Bruce Bickel - Answering the Toughest Questions About God and the Bible

The world is full of questions. Whether the topic is politics, race, relationships, the environment, or religion (especially religion), there seem to be more questions than answers.

Thats not a bad thing. In fact, its quite good. In past generations, asking questions was considered rude or disrespectful, especially when it came to God and the Bible. God said it, I believe it, that settles it for me was the response Christians were supposed to have. Anything more and you were labeled a Doubting Thomas. People who werent among the faithful were reluctant to ask questions about God out of concern they would be considered un-American (were not kidding).

How things have changed.

These days, people are not shy about questioning God and the Bible. Some doubt Gods existence, others question his goodness, and many are troubled by the attitudes and behaviors of those who claim to follow him. Many Christians have some of the same questions and concerns.

Far from being a worrisome trend, we think tough questions about God and the Bible are exactly what we need to gain an appreciation and even a love for God. We even like it when people doubt whether God and his story are true. Not only does such doubt lead to great questions; doubt leads to sound belief. In fact, without doubt, there is no faith.

Questions and doubt are part of the biblical story. Here are just a few of the doubters who populate the pages of Scripture:

• Abraham doubted that God would give him a son.
• Moses questioned Gods choosing him to bring Gods people out of Egypt.
• Thomas doubted the reality of the risen Christ.

In each instance, God extended grace. He was patient rather than punitive with those who doubted and asked serious questions. Unfortunately, those of us who claim to know God personally havent always shown the same grace and patience.

As you will read in chapter 1, we were inspired to write this book by a remark made by a young Christian who wasnt given space to express his doubts and ask his questions. Moved by his sincerity, we decided to write a book designed to open the doors of conversation and encourage people to wrestle with the toughest questions about God and the Bible with grace, humility, truth, and love.

If youre going to write a book that answers the toughest questions about God and the Bible, you need to know what those questions are. And the only way to know is to ask. Thankfully, we werent alone in the process. Christopher Greer, a pastor who ministers primarily to young adults, helped us immensely. Over a period of several months, he asked people individually and in small group settings, as well as through a comprehensive online survey. Chris talked with a lot of people, all with the same goal: What are the questions about God and the Bible you struggle with the most?

The results were both gratifying and humbling. We were grateful that people opened up and asked honest, probing questions. These werent theoretical questions. They were personal. People really wanted to know.

We were also humbled, because these are not easy questions. The ten questions that rose to the top of the conversations and surveysthe ten questions we consider in this bookgo to the heart of who God is and what he has said to us in his Word.

Our intention in this book is to do more than answer the toughest questions about God and the Bible. As much as possible, we hope this book helps youwhether you are addressing questions you have had for years, or exploring these issues for the first timeconnect with God on a deeper and more meaningful level than ever before.

Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz