Engaging athEism

Table of Contents
q Click

on a session youd like to see q

2 Session 1: Is God Real?

Participants Guide

8 Session 2: Is Faith Foolish?

Participants Guide

14 Session 3: Is God Good?

Participants Guide

21 Session 4: What About My Doubts?

Participants Guide

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

LEADERS GUIDE

Session 1
is god Real?
Exploring the most important question for humanity For as long as human beings have been alive on planet Earth, we have attempted to forge a connection with something beyond our experience and understandingsomething divine. Consequently, we have worshiped, we have served, we have sacrificed, and we have obeyed. And so the most important question a Christian can grapple with is, Has it all been a waste of time? Scripture: Genesis 1:12 Featuring: The video Answering Atheism, from Listen Up TV. Note To Leader: Provide each person with the Participants Guide included at the end of this study.

Open this session by

Part One

reading Genesis 1:12 and then showing the video clip.

identify the issue

Video Debriefing [Q] What is your reaction to the atheist bus
advertisements? Are they offensive, or an opportunity to start a conversation?

[Q] Student and atheist Chris Hammond told Lorna Dueck

that if religion wants to convert people to whatever faith or belief they have, just to ask someone to have faith alone is not good enough anymore. Do you agree or disagree?

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 1: Leaders Guide | Is God Real? | 3

[Q] Atheist Justin Trottier believes that the burden of proof regarding the existence of God
is on Christians, because they are making a claim. How would you respond to this statement?

[Q] Is it possible to prove the existence of God? Why or why not?

To explore the question of Gods existence, well look at three separate tests that can be used to help us find an answer.

Teaching Point One: The Test of Reason

Justin Trottier made the claim that we are living in an age of rationality, which means that in order for something to be proclaimed as true, it must be evaluated and confirmed by the scientific method. And certainly our Western society operates primarily by hypothesis and experiment. Thats how we identify cures for diseases, determine which schools our children should attend, confirm the accuracy of entries on Wikipedia, and evaluate just about everything else. So, can Christians identify any evidence for the existence of God?

[Q] The following ideas and concepts have been explored as scientific evidence for the
existence of God. Please explain any of the ideas/concepts that you are familiar with:
u The

Big Bang Theory (the universe had a beginning, therefore it must have had an Initiator). First Law of Thermodynamics (matter/mass cannot be created or destroyed, only changed). Second Law of Thermodynamics (the universe is winding down and therefore must have had a beginning and an outside source of available energy). Teleological Argument (the laws of the universe seem to be uniquely crafted to support life). Design (the universe and the existence of life are too complex to have developed randomly). evidence of the Bible (it is the most historically accurate book ever

u The

u The

u The

u Intelligent

u Historical

written).
u Historical

evidence for the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 1: Leaders Guide | Is God Real? | 4

[Q] Are you aware of any other scientific arguments for the
existence of God? If so, explain them to the best of your ability.

Optional Activity
d Purpose:

[Q] Which of the arguments/evidences above seem strongest

to you? Why?

[Q] Lets explore this question again: Is it possible to prove

the existence of God?

To explore how much of our behavior is tied to the existence of God.

d Activity:

Teaching Point Two: The Test of Morality

One of the most compelling arguments for the existence of God is the universal moral code that seems to be present in humanity. Across different cultures and across different times, there seem to be specific attitudes and behaviors that are consistently labeled as right or wrong.

[Q] What actions or attitudes are always right? [Q] What actions or attitudes are always wrong? [Q] Read Romans 2:1216. Do you think that all people really
have a conscience that guides them in situations where they have to make moral decisions? Explain.

Have your group divide into smaller units of three or four people, then ask each subgroup to discuss these hypothetical questions: If it were proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that God does not exist, how would your life change? What would you stop doing? What would you start doing? What would you do differently? Have each subgroup come up with five major things that would change, and then share their answers when everyone has finished. Take a moment to talk about the possible changes in behavior that were common to different groups.

[Q] How does the idea of a conscience connect with a

universal moral code? How does it connect with the existence of God?

[Q] Read Romans 6:23. How does the idea of sin connect with
a universal moral code? How does it connect with the existence of God?

