Quick List
This is a condensed list of all articles. Select sort sequence: Date (new to old) or Title.
Armor of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “armor of God”? Do you think you are a medieval knight headed off to battle or something?
Eternal Life Starts Now
Christian, tell me why do you talk about eternal life when life right now is so messed up? I wouldn’t want this to last forever!
Failed Expectations, Meet God’s Grace
Christian, tell me why should I keep trying to be good, when all I do is keep failing?
The God Who Sees
Christian, tell me why is God called “the God Who Sees”? What is special about seeing?
Jesus, the Seed that Grows an Eternal Crop
Christian, tell me why do you compare Jesus to a seed? That’s an odd way to refer to someone that you worship!
Evil Spirit from the Lord?
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say that God sends evil spirits? You say that God is good, so how could He do such a thing?
Pearls Before Swine
Christian, tell me why did Jesus talk about throwing “pearls before swine”? What are the pearls, and who are the swine?
Jesus’ Yoke
Christian, tell me why does Jesus talk about his “yoke”? What does He mean?
Outcasts
Christian, tell me why do you say that God cares for outcasts as much as He does for the most religious people?
Wrath of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “wrath” of God? Why is He always so angry?
God Alone
Christian, tell me why is God sometimes called the “Hound of Heaven”? What does a hound dog have to do with God?
Predestined, Elect, Chosen, or Hardened?
Christian, tell me why do you say that you were predestined to be one of the elect, special chosen ones? That seems awfully arrogant. It also makes it seem like no one has a real choice whether to become a
Christian or not.
Cathedrals: Showing Off God, or Just Showplaces?
Christian, tell me why are churches so often the fanciest and most expensive buildings in town? Shouldn’t all that money go to helping the poor or something?
God of the Ark
Christian, tell me why was the Ark of the Covenant important? What was it exactly, and what was special about it?
Friend, Not Fussbudget
Christian, tell me why do you think of God as a friend? How can a sinner be friends with the Almighty?
Because He Loves Us
God loves us so much that He gives us veto power over something He wants more than anything else: Us!
Why the Cross?
Christian, tell me why is the cross symbol so important to you? I know that Jesus was crucified, but why turn the cross into an icon?
Foot Washing
Christian, tell me why do you talk about washing your feet? That’s a little digusting!
Feasts of Jesus
Christian, tell me why do you see Jesus in the Jewish annual festivals? They were started hundreds of years before He lived!
The Good Samaritan
Christian, why do we call someone who does a good deed a “Good Samaritan”? Where does the term come from?
Gifts of the Spirit
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “spiritual gifts” or “gifts of the Spirit”? What kind of gifts do you mean?
Sin: Missing the Mark
Christian, tell me why do you keep saying that people are all sinners? Sure, there are plenty of sins, but not everyone commits them.
Delight with God
Christian, tell me why do you say that God “delights” in you? Or that you delight in Him? Religion is usually associated with rules, not with delight!
Christianity’s Jewish Heritage
Christian, tell me why do you appropriate all of the Old Testament promises to Israel as applying to you also? You’re not Jewish!
Shades of Belief
Christian, tell me why do you insist that belief in Jesus is so important? Some people don’t believe in God; others believe in God but not Jesus. What difference does it make?
Hell
Christian, tell me why do you tell scare stories about Hell? I don’t appreciate being manipulated into buying your “fire insurance”!
Heaven
Christian, tell me why do you look forward to Heaven, anyway? I’m not particularly interested in living in the clouds, playing a harp, or sitting in an endless church service singing worship songs forever.
To Judge, or Not To Judge?
Christian, tell me why are you so judgmental? Doesn’t the Bible tell you not to judge others?
Great Commission
Christian, tell me why do you say that you have a “Great Commission” to spread Christianity? Isn’t it arrogant to try to force everyone else to believe like you do?
God Became Man
Christian, tell me why do you think it’s important that God became man? That’s an old fairy tale: The gods in mythology became human all the time.
Remember!
How would what Lazarus experienced affect his perspective on the events that followed?
Palm Sunday
Christian, tell me why do you celebrate Palm Sunday the week before Easter? What does it mean?
