishment is also eternal).

---------------------

So, let us consider alternative #1b.

How could we have the eternal punishment be just (given that the person's evil was finite)?

As before, to be just (and not unfair) let us say that if a person-A caused a total of 10,000 units of pain and suffering in the lives of others (while in their life on earth) -- then that person has to experience 10,000 units of pain and suffering in hell (to be just) and no more.

Is it possible to mete out a finite amount of punishment in an infinite amount of time?

The answer is yes.

There are mathematical functions which decay exponentially for instance, which when integrated from zero to infinity give us a finite result. I.e., the even though the function extends out to infinity, its magnitude decreases continually in such a manner that the area under the curve, all the way out to infinity, is a finite quantity.

So, to ensure that the punishment is finite though the time-duration is infinite, all we would have to do is fit the punishment intensity to such a mathematical function.

This would ensure that the duration of the punishment is infinite, but the total integrated amount is finite (and equal to the amount of pain-units the person-A owes).

---------------------

An alternative view of the Justice of eternal punishment...

In the version above, we held the person accountable for the amount of pain they actually caused while in their life on earth.

In an alternative version (below) we hold the person accountable for the amount of pain they caused + the amount of pain they would have caused if they were not stopped by God (e.g., by death, or by incapication due to old age).

In other words, if a person lived to be 65 years of age, and they developed a certain character during that time period that caused pain and suffering in the lives of others... If God had not stopped them (i.e., if he had blessed them with good health until 95 years of age), then given the character of the person, how much pain/suffering would they have inflicted on others.

If they were in the habit of inflicting 1000 units of pain per year, and they did this for 65 years, then if they lived until 95 (and showed no remorse or repentance), then they would have continued inflicting 1000 units of pain/suffering for the additional 30 years they lived.

How about if God blessed them with good health until they were 500 years of age? or 1000 years of age? or 1,000,000 million years of age. Given their bad character, they would have continued to inflict 1000 units per year for that entire period of time.

What if God granted them immortality? Given their bad character, they would continue to inflict 1000 units per year for ever and ever.

In this second view of justice, the person is justly held accountable for this amount of pain they would have inflicted if given their way for ever.

And this is why such a person would justly be punished for ever.

A very highly evil person would be punished for ever, at a higher suffering-level.

A less evil person would be punished for ever, but at a lower suffering-level (commensurate with the pain he inflicted on others during his lifetime).

---------------------

Another way of looking at this...

Hell that meets the requirements of Justice.

Each person is put in the hell that they created for others during their life on earth. There is something very Just about this.

If the person made life hell for the people around them, then to the same extent and in the same manner that they made life miserable for the people around them (while the person lived on earth), the person will be exposed to the same kind of hell in the after-life.

---------------------

In this view above, what about the eternal duration of the hell?

Let's say the person-A we are considering were given immortality and power over others by God... Due to self-centeredness, person-A makes life miserable for the people-B around him (making their lives effectively hell), and if person-A were to live for ever, and have power over those people-B around him for ever, then person-A would continue to make their lives hell for ever.

It is exactly that kind and level of suffering (integrated over all of the people within person-A's sphere of influence) that person-A would experience for ever.

Person-A's character has become (by their choices) the kind of character that would make life hell for people-B for ever, and as a result, Person-A's character deserves that same hell for ever.

--------------------

Summary: we can see that there are a few different ways in which eternal suffering in hell is Just. The linguistic usage, of the relevant terms and concepts, in the Bible is open to the idea of hell being either eternal, or temporal (fixed in terms of time-duration). In either case, the level of suffering can be controlled to make the punishment Just (to fit the crimes of the person who is sentenced to Hell because of the pain/suffering they caused to others on earth by their actions or by their inaction).

Cordially,
John

They will be judged based on their response to the light they were given.

--
The Christian God promises that if any person seeks Him with sincerity, humility and perseverence, He will reveal himself to them and/or they will come to know him.

I have tested this promise of the Christian God and have found it to be true. (I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html )

And through the years, I have come across many individuals (from various worldviews and religions) who sought God with humility, sincerity and perseverance, and he revealed himself to them. For instance, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/00.html for examples of people who have come to the Christian God from a variety of worldviews and religions.

--

So, what about a person who has never heard the Christian Gospel?

God has provided all human beings evidence for his existence (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html for scientific and intellectual evidence).

At a lower level, God has provided all human beings (a) the evidence of the universe, its beauty, its appearance of design, its complexity, its ability to provoke awe in us, (b) the evidence of our conscience and our moral sense, (c) a drive/ desire for ultimate meaning, and (d) a God-shaped vacuum in each of us.

These pieces of evidence are clues that point us to the existence of God.

Different people deal with these clues in different ways. Some respond positively, and start following the clues as they search for God. Some others respond negatively, and do their best to avoid and/or try to explain away the evidence.

For each person, depending on how they respond to the evidence (that is provided to all human beings), God then provides more evidence (to those who respond positively to the evidence), or leaves them in the dark (for those who respond negatively to the evidence).

So, the extent to which a person responds positively to the light that they are given (actually to the light that all humans are given) influences the extent to which they are provided more light by God.

And as the person responds positively to this light, God then provides them more light, and even more light etc, until finally they do find the Christian God.

This was my experience as I moved away from Atheism and towards the Christian God. And this appears to have been the experience of intellectuals such as C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton (as they moved away from Atheism and towards the Christian God).

--

So, what about a person who has never come across a Christian (who could explain the Christian gospel to her/him)?

If a person seeks the True God of the Universe (with sincerity, humility and perseverance), then the Christian God can choose to (a) directly reveal himself to the person through a vision for instance, or (b) bring the person a Christian Missionary from another country or culture, or (c) bring the person a Christian tract or book or other writing or audio-tape or video-tape that would introduce them to the gospel.

I have come across instances of each of the three methods above.

(a) I have come across Muslims in closed countries (where the Christian gospel is forbidden) who have seen visions of the risen Jesus Christ, and who have committed their lives to Christ, sometimes at great danger to themselves.

(b) I have come across instances where individuals in other countries who were praying with great intensity to "an unknown god (the God who created the universe)" to reveal himself to them, then came across a Christian Missionary, heard the gospel, and committed their lives to Christ.

(c) I have come across instances where individuals came across a tract lying on a bench, or in a park, read the tract and that opened their eyes to start looking for more information, and ultimately committed their lives to Christ.


--

I came across an instance of a Muslim who was reading the Quran, and when he came across the Quran refering to the Injil (what Christians call the New Testament), he felt a desire to obtain and read the Injil. So he asked around to see if anyone knew where he could find a copy of the Injil. And finally, after a lot of searching, he did obtain a copy of the Injil. As he read the Injil, he came across what it said about the Prophet Isa (Jesus), and gradually he became convinced of the claims of Jesus Christ and ultimately committed his life to Christ.

I came across another instance of a Muslim man who hated Christians and Christianity, but was very passionate about seeking the God of the Universe. His Muslim teacher/leader asked him to read the Bible with the goal of showing that Christians were wrong in their beliefs. The goal was to use the Bible against Christians. The Muslim man at first hated the Bible (since it was the book of the hated Christians). With time however, he experienced peace and the presence of God whenever he read the Bible. Whenever he stopped reading the Bible, the peace would go away. So he read the Bible more and more, and gradually grew convinced of the claims of Jesus Christ and ultimately committed his life to Christ.

I came across an biography of a Sikh (later called Sadhu Sundar Singh), who searched for God with passion and perseverance. Ultimately, he came to a point in his life where he decided that he would kill himself rather than live in ignorance of the God of the Universe. He planned to do so by lying across train tracks some distance from his parents home, in time for a night train to run him over. That night as he prepared to leave to commit suicide, a bright light appeared to him (in his bedroom) together with a voice that confirmed that this was a vision of Jesus Christ. The next day, he asked around town for anyone who knew about Jesus Christ, who could explain what this was about. People in town pointed him to a Christian missionary. Singh then went to the missionary, described the vision, and asked about what it meant, had the gospel explained to him (by the missionary) and ultimately committed his life to Christ. After doing so, he was rejected by his wealthy family (who actually tried to kill him for having converted). He then spent the rest of his life in poverty, walking across his native India as a Sadhu (a native holy man), sharing the gospel with poor people across his native land.

I came across a Hindu woman who had received voice training, and loved to sing. She used to sing songs for romantic movies (in her native language). Gradually, however she felt that she was abusing her talent by singing for movies (which didnt inspire people) and she should start singing to bring people closer to God. So she started doing this, singing songs to the Hindu gods, recording audio-tapes of such songs and selling them (to help people grow in devotion to the Hindu gods). As she did this, she felt a strange sense of incompletion (something missing) in her worship of the Hindu gods. Still she continued with her singing and her devotion to the Hindu gods. And one day, a friend of hers (who knew she loved to sing devotional songs) gave her a devotional tape in her native language. When she took the tape home and started listening to it, she realized that the devotional songs were sung to a god named Yesu (Jesus). She listened to the tape, and the songs captivated her. So she started singing those songs as well, and went on to acquire more of such tapes, listened to them, sang those songs, and over a period of time, learned the gospel of Yesu (Jesus Christ) through the songs... and ultimately committed her life to Christ.

--

These examples (above) show that a person who is born in a non-Christian culture or religion can still find the Christian God through any of the methods described above (if they are truly seeking the God of the Universe, with sincerity, humility and perseverance).

--

Furthermore, there are examples in the Bible, of people from other cultures (non-Jewish and non-Christian cultures) who had by separate revelation come into relationship with the God of the Universe.

An example of this is Melchizedec who was not a Jew, was not a descendant of Abraham. Melchizedec had a relationship with the Judeo-Christian God, even though he (Melchizedec) was not a Jew or a Christian. And Melchizedec had this relationship with the Judeo-Christian God even before he met Abraham.

Abraham is another example. His family were polytheists. As Abram (as he was called then) sought the God of the universe, the Judeo-Christian God (the true God of the universe) appeared to him and invited him to come into covenant relationship with Him.

So, even in other non-Jewish, non-Christian cultures, it is possible for the Judeo-Christian God to reveal himself to individuals, without those individuals ever having met a Christian or having heard the Christian Gospel.

--

In the Old Testament (before the time of Christ), the followers of YHWH (the Judeo-Christian GOd) did not have the entire Christian gospel. They had indications of a messiah who would come to save people from their sins, and they had indications that this messiah would be more than a mere man. However they did not have all the details of what Jesus would do on the cross for them.

Despite this absence of complete knowledge (of the Christian gospel), the old-testament believers were saved by the Judeo-Christian God. The method of their salvation (the taking away of sins; reconcilation between God and man) was still based on Jesus' substitionary atonement on the cross. However this was an event that was hundreds of years (and in the case of Abraham, 2000 years) in their future.

These old-testament believers were exposed to only part of the story (of how salvation was to be enabled by Jesus' atonement on the cross). These old-testament responded with trust in YHWH God, based on the light they were given. And so, they were saved by their faith and willing trust in the nature (and the justice and trustworthy character) of the Judeo-Christian God, YHWH. They knew that they were sinners, and they knew that in some way that they didnt understand in their time, the Judeo-Christian God would do something to make it possible for complete forgiveness of their sins. And so, they were saved by their trust in YHWH and what he was going to do for them, even though they did not know the details of what YHWH was going to do (i.e., they did not know the Christian Gospel, and yet they were saved).

It is relevant to note however, that even though they did not know the details of the Christian gospel, they were actually saved by the Christian gospel (i.e., it is Jesus' atonement on the cross, that made it possible for God to be both loving AND Just in forgiving the old-testament believers of their sins).

