Q: Why do people doubt the Bible despite the evidence?

The Bible, the word of God, is historically, scientifically, and mathematically correct, confirmed by archaeology. Why do people still doubt it and think its false?

People still doubt the Bible as the Word of God because this is also a spiritual matter and not just a matter of proving the Bible to be correct historically, scientifically, mathematically and through archaeology. 

2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

There’s a spiritual opposition involved in preventing people from accepting the Bible as the truth. This is why you can present as many proven facts to them all you want but they still refuse to believe - it's because they are blinded spiritually. We need to pray for people that God would shine His light into their hearts so that they would come to know Him. 

“For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).

When dealing with questions that people have, try to answer it the best that you can. The Bible has and will continue to stand any test. But also remember to pray for them!

[Answered by Pastor Quang]

Q: Clean hearts or clean minds?

We are always saying that our hearts must always be "clean" and etc. But I'm very confused because isn't it our minds that control our thoughts and feelings? Why do we always mention the heart, rather than our mind?

Think about your being as an onion with many layers, with the spirit being the innermost layer and the social relationships a person has as the outermost layer:

       Spirit/will/heart --> mind --> body --> social

The Spirit/Will/Heart (SWH) of a person is the inner core of being from which actions flow. Our SWH has the power to do what is good or evil. It’s the center of who we are and ultimately who we become. According to the Scriptures, this is what is enslaved to sin (Rom. 6:14-20), is desperately sick (Jer. 17:9), is full of evil (Mark 7:21-23), loves darkness rather than light (John 3:19), does not seek for God (Rom. 3:10-12), and cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14). No matter how hard a person tries, she cannot change this state through a focus on external behavior (e.g. changing the way you dress/behave/talk; attending all sorts of programs, etc.). It is because the SWH is "bent away from God" and only "toward sin." 

If, however, we put our faith and trust into Jesus, then Scripture declares that we are given a new SWH that is now responsive, alive and warm to God (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Our SWH - before faith in Christ - was "stone" (i.e. completely unresponsive, dead toward God). Consequently, we were "free" only to choose sin. When The Holy Spirit enters our being, we are given a new spirit (heart, will) that has the POWER to fight temptation and thus sin.  

Let me illustrate with an example. You are confronted with a temptation to sin (e.g. your friends are talking badly about another friend behind her back). That’s when your spirit comes into play. In order for you to commit sin, your spirit/heart ("will") must say “yes” to that sin. If there is no inner yes, there is no sin. Even if you think about sin, that’s not a sin (that’s not even temptation!). Remember, temptation is the thought plus the inclination to sin. It's when you linger over the thought. Sin is when we inwardly say yes to the temptation; when we decide to do it.

Here's the connection between the mind and SWH ("the heart"). Your mind is the "processing center" of your being. Thought enter your mind; your SWH lingers over those thoughts and it commits to a course of action; and your body acts it out. This is why Paul tells us to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." (Romans 12:2). Elsewhere he tell us to ensure that we "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). Why do we need to take every thought captive? Because thoughts can be influenced by Satan. The Devil is always scheming to fill your mind with thoughts which are oppose to God's plan (often, he uses the media and culture to do so). He plants ideas into your mind to lead you away from God. This is why its so crucial to "take every thought captive" and to "renew your mind" and to do focus upon godly things (Philippians 4:8). When we do so, it gives the Devil less of a chance to fill your mind with his thoughts; and thus it gives your SWH less of a chance to linger over sin. All your behavior flows out of your SWH; but it's your mind that feeds your SWH with what it decides upon. 

Hope that was helpful. As a church, we need to strive for BOTH clean hearts and renewed minds - not one OR the other.

[Answered by Pastor HM]

Q: "If you believe in Jesus Christ put this on youe wall. DON'T JUST IGNORE THIS because in The Bible, it says if you deny Him...

...He will deny you in front of His Father in the Gates of Heaven." - I  found this on Facebook. Will God really "deny you in front of His Father in the Gates of Heaven"? I think if I believe in God I don't have to do that, so many pros and cons. I know it isn't a big problem, but what to do/believe?

 
A:  I find these chains laughable...really, they are just a waste of time.  And what's more is that they are completely wrong, taken out of context and do not represent the Christian faith at all.   


Firstly, I find no need to be scared of such posts.  You are right when you say that you believe in God and feel that you do not have to forward this post on your wall.  Salvation (entering the gates of Heaven), is based on our hearts and our acceptance of Jesus Christ.  No amount of wall posting can prove what is in our hearts and putting this on your wall certainly does not indicate that you are a Christian. 


Secondly, the repercussions of not putting this on your wall is not true.  Just because you don't post it, doesn't mean that you are denying God, and thus resulting in Him denying you.  It just means that you refuse to perpetuate this hoax and continue the wrong teachings. 


I have seen this on Facebook as well and have chosen to ignore it.  My faith does not rest upon updating my status to this post and thus I will not continue the chain on Facebook.  I know who I am in Christ, where my faith is and certainly where I am going after death.  Regardless of updating my status.  


[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: How are we supposed to know what God's will is for us? How are we supposed to know whether or not something occurs because that is according to God's will or our own? I always pray to God asking him what He has planned for me in terms of pursuing a career. I'm really confused of what I want to do in the future and I just don't know what God's calling is for me.

A:  Hello!  Thanks for your question.  We have answered similar questions before, so please read the following posts before reading on:

How do you know that God is calling you to do something?

How do you know it's God speaking and not a coincidence?

It seems like your question revolves around future career paths or school program.  My advice to you would be just to relax.  I know that the uncertainty of the future causes anxiety for many people, but if you have a strong relationship with God and allow Him to guide you, you will be fine.

If you are waiting for a booming voice coming from the skies to tell you to be a doctor, dentist or accountant...that probably won't happen.  The Holy Spirit often leads in ways that aren't explicit: open doors to next to impossible school programs, job opportunities at the company of your choice, finding a mate when you least expect it. 

When our hearts are open to allowing God to work in us, than He will.  When we are in tuned with God, we'll know when and where He is leading us.  I know that that sounds arbitrary, but God isn't something we can break down and understand.  Just work on strengthening your relationship with God, read your Bible on a regular basis and serve in your local church - these are the things that God cares about.  The rest He'll take care of. 