Teaching Point Three: The Test of Practice

This final test asks: Does the Christian life really work? If we assume that God does exist, is it actually possible to live life the way he commands in the Bible? The best place to begin this test is by exploring your own personal experience.

[Q] If you identify yourself as a Christian, have you been able to consistently live in a way that
reflects your belief in God and adesire to obey his commands?

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 1: Leaders Guide | Is God Real? | 5

[Q] Read Romans 3:2124. How does this connect with the Test of Practice? [Q] It is easy or difficult to live as a Christian? Explain.
Many peopleboth believers and non-believersview the Christian life as extremely complicated. But that is not how Scripture presents a life lived in obedience to God. Read Micah 6:68 and Matthew 22:3740.

[Q] In what ways do these verses represent a simple view of the Christian life? [Q] In what ways do these verses represent a difficult view of the Christian life? [Q] How have you been frustrated or confused in your day-to-day walk with God? [Q] How can this group help, support, encourage, or equip you in that walk? Part Two

apply Your Findings

When people question the existence of God, it often causes Christians to reactsometimes harshly. We have built our lives on the foundation of God and his Word, and it can feel threatening when someone declares that foundation to be invalid. But before engaging atheists (or anyone else) in a bid to stand up for God, we need to take a step back and consider our own lives. Do we live in a way that makes our position on Gods existence clear? Even more, do we live in a way that brings glory to the God we believe in? Concentrating on loving God and loving others will go a long way in our efforts to stand up for Godand its a better long-term plan than arguing about his existence.

Action Point: Christians know that faith is an important part of the Christian life, but
we sometimes think that everything related to God has to depend on faith. We can forget that much of the world around us, and much of history behind us, points to God. Take some time this week to do a little research regarding the first two tests mentioned in this study. Find books or websites that discuss the scientific and moral evidence for Gods existence and brush up on your understanding of these concepts.
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

PARTICIPANTS GUIDE

Session 1
is god Real?
Exploring the most important question for humanity For as long as human beings have been alive on planet Earth, we have attempted to forge a connection with something beyond our experience and understandingsomething divine. Consequently, we have worshiped, we have served, we have sacrificed, and we have obeyed. And so the most important question a Christian can grapple with is, Has it all been a waste of time? Scripture: Genesis 1:12 Featuring: The video Answering Atheism, from Listen Up TV.

Part One

identify the issue

Teaching Point One: The Test of Reason [Q] The following ideas and concepts have been explored
as scientific evidence for the existence of God. Please explain any of the ideas/concepts that you are familiar with:
u The

Big Bang Theory (the universe had a beginning, therefore it must have had an Initiator). First Law of Thermodynamics (matter/ mass cannot be created or destroyed, only changed). Second Law of Thermodynamics (the universe is winding down and therefore must have had a beginning and an outside source of available energy). Teleological Argument (the laws of the universe seem to be uniquely crafted to support life).

u The

u The

u The

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 1: Participants Guide | Is God Real? | 7

u Intelligent

Design (the universe and the existence of life are too complex to have developed randomly). evidence of the Bible (it is the most historically accurate book ever

u Historical

written).
u Historical

evidence for the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Teaching Point Two: The Test of Morality Teaching Point Three: The Test of Practice

apply Your Findings

When people question the existence of God, it often causes Christians to reactsometimes harshly. We have built our lives on the foundation of God and his Word, and it can feel threatening when someone declares that foundation to be invalid. But before engaging atheists (or anyone else) in a bid to stand up for God, we need to take a step back and consider our own lives. Do we live in a way that makes our position on Gods existence clear? Even more, do we live in a way that brings glory to the God we believe in? Concentrating on loving God and loving others will go a long way in our efforts to stand up for Godand its a better long-term plan than arguing about his existence.

