#STRask

How would you respond to the claim that Christianity exists to control the masses? This discussion examines historical evidence, Christianity’s social legacy, rebellion, autonomy, and spiritual slavery. It also explores why Scripture does not explain quantum mechanics, the limits of science, Christian contributions to scientific progress, and the different ways we come to know truth, love, justice, and God.

Why defend belief in God? This discussion explores the biblical case for apologetics, how reason can make Christianity understandable, and how it challenges assumptions about miracles. It also considers whether arguments for a creator fall short by pointing to general theism, or can serve as a bridge toward the Trinity, Jesus, and the resurrection.

A practical conversation about becoming more humble and teachable. Topics include receiving correction without defensiveness, learning from others even when you know more, and using note-taking to stay engaged. They also explore serving through different spiritual gifts, keeping attention on the message rather than yourself, and cultivating humility through prayer, apology, encouragement, and repeated practice.

A behind-the-scenes look at turning years of teaching into books, articles, and compelling talks. Topics include building strong structure, finding a natural voice, writing for the ear, revising relentlessly, crafting memorable openings, and using stories and surprise. The discussion also covers practical writing resources, constructive critique, public practice, and learning from audience responses.

Why would a good God communicate through an ancient, difficult book that seems to permit slavery, polygamy, divorce, and violence? This discussion explores cultural context, progressive revelation, biblical interpretation, and whether Israel’s conquest commands were divine judgment or human invention. It also considers why Scripture’s depth and narrative form matter despite its complexities.

How can prepared responses help without turning conversations into rigid scripts? Greg Koukl and Amy Hall explore personalized questioning, thoughtful preparation, and clarifying difficult claims such as when life begins. They also discuss spiritual indifference, how tragedy and mortality can prompt reflection, and questions that open conversations about death, justice, mercy, and eternity.

Can objective morality allow exceptions? This discussion explores divine commands, moral dilemmas, Rahab’s deception, and how weighted principles can resolve conflicts. It also examines authority and punishment, the judgment of Canaan, changing circumstances, and whether Torah laws improved harsh ancient customs without reflecting God’s ultimate ideal.

Why would God create a world filled with suffering? This discussion explores the problem of evil, objective morality, human freedom, and the difference between causing evil and permitting it. It also considers how the cross, divine sovereignty, and greater purposes shape the Christian response to pain and moral responsibility.

Does quantum mechanics undermine objective reality or the case for God? This discussion explores quantum measurement, everyday evidence, and why strange behavior at the subatomic level need not erase knowledge of the world. It also examines whether logic comes from God’s nature, how suffering relates to divine purposes, and whether moral and spiritual goods can emerge from pain.

Is private prayer a sign of shame, or simply a personal preference? This discussion explores stepping beyond prayer discomfort, the difference between private and public prayer, and the power of sincere, visible faith. It also tackles why church can feel isolating for single people, examining worship, fellowship, inclusion, and how congregations can better welcome everyone.