Hard Questions with Straight Answers 1) Can't I just accept Jesus as a good, moral teacher? I have no problem with that. I just don't know why I should call him God. That's too bold of a claim. Although many people settle their minds with the argument that Jesus was nothing more than just another good, moral teacher, such reasoning isn't logical. After all, what is moral about a man who claims to be God if he really isn't? That's right, absolutely nothing. Therefore, the option that Jesus was just a good, moral teacher isn't an alternative that even a skeptic can logically embrace. So, if the option of Jesus as a good, moral teacher is out, then the remaining options are that Jesus was crazy, a liar or really God. Logically, it doesn't add up that Jesus was someone without a sound mind. That is, someone who was crazy. Considering the words he spoke and the stability he had in his life, this option doesn't make sense. Jesus' words alone have provided so much emotional stability to so many people that it is difficult to believe that Jesus wasn't one with a lot of stability in his life. So, by process of elimination, one may then embrace the case that Jesus was actually just a liar. After all, one may claim, who is to say that Jesus didn't just claim to be God when in actuality he knew that hew wasn't. This argument is really not feasible for a couple of reasons. First, who would die for a lie knowing that what he is dying for is actually al lie? Maybe Jesus. But if so, he must have also been a complete idiot. Who would want to die a cruel death on a cross for a lie, knowing that it was a lie?  Furthermore, one must also consider the question of how could someone who is such a liar be known extensively for his goodness. Jesus had a character and reputation like no other. Could a deceitful, manipulative man be so perfect as to create and live the life of the perfect person? Finally, then one option remains, That is , Jesus is who he claimed to be, he is God. If we only have three options regarding the question of Jesus' identity, then the most feasible is one that proclaims him as Lord.  Yes, some may be skeptical of this idea, but for what reason? Is it because there is another viable alternative? Or is it because the responsibilities of embracing such a claim are not attractive to one living with the excitement of short-term pleasure? 2) But what about science?  Can it prove that Jesus was raised from the dead? Although many in today's society hold high esteem for science, it is not the only type of proof. Yes, science can answer many important questions, but the types of questions it can answer are somewhat limited. Science answers questions with repeatible answers. That is, with a science experiment conditions can be recreated in a closed environment so that a specific truth can be replicated time and time again. But science cannot answer many questions that rely on historical evidence. For example, the question, "Was George Washington a U.S. President?" cannot be answered with the scientific method. Rather, we must rely on historical evidence to properly answer this question. We could look at old documents and read eyewitness accounts and testimonies about the life of George Washington to answer this question about his possible presidency to reveal truth about the situation. In the same way, the Resurrection of Jesus is based on historical evidence and not on science. It's for this reason that the limitation of science do not discredit the Resurrection of Jesus. 3) If God is good, why do bad things happen to good people? The simple answer to this question is found in the recognition that there is sin in this world. Since the day in which man was first put on this earth, humans have had free will. As humans we are blessed with minds that can think and contemplate about specific issues. We even have the ability to think about how things could be better in our own lives (a great surce of suffering). But along with our ability to reason comes the freedom to make decisions and be responsible for our own actions. And so, because this earth is not perfect, there are bad things that occur in this world. But because suffering is a result of sin, we should not conclude that it is distributed proportionally among sinners. As we all know, bad things happen to good people. From national tragedies, to personal injustices and illnesses, we realize that many good people are facing grave challenges. And in all reality, such injustices do not make sense to our minds. To the Christian, questions regarding why such injustices occur become a matter of trust. In this world we may never know why some things happen the way they do, but we must conclude that God has a greater purpose in mind Proverbs 3:5-6 states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." And so, here, we see that God will give us straight paths when we acknowledge him in everything. But, God is not necessarily offering to provide us paths that are absent of bumps and dips. Although we may prefer smooth sailing, sin or our own personal desires, can prevent this from occurring. Regardless, the bumps and dips of life provide us with opportunities to stand firm in our faith and in the recognition that God is watching over us even despite tragedies or personal injustices. Another way to consider this issue is to contemplate why all of us are not currently facing more challenges in our lives than the number of tragedies that are currently present. If , as humans, we are sinners, why should God provide us with the blessings and comforts that he has already afforded us? Why doesn't more tragedy occur than what is already present? For those facing tragedy and challenges in their lives right now, it's important to recognize that such challenges are not meant to be easy. But, rest assured, God is there. He is watching over you and His purpose is prevailing,. Although such a purpose may not appear appealing now, as it never may, trust in God for he is good and does love you. 4) Why would I want to be a part of church? There are a lot of greedy, self-righteous, and unfriendly people there. Some people have decided not to become a Christian or to even set foot in a church because they have identified enough sin and trouble in organized religion to justify that it cannot possibly be what is right. Sadly, there is no denying that injustices occur within the church, but on the flip side, we are blessed that the church is not perfect. if it was, it is very unlikely that we would be allowed within its doors. The point here is that he church is full of sinners. Granted all of the sinners within the church should be individuals who are searching and seeking to trust and obey God's will for their lives. But in the reality of this world, even those who are searching and seeking are not perfect. We must remember, however, that it is not the church that saves us. Rather, we are saved by God. His grace, and His plan for our salvation. Yes, the fellow passengers in the vehicle in which we are riding in may be broken and imperfect in some ways, but this should not prevent us from following God's will and doing what is right by becoming a Christian. ----------Anon