So, the Old-testament believers were saved by the Christian Gospel (Jesus suffering on the cross for our sins), even though they did not know or understand the details of the Christian gospel. They were saved because they trusted that God would somehow make the payment (for sin) that they were unable to make.

--

Similarly, in some remote jungle today, if there is a person who lives their entire life without ever seeing a Christian (or a Christian tract or other presentation of the gospel)...

... if that person sincerely (with humility and perseverance) sought the God of the universe, we still have method #A listed above (the other two methods are not available -- i.e., no missionary, and no Christian tract or audio). However in method #A, if the person is sincerely seeking the true God of the universe (with humility and perseverance), then the Christian God can appear to the person in a vision or in person (as a theophany) and provide them enough information for them to trust in the Christian God and thereby be saved.

In the case of Melchizedec (~2000 BC, in the Old Testament), he didnt have the New Testament or the Old Testament... he didnt have access to Christian missionaries or tracts... so the most likely method by which Melchizedec came to become a follower of YHWH is through method #A (vision or direct appearance of the Judeo-Christian God).

Similarly, in the case of Abraham (~2000 BC). He didnt have the New Testament or the Old Testament... he didnt have Christian missionaries or tracts... so the method by which Abraham came to become a follower of YHWH is through method #A (direct appearance of the Judeo-Christian God; called a theophany).

So, we see examples of the Judeo-Christian God appearing directly to individuals who sincerely sought the God of the Universe, but who did not have access to the New Testament or the Old Testament or to Christian missionaries or tracts or gospel messages.

So, it is reasonable to infer that if in some remote jungle today, if there is a person who lives their entire life without ever seeing a Christian (or a Christian tract or other presentation of the gospel)... and that the sincerely (with humility and perseverance) sought the God of the universe, then it is consistent with the character and the recorded behavior of the Judeo-Christian God to appear to that person to enable them to come into a saving relationship with Him (either by providing them the details regarding the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, or even without that information, by providing them enough information to come into saving relationship with YHWH the Judeo Christian God).

--

An Atheist asked: "I heard somewhere that people that never hear about Christianity (isolated tribes) and never have the chance to know jesus or god will get into heaven anyway. If this is true then when christians go preaching the gospel to remote populations, then these people refuse god anyway, then didn't those christians send them to hell because if they hadn't interfered they'd have had a free pass.

--

This is an interesting question.

The assumption behind the question is incorrect however (as per our discussion above).

A tribe that never hears about Christianity will not automatically get into heaven. If individuals in the tribe sincerely (with humility and perseverance) seek the God of the Universe, then they would be provided more light by the Christian God and so would be saved (based on their trust in him).

On the other hand, one of the three methods that we discussed above by which the Christian God provides more light to such sincere individuals (within the remote tribe) is to bring the Christian gospel to them through Christian Missionaries.

Therefore, when Christians go preaching the gospel to remote populations they would actually be the means by which more light is being provided to those individuals who are sincerely seeking the God of the universe (with humility and perseverance).

As per the Atheist's question above, if some of the individuals in the tribe "refuse god anyway" that is just an indication that those individuals were not sincerely seeking the God of the universe. However there will be other individuals in the tribe who are more sincere who would respond to the added light provided by the Christian God (through the gospel shared by the Christian missionaries).

Those tribes-people who accepted Christ (after hearing the gospel from the Christian missionaries) would be saved and would go to heaven.

Those individuals who "refused god anyway" would not be saved, and would end up in the negative afterlife. The fact that the Christian missionaries did come to the tribe did not change the eternal destiny of those individuals who "refused god anyway" (because even if the Christian missionaries did not come to the tribe, those individuals would not have sought the God of the Universe with any sincerity (or humility or perseverance).

--

Bottom-line:

Individuals who hear the gospel will be held accountable for their lives, and for their response to the gospel. If they commit their lives to Christ (with sincere repentance) they are saved and will make it to heaven. If they do not commit their lives to Christ, they will end up in the negative-afterlife.

