A "Nice" God?

Living in a world of uncertainty is quite frightening.

Many of my readers are in high school or college and wondering, "Where should I go to college? What should I major in? What do I want to do in life? Will I be able to have a stable career with my degree? Will I be able to support myself in this economy?

Christians like to fall back onto the idea that "everything is going to turn out alright."

But is it? By being Christians are we void a life of suffering? Loneliness? Hurt? Poverty?

What we're really going to look at is

What promises has God given us about our earthly well-being? Will everything work out for the good? Is God going to take care of us?

Stumbling Block

I would like to remind my "silent readers" that this blog dies without your input. Props to Forrest and PD, my loyal readers/commenters. Also feel free to comment on old posts!

Anyways, this question came to mind while Kelby Wenger brought up the concept of "being a stumbling block" at the CRU Halloween Party.

What exactly is Paul referring to when he uses the term "stumbling block?" How can we avoid being one?

 Here's some passages for you to interpret if you'd like:

Romans 14:13 (NIV)
"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."

1 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV)
"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak."

Eternal Hell

While having lunch with Erin O'Brien, the director of Campus Crusade for Christ at Texas State, I was asked a very interesting question:

Why does Hell have to be eternal? Why must the unsaved be eternally punished?

Indifference

After reading through the comments on the last post, "Required Charity", I began to rethink my stance on obligation.

PD spoke about indifference being neutral. Do you agree with that statement?

Is indifference morally wrong?

Take for instance these examples, degree by degree:

1. Should a person be punished for not assisting a person broken down on the side of the road?
2. Should a person be punished for not reporting a robbery of a store they just walked by?
3. Should a person be punished for not preventing a man from beating another man, while passing them on the street?
4. Should a person be punished for not preventing a man from beating a child, while passing them on the street?
5. Should a person be punished for not feeding their hungry child?

Required Charity

Recently, my English class read utilitarian philosopher, Peter Singer's The Singer Solution to World Poverty. This is a fascinating read that claims that being uncharitable is equivalent to being a murderer. If you'd like to understand this concept more in depth, read the article yourself:

The Singer Solution to World Poverty

Today's question can be interpreted politically or religiously or both!

Do/should the richer have an obligation to assist the poorer? Should charity be required?

Also, feel free to leave your thoughts on the article.

Old Testament Law

As you may have noticed, this blog is called "Exploring Christianity." It is not called "Exploring Belief," or "Exploring Your Opinion," or "Exploring Stuff."

This means that, unfortunately for my non-Christian readers, many posts will often ask a question that is assuming the Bible is true, or at least relevant.  However, I still encourage you to comment, whether that be pointing out flawed logic or temporarily assuming the Bible is true.

So here it is:

What is the purpose of the Old Testament Law? What was its purpose before Christ? What is its purpose now? 

Introduction

Welcome!

This is a blog devoted to discussing belief,
whether you are a Christian, an Atheist, an Agnostic, a Buddhist, a Muslim, or something else.

It's called "Exploring Christianity," because when Christian doctrine and life meet, there are going to be questions.

Although the format of this blog may change from time to time, it will usually be one question.

This question may be one I want to know the answer to, one I think I know the answer to, or one I'm curious if you know the answer to.

I ask. You answer.

The problem with this format is that it really requires you.

Without your comments, this blog will be an unanswered question.

So debate away! Take a stance! Support it!

I invite you to use logic, experience, the Bible, and/or other sources.

Do we know the answers?

So...
First question (or in this case, a series of questions):

What is good? What is evil? And is everything either good or evil?

 Don't be shy, comment away!