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: What counts as an idol?

Anything can be an idol. In Psalm 95, the psalmist tells us that The Lord is a "great God, and a great King above all gods." What he's trying to say is there are other gods that we often treat as kings - as one who has authority over our lives. Dr. Tim Keller has done a remarkable job of explaining what an idol is in today's postmodern culture. He writes:

Sin isn’t only doing bad things, it is more fundamentally making good things into ultimate things. Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God. Whatever we build our life on will drive us and enslave us. Sin is primarily idolatry. 

Richard Gaffin, in The Pattern of Sound Doctrine, put it this way:

Because we are, each of us, the image of God, we will worship, in fact we must worship, someone or something, either our original, as we should, or, with the illusion that we are the original or our own ultimate point of reference, ourselves. If the latter, we will give ourselves over, with the full, still efficient resources of our imaging capacities, to some figment, some distorted image, focused on ourselves or on some aspect of the world, ultimately seen as an extension of ourselves. What [John] Calvin observed long ago is no less true today: the human heart, our image-bearing and image-fashioning nature, is an idol factory.

Your idol could be your relationships; family; sex; food; a sports team; an experience; career; status; money; possessions, etc.. It's really anything you treasure above God. Even religion can be an idol. If you attend church that doesn't mean you're immune to falling into the trap of idolatry. Keller writes elsewhere:

Truth can be made an idol. Are you resting in the rightness of your doctrine rather than the work of Jesus? If so, the Bible calls you a fool. In Proverbs, "the scoffer" is a person like this. The scoffer is always sure he is right, and always disrespectful, disdainful, and mocking toward his opponents. The internet breeds scoffers, because if you're a scoffer you get more traffic to your blog.


Gifts can be an idol. You can mistake spiritual gifts for spiritual fruit. Especially if you are successful in ministry, you can begin believing in justification by ministry: "I know I'm in God's will because my ministry is going well." Many of us in the Reformed world make an idol out of being a great preacher: "If I could just be a great preacher, then my life would have significance."


Morality can be a religious idol. Holiness is good, but Christians can feel like God loves them and will bless them because of their moral record.

Idolatry is essentially distorted worship (Romans 1:25) - Taking things that are good (friends, food, sex, etc. ) and making them ultimate things. It's saying, "I cannot live without _______." And the result is: We live for them, not for God. Idolatry is really about your identity - what you rest your hope upon. Listen to what Pastor Mark Driscoll says (he sums it up very well, including what happens when you fall into idolatry):

Let me give you a few resources that will help you. I think you've hit on something most people don't think enough about. BUT they need to. Why? Because it ultimately affects your entire life's trajectory.  So thanks for your question.

1. Read Tim Keller's Counterfeit Gods. Be sure to watch his introduction video on the website first!

2. Get a copy of Greg Beale's We Become What We Worship. This is a lengthy read, but it will really help you.

3. Watch this video by Pastor Mark about "American Idolatry."

4. Pray against idolatry. Pray hard. This is something that will destroy your life if you don't put it to death. Rest your hope, joy and satisfaction on Jesus.

[Answered by Pastor HM]

Q: Does 1 Corinthians 6:9 condemn gay relationships?

Is what this guy saying true?



The author of this video, Justin Lee, is the director of the Gay Christian Network (GCN), a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally organization and Christianity ministry founded in 2001. The theological beliefs of members of the GCN range from conservative to liberal. On their official website, this is what they write:

Here at GCN, we have two types of gay Christians. On one side are those who are in gay relationships or hope to be someday. On the other side are those who view their same-sex attractions as a temptation, and strive to live celibate lives. We call these views Side A and Side B, and both are well-represented at GCN.

For the record, Justin holds to the "Side A" view and therefore believes God blesses same-sex marriages. While I appreciate Justin's honest testimony of struggle and his desire to lead a godly lifestyle, I don't believe he's right in his interpretation of the text.

The word in question in 1 Cor. 6:9 is the Greek aρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoites) and it refers to "one who lies with a male as with a female." The Greek terms used in this phrase refer to the passive ("effeminate") and active partners in consensual homosexual acts. God clearly condemns this act in 1 Cor. 6:9 as well as in Lev. 18:22, Lev. 20:13, and Romans 1:26-28. I just don't see how Justin can misread the text in the way he does.

Matt Slick gives a good summary of the orthodox Christian view on homosexuality. He also answers some common objections - similar to the ones raised by Justin Lee. Summarily, the "Side A" view is not biblical and should not be held by Christians. The "Side B" view, however, is acceptable: Those who are attracted to the same-sex can lead God-honoring, celibate lives by refusing to give into temptation. An example who has come to speak at our youth service would be Pastor Brian Pengelly. Read his powerful story here.

In closing, I do want to say I have read both Justin's and his friend, Ron's testimonies and were touched by both stories. Justin and Ron don't see eye-to-eye but they show a great deal of respect to each other. I think that's where the Christian evangelical church - in general - has much to learn.

[Answered by Pastor HM]

Q: Does the Bible condone whether or not the church and state should be separate?

This is a great question, and GotQuestions has provided a solid answer here. I also found the following video which explains it pretty well.

Basically, both sources argue that the separation of church and state is a wise decision. It protects the integrity of the church and the religion freedom of individuals. That being said, this does not mean individuals of religious faith should not be involved in politics. It simply means that people - regardless of religious belief (including Christianity; including atheism) - have the opportunity to voice out their opinions in the public sphere. 

[Answered by Pastor HM]

Q: Contrary to many people's desire to have a g/f or b/f, I'm very satisfied with my single life~I'm very content with the luxurious amount of time I have in developing my skills and focusing on building a career. Is it wrong that I don't want to date or marry?

A:  Being single AND being fine with being single is a very blessed thing.  The Apostle Paul was a single guy and it was a good thing.

"Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband." -1 Cor 7:1-2

"I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." -1 Cor 7:7

It is clear that Paul thought that singleness was A GIFT.  A good thing.  We need to assure people today that being single is not a bad thing or peer pressure others to get into relationships.  But it is important to understand the key part of this passage:  a spiritual gift from God is not to be used selfishly but used to glorify God!  Everything Paul stood for would ultimately be testifying to the glory and knowledge of God and the good news of Jesus.  This should be no different today!

