“Do you think God gives some people a glimpse of heaven before they go there? My mother always claimed that she had a glorious vision of heaven shortly before she died, and even saw my father waiting to welcome her. Was she just having a hallucination, or was this real?”
“I grew up in a home that was very critical and negative toward my brothers and me. Our parents were always getting after us and saying we wouldn't amount to anything. Now I find myself doing the same with my children. I don't want to be this way, but how can I break this habit?”
“If Jesus was really God (as I understand you Christians believe), how could He die? I thought God is supposed to be eternal and can't die. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, because I'd really like to find out more about your beliefs. I come from a country that is not Christian.”
“When is it wrong to tell a lie, and when is it OK to shade the truth a little? I admit I don't always tell the truth but it's usually about things that don't make any difference.”
“Our neighbors love to go gambling on weekends (we have some casinos nearby), and they keep inviting us to go with them. As Christians, we have moral objections to gambling, but how can we explain this to them without sounding self-righteous? Or should we go with them occasionally?”
“I have an acquaintance at work who is very opposed to religion of any kind. He claims he doesn't believe in God, but he sure gets upset if anyone brings up the subject. Why are some people like this? Other than this, he's a very nice person.”
“What did Jesus mean when He said we have to carry a cross? I've heard people talk about a problem they have and say it's a cross they have to bear, but is this what Jesus meant?”
“I'm one of those "baby boomers" you read about who's almost 60, and I have to admit I don't like it. Not only do I not like growing older, but suddenly I realize my wife and I have been having a good time instead of saving enough for retirement. I don't have a question, I guess, but I find all this kind of sobering.”
“How do you know the Bible is true? After all, the people who wrote it could have just been making it up. I know you won't agree with me, but I can't see why we ought to believe the Bible any more than we do any other ancient book.”
“Why didn't someone tell me how hard it is being a parent? We have three children, and it seems like all I do all day long is try to keep them from fighting. Will it ever get any better?”
“I know this sounds strange, but I have an aunt who cares more for her dogs and cats than she does for her family, or at least that's the way it seems to most of us. What would you say to someone like that?”
“Why do some people have an easy life although they don't have anything to do with God, while others who believe in God and try to do what's right have a hard time of it? Why is evil so strong? I don't understand why God allows it.”