Good Person? Wrong Answer!
Christian, tell me why do you think that we have to be Christian in order to be good people? Lots of non-Christians are good (and some Christians aren’t!)
Hope
Christian, tell me why are you so confident about your hope in Christ? The things we hope for don’t always come to pass, after all!
Fear of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “fear of God”? Why do you worship if you’re afraid of him?
Jesus’ Amazing Courage
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus was brave? That’s not a description I hear very often.
The Soul Goes On
Christian, tell me why do you believe that anything about us persists after we die?
Life with Jesus: More than just Activities
Christian, tell me why do you talk so much about church activities? You say that Christianity is about Jesus, not choir rehearsal, don’t you?
Titanic, or Lifeboat?
Christian, tell me why do you insist that everyone needs Jesus?
Rejecting Christianity
Christian, tell me why do you think that many people reject Christianity?
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men
Christian, tell me why do you believe in the fairy tale of “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men”? Look around you!
Three Rules for a Good Life
Christian, tell me why do you try to follow God’s rules? Don’t they take all the fun out of life?
Useful vs. Usable
Christian, tell me why do you say that someone has been “used by God”? What does it take to be considered useful to Him?
Ascension and Return
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus “ascended”? What do you mean by that?
Son of Man
Christian, tell me why did Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”? Was he claiming to be simply a man?
Give Thanks in Everything
Christian, why do you say to “give thanks in everything?” There are plenty of things that I don’t feel thankful about!
Good vs. Evil, a Lopsided Battle
Christian, tell me why are you so sure that Good will ultimately win? There is an awful lot of Bad in the world!
God is Great, God is Good
Christian, tell me why do you teach your children to pray “God is great, God is good”? Looking at the chaos in the world, it doesn’t seem like the work of a great, good God.
Why Anti-Semitism?
Christian, tell me why do people hate the Jews so much? What is your explanation of the causes of anti-Semitism?
Mustard-Seed Faith
Christian, tell me why do you think that your faith in God is sufficient? How do you know that you are believing hard enough?
Conflict vs. Love
Christian, tell me why do some Christians insist on doing church the same old way, while others are always wanting things to be done differently?
Light of the World
Christian, tell me why do you call Jesus “the Light of the World”? What does that mean?
Living Water
Christian, tell me why did Jesus say He was the source of “Living Water”? What is meant by that?
Reverse Contamination
Christian, tell me why does the Bible talk about “clean” vs. “unclean”? And what does Jesus have to do with it?
Judges – Abimelech through Samson
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judges – Deborah and Gideon
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Pharisees
Christian, tell me why do you use the term “Pharisee” as derogatory? What does it mean?
Hands and Feet
Christian, tell me why do you call yourself the “hands and feet” of Christ? What do you mean by that?
To Drink or Not to Drink
Christian, tell me why do some Christians say that drinking is wrong, while others are OK with it?
Demons
Christian, tell me why do you believe that demons exist? How are they relevant to our lives today?
Angels
Christian, tell me why do you believe that angels exist? How are they relevant to our lives today?
High Priest
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus is a “High Priest”? I could understand “prophet” maybe. But “priest”?
So Much More
Christian, tell me why do you think that Christianity is so much more than all of the world’s other religions?
Before and After
Christian, tell me why is the Bible divided into an “Old” vs. a “New” testament? What is the difference between the two?
Self-Righteousness
Christian, tell me why are you so self-righteous? What makes you think that you’re better than anyone else?
Doxology
Christian, tell me why do you sing something called a “Doxology”? What is that?
Religion vs. Relationship
Christian, tell me why is Christianity different from any other religion? They all are just sets of rules and regulations to follow in order to be considered “acceptable”. What makes your to-do list any better than anyone else’s?
Fear Not
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say we shouldn’t be afraid? The world is full of scary things!
Rock of Ages
Christian, tell me why do you refer to God as a rock? You sing songs like “Rock of Ages” and “On Christ, the Solid Rock”. What do you mean by those?
Watch Your Words!
Christian, tell me why does the Bible harp on speech codes so much? Why does it matter what we simply SAY, when so many are ACTING so badly and getting away with it?
