#STRask

Questions about how to start a conversation about God with non-Christian family members, how to keep from becoming emotional when discussing faith issues with family, and the best way to alert people to the fact that they’re members of a cult.   What are some good ways to begin (and have) a conversation about God with non-Christian family members? How can I keep from becoming so emotional when discussing faith issues with extended family members whose salvation is at stake? What is the best way to alert people to the fact that they’re members of a cult rather than a church that follows Jesus?

The conversation dives into whether the claim in 1 Corinthians 12:3 can be a reliable indicator of the Holy Spirit's presence. They explore the distinction between simply declaring 'Jesus is Lord' and truly understanding His divinity. The hosts share practical tips for developing a deeper relationship with Jesus, emphasizing small, consistent habits for prayer and Bible reading. They also discuss overcoming resistance in spiritual practices and recommend engaging resources to enhance understanding of Scripture.

The hosts dive into whether the fallen nature of the apostles influenced their writings and the doctrines we hold today. They tackle the concept of concursive inspiration, arguing that human tone doesn't undermine divine authority. Listeners learn how to defend sola Scriptura against traditional claims, emphasizing that Scripture alone speaks for God. The discussion highlights the transition from oral teachings to canonical texts, warning against traditions that could sideline the Bible. It's a compelling exploration of faith, authority, and the integrity of Scripture.

Exploring the complex nature of God, this discussion delves into reconciling His image as a judge with His deep love and grace. Personal experiences reshape views on God's kindness and the necessity of His justice. It highlights how sins against others also offend God, emphasizing the importance of divine authority. The conversation even tackles the notion of forgiveness—how it is a grace-filled release from debt rather than mere legalistic right. Engaging analogies and scriptural insights reveal the profound connections between justice, love, and atonement.

Questions about how to respond to someone who asks, ”How does it affect you if a gay couple gets married, or a woman makes a decision about her reproductive health, or someone chooses a different faith system than yours?”   How would you respond to someone who asks, ”How does it affect you if a gay couple gets married, or a woman makes a decision about her reproductive health, or someone chooses a different faith system than yours?”

Questions about how to respond to the critique that Christians care more about ideology than people, and whether we have freedom in America because Christians are more civilized or because the Constitution doesn’t allow Christians to enforce their laws.   Can you respond to the critique that Christians care more about ideology than people? Do you think we enjoy freedom in America because Christians are more civilized or because the Constitution doesn’t allow Christians to enforce laws like in Saudi Arabia?

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.