Part Two

Action Point: Christians know that faith is an important part of the Christian life, but
we sometimes think that everything related to God has to depend on faith. We can forget that much of the world around us, and much of history behind us, points to God. Take some time this week to do a little research regarding the first two tests mentioned in this study. Find books or websites that discuss the scientific and moral evidence for Gods existence and brush up on your understanding of these concepts.
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

LEADERS GUIDE

Session 2

is Faith Foolish?
Taking a closer look at the decision to believe. Often, when we think about what would Jesus do in modern situations, we are forced to extrapolate (or just plain guess) based on what we think we know about him. Thats why Jesus conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 is such a treat: its an engaging conversation between a skeptic and the Savior on topics like belief, salvation, and eternal life. Scripture: John 3:121 Featuring: The video Is Faith Stupid?, from Listen Up TV. Note To Leader: Provide each person with the Participants Guide included at the end of this study.

Open this session by

Part One
reading John 3:121 and then showing the video clip.

identify the issue

Video Debriefing [Q] The video opened with comments from Pat OBrien,
who is a member of the Canadian Humanist Association. How did you react to what he had to say? What emotions did you experience?

[Q] OBrien said that for 2,000 years now, religion has
had its way in the world; theres been a lot of blood spilled, as we all know, and some good done. How would you respond to that statement?

[Q] How have you personally encountered atheism in the

last year or two?

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 2: Leaders Guide | Is Faith Foolish? | 9

Teaching Point One: Faith and belief are rarely straightforward.

Its well-known that the Pharisees were the religious powerhouses of Jesus day. They were the ones that really knew the Torah, which meant that they were viewed as the ones who really knew Jehovah. Nicodemus was one of those powerhouses. He was a member of the Sanhedrinkind of like the Supreme Court for the Israelites. And in John 3, he approached Jesus in secret to see about giving Jesus his official seal of approval. Read John 3:12.

[Q] How do you react to Nicodemuss plan of giving an official thumbs up to Jesus? Does it
strike you as silly, genuine, manipulative, noble, arrogant, or something else?

[Q] What do Nicodemuss actions reveal about his view of Jesus mission and motives?
As he often did, Jesus responded to Nicodemus in a rather unexpected way. Read verses 315.

[Q] Is it possible that Jesus was having a little fun at Nicodemuss expense? Why or why not? [Q] Since we have the rest of the New Testament to help us, we understand better than
Nicodemus what Jesus is saying about being born again. How would you explain that concept to someone unfamiliar with Christian doctrine?

[Q] What is the connection between Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness and Jesus?
Leaders note: Jesus is referring to Numbers 21:89, when Moses responded to an infestation of poisonous snakes by attaching a bronze serpent to a pole. Anyone who looked at the bronze serpent was healeda foreshadowing of Jesus on the cross and our need to respond to him in faith.

[Q] Why didnt Jesus just come out and say what he meant directly? Why was he intentionally
confusing?

Teaching Point Two: Faith and belief require a supernatural experience.

When we really dig down into Jesus words to Nicodemus, we see that they arent as confusing as they may seem at first glance. For example, Jesus clearly and directly lays out several distinctions between different ways of thinking. He talks about the flesh versus the Spirit in verse 6. He mentions the existence of earthly things and heavenly things in verse 12.

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 2: Leaders Guide | Is Faith Foolish? | 10

In todays language, Jesus is making a strong distinction between the natural and the supernatural. Read verses 48 again.

Optional Activity
d Purpose:

[Q] Did Nicodemus view Jesus as a natural or a supernatural

being?

[Q] What does it mean that [f]lesh gives birth to flesh, but the
Spirit gives birth to spirit?

To introduce the topic of supernatural events or experiences.

d Activity:

Leaders note: Jesus is making clear that if we approach something in an earthly or natural way, we will only have natural experiencesnot supernatural ones. We can only transcend our flesh when the Holy Spirit becomes involved. This was important because Nicodemus and the other Pharisees saw the Messiah mainly as an earthly king, while Jesus knew that his kingdom was something spiritual and supernatural.
Verse 8 is the key to understanding what Jesus is saying because it identifies the wind, which is the Holy Spirit. The word translated as wind here is pneuma, which is also translated as spirit throughout much of the New Testament. Read Ezekiel 37:114.

