#STRask

Questions about how the similarities between Krishna and Jesus could be a coincidence and whether there’s any proof to substantiate the idea that Jesus studied Buddhism during his “missing years.”   How could the similarities between the Krishna story and the Jesus story (e.g., a star at his birth, his father traveling to pay taxes, a transfiguration, etc.) be a coincidence? Is there any proof to substantiate the idea that Jesus studied Buddhism during his “missing years”?

Hosts Amy and Greg dive into the art of informal writing without an editor. They emphasize clarity and structure as keys to effective communication. Ideas should be captured quickly and written when inspiration strikes. The importance of strong hooks and concise language is highlighted. Amy suggests using unfamiliar readers for feedback to avoid misunderstandings. Greg reminds writers to stay focused, remove irrelevant lines, and let their personalities shine through. Recommended resources like 'On Writing Well' are shared for further improvement.

Discover the top three pitfalls new apologists often face in discussions. Learn how to handle ad hominem attacks with clarifying questions and avoid the genetic fallacy by focusing on relevance. Understand the importance of correcting straw man arguments and maintaining clarity in conversations. Explore the emotional challenges of guiding others while emphasizing love and truth. Lastly, embrace gracious responses as a reflection of Christ’s character to foster constructive dialogues.

The discussion dives deep into whether the term 'God the Father' is sexist and its implications for women and motherhood. Arguments highlight the positive aspects of fatherhood as protector and provider. Listeners explore scriptural references to God's feminine imagery, contrasting these with cultural critiques. They also examine the historical elevation of women in Christianity. Additionally, questions arise about the origins and duration of Hell, linking God's anger to the necessity of judgment and punishment of evil.

Can you believe in concepts you can't completely understand? The discussion explores faith's role alongside reason. They tackle whether God can evade the infinite regress problem and why positing a self-existent being is crucial. An intriguing argument centers on moral rules needing a ground—without a person of authority, such rules lack substance. Through engaging philosophical inquiries, they probe the essence of belief, comprehension, and morality in a thought-provoking exchange.

Questions about whether Romans 14:23 means that doing the right thing is a sin if you truly believe it’s wrong, and how to reconcile Hebrews 10:16, which says God will put his laws on our hearts, with Romans 7:7, which says that if it weren’t for the Law, we wouldn’t know sin.   How should we view Romans 14:23 when it comes to people whose consciences have become twisted to the point where they start believing right things are actually wrong? Would doing the right thing become sin for them if they do it while truly believing it's wrong? How do you reconcile Hebrews 10:16, which says God will put his laws on our hearts, with Romans 7:7, which says that if it weren’t for the Law, we would not know sin?

Questions about how a fisherman could have written the book of Peter, why people say that not mentioning the destruction of the temple indicates an early date for the Synoptic Gospels when John doesn’t mention it either, and why one should think the Bible is special.   How did Peter, being an uneducated fisherman, write the book of Peter, which seems levels above what someone with no education could do? People reason that the Synoptic Gospels should be dated earlier than the destruction of the temple since it isn’t mentioned, but John doesn’t mention it either, and that book is dated AD 80–90. Why should I pay any heed to the Bible when it’s just one of many ancient “holy” books? How can I trust it is special?

The discussion delves into why the disciples misled Paul about Jerusalem, probing the complexities of divine communication. Listeners are challenged to consider instances where God’s voice was mistaken for other sounds, like thunder. Biblical examples highlight how clarity is often an exception, urging attentiveness. The conversation explores the need for interpretation in scripture and the balance between prayer and understanding. Ultimately, it reflects on human decision-making amidst divine guidance, emphasizing wisdom in navigating faith.

The discussion challenges the belief that hearing God’s voice is straightforward and requires no learning. Listeners delve into the significance of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, and why they demand clarity and discernment. The podcast examines revelatory versus non-revelatory gifts and their roles within the church. It also explores the complexities of divine communication, questioning why some may not perceive God's voice despite its supposed accessibility, using the story of Job as a lens for deeper theological insight.

Delve into the profound relationship between suffering and faith, especially among youth facing adversity. Explore how to authentically connect with God during struggles and the importance of honest prayer. Discover the inspiring story of Job, illustrating how steadfast faith can reveal God's goodness in turmoil. The conversation challenges misconceptions about suffering and underscores the spiritual growth that can arise from trials. Additionally, it highlights the significance of questioning God in our pain while maintaining faith in His goodness.