Questioning Christianity
Exploring The Tough Questions
Why Do I Even Need God?
September 11, 2022 • Stephen Putbrese • Acts 17:16–27
We live in an increasingly post-Christian society. While Christianity once held the majority position in our culture, it no longer does and many people find aspects of it problematic. Although there are many tough questions to ask about Christianity, we have to start with the most basic - why do I even need God? In this address to a very intellectual culture in Athens, the apostle Paul will argue that we all know we need God by our beliefs and actions. Further, unlike every other object of worship, only the God of the Bible is capable of meeting our true spiritual need.
What's So Special About Jesus?
September 18, 2022 • Stephen Putbrese • Acts 17:22–34
As we finish Paul's address at Athens in Acts 17, we ask the question, "What's so special about Jesus?" The claims of Christianity are inevitably exclusive - meaning Jesus is the only way back to God. Isn't that unfair and too restrictive? Who's to say that only those who know Jesus know God? This teaching will show why the exclusivity of Jesus is actually good and necessary. Further, only Jesus, and specifically his resurrection, can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart.
Isn't God a Cosmic Killjoy?
September 25, 2022 • Stephen Putbrese • John 2:1–11
It's commonly understood that to adopt religion simultaneously means to give up fun. In other words, God is a cosmic killjoy and obeying him would mean to sacrifice things that would bring enjoyment. In Jesus, nothing could be further from the truth. Far from killing joy, only in Jesus can true fun and joy be found. This teaching will explore that reality as Jesus demonstrates it by turning water into wine.
Christians Behaving Badly
October 2, 2022 • Stephen Putbrese • Galatians 2:11–21
For many people, the problem with Christianity isn't any specific doctrine or belief but the behavior of those who claim to believe it. If Christianity is good, why do so many professing Christians do terrible things and what do we make of the record of the church on certain issues throughout history? While there is no excuse for the sin and poor conduct of Christians at times, the issue is not with the beliefs, but with the people. In other words, the problem when Christians fail is that they actually aren't being Christian enough. This teaching will face hypocrisy head on and articulate its solution.
So, About Sex...
October 9, 2022 • Stephen Putbrese • 1 Corinthians 6:12–20
If we're going to talk about the problems with Christianity, we have to address the elephant in the room - the Bible's teaching on sexuality. For many, this is the primary issue with Christianity - what do we say in response? This teaching will lay out what the biblical understanding of what sexuality is and is not. The Christian sexual ethic not only holds the body in highest regard, but also holds sets us free from being defined solely through sexual identity.
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
October 16, 2022 • Stephen Putbrese • Romans 8:18–32
We finish this series with a major philosophical problem to Christianity - the problem of evil and suffering. Many philosophers admit that this issue is the most troubling problem with Christianity. How can an all-good and all-powerful God allow evil and suffering in the world? A Christian worldview and framework provides insight and understanding to this issue like secularism and other religions cannot. Ultimately this issue is not merely philosophical, but personal. Everyone will suffer to one degree or another, but for those who love God suffering isn't just overcome-able, but is used for ultimate good.