Ask your group members the following question: Of the movies you have seen in recent years, which ones delved most deeply into a supernatural reality? This can include things like ghosts, the afterlife, alternate dimensions, and so on. Give everyone a of couple minutes to think and then ask for volunteers to describe a movie that comes to mind. After several people have contributed, ask if anyone notices any common themes or elements among the movies described. Do those common elements accurately reflect how our culture views the supernatural? Why or why not?

[Q] What words and phrases appear in both the passage in

Ezekiel and in John 3:121?

[Q] What kind of thematic connections do you see between the

two passages?

Leaders note: The most notable connection is that Gods prophet is speaking to a collection of bones, which are purely natural. They are dead. And even when the prophets work results in the bones coming together and growing sinews and flesh, they are still dead. The breath (or wind) of God was required to move the army from death to life. The same is true for people who are spiritually dead.

Teaching Point Three: Faith is both foolish and wise.

Here is what psychologist Jordan Peterson said during the video: Rationality wants to know everything. And that means it has a very powerful temptation to exclude from consideration

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 2: Leaders Guide | Is Faith Foolish? | 11

anything that is not known. And so it has a tendency to squeeze out anything that is mysterious and incomprehensible and to enforce a very tight and dogmatic interpretation on the world.

[Q] Is this true of secular society in your experience? [Q] What are the benefits of having a rational view of the world? What are the limitations?
The upshot of our cultures focus on what is natural is that atheists and others feel justified in automatically rejecting the supernatural elements of Christianity. After all, when you only focus on things you can see, hear, smell, touch, or taste, you dont have any room for a God that is spirita God that is unseen. And to believe in such a Being seems foolish. This echoes Pauls words in 1 Corinthians 1:18: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

[Q] What does that mean for those of us who choose to believe, and for those of us who want to
help others believe?

[Q] Is there a way to communicate our supernatural experiences with people who reject anything
supernatural?

apply Your Findings

Before engaging in conversations with atheists and unbelievers, its important that we as Christians get a firm understanding of how we approach the natural and supernatural worlds. We need to be self-aware about our view of God as a supernatural Being, and about our souls being connected to him in a supernatural way through the Holy Spirit.

Part Two

Action Point: As you go about your life this week, try to take a step back and look
objectively at your interactions with God and other Christians. Are they more natural or supernatural? For example, as you have your devotions and/or quiet times during the week, do you approach them as a way to connect with the Holy Spirit, or as a way to gather information? Or are they a way to do what Christians are supposed to do? Or when you go to church, do you have experiences or connections that go beyond what you have at the supermarket?
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

PARTICIPANTS GUIDE

Session 2

is Faith Foolish?
Taking a closer look at the decision to believe. Often, when we think about what would Jesus do in modern situations, we are forced to extrapolate (or just plain guess) based on what we think we know about him. Thats why Jesus conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 is such a treat: its an engaging conversation between a skeptic and the Savior on topics like belief, salvation, and eternal life. Scripture: John 3:121 Featuring: The video Is Faith Stupid?, from Listen Up TV.

Part One

identify the issue

Teaching Point One: Faith and belief are rarely straightforward. Teaching Point Two: Faith and belief require a supernatural experience. Teaching Point Three: Faith is both foolish and wise. Part Two

apply Your Findings

Before engaging in conversations with atheists and unbelievers, its important that we as Christians get a firm understanding of how we approach the natural and supernatural worlds. We need to be self-aware about our view of God as a supernatural Being, and about our souls being connected to him in a supernatural way through the Holy Spirit.

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 2: Participants Guide | Is Faith Foolish? | 13

Action Point: As you go about your life this week, try to take a step back and look
objectively at your interactions with God and other Christians. Are they more natural or supernatural? For example, as you have your devotions and/or quiet times during the week, do you approach them as a way to connect with the Holy Spirit, or as a way to gather information? Or are they a way to do what Christians are supposed to do? Or when you go to church, do you have experiences or connections that go beyond what you have at the supermarket?
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

LEADERS GUIDE

Session 3
is god good?
And if he is good, is he responsible for everything on Earth thats bad? When Christians dialogue with people who do not follow God, the conversation usually hovers around the question of Gods existence. Is there a Divine Being or is there not? But there is another question that needs to be addressed: Assuming there is a God, can we say for sure that he is good? Does he have our best interests in mind, or is he nothing more than a cosmic Watchmaker who set the universe spinning but no longer checks in to see whats happening with his creation? Scripture: Habakkuk 3:1619 Featuring: The video God on Trial, from Listen Up TV.
reading Habakkuk 3:1619 and then showing the video clip.