Individuals who never hear the Christian gospel, will be judged based on their response to the light they were provided. If any individual sincerely seeks the GOd of the universe, with humility and perseverance, the Christian God will reveal himself to the person. If the person commits their life to the Christian God (with sincere repentance, even if they do not know the details of the Christian gospel) they are saved and will make it to heaven. If they do not commit their lives to the Christian God, they will end up in the negative-afterlife.

Cordially,
John

Yes, we can.

Please see articles and links at http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.htm for relevant discussion.

Cordially,
John

Answering your question, focusing specifically on the New Testament.... (since that is the primary text on which Christianity is founded).

The four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) were recognized by the early Christian Church (substantially before Constantine) as being authentic because those 4 gospels were written by immediate disciples of Jesus (Matthew, John) and/or were authenticated by the immediate disciples and apostles of Jesus (in the case of Mark and Luke).

Later writings by groups or individuals in other countries and times were not recognized as canonical because they were not written by immediate disciples of Jesus Christ and/or were not authenticated by immediate disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ.

The rest of the New Testament are writings by disciples/apostles that are consistent with the teachings of the four gospels.


Cordially,
John

See http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/readbible.html for a response to this question.


Cordially,
John

For Bible studies, and for discussion of the Bible, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.htm


Cordially,
John

For info regarding what the Bible teaches on a variety of topics, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.htm


Cordially,
John

Regarding slavery -- the New Testament (which is the Christian's primary source of doctrine) sets an example for us in the book of Philemon -- where a slave-owner is asked by the apostle Paul to take back a slave as a brother rather than as a slave.

It was based on this example that Christians started the Abolitionist movement (the anti-slavery movement) and were successful in stopping much of the slave trade around the world.


Cordially,
John

Regarding Lot and his daughters.... the Bible does not condone such incest. It just presents the Lot and daughter event as a historical event that happened.

In fact, the Bible explicitly condemns incest (in the Leviticus laws).


Cordially,
John

It is true that we do not typically see people living to 800 years of age now-a-days.

However, scientifically, research on ageing indicates that in principle, people could live for much longer than they do today.

Factors which accelerate aging include (a) high protein diets, (b) high cholesterol diets, (c) high sugar and processed food diets, (d) sedentary lifestyles, (e) over-eating leading to obesity, (f) alcohol consumption and abuse, (g) buildup of toxins in our systems -- some of which arise from pesticides, herbicides, preservatives in our foods, (i) exposure to free radicals, and diets which do not minimize free radicals in our systems, (j) exposure to ultraviolet radiation, (k) exposure to cosmic rays, (l) high stress lifestyles, (m) high "wanting/needing" lifestyles without contentment, (n) reduced family relationships, (o) reduced focus on the spiritual and on relationship with the God of the universe.

The majority of these factors were minimized in the lifestyles of the Biblical Patriarchs -- healthier non-sedentary lifestyles with lower stress and marketing-induced artificial-wants/needs; low toxins; natural foods.

Furthermore, I recall reading an article/synopsis by the astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross which indicated that a supernova went off in the general vicinity of the solar system (close enough for cosmic rays from the supernova to come to earth) within the time-frame after the Biblical patriarchs. This would have caused a significant increase in the cosmic ray density that humans are exposed to. Such an increase in cosmic rays would result in increased damage to our cells, resulting in a reduced life-span.

Given these factors, it is indeed possible that the Biblical patriarchs lived for much longer than we currently do.

Cordially,
John

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm


Cordially,
John

Thank you for your question.

To the extent that it is possible for me to know anything, I know that the Christian God exists and that I am in a father-child relationship with Him.

See below for some reasons why I can be reasonably and rationally certain of the truth of the Christian God.

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.

For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm

Cordially,
John

I believe that all world-views (and religions) have elements of truth within them. However, Jesus Christ is the highest, clearest revelation of God.

Feel free to email me if you wish for more detail...

Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm )

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).


Cordially,
John

Good question.

