TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD – BY BILL NICHOLS

Introduction: Why Address Questions About God?

During this brief series, we will explore helpful answers to questions many of you are being asked about our faith as it comes into contact with other belief systems. American Christians are daily being confronted by a growing number of old and new alternative belief systems and world-views which have roots from the Far East and a contemporary, atheistic approach to science. Why is it important to address these questions?

Moses. The Exodus Story. The Egyptian Belief System.
Exodus 6:1-8; 11:25-32; 14:13-31
Moses was forced to face the conflicting belief systems of his Egyptian and Hebrew faiths. He was not prepared and ran. He returned to confront the nature-belief systems of Egypt.
Egyptian belief system:
          Animism. Objects of nature are possessed by spirits.
          Nature-centered. Nature reveals the keys to life. Man must get in harmony with nature.
          Magic. People can control life through learning to manipulate nature.
          Shamanism. Professional religious leaders who are experts in magic and ritual.

Why Address Questions About God?

1. Universal Thirst Craves it.
Being human means we have the capacity for and desire to know life's meaning and destiny. World religions have been human's attempt to handle life's meaning and destiny:

2. Understanding Our Faith-Roots Demands it.
All belief systems are based on certain presuppositions or key ideas. Key ideas come from some specific and dominant experience in the leader's background.

3. Conflicting Ways Force it.
Conflicting belief systems are often confrontational and force us to respond. Conflicting belief systems world-wide are growing faster than the Christian faith.

4. Mature-Strong Faith Requires it.
Faith untested is weak and unprepared for the coming confrontation. Confrontation by conflicting belief systems tests your faith and builds faith's muscle.

5. Life's Problems Encourage it.
Death and other key problems in life will come and other beliefs will offer answers. Your family and friends will ask you about vital beliefs when problems come.

6. Healthy Self-Image Necessitates it.
Our secret fears and insecurities about our faith are unhealthy. Healthy living necessitates preparation for threatening forces and peace for life.

WE WILL ADD A NEW LINK EACH WEEK AS BILL PRESENTS A NEW TOPIC ON WEDNESDAY EVENING – PLEASE CLICK ON THE TOPIC TO VIEW A PDF COPY.

LESSON #1 – IS THERE ONLY ONE TRUE RELIGION?

LESSON #2 - IS THE BIBLE TRUSTWORTHY? WHAT ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS WRITINGS?

LESSON #3 - DOES CHRISTIANITY RESTRICT AND DENY INDIVIDUALS TRUE FREEDOM OF CHOICE?

LESSON #4 – LOVING GOD AND HELL

LESSON #5 – THE OLD LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE

LESSON #6 – GOD KNOWS ALL, NO, HE DOESN’T?

LESSON #7 – IS THE CURCH FULL OF HYPOCRITS? ARE CHRISTIANS MORE IMMORAL THAN NON-CHRISTIANS?