Just Passing Through
Christian, tell me why doesn’t life get you down as much as it does other people? How do you face problems without being crushed by them?
Jesus: God AND Man
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus is both God and Man? Which is it? Why does it matter?
Access to God, a History
Christian, tell me why do you say both that we are separated from God but also that He wants a relationship with us? You contradict yourself!
Faith and Politics
Christian, tell me why do you try to make laws that force everyone else to live the way that you think they should? Haven’t you heard of separation of church and state?
Foundations
Christian, tell me why do you consider “being a Christian” to be the most significant thing about you? Don’t you care about who you are as a person?
Simply Obey
Christian, tell me why should I do as God says? What if He asks me to do something weird?
Single Source of Truth
Christian, tell me why do you insist that your truth is better than mine?
A Special Weekend
What might it have been like to be a Roman soldier witnessing the events of that first Easter weekend?
Love Your Enemies
Christian, tell me why didn’t Jesus hate the people who rejected and crucified him? If he is God, he should have just hurled lightning bolts and destroyed them!
Jesus’ Enemies
Christian, tell me why did people want to kill Jesus? He was a peaceful man who taught others to be loving and kind. What was wrong with that?
Assurance
Christian, tell me why are you so sure that you are going to Heaven? What makes you think that you are good enough to be right with God?
In Christ
Christian, tell me why do you say that you are “in Christ”? What does that mean?
God’s Spirit, in Me
Christian, tell me why do you say that you have God’s Spirit “in” you? What does that mean? Is it anything like demon possession? I sure wouldn’t want that!
Keep the Faith
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say opposite things, that Jesus gives eternal life but that it is possible to then lose it?
A Terrifying God
Christian, tell me why does Hebrews 10 say that “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”?
Falling Away
Christian, tell me why does Hebrews 6 say that it is impossible for a fallen Christian to repent?
Entering God’s Rest
Christian, tell me why does Hebrews 4 threaten that Christians may not enter Heaven, God’s “rest”, after all?
Deacons
Christian, tell me why do you call your leaders “deacons”? Why do some churches not allow women to be deacons, but others do?
Apostles
Christian, tell me why are some Bible folks called “Apostles”? What does that mean?
Cleaning All The Corners
Christian, tell me why do you use big words like “justification” and “sanctification”. What do they even mean? Why can’t you speak in normal language?!
You Are Special!
It seems that so much of the way people behave stems from a desire to feel significant. That’s not necessary: they are already infinitely valuable to God.
Focus on God
Christian, tell me why aren’t you more different from non-believers? If God is so important to you, why aren’t you focussed on Him constantly?
We Three Kings
I happened to really listen to the words of this Christmas carol on the radio. I was surprised at them, so I looked them up for more details.
Thee, Thou, and Thy — Oh, My!
Christian, tell me why does the Bible talk in such formal, old-fashioned language? What’s with all the “thee’s” and “thou’s”?
Music in Worship
Christian, tell me why do some church groups sing new “praise choruses” while other sing old-fashioned hymns? Why do some use organ and piano accompaniment, others use drums and guitars, and others use none at all? What are the Bible’s instructions?
Will of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “will” of God? Why do you pray “Thy will be done”, or say “God willing…”?
In Jesus’ Name
Christian, tell me why do you always end your prayers with “in Jesus’ name”?
Promised Land
Christian, tell me why do you talk and sing about “crossing the river” to the “Promised Land”?
Adam’s First Day
We grow up surrounded by God’s creation. Adam didn’t: As far as the Bible says, he was created already adult. How might he have reacted when awakening to so much beauty and diversity? What was his relationship with God like?
Saved, Savior, Salvation
Christian, tell me why do you refer to Jesus as your “Savior” and ask people whether they are “saved”? Saved from what?
Worship, Glorify, Enjoy
Christian, tell me why do you say that you “worship” or “glorify” God? What do you mean by that?
Holy God, Holy People
Christian, tell me why do you say that God is “holy”? What do you mean by that?