Note To Leader: Provide each person with the Participants Guide included at the end of this study.

Open this session by

Part One

identify the issue

Video Debriefing [Q] Who would you rather see taken to court for what is
wrong with the world: God, the devil, or yourself?

[Q] Paul Young, author of The Shack, neatly summarized

the basic idea of this weeks study: What is God like? Is he good, and is he involved? How would you respond?

Leaders note: Some of your group members may want to turn the discussion toward Youngs book, The Shack, and you may need to remind them that such a discussion would not be the best use of your groups time.
ChristianBibleStudies.com 2011 Christianity Today International

Session 3: Leaders Guide | Is God Good? | 15

[Q] Is God responsible for the bad things that happen in the world? Why or why not? [Q] Is God responsible for the bad things that have happened in your life? Why or why not? Teaching Point One: Human beings are limited in what we are able to see.
The Book of Habakkuk is an ideal launching point for this discussion, because it presents a brief conversation between God and his prophet regarding the bad things that were happening in the world. At the time, the nation of Judah was experiencing mild prosperity. Unfortunately, the ruling class in Jerusalem had become corrupt; Judahs leaders were oppressing the poor and helpless in order to improve their own lives. Habakkuk had been forced to witness injustice for years, and it caused him to cry out to God and ask, Why does so much evil go unpunished? Read Habakkuk 1:14.

[Q] Have you ever asked God any of these questions? [Q] Was it right or wrong for Habakkuk to address God in this way and in this tone?
God heard Habakkuks questions, of course, and answered them. Unfortunately for Habakkuk (and the rest of Judah), it wasnt an answer he really wanted to hear. Read Habakkuk 1:511.

[Q] How would you summarize Gods answer to Habakkuk? [Q] Using the evil Babylonians to punish the injustice in Jerusalem sounds unfair. Is it?
Leaders note: Read Habakkuk 2:220 to get Gods answer to this question.
Habakkuk is initially stunned by the revelation that God will punish the injustices in Jerusalem by allowing the Babylonians to destroy the city. But he doesnt despair. In fact, he learns to trust in spite of his confusion and dismay. Read Habakkuk 3:1619.

[Q] What statement is Habakkuk making about God in these verses? [Q] What statement is he making about the condition of the world? [Q] How do those two statements fit together in your mind?
ChristianBibleStudies.com 2011 Christianity Today International

Session 3: Leaders Guide | Is God Good? | 16

Teaching Point Two: God is not responsible for the results of human acts of evil.
The troubling situation that caused Habakkuk to cry out to God with his first round of questions involved human decisions resulting in injustice and oppression. Interestingly, Habakkuk doesnt blame or accuse God for allowing evil decisions to be made; rather, Habakkuk is initially impatient that God seems to be slow in punishing those decisions. But when people talk about the problem of evil today, they often go straight to the question that Habakkuk didnt ask: Why does God allow evil people to harm and oppress the innocent?

[Q] When you think about evil, what are some of the events or individuals from history that
come to mind?

[Q] Read Deuteronomy 30:1520. These and other verses in the Bible make it clear that
human beings have the freedom to make choices that are good or evil. How does this freedom impact the problem of evil?

[Q] Is it possible for God to both grant human beings free will and prevent them from
making evil decisions? Why or why not?
u Is

it possible for God to grant human beings free will and prevent the consequences of their evil decisions? Explain.

[Q] Read Ephesians 6:1017. What responsibility do Christians have to fight against the evil
present in our world? As Habakkuk noted, God is most certainly responsible for punishing those people who choose to engage in evil and cause harm to others. And this is a responsibility that God does not take lightly. Reread Habakkuk 2:220.

[Q] Does the fact that God will eventually punish evil deeds bring any comfort to you? Why
or why not?