I think it is a great thing that you are satisfied in singleness, and treat it as a gift from God, but this gift should not be used to serve ourselves.  We are blessed to be a blessing to others, just as Abraham was in Genesis.  We need to use our lives to further God's kingdom, make Jesus known and glorify Him.  This can possibly be done in developing our skills and developing our career, but we can't forget what comes first!  When we are blessed with skills and good careers, it should be to glorify God and not ourselves.  We need to have ambition in life, but the ambition starts with God and to further HIS kingdom, not to further out personal kingdoms.

Lastly, if you do someday start burning with desire for a wife/husband, Paul also affirms this desire:

"But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." -1 Cor 7:9

We need to affirm both singleness and marriage because the bible calls us to, but ultimately, it's important to remember that both are a gift from God and both are given to:

1)  Glorify God and further His Kingdom

2)  Bless the individual

3)  Bless those around us

[answered by Pastor Shu-Ling]

Q: Is Capital Punishment and the idea of Eugenics OKAY? Are they accepted and allowed?

Your question on capital punishment has been previously reviewed and answered so feel free to check it out at http://sploxa.blogspot.com/search?q=capital+punishment

“Eugenics” literally, meaning normal genes.  It can be defined as developing strategies for attempting to improve the gene pool of a species either by halting the transmission of unwanted characteristics or increasing the transmission of desired characteristics.  This can involve issues related to eugenics, human cloning, abortion, or euthanasia.

Eugenics aims to improve the genetic constitution of the human species by selective breeding. The use of Albert Einstein's sperm to conceive a child (by artificial insemination) would represent an attempt at positive eugenics. The Nazis notoriously engaged in negative eugenics by genocide.  The word "eugenics" was coined by Sir Francis Galton (1822-1911) to denote scientific endeavors to increase the proportion of persons with better than average genetic endowment through selective mating of marriage partners.

The practice of eugenics was first legally mandated in the United States in the state of Indiana, resulting in the forcible sterilization, incarceration, and occasionally euthanasia of the mentally or physically handicapped, the mentally ill, and ethnic minorities (particularly people of mixed racial heritage), and the adopting out of their children to non-disabled, Caucasian parents. Similar programs spread widely in the early part of the twentieth century, and still exist in some parts of the world. It is important to note that no experiment in eugenics has ever been shown to result in measurable improvements in human health.

In Canada, the eugenics movement gained support early in the 20th century as prominent physicians drew a direct link between heredity and public health.  Eugenics was enforced by law in two Canadian provinces. In Alberta, the Sexual Sterilization Act was enacted in 1928, focusing the movement on the sterilization of mentally deficient individuals, as determined by the Alberta Eugenics Board. The campaign to enforce this action was backed by groups such as the United Farm Women's Group.  Individuals were assessed using IQ tests. This posed a problem to new immigrants arriving in Canada, as many had not mastered the English language, and often their scores denoted them as having impaired intellectual functioning. As a result, many of those sterilized under the Sexual Sterilization Act were immigrants who were unfairly categorized. The province of British Columbia enacted its own Sexual Sterilization Act in 1933. As in Alberta, the British Columbia Eugenics Board could recommend the sterilization of those it considered to be suffering from "mental disease or mental deficiency."

The popularity of the eugenics movement peaked during the Depression when sterilization was widely seen as a way of relieving society of the financial burdens imposed by defective individuals. The eugenics excesses of Nazi Germany diminished the popularity of the eugenics movement.

Modern inquiries into the potential use of genetic engineering have led to an increased call for caution.  Some ethicists suggest that even non-coercive eugenics programs would be inherently unethical.

Consider the following principles and issues with modern new technologies and genetic engineering:


1.  The Bible states that all things were created by God and for Him (Colossians 1:16). As individuals we are made in God’s image and therefore should be subject to His plan (Genesis 1:26,27;Matthew 22:20,21). God designed all living things after certain “kinds” (Genesis 1:11-25). Too much manipulation of the genetics (altering species) could be delving into issues reserved for the Designer, Creator and God of the universe.



2. Creation was affected by the events recorded in Genesis 3 (mankind’s rebellion against God’s plan). Death entered into the world, and man’s genetic make-up and that of the rest of creation began a change toward demise. In some instances, genetic engineering could be seen as an attempt to undo this result called the “curse.” However, God has said that He has a remedy for this—redemption through Jesus Christ, as described in Romans 8 and 1 Corinthians 15. The creation anticipates newness associated with the culmination of God’s promise to restore things to an even better state than the original. To go “too far” to fight this process may compete with the responsibility of individuals to trust in Christ for restoration (Philippians 3:21).



3. It seems evident from general scriptural study that God has a plan for the process of life. It seems evident that the process is unique and purposeful. There is concern that if humanity interferes with that process, something could go terribly wrong. For example, Psalm 139 describes an intimate relationship between the psalmist and his Creator from the womb. Would the use of genetic manipulation to create life outside of God’s plan jeopardize the development of a God-conscious soul? Would interfering with the process of physical life affect the prospects of spiritual life? Romans 5:12 tells us that all humanity sins because Adam sinned. It is understood that this involved the transference of the sin nature from generation to generation so that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Paul explains the hope of eternity through the conquering of Adam’s sin. If all that are in Adam (from his seed) die, and Christ died for those in such condition, could life created outside of that “seed” be redeemed? (1 Corinthians 15:22, 23). 



4. There is also the concern that such bold strides in genetic engineering are motivated by a defiance of God. Genesis 11:1-9 discusses what happens when the creation attempts to exalt itself above the Creator. The people in Genesis 11 were unified, yet they were not submissive to God’s design. As a result, God stopped their progress. God certainly recognized that there were some dangers involved with the direction in which the people were headed. We have a similar warning in Romans 1:18-32. There God describes individuals that have become so enamored with the creation (actually worshipping it rather than the Creator) that those individuals spiraled down to destruction. There is a danger that genetic engineering could foster similar motivations, and ultimately, similar results.