Missing Papaw
I wrote this over forty years ago, when my grandfather passed away. It was my first experience of death that close to me. At first, it seemed a bit personal to post on this site. But I decided that it’s real, and someone out there may identify with the feelings.
When Church Hurts
Christian, tell me why should I care about God when Christians behave so badly?
Sabbath
Christian, tell me why do you think that Sunday should be a special day? Why treat one day different from the others?
Atonement
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “atonement”? That’s an awfully church-y word. What does it mean?
Tabernacle
Christian, tell me why do you use that strange word “tabernacle”? It’s just a church building like any other, isn’t it?
Faith
Christian, tell me why do you expect anyone to have blind faith in something they can’t see? Why follow a fairy tale?
Covenant
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “covenants”? What does that mean, and why is it important to you?
Relationships and Sexuality: A User’s Manual
Christian, tell me why are you such an intolerant prude about sex? Why can’t you let people do what they choose with their own bodies?
Image of God
Christian, tell me why do you say that people are created “in the image of God”?
Redemption
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “redemption” or “being redeemed” or Jesus as your “Redeemer”? What do you mean by the word “redeem”?
God Is
Christian, tell me why do you believe that God exists? Don’t quote the Bible; give real evidence.
Bloodthirsty God?
Christian, tell me why do you worship such a bloodthirsty God, who is always sending fire and brimstone onto anyone who offends him?
Intimacy of God
Christian, tell me why do you think that God is close to us? You talk about how big and holy and majestic He is. Isn’t it contradicting yourself to say that He is also close by each individual person?
Sovereignty of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “sovereignty” of God? What does that mean?
Salt and Light
Christian, tell me why do you call yourself “salt” or “light”? What is meant by that?
Still A Great Country
This Independence Day, let’s all thank God for our country and its Constitution. Let’s also commit to living within that framework that has made the United States a leader in freedom and innovation for 246 years.
Blessings and Beatitudes
Christian, tell me why do you talk about God’s “blessings”? What does it mean to be blessed?
Judgment, Hell, and Heaven
Christian, tell me why do you insist on talking about some big scary Judgment Day? We can’t know what will happen, so as long as we sincerely try, we should be OK, shouldn’t we? And why keeping “harping” on heaven-in-the-clouds-with-angels, or shouting about fire and brimstone in hell?
Second Coming and Millennium
Christian, tell me why do you expect a Second Coming of Jesus? It’s been over 2000 years. Get over it: He’s like all the other legends and never coming back!
Tribulation: Armageddon
Christian, tell me why does the word “Armageddon” convey such disaster? What is it, really?
Tribulation: Anti-Christ and Babylon
Christian, tell me why do you talk about someone called the “Anti-Christ”? Who is this big, bad person we’re supposed to be afraid of? And what’s up with Babylon? Why is that ancient empire coming up again?
Tribulation: Warnings and Witnesses
Christian, tell me why do you talk about a coming time of “Tribulation”? Doesn’t that mean “trouble”? Why anticipate such a thing?
Rapture
Christian, tell me why do you talk about something called “Rapture”? What does that mean?
End Times
Christian, tell me why do you talk about all of those “End Times” topics? What do you mean by “Rapture”, “Tribulation”, or “Millenium”? What makes you think such things are real, or matter in the real world?
Fight Satan, Not People
Christian, tell me why do you sing about “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and talk about the “armor of God”? Why be so militant?
History
Christian, tell me why do you believe that God is acting in human history? There are always wars and conflicts, and the winners aren’t always the good guys. Who says that God has anything to do with it?
Names of God
Christian, tell me why is God called by so many names? God, Father, Lord, lots of different Hebrew words. Why not pick one and stick with it?
Finding Life’s Meaning
Christian, tell me why is the book of Ecclesiastes even in the Bible? It seems negative and fatalistic and weird. What’s up?
Jealous God
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say that God is “jealous”? Isn’t jealousy a bad thing?
Disciple
Christian, tell me why are Jesus’ followers usually called “Christian” but sometimes called “disciple”? What does “disciple” mean?
Just Enough
Christian, tell me why do you say that we shouldn’t worry about money? Why shouldn’t I do my best to get ahead?
