Tag: Doubt

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When Doubt and Belief are Twins

There are a lot of beliefs in our culture, beliefs the likes of…

• Donald Trump is racist
• Lady Gaga is a bad influence
• Science and the Bible do not mix
• You should act upon whatever sexual orientation and desires you have or think you may have
• Kanye West is a genius
• Humans evolved from a single-celled organism over millions of years
• The Earth is thousands of years old
• The Big Bang model explains the beginning of the universe
• You can be a good person without believing in God
• Religion is responsible for most wars

Now, whether or not you identify as a Christian, I image you would either hold to – or doubt – at least one of the above beliefs.

Here are some quick points… First: it is NOT within the scope of this post to debate whether or not any of the items in this list are TRUE or FALSE. Second: doubt is healthy; doubt in and of itself is not a problem. What is a problem, however (and where it gets sticky), is when our doubt becomes unhealthy. Therefore, it is 100% within the scope of this post to challenge you on whether or not how you carry your beliefs – or doubts – reflects a commitment to truth. After all, why believe in something if it isn’t true?

Answer: NO reason at all!

So how is doubt unhealthy? Continue reading “When Doubt and Belief are Twins”

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Professional Christian Struggles

I am a professional Christian.

Note, that I’m not saying I’m a superior Christian, or even a good one.

Just professional.

Meaning: as my primary and secondary sources of income, I do stuff that normal Christians are supposed to do (talk about Jesus, pray for people, study theology, etc). Considering the fact that most other Christians do this stuff for free, it’s a pretty sweet gig. Anyone that teaches at a Christian school is at least semi-pro, and anyone who works as a Bible teacher or in any church role called “ministry” is probably a professional Christian as well. And while there are a lot of cool benefits to being a professional Christian, there is a unique set of challenges that comes with being a professional Christian.

Opinions can change… unless you’re a pro.

When students spend 5 hours a week in your Bible class, or parishioners spend 1-2 hours a week listening to your sermons, they begin to expect a certain line of thinking that points to the underlying beliefs of any given professional Christian. Continue reading “Professional Christian Struggles”

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CHSBT-024-Why Pray?

Why do we as Christians pray? Once students break through their Santa Clause or Magic Genie understanding of God, a slew of questions about the nature and purpose of prayer emerge. Chris and Wayne discuss expressive prayer, centering prayer, faith-healings, and, as always, deliver a few tips on how NOT to pray.

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CHSBT-017-Church for Doubters

Is there room for doubters in the Christian church? In this episode, Chris and Wayne talk with youth pastor and Purpose HSM Podcast host Eric Holstrum about the role of doubt in the life of faith. They follow the story of “Doubting Thomas” in John 20 to explore some guidelines for doubt and practical ways of creating intentional space for questioning in our local church communities.

Check out the Purpose High School Ministry podcast at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/purpose-hsm-podcast/id1192914194?mt=2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download