[Q] How should we deal with our frustration that Gods timing doesnt always match up with
our preferred timing when it comes to these punishments?

Leaders note: The proper way to deal with our frustration is to understand that God is God and we are not, which results in submission and trust. Read Habakkuk 3:1619 again to see how the prophet handled his own frustration and confusion.

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 3: Leaders Guide | Is God Good? | 17

Teaching Point Three: We may never understand why God allows natural disasters and other acts of God.
In the video, theologian Charles Price notes that if an avalanche takes place on a mountain, thats not in itself evilthats not a moral issue . . . that is a tragic accident. And he is certainly correct. Natural catastrophes are not evil in a moral sense. And yet, they have caused a great amount of pain and suffering among people whom God claims to love. How can we explain this? As a hypothetical situation, imagine that a tornado is going to wipe out a Midwestern town on Thursday morning. Its currently Wednesday; what options does God have in dealing with this situation?
u He

Optional Activity
d Purpose:

To highlight our expectations when it comes to preventing others from experiencing pain.
d Activity:

Find a movie that has a thrilling rescue scene. This could be a super-hero movie like Batman or The Incredibles, or it could be a disaster film like Twister or 2012. Show the entire clip to your group and then ask: What would we think about the hero if he decided to take no action to save those who were in danger? How is that the same or different from God?

can prevent the tornado from occurring (either naturally or supernaturally). can divert the tornado to an unpopulated area.

u He u He

can warn the inhabitants of the town and give them a chance to escape. can choose to do nothing.

u He

[Q] Are there any other options that have not been covered? [Q] Which option seems to be the best? [Q] Which option seems the least good? [Q] Why does God almost always choose to do nothing about natural disasters when he has the
knowledge and power to stop them? It is unlikely that humanity will ever be able to answer this question, because to do so would mean that we have achieved a deep understanding of the mind of God. To speak as Scripture does, Gods ways are not our ways. To speak frankly, our only option when thinking about this question is to trust in the goodness of God. Read Habakkuk 3:1619 again.

[Q] In what ways is this a satisfying answer for you? In what ways is it unsatisfying?
ChristianBibleStudies.com 2011 Christianity Today International

Session 3: Leaders Guide | Is God Good? | 18

Part Two

apply Your Findings

The problem of evil has been a sticking point for many people through the ages when it comes to belief or faith in God. People have a difficult time understanding how a God filled with love and goodness could allow so much pain in our world, and they decide to reject God because of it. Christians need to show a proper respect for these questions when speaking to people who do not follow Godpithy answers are almost never helpful. Even more, we need to be open and honest about our own doubts and confusion. These are tough questions that need to be grappled with, and the act of wrestling with them as a community is a valuable witness to the rest of the world. But at the end of the day, our only recourse is to trust in the goodness of God. Fortunately, there is one thing that makes it easier to trust as we consider the ups and downs of the story of life here on Earth: We know how the story ends.

Action Point: Read Revelation 21 and 22 this week during your devotional times to see
how the story ends. Keep this question in mind as you read: How does knowing human beings eternal destination impact how I view pain and suffering on Earth?
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

PARTICIPANTS GUIDE

Session 3
is god good?
And if he is good, is he responsible for everything on Earth thats bad?

Part One
When Christians dialogue with people who do not follow God, the conversation usually hovers around the question of Gods existence. Is there a Divine Being or is there not? But there is another question that needs to be addressed: Assuming there is a God, can we say for sure that he is good? Does he have our best interests in mind, or is he nothing more than a cosmic Watchmaker who set the universe spinning but no longer checks in to see whats happening with his creation? Scripture: Habakkuk 3:1619 Featuring: The video God on Trial, from Listen Up TV.

identify the issue

Teaching Point One: Human beings are limited in what we are able to see. Teaching Point Two: God is not responsible for the results of human acts of evil. Teaching Point Three: We may never understand why God allows natural disasters and other acts of God. Part Two

apply Your Findings

The problem of evil has been a sticking point for many people through the ages when it comes to belief or faith in God. People have a difficult time understanding how a God filled with love and goodness could allow so much pain in our world, and they decide to reject God because of it.