Knowledge of Good and Evil
Christian, tell me why was it so bad for Adam and Eve to eat a piece of fruit? It hardly seems to warrant getting kicked out and sentenced to death!
From Despair to Joy
This Easter, imagine the difference between that Friday afternoon and that Sunday morning! The difference between “I am a sinner” and “Jesus saved me” is just as enormous.
Messiah
Christian, tell me why do you think that Jesus is the Messiah? What does “Messiah” mean, anyway?
Power in the Blood
Christian, tell me why do you talk so much about blood? That’s gruesome!
Worldview
Christian, tell me why do you believe that your view of things is better than anyone else’s?
Bride of Christ
Christian, tell me why do you refer to the church as the “Bride of Christ”? Is that any relation to Bride of Frankenstein? !!
Adopted Child of God
Christian, tell me why do you call yourself a “child of God”? What makes you so special?
Forgiveness
Christian, tell me why I should just forgive anyone who hurts me? I can’t pretend it didn’t happen. Isn’t it evil to ignore wrong-doing? What about justice?
Confession and Repentance
Christian, tell me why do you say that everyone must “confess” and “repent” of their sins? What gives you the right to be so judgmental?
Why Pray?
Christian, tell me why bother praying? God already knows what He’s planning to do. How would my prayer change that, and why would I want to?
God’s Not Fair
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “grace of God”? What does that mean?
Kingdom of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “Kingdom of God”? I don’t see any palaces or thrones being built!
The Church, the Body of Christ
Christian, tell me why do you insist on going to church? I can meet God anywhere, like by myself in the woods or when watching a sunset, can’t I?
The Jews, God’s Chosen People
Christian, tell me why do you say that the Jews are “chosen” by God? What makes them so special? Why are they always at the center of so much conflict?
Born Again
Christian, tell me why do you say that you are “born again” and have become a “new creature”? What on earth does that even mean?
Jesus, God’s Word
Christian, tell me why do you refer to Jesus as the “Word” of God?
A Day of Thanksgiving
For this Thanksgiving 2021 post, I decided to go through my day listing things for which to be thankful. It was a joyous exercise, one that could have gone on for much longer.
Husbands and Wives
Christian, tell me why are wives supposed to submit or “be subject” to their husbands? Why aren’t they equal?
Women in the Church
Christian, tell me why the Bible says for women to be silent, wear their hair long, cover their hair, and not teach or have authority over men?
Jesus, Only Jesus
Christian, tell me why you are so insistent on Jesus as the only answer? There is always more than one route to a destination!
Dress Code
Christian, tell me why do you expect people to dress up for church in their “Sunday best”? You’re acting like a snob!
Authority
Christian, tell me why do you respect Jesus’ words more than any of the world’s other great teachers?
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Christian, tell me why do you do that weird ritual with a tiny bite of bread and sip of wine?
Big Sins, Little Sins, Forgiven Sin
Christian, tell me why some sins are worse than others, but you say that God forgives them all?
Tithes and Offerings
Christian, tell me why churches are always talking about money? Are they just greedy, or do they expect people to buy their way into favor with God?
Why Bad Things Happen
Christian, tell me why a “good” God allows so many bad things to happen?
Incredible
I have always found it easier to accept God’s infinite power than His infinite love. Power is obvious in Creation. But love? That seems too good to be true, but the Bible insists that it IS true. This prayer is my response of praise to Him.
Trinity and Incarnation
Christian, tell me why you refer to “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”, yet still say that there is only one God? Why do you say that Jesus is the Son of God, but you also say that He is God Himself? Why don’t you make up your mind?!
Infinitely Valuable
Christian, tell me why do you think that everyone is “infinitely valuable”? Some contribute much more to the world than others!
Individually Responsible
Christian, tell me why you say that everyone is “individually responsible”? Some have lots of advantages, while others are very dis-advantaged.
Following the Rules
Christian, tell me why do you follow so many rules and restrictions? Why do you jump through so many hoops to please God?
Resurrection Importance
Christian, tell me why the Resurrection is so important to you? What difference does it make?
Resurrection: Fact
Christian, tell me why do you believe in the resurrection? Why do you accept