5. Finally, if humanity was created, then there must be a Creator, and humanity is therefore subject and accountable to that Creator. Although the world’s thinking would have one believe that man is accountable to no one but himself and that man is the ultimate authority, the Bible teaches differently. God created man and gave him responsibility over the earth (Genesis 1:28-29, 9:1-2). With this responsibility comes accountability to God. Man is not the ultimate authority over himself, and he is therefore not in a position to make decisions about the value of human life. Neither, then, is science the authority by which the ethics of eugenics, human cloning, abortion, or euthanasia are decided. According to the Bible, God is the only one who rightfully exercises sovereign control over human life.

As a follower of Christ, one needs to seriously consider these questions and issues before making too speedy a decision to accept all benefits that science promises.

Check out the article by Church Colson and his view on eugenics: “War on the Weak - Eugenics has made a lethal comeback”.  He says, “We are reminded that every life at every stage is precious in God's design. We must help our neighbors understand that this aspect of the Christian worldview—the conviction that all life is sacred—provides the only defense for the weakest in our midst.”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/december/15.72.html

Check out the article on “What is the Christian view of human cloning?”
http://www.gotquestions.org/cloning-Christian.html

HOPE THIS HELPS!  THANKS FOR ASKING!

[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]

1) Where did all the different races/ethnicities come from? I read something about Shem, Ham, and Japheth?

GREAT QUESTION! GotQuestions gives a concise answer. Here's what they say:


The Bible does not explicitly give us the origin of the different “races” or skin colors in humanity. In actuality, there is only one race—the human race. Within the human race is diversity in skin color and other physical characteristics. Some speculate that when God confused the languages at the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), He also created racial diversity.
 
It is possible that God made genetic changes to humanity to better enable people to survive in different ecologies, such as the darker skin of Africans being better equipped genetically to survive the excessive heat in Africa. According to this view, God confused the languages, causing humanity to segregate linguistically, and then created genetic racial differences based on where each racial group would eventually settle. While possible, there is no explicit biblical basis for this view. The races/skin colors of humanity are nowhere mentioned in connection with the tower of Babel.

 

After the flood, when the different languages came into existence, groups that spoke one language moved away with others of the same language. In doing so, the gene pool for a specific group shrank dramatically as the group no longer had the entire human population to mix with. Closer inbreeding took place, and in time certain features were emphasized in these different groups (all of which were present as a possibility in the genetic code). As further inbreeding occurred through the generations, the gene pool grew smaller and smaller, to the point that people of one language family all had the same or similar features.



Another explanation is that Adam and Eve possessed the genes to produce black, brown, and white offspring (and everything else in between). This would be similar to how a mixed-race couple sometimes has children that vary in color. Since God obviously desired humanity to be diverse in appearance, it makes sense that God would have given Adam and Eve the ability to produce children of different skin tones. Later, the only survivors of the flood were Noah and his wife, Noah’s three sons and their wives—eight people in all.  Genesis 7:13 tells us, “On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark.”  Perhaps Noah’s daughters-in-law were of different races. It is also possible that Noah’s wife was of a different race than Noah. Maybe all eight of them were of mixed race, which would mean they possessed the genetics to produce children of different races.
 
Whatever the explanation, the most important aspect of this question is that we are all the same race, all created by the same God, all created for the same purpose—to glorify Him.

 THANKS FOR ASKING! 

[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]

Q: Is liking someone who is "transgender" a sin?

For example, you yourself likes a 'guy,' who was originally a girl in the beginning...

This question does not have an easy, straight-forward answer. First, we must be clear on our definition of "transgender." According to the Intersex Society of North America:

People who identify as transgender or transsexual are usually people who are born with typical male or female anatomies but feel as though they’ve been born into the “wrong body.” For example, a person who identifies as transgender or transsexual may have typical female anatomy but feel like a male and seek to become male by taking hormones or electing to have sex reassignment surgeries.

People who have intersex conditions have anatomy that is not considered typically male or female. Most people with intersex conditions come to medical attention because doctors or parents notice something unusual about their bodies. In contrast, people who are transgendered have an internal experience of gender identity that is different from most people.

Biblically, a transgender person CAN live a God-honoring lifestyle. Though it is extraordinarily difficult (as this article has stated), it can be done. A person who has female anatomy, for instance, can humbly submit to God's plan and live as a female, rather than choose gender reassignment surgery. Therefore, it is not a sin to "like" a person feel like they are born in the "wrong body."

However, caution must be taken. If you are a professing Christian, do not pursue a relationship with a transgender person if he or she has not made the choice to live a Christ-centered lifestyle (In actual fact, this applies to ALL relationships). For example, if your transgender friend decides to pursue gender reassignment surgery, he is sinning and you should not pursue a relationship with him. On the other hand, if he is trying his best - by the power of the Holy Spirit - to live a godly, Christ-exalting lifestyle (e.g. chosen NOT to go through with hormone therapies, or surgery), then perhaps a romantic relationship is possible.

Summarily, when approaching issues such as transgenderism, we must do so in humility and compassion. I would recommend taking a minute to our previous post - "Is transgenderism a sin?"- and an article from Bridging The Gap which, among other things, makes a great point:

I’m not content with validating people’s discomfort simply on the basis of their own anxiety and unfamiliarity – as understandable as those feelings might be. In fact, I find my patience running very thin when I encounter this kind of knee jerk response. Yes, this is challenging to understand and relate to …. But for the sake of Jesus and in the name of Jesus, get to know the real human being behind some imposed label or issue. Listen to the story of faith in their heart. Listen to their journey. Listen, learn and love.

Hope this helps. Great question. Keep such ones coming!

[Answered by Pastor HM]

Q: Life of Pi?

Recently had to read the book Life of Pi in English. I'm kind of confused as to what my stance of the message of the book is. The main character is a "devout" Hindu, Muslim, and Christian, claiming that he "just wants to love God". However, don't the 3 religions contradict? Also, a theme of the book is "the better story"; biological truth is that humans are born, they live, and they die, and nothing beyond that can really be physically proved. It is inferred from the book that it's natural to pick "the better story" (the one with God; people having hope in Him, having love, etc.) I'm not sure what to think of this point; is it wrong to believe in God because it just seems to be more hopeful/purposeful/joyful? (I guess in a way this relates to Pascal's wager)


Life of Pi is a book full of postmodern musing and thought. Postmodernism is intellectual movement characterized - among other things - by skepticism about the knowability of "the truth." As Jean-Francois Lyotard once said, "There is an incredulity toward metanarratives." This is a fancy way of saying postmodern people have a suspicion of and disbelief in "big stories" or all-encompassing truths). Life of Pi propagates this very notion. Here is what one book review says:

Life of Pi is very much a self-conscious postmodern novel. Martel plays with postmodern skepticism about the knowability of true truth and the distinction between fact and fantasy. The book begins with an "Author's Note," purportedly about how Martel came to write his story. This is the part of the book that we instinctively understand to be factual, rather than fictional. Yet partway through, Martel, sitting in a café in Pondicherry, encounters a minor character from the story, who tells him he knows a story that will make him believe in God, and that he should look up Pi - now a middle-aged zoologist living in Toronto with his family - and hear it for himself. 

So right off the bat Martel creates doubt about whether this story is factual or fictional. He propagates this doubt all the way through the novel. Written as though it were a combination of Pi's memoirs and Martel's investigative reporting, it begins as a simple memoir of a childhood in Pondicherry amongst the zoo animals. Then it turns into a rousing adventure of survival on the high seas. However, some of Pi's later adventures begin to test the limits of your credulity. Finally it wraps up with a sequence that calls everything you have read into question.

As you have observed, the postmodern ideology found throughout Life of Pi manifests itself in Pi's religious plurality. He is a Hindu, Christian, and Muslim, and sees no conflict between these three mutually exclusive faiths. Pi's desire is to "love God" and go beyond the notion that one must commit himself to only one religion. At first glance, this sounds reasonable. After all, don't all roads to the same mountain top? Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Hinduism, Christianity and Islam contradict each other. The way to God is not a climb up a mountain, but to make it through a maze where there is a single correct path and many incorrect ones that lead to dead ends. Consider the law of non-contradiction, which says something cannot be A and non-A at the same time and in the same sense. So if we apply this law to the claims of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, it means one is right and two are wrong or two are right and one is wrong (Islam and Hinduism claim that Jesus is not God, whereas Christianity claims He is). This is why statements such as "It’s true for you, but not true for me." It is either true or untrue. Jesus is either God or he’s not. Period.


As you can see, there is a problem when Pi claims that he only wants to love God (implying that there is no such thing as the exclusive truth: Even those that deny the exclusive nature of truth are actually making a truth claim! This is one of the major problems with postmodern thought that tells us to deny the existence of "truth." Either hinduism is right. Or Islam is right. Or Christianity is right. Or none are right. You cannot embrace all religions like Pi and have integrity. Ravi Zacharias tells us that there are four fundamental questions that every religion seeks to answer: Origin, meaning, morality and destiny. Each one of these belief systems are vastly different and therefore provide answers that contradict one another. 


Your last question, "Is it wrong to believe in God because it just seems to be more hopeful/purposeful/joyful?" is an interesting one. It is never wrong to believe in God because he does give us the only (and highest) hope, purpose and joy we desire and need. In fact, God commands us to do so (Psalm 37:4). But I must ask: What kind of God do you believe in? The god of Pi is a mix of several gods in an attempt to find the best of each one. Yet this is not how God wants us to come to Him. Faith isn't really believing in the "better story." It is believing God at his word - as he truly is; not what we THINK he should be. Listen to the conclusion of the fore-mentioned review (here, he quotes C.S. Lewis):

Faith in the Biblical sense isn't blind optimism in the "better story." It means taking God at his word: specifically, believing the Bible when it promises that the sacrificial death of Christ is sufficient to turn away the wrath of God on account of our own sins. "In other words," says Lewis, "I believe it on His authority. Don't be scared by the word authority. Believing things on authority only means believing them because you've been told them by someone you think trustworthy. Ninety-nine per cent. of the things you believe are believed on authority. . . . A man who jibbed at authority in other things as some people do in religion would have to be content to know nothing all his life." Don't let Martel's deficient understanding of faith keep you away from what is still a gripping yarn in its own right.

Hope this helps.


[Answered by Pastor HM]

What does God say about masturbation? I've heard people say that it'e perfectly normal, and everybody does it, but i'm having my doubts..

I've answered this question before, so please read this post. In addition to the resources listed, Got Questions also has posted an article on this very issue. Hope this helps!

Q: My best friend who claims to be Christian got plastic surgery last summer to make her eyes bigger...

...I was totally against it and tried to tell her she looked fine the way she was and advised her against it, but she got it done anyways. This year, she went and got it done again, for more drastic effects. She didn't even tell me before she got it this year and I had to find out through her brother. I don't know why she is doing this to herself. I thought once was more than enough, but apparently not. I don't know how far she is going to go with all this plastic surgery stuff. How should i approach her about this issue when she clearly doesn't listen?

A:  Plastic surgery has recently become more popular among teenagers and young professionals.  I think it's due to what I would call the "Hollywood" effect where younger stars are emerging and they are publically going under the knife (think: The Hills with breast enhancement, botox and lip plumping).  In the past, plastic surgery was more for the middle aged woman, but now, it's very mainstream spreading to women of all ages. 

From a Christian standpoint, plastic surgery for enhancement or change other than for medical purposes (I'll address that later on) would be going against what God has created.  The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalms 139:14), and for us to change that, I believe shows our dissatisfaction with what God has created.  Most people that do minor plastic surgeries have an issue with self-esteem.  I find that that is usually the root cause for many young girls and the issue does not lie physically, but internally.  I know of the surgery that you are talking about and know that it is very popular in Korea.  Personally, I think this is a trend to make the "single eyelids" into "double eyelids" and don't think that Asian girls should do it.  That is what makes us unique and we should be proud of it; there is no need to conform ourselves to look like others. 

I mentioned about plastic surgery for the case of medical procedures above.  There are times when plastic surgery is a way of helping someone integrate back into society and will help with their self esteem.  Those cases, I would classify as medical ones where a person was a victim in a fire with burns to the face or other tragedies that would result with the need of facial reconstruction.  In those cases, I believe it is fine to go through plastic surgery to remodel and repair.  Plastic surgery in this case would be for need, rather than for beauty. 

