|
|
|
|
 |
"Interest in spiritual matters is exploding. It is difficult to get away from TV programs and newspaper articles concerned with the search for meaning and purpose, life after death, and the existence of God. Among these, many are taking a new look at Christianity.
While discussing the Christian faith, especially with those who are not Christians, I have found that a number of questions are raised time and again. Some of these I have looked at in Alpha - Questions of Life. In this book however, I want to look at those issues that are usually seen as objections to the Christian faith.
In the Alpha course, which is designed to be of help to people with such objections, we give talks based on the material in Alpha - Questions of Life. Often objections are raised in the discussion groups afterwards. Those in the course may agree with much of what is said in the talk, but they often say, 'What about...?' In this book, I have set out the seven issues most often raised, in descending order of frequency. They are searching questions both in the sense that they are asked by those searching for truth and in the sense that they are demanding and difficult to answer.
The issues of suffering and other religions are overwhelmingly the most common objections to the Christian faith. Sex before marriage is usually raised sometime later in the course and is often the main reason in our congregation why people delay becoming Christians. It can be seen more as a moral objection than an
intellectual one. The other four issues are not brought up so regularly, but they are nevertheless raised from time to time. An increasing number of people have been involved in the New Age movement and want to work out a Christian view of it. Others are either homosexually oriented themselves or have friends who are, and they are concerned to know what the Christian attitude is toward homosexuality. The objection that science and the Christian faith conflict is less frequently raised now, but it is still an issue for some. The final chapter is on the Trinity, which is often an issue for those who have been involved in cults, as well as those with perhaps a more philosophical disposition.
Each subject is vast and complex. Every one of the issues raised major theological questions. Obviously, all the matters cannot be dealt with in a few pages. Each chapter is an attempt to summarize some of the main
arguments and suggest practical guidelines. The accompanying course manual is a discussion guideline for a seven session course.
- Nicky Gumbel
|
|
|
Why Jesus?
These booklets also make a great addition to the church welcome packet or for your greeters to give to each guest.
|
|
|