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 3: Participants Guide | Is God Good? | 20

Christians need to show a proper respect for these questions when speaking to people who do not follow Godpithy answers are almost never helpful. Even more, we need to be open and honest about our own doubts and confusion. These are tough questions that need to be grappled with, and the act of wrestling with them as a community is a valuable witness to the rest of the world. But at the end of the day, our only recourse is to trust in the goodness of God. Fortunately, there is one thing that makes it easier to trust as we consider the ups and downs of the story of life here on Earth: We know how the story ends.

Action Point: Read Revelation 21 and 22 this week during your devotional times to
see how the story ends. Keep this question in mind as you read: How does knowing human beings eternal destination impact how I view pain and suffering on Earth?
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

LEADERS GUIDE

Session 4
What about my Doubts?
Surprising insights from the journal of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa is one of the best-known Christians of the 20th century. She was a blessing to those she served year after year and an inspiration to the millions who watched her from afar. So it was surprising when excerpts from one of Teresas journals (published 10 years after her death) revealed serious doubts about God and his love for her. Scripture: Psalm 22:131 Featuring: The video Doubting Teresa, from Listen Up TV. Note To Leader: Provide each person with the Participants Guide included at the end of this study.

by reading Psalm 22:131 and then showing the video clip.

Open this session

Part One

identify the issue

Video Debriefing [Q] What do you know about Mother Teresas life? Has her
story impacted you at any point in the past?

[Q] At the beginning of the video, Mary Rose Bacani said

that she was relieved to hear about Mother Teresas journal because we all have doubts from time to time. What has caused you to have doubts?

[Q] What was your reaction to Denyse OLearys

comments about the spiritual brain and being able to scientifically track religious experiences?

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 4: Leaders Guide | What About My Doubts? | 22

[Q] Were there elements of the video that you found interesting or confusing? Teaching Point One: All Christians experience times of doubt and distance from God.
Mother Teresa is not the only well-known follower of God to express regret, confusion, and doubt. The psalms of David record several instances of intense emotion, ranging all the way from worship and praise to doubt and fear. Read Psalm 22:12.

[Q] What is the dominant emotion of these verses? [Q] If you have experienced serious doubts or confusion about God, what steps did you take to
get closer to him? Which steps worked and which did not? The first line from Psalm 22 is familiar to many Christians because Jesus cried out these words just before his death on the cross (see Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34). Davids words are a powerful reflection of the betrayal and anguish that Jesus felt after taking on the weight of human sin. But that is not the only time that Jesus felt isolated or distanced from God. Read Matthew 26:3646.

[Q] What emotions are mentioned in the text? [Q] Was Jesus experiencing doubt? If you dont think so, how would you describe this
encounter?

[Q] If David, Jesus, and Mother Teresa all had times when they felt separated from or
abandoned by God, what does that mean for us?

Teaching Point Two: Confusion and doubt can help us cling to God.
Read Psalm 22:321.

[Q] What are the dominant emotions expressed in these verses? [Q] What kind of experience is David describing in verses 1218? What do you think was
happening to him? Many scholars believe that David wrote this psalm while under duress and persecution from Saul (see 1 Samuel 21:123:29). David was literally being hunted by Saul and his armies, and its no
ChristianBibleStudies.com 2011 Christianity Today International

Session 4: Leaders Guide | What About My Doubts? | 23

wonder he felt abandoned by God at times while he was on the run. After all, this was the same person who had been anointed by Samuel and had defeated Goliathbut it must have seemed like everything had changed.

Optional Activity
d Purpose:

[Q] Take a closer look at verses 1618. What event is being

prophesied here?

To highlight how difficult it is to be certain about things we dont understand.

d Activity:

[Q] David didnt know that God would become a man and
one day experience the same situations and emotions that he was dealing with, but we have the privilege of seeing that connection. What do you see as the significance of this link between David and Jesus?

Leaders note: Jesus was a descendant of David, which means the two men will always be connected. But David was not a savior; he was a man of faith who loved God, but who had many flaws. Whats interesting is that David is not linked to Jesus in these verses because of his heroism or compassion or self-sacrifice, but because of his suffering. In other words, looking back we can see that the time when David felt abandoned by God was actually the time he was closest to experiencing Gods mission and heart.
Read verses 1921.