For your friend, I'm not too sure what you can to do to stop her from doing these surgeries.  But I would talk with her and try to understand where this desire to change herself comes from.  Then I would reassure her that she is beautiful as she is and there is no need to go through with these procedures to conform to what the world believes is beautiful.  Keep reminding her and supporting her of this.  I believe that many girls just get sucked into the world of plastic surgery and as I have heard, it is very hard to stop at just one (think Heidi Montag).  The need to upkeep a look is too great and many woman do plastic surgery as a form of maintenance (ex, botox on a monthly basis, face lift on a yearly basis, etc). It is a good time to talk to your friend now, before it spirals out of control.  Keep praying for her!

[answered by Pastor KJT, who has "single eyelids" and wouldn't change it!]

Q: Is it okay to drink when your parents allow you to and if it's only something to accompany a meal?

 

A:  Consuming alcohol is a personal choice which some Christians decline and others enjoy with their meal.

Fundamentally, there is not an issue with consuming alcohol.  The Bible talks about getting drunk off wine, which is a sin because it alters the way that you think and feel.  Ultimately, the choices that we make while being drunk usually do not reflect Christ (Ephesians 5:17-19).  For this reason, many Christians stay away from alcohol altogether, rather not consuming any as to not put themselves in a position where there is a possibility of being drunk.

On the other hand, there are Christians who do enjoy a glass of wine with their meal or a beer while watching the game.  They are able to exercise self control and know when to stop.  The Bible does not condemn this but rather warns us not to overindulge and become drunk off our beverage.

It's also interesting to note that the Bible does not talk about an age limit or tell us when or where we can drink.  Therefore, consuming alcohol is a choice left up to us.  The government regulates that those who are 19+ can purchase and consume alcohol.  But does that mean as soon as you are 19, you should hit the LCBO and go crazy?  Absolutely not!

Alcohol must always be consumed in moderation, if consumed at all.  If you are curious to try alcohol and your parents permit it under their supervision, I think that is fine if it is consumed in moderation.  However, if you have no desire to try it and there is a conviction in your heart not to, you can decline the offer, even if it is from your parents.  I would advise against trying alcohol in any other situation other than with your parents if you are under the age of 19.  It's not only illegal, but dangerous and can put you in a position where you do not know when to stop and find yourself drunk.  And honesty, even at 19, some are not mature enough to handle the responsibilities of buying and consuming alcohol.  Age is not an indication of being ready for this, maturity is.

Bottom line is that alcohol can be consumed as long as it does not lead to drunkenness.  Whether you choose to or not is up to you, but as the Apostle Paul says,   

²³"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. - 1 Corinthians 10:23

 which means that there are some things that are acceptable but not beneficial or used to build us up.  If drinking falls under this category for you, than refrain from doing so.  If you are mature about it and can handle it, than consume with caution.  Cheers!

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: What exactly is stuff like the "Toronto blessing"? - people speaking in tongues, shaking, acting like animals, etc. People claim that it is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, but everytime I see it (like from youtube videos) I am seriously freaked out. Is it of God or not?

A:  "Despite it's dubious credentials as a research aide, Wikipedia is useful for the following introduction to the topic of the Toronto Blessing:

"The Toronto blessing, a term coined by British churches, describes the revival and resulting phenomena that began in January 1994 at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church, now the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship (TACF), a neocharismatic evangelical Christian church located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants in the conferences and meetings sponsored by TACF have reported healings, incidents of personal transformation and a greater awareness of God's love. It has also been referred to as the Father's blessing, the Anointing, the Awakening, the River and the Fire.

CharacteristicsThe blessing has become known for ecstatic worship, including what is known as falling or resting in the Spirit, laughter, shaking, and crying. "Holy laughter" was a hallmark manifestation and there were also instances of participants roaring like lions and making other animal noises. Leaders and participants claim that these are physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. One TACF teaching, the golden sword prophecy, has been spreading among charismatic churches.
Some Christian leaders were enthusiastic about what they saw as a renewal in North American Christianity, while others saw it as hysterical and spiritually dangerous. Critics referred to it as "self-centered and evil" and cited the strange manifestations as warning signs. Others defended the blessing as historically rooted in earlier revivals and as having positive effects in the lives of participants. In his book, Counterfeit Revival, Hank Hanegraaff makes the case that the revival has done more damage than good, saying that Toronto was a matter of people being worked into altered states of consciousness where they obscure reality and enshrine absurdity."

How should you and I view the Toronto Blessing?  Everyone is responsible to come to one's own conclusions.  However, I would recommend a book by Tyndale Seminary professor Dr. James Beverley called, "Holy Laughter and the Toronto Blessing" (Zondervan, 1995).  It is, in my opinion, one of the most balanced, well-researched, and Biblically-filtered investigations into this movement. 


Below I've summarized Dr. Beverley's conclusions about the Toronto Blessing (5 Positive, and 5 Negative):
Positive Biblical Patterns (pgs. 150 - 153):

1.  Repeated exaltation of God's Power
2.  Picks up on the rich teaching of Scripture that the Christian church is in constant need of renewal.
3.  Is about evangelism and revival, central themes of Scripture (Matt. 28:18-20)
4.  Leaders have been exemplary in their lack of focus on money (Matt. 6:19-34)
5.  Nonlegalistic in its ethos and style (Matt. 23:1-36)

Critical Biblical Concerns (pgs. 153 - 160):

1.  Weak preaching typifies their nightly meetings.
2.  A reductionistic and rather shallow view of the Holy Spirit.
3.  Contrary to the Bible, the Toronto Blessing has an anti-intellectual spirit.
4.  The Toronto Blessing represents a faulty understanding of signs and wonders.
5.  Lack of emphasis on the person of Christ.

Since this book was written over 15 years ago, a lot has happened.  For one thing, the frequency and fervency of the nightly meetings has stopped.  Currently, their focus is on regular revival conferences. 

For the sake of critical integrity, I spoke to Dr. Beverley (July 9, 2010) and asked him of his opinion of the current situation. 

To summarize his response:  In retrospect, if he was to write an update to "Holy Laughter and the Toronto Blessing", Dr. Beverley would not include the final Biblical concern (5. Lack of emphasis on the person of Christ.).  He felt that this was too strong a concern.  Subsequent to publishing the book, he has visited the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship and has found that they do give significant emphasis on the person of Christ, and therefore such criticism is not deserved. 

In conclusion, one must carefully, critically, and Biblically consider all aspects of the Toronto Blessing.  Though there are several admirable qualities of this movement, there are also some significantly disturbing aspects.  I do not doubt that there are many sincere and genuine Christians in this group and many more that have been blessed deeply by their ministry.  Superficially, one muses that they bring a measure of balance to the stale version of Christianity present in many of our evangelical churches in the GTA. 

However, unbalanced diets can lead to malnutrition or sickness ... and the long-term effects of weak teaching and over-emphasis on manifestations can certainly lead to an unhealthy spiritual community.  Therefore, one's endorsement must be made cautiously, if at all!"

[answered by Pastor Fred Tham, English Congregation]

Q: Christians are called to "not be yoked with non-believers". However, what if a couple is already married before one of them becomes a Christian?

A:  Being married to an unbeliever can be one of the most difficult challenges in a Christian's life. Marriage is a sacred covenant that joins two people together in one flesh (Matthew 19:5). It can be very difficult for a believer and an unbeliever to live in peaceful harmony (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). If one partner becomes a Christian after the marriage, the inherent struggles of living under two different authorities quickly become apparent.

Often Christians in this situation will look for a way out of the marriage, convinced that this is the only way to truly bring honor to God. God’s Word, however, says the contrary. It is very important not only to be content in our situation, but also to look for ways to bring glory to Him out of our challenging circumstances (1 Corinthians 7:17). The Bible specifically addresses those who are married to unbelievers in 1 Corinthians 7:12-14: “…If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband…”

Christians married to unbelievers will need to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to profess Christ and live in the light of God's presence (1 John 1:7). They should seek God's transforming power to change their hearts and produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). A Christian wife is obligated to have a submissive heart, even toward her unbelieving husband (1 Peter 3:1), and she will need to remain close to God and rely on His grace to enable her to do so.

Christians are not meant to live solitary lives; they need to find support from outside sources such as the Church community and Fellowship groups. Being married to an unbeliever does not alter the sacredness of the relationship, so it should be the priority of every Christian to pray for his or her spouse and set a good example, allowing Christ's light to shine brightly (Philippians 2:14). May the truth found in 1 Peter 3:1—that an unbelieving spouse is “won over”—be the hope and goal of every Christian who is married to an unbeliever.

The link below provides a commentary on the 2 Corinthians passage and the issue of “Unequal Yoking with Unbelievers”:
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/2Cor/Unequal-Yoking-Unbelievers


[answered by Pastoral Intern Ray Lee]

Q: I know buying pirated DVDs and such is not right as it is stealing, but many hong kong, china (etc.) movies are not available for sale (the real version) in Canada, and my parents are afraid to buy online for security reasons. What should I do?

A: Well, you kind of answered your own question. You know that one the one hand, buying pirated DVD's are stealing, but you can't get the real copies in Canada and your parents are hesitant of buying online.  So thus, you cannot get real copies and you don't want to steal...what should do - don't steal!

Yes, I understand that annoying you cant watch the DVD's, but sticking to your guns is apart of having integrity and holding onto your values.  Bottom line is that you know it's wrong, but there is still a temptation to do it...what are you going to do?

Buying online is quite safe nowadays as long as you buy from reputable sites.  I shop on eBay, Amazon and other Internet sites quite frequently and have never had a problem.  They are secure and convenient to use.  For example, Amazon.ca is a large company likely has some Hong Kong titles you may be interested in. 

Another option is to subscribe to a multicultural channel through your local cable company.  Rogers has a value pack that you may be interested in, you can find it HERE.  Another suggestion is to find a place that rents the DVD's.  You can usually find them at a local Chinese Mall, but just be careful for every 1 legit place, it seems like there are 7 illegal ones!  Or, you could always get friends/relatives that travel to HK often to pick you up some!

I do commend you for venturing to find other ways to satisfy a hobby without sacrificing your integrity.  I hope you find a solution to dilemma!

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: How do you let go of bitterness? God teaches us not to be bitter and anger and learn to forgive our enemies. How are we suppose to do this if these are people who are acting very mean to us (such as spreading gossip, etc.)? Are we suppose to love them despite them doing so?

A: In the Book of Ephesians, it says this:

30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:30-32

This passage tells us that indeed, bitterness is not something that we should have in our lives and the Apostle Paul (who writes the Book of Ephesians) tells us to get rid of it by being kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other just as Christ forgave us. 

One would focus on the fact that in order to get rid of bitterness, we have to be kind and compassionate to one another, but the main message of this passage is not that, but is the last part - just as Christ forgave us. 

You see, we do not have the capabilities to get rid of the bitterness we have.  If we consider bitterness a sin (amongst the other things that Paul tells us to get rid of), than we have to know that we unable to get rid of sin without the forgiving power of Jesus Christ.  Thus, there is no way that we can get rid of the bitterness we have on our own, but it is only through the power and revelation of Christ's forgiveness.

Therefore, to answer your question, you must rely on Christ and allow Him to work through your heart and change the way that you feel.  I understand that may be easier said than done as we always want something more tangible and we want to see results, but ultimately, if we remember that it is Christ who forgives even the worst of our sins, we can remember to extend that grace to others also. 

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: Is it appropriate for Christians to use birth-control (e.g. condoms?)

A:  There is no black and white answer to this question as this is a matter of personal conviction based on Biblical values.  I will give you my opinion and explain why I feel that way.  But before I do, I want to make one thing clear: it is NOT okay for not married Christians to be use birth control of ANY type other than abstinence because you are not married.  If you aren't married because you shouldn't be having sex and thus no reason for a contraceptive! 