Christian Faith is not blind faith. It is a faith that is based upon Evidence, and that is consistent with Rationality.. In other words, Christian Faith is a Rational Evidence-based Faith.

The Bible presents Christian Faith as Trust (based on history and relationship) in the Christian God (not as blind faith).

--

Speaking of Evidence ...

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

--
And to understand what Christian Faith is, it is necessary to understand what the object of Christian Faith is (i.e., the Christian God, and the gospel of Salvation).

For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html


Cordially,
John

For discussion of "what is Christian prayer", see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/prayer.html


Cordially,
John

To see why Christians share their Faith, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/sharegospel.html


Cordially,
John

The Christian God communicates with his people in various ways.



• Through the Bible.
  
• Through mystical experiences.
  
• Through an audible voice.
  
• Through visions.
  
• Through thought impressions.
  
• Through circumstances.
  
• Through others.
  

--

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).

Cordially,
John

If you are not a Christian, there is no particular need for you to attend any church or service (unless you are seeking to know God).

However if you are a committed Christian, then your desire is to live a life that is in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught his followers to be involved in a community of those who follow his teachings. Such a community (Ecclesia) is a good Christian Church.

---
If you are blessed...

(1) If you have been blessed by God (in life), you are to be a blessing in turn in the lives of others within the community of believers.

(2) If you are strong, you are to support the weak in such a community of believers.

(3) If you are rich, you are to help the poor in such a community.

(4) If you are healthy, you are to help those who are sick.

(5) If you are not dying, you are to help those who are dying.

(6) If you are neither widow nor orphan, then you are to help such widows/ widowers/ orphans who need help etc.

(7) If you are not suffering, you are to help those who are suffering, in the community of believers.

(8) If you are spiritually strong, you are to help those who are spiritually weak, in the community of believers.

(9) If you are emotionally strong, you are to help those who are emotionally weak, in the community of believers.

(10) If you are strong in your Faith, you are to help those who are weak in their Faith, within the community of believers.

---
If you need to be blessed...

(1) If you have not been blessed in life, you can be blessed through the community of believers.
If you need physical or emotional or other support, the community of believers (in a good church) is there to support you.

(2) If you are weak, you can be helped (in such a community).

(3) If you are poor, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

(4) If you are sick, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

(5) If you are dying, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

(6) If you are a widow/widower, or an orphan and need help, you can be helped in such a community.

(7) If you are suffering, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

(8) If you are spiritually weak, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

(9) If you are emotionally weak, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

(10) If you are weak in your Faith, you can be helped (if you need help) in such a community.

---

The purpose of true Christianity is NOT for us to be lone-rangers (no matter how strong we think we are, or how much we think we dont need other people).

The purpose of true Christianity is to help and be helped, to learn to love others (no matter how unlovable they may be), and grow and live in a community of believers.

This is why Jesus & his apostles teach us to be part of a community of believers (a church) rather than lone-rangers.

---
But what if there is no perfect church?

The truth of the matter is that there is no perfect church.

Just as you are not perfect, neither is any other human. And the church is imperfect because it is a collection of imperfect believers/ followers of Christ.

So, if you cant find a perfect church, then find an imperfect one, and join the community of believers there, put your shoulder to the wheel, and labor to help make it perfect... and in the process, you will be made perfect (you will grow towards perfection, the character of Jesus Christ).

Cordially,
John

For a variety of reasons.

(1) dont like the style of music;
(2) would rather watch football on Sunday;
(3) dont like the people in the church;
(4) dont like the sermons;
(5) the sermons are not relevant to my life;
(6) the sermons are too high-level (scholarly);
(7) the sermons are not high-level enough (not scholarly enough);
(8) dont like to be around people; distaste for people;
(9) prefer to sleep-in; dont feel like waking up in the morning to go to church;
(10) perceived hypocrisy in others (not noticing the plank in their own eye :)
(11) shyness; fear of being around people;
(12) disobedience to the teachings of Christ and the apostles;
(13) are not aware that Jesus wants Christians to be involved in a community of believers, a church.


Cordially,
John

For info regarding denominations within Christianity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/denom/denom.html


Cordially,
John

Yes, there are many Muslims who are submitting their lives to God through the teachings of the Prophet Isa (Jesus) in the Injeel (New Testament).

Please see http://www.answering-islam.org/Testimonies/index.html for many such examples.

Cordially,
John

For detail regarding Old Earth Creationism, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/crea/oec.html


Cordially,
John

Please be careful to not mention names of Muslims who have come to Christ (or those who share with Muslims) on the internet.

Any Muslim who comes to Christ is under a death sentence (by Muslim Sharia law). The Quran and Hadith teach that Muslims should kill any Muslim who leaves Islam (to become a Christian for instance). And in many Muslim countries, any Christian who shares Christ with Muslims can be killed for doing so.

In response to the question above...

Many Muslims come to Christ because he brings freedom and joy.

Islam can be (and often is) a religion of fear and despair.

No matter how good you are (as a Muslim) there is no guarantee that you will make it to the Muslim heaven. The only way to guarantee entrance into the Muslim heaven is if you die in a Jihad (in the process of killing infidels). Many Muslims (thankfully) are not willing to die in a Jihad (though many others are). So for such Muslims who are not willing to die in a Jihad, there is NO guaranteed way to make it to Muslim heven.

This can cause despair (for anyone who is sincerely seeking eternal life).

Also, Islam teaches that God is NOT our Father. He is NOT our best friend. He will NEVER come to earth in the form of a human being to be our friend, to experience what it is like to be a human and to suffer (or even to suffer for us). The Muslim God would never come and die on a cross for our sins. That would be unthinkable. The Muslim God would never take the form of a human being. That would be unthinkable.

The Christian God is very different -- a God who loves us enough to come and suffer with us, and to hang on a cross and suffer... A God who loves us enough to die for us... A God who will be our friend and our Father on a daily basis.

This God is attractive to anyone who is sincerely seeking to know God.

And some Muslims are indeed sincerely seeking to know God.

Many such Muslims are indeed coming to Christ.


Cordially,
John

Excellent question...

Glad to see that you would like to further educate yourself as a Christian... Here are some resources (below) that could be of use to you...

Please see see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.htm for a listing of the different books in the Bible and a brief discussion of what each one is about...

I am also working on a list of stories from the Bible in order with a brief summary of what we can learn from the stories, but dont have it ready for the web yet.

Also here is a free internet short course that might be of use to you -- http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible/clc/00.toc.html

Christian Living Course -- (Purpose: To understand the basis for our Christian Faith. To develop habits essential for Christian growth according to God's Word, including having a daily quiet time, memorizing Scripture, witnessing, living a Spirit filled life and becoming part of a local Bible-teaching church.)

And here is a free short course on the Doctrines of the Christian Faith -- http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible/dc/doctrine.html

Table of Contents (of the short course)



• Doctrine
  
• The Scriptures
  
• Inspiration, Transmission and Canonicity
  
• The Attributes of God
  
• Historical statements to the Trinity
  
• Christ Jesus of Nazareth
  
• The Holy Spirit
  
• Satan
  
• Human's Condition
  
• Justification
  
• Faith plus Works
  
• Sanctification
  
• Resurrection
  
• The Second Coming
  
• The Judgment
  
• The Intermediate State
  
• The Role of the Local Church
  
• Ordinances: Baptism & The Lord's Supper
  
• Civil Government
  

Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions etc.


Cordially,
John

Good question :)

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

In the process of coming out of atheism, I read the scriptures of all of the major religions, and spent endless hours studying, asking questions, learning, reading the writings from the various religions, talking to teachers, gurus, missionaries etc from various religions... this has given me a decent exposure to the major religions in the world.

So if you have any specific questions and would like to discuss any of these religions, please feel free to email me.


Cordially,
John

Actually I know many individuals from other parts of the world who have committed their lives to Christ.

Many people from oth