Announce to the group that you have lost a $100 bill and you believe it to be somewhere in the room. As time allows, have your group look for the money for 24 minutes before gathering everyone together again. Then ask: Did anyone find the $100 bill? If not, can we be absolutely certain that the money is not in this room? The answer to that question is no. Your group cannot be 100 percent certain that the money is not in the room because you have not searched every possible inch of the room you cant proclaim certainty about something that is missing unless every possible hiding place has been searched and the item is still missing. That is the problem with atheism. Atheists make the claim that God does not exist, and they often speak with a high level of certainty. But no human being has searched all of the known universe, which means no human being can say for sure that God does not exist.

[Q] Have you experienced a time when pain or doubt caused

you to turn to God for help?

[Q] When we cling to God in the midst of confusion or doubt

or suffering, are we demonstrating strong faith or a lack of faith? Explain.

Teaching Point Three: Honesty about our confusion and doubts will help our witness in the world.

As Christians, we often want to project confidence and certainty when we interact with people who disagree with our views on Godatheists included. We want them to see that we really do believe in God and his mission for this world.
ChristianBibleStudies.com 2011 Christianity Today International

Session 4: Leaders Guide | What About My Doubts? | 24

Unfortunately, that same confidence is often one of the things that confuses and aggravates atheists the most.

[Q] What words would you use to describe people who have chosen to label themselves as
atheists?

[Q] What words do you think atheists would use to describe Christians? What words have you
heard them use?

[Q] Have you ever been argued into an important decision or change of direction when it
comes to your core beliefs? Read Psalm 22:2231. David had a zeal for evangelism as strong as any New Testament Christians. He wanted to see all the ends of the Earth worship God as he did. And yet these verses do not conflict with his expressions of emotion earlier in the psalm. David was a man who praised God in the midst of suffering; he recommended God to the nations even when he felt abandoned. We can interact with those who dont yet share our beliefs, and live, the same way.

apply Your Findings

Its important that Christians remember the instructions God has given us for interacting with and ministering to all people: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 7:12). These words from Jesus are an excellent reminder of what we are called to do with our time on Earthand what we are not called to do.

Action Point: Consider taking a page from Davids book (literally!) this week and
writing a psalm that expresses your current emotions about God. If you currently have a vibrant connection with Jesus, write a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. If you are feeling confused or abandoned, see if you can put those emotions into words. And if you find that your psalm includes elements from both ends of the spectrum, you can feel good that you are in the company of Mother Teresanot to mention David and Jesus.
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

PARTICIPANTS GUIDE

Session 4
What about my Doubts?
Surprising insights from the journal of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa is one of the best-known Christians of the 20th century. She was a blessing to those she served year after year and an inspiration to the millions who watched her from afar. So it was surprising when excerpts from one of Teresas journals (published 10 years after her death) revealed serious doubts about God and his love for her. Scripture: Psalm 22:131 Featuring: The video Doubting Teresa, from Listen Up TV.

Part One

identify the issue

Teaching Point One: All Christians experience times of doubt and distance from God. Teaching Point Two: Confusion and doubt can help us cling to God. Teaching Point Three: Honesty about our confusion and doubts will help our witness in the world.

apply Your Findings

Its important that Christians remember the instructions God has given us for interacting with and ministering to all people: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 7:12). These words from Jesus are an excellent reminder of what we are called to do with our time on Earthand what we are not called to do.

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International

Session 4: Participants Guide | What About My Doubts? | 26

Action Point: Consider taking a page from Davids book (literally!) this week and
writing a psalm that expresses your current emotions about God. If you currently have a vibrant connection with Jesus, write a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. If you are feeling confused or abandoned, see if you can put those emotions into words. And if you find that your psalm includes elements from both ends of the spectrum, you can feel good that you are in the company of Mother Teresanot to mention David and Jesus.
Study by Sam ONeal

ChristianBibleStudies.com

2011 Christianity Today International