I personally feel that it is okay for a Christian married couple to be using condoms or other contraceptives (other than emergency contraceptives).  Let me explain.  A young couple who just got married may not be ready to have children but still wish to enjoy the intimacy that God intended for His [married] children to have.  Thus, the use of condoms would be acceptable.  In the case of emergency contraceptives, I will leave you to read Dr. Steve Tu's answer as he has done extensive research on the topic.  You can find his answer HERE.

In Genesis 9:7, it says "As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.".  I realize that it is God's command for us to have children and many of them, but a couple has to also face the financial, emotional and physical realities of life and the responsibility of raising a child.  If they are not at the point where they can do so yet, contraceptives may be used. 

However, I believe that if we deliberately hold back from having kids because we don't want to change our lifestyle or not spend your money on children, than we are not following God's command.  If you can, you should.

Also along those lines, if a married Christian couple was to "accidentally" conceive, it is NOT acceptable to abort or use emergency contraceptives.  As a matter of fact, not only is it not acceptable, it is sinful to do so.  The child has already been "made" and thus the Christian should take it as a blessing and take responsibility for the baby.  After all, God does not make mistakes.

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: In heaven, are we all equals? What exactly does that entail?

A:  In essence, we are all equals as we are all sinners and only enter heaven through the grace of Jesus Christ.  However, the Bible does talk about different levels of rewards.

Revelation 22:12 says,

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." 

This indicates that Jesus will reward each person differently.  This is not a matter of salvation (every believer receives this), but it shows us that there will be a time that all will essentially reap what they sow.  Exactly what those rewards are are unknown. 

And so although all Christians are granted eternity in heaven, not all Christians are the same in a sense that some simply believe, but others believe and DO!

For more information, please read this blog post:  http://www.gotquestions.org/levels-heaven.html 



[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: Is it better to pray to God about the same thing more than once? It is more likely for Him to answer your prayers if you pray for it more than once?

A:   God will answer your prayer if it is in His will not because of how many times you pray for it. For example in Matthew 6:7, Jesus warns us -

“7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” 

That is we are not to “babble”, repeat the same word over and over again in a meaningless way. This is praying with our minds disengaged from our lips. We should not pray thinking there is some special formula, a certain number of times that we ask God until something is answered. He will answer the request if it is in His will. This is the key thing.

Having said all this there are times when we have to be persistent in prayer, to keep praying for some things over and over again. For example, the salvation of your loved ones may take many years of praying for them, not just a one time thing. Another thing that will take repeated prayer is what to do with your life. In some cases, God wants you to develop perseverance and to keep praying and not to give up. Another reason I believe why we have to pray over and over for some things is that God’s will becomes clearer to us as we continue to pray and eventually our prayer changes to conform to His will and that is when it is answered.

[answered by Pastor Quang of the English Congregation]

Q: Are Christians supposed to swear? If they do, does it mean they are not real Christians? Are we allowed to say 'crap'?

A: It is definitely a sin to swear (curse, cuss, etc.). The Bible makes this abundantly clear. Ephesians 4:29 tells us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." First Peter 3:10 declares, "For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." James 3:9-12 summarizes the issue: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."

James makes it clear that the lives of Christians should not be characterized by evil speech or swearing. By making the analogy of both salt water and fresh water coming from the same spring (which is uncharacteristic of springs), he makes the point that it is uncharacteristic for a believer to have both praise and cursing come from his/her mouth. Nor is it characteristic for us to praise God on one hand and curse our brothers on the other. This, too, is uncharacteristic of a true believer.

Christians should honor the purpose of speech by using our mouths to praise God and leading others to obey the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ. Every word we speak should be “gracious” and “seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). We should always ask, “What would Jesus say?”

Jesus explained that what comes out of our mouths is that which fills our hearts. Sooner or later, the evil in the heart comes out through the mouth in curses and swearing. But when our hearts are filled with the goodness of God, praise for Him and love for others will pour forth. Our speech will always indicate what is in our hearts. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Why is it a sin to cuss / swear / curse? Sin is a condition of the heart, the mind, and “the inner man” (Romans 7:22), which is manifested in our thoughts, actions and words. When we swear and curse, we are giving evidence of the polluting sin in our hearts that must be confessed and repented of. Once we confess our personal sins to God and ask forgiveness for them, we are restored to perfect fellowship and communion with Him. Thankfully, our great God is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). When this happens, we receive a new nature from God (2 Corinthians 5:17), our hearts are transformed, and our speech reflects the new nature God has created within us.

The Thesaurus defines “profanity” as “The quality or state of being obscene. Something that is offensive to accepted standards of decency.” The Law Encyclopedia defines “profanity” as “Irreverence towards sacred things; particularly, an irreverent or blasphemous use of the name of God; vulgar, irreverent, or coarse language.”

On March 5, 2007, the Christian broadcasting company VCY America ceased broadcasting “Insight for Living”, the radio program of Charles Swindoll, reformed preacher, author, and former president and Professor Emeritus of Dallas Seminary. The company listed many instances in which Swindoll had used language that the company considered “unbecoming a pastor, and…inappropriate for our listeners”. This language included words such as ‘crap’, ‘buns’, ‘heck’, and ‘balls’. This language was not only seen as offensive and crude, but a barrier to ministry. VCY affirmed their stance that Christian radio is a “witnessing tool”, and such inappropriate language abases Christian radio, interfering with its ability to minister effectively.

In January of 2007, author and pastor John Piper, preaching to college students at a Christian conference, said that God “kicks our ass,” referring to God’s discipline for his children. Reflecting on his slip of the tongue, Piper stated that he might have used it to try to be “gutsy and real and not middle-class pious”, but wished he hadn’t used it, reasoning that, “It backfires if one becomes unholy to make people holy”.

We must remember that over time language does change, as does connotation and the definition of profane. History proves that what was once profane is no longer, and what is now profane may not have always been and will not always be. Perhaps a more appropriate scripture for this cultural shift in how language is used is I Corinthians 10:23, “"Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.” So when in doubt, don’t. The Bible is clear, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” [Ephesians 4:32]. We need to be careful how we speak, no matter what language we choose.

The following response by Wayne Grudem may be helpful to you: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByTitle/1945_Wayne_Grudem_on_Offensive_Language/

[answered by Pastoral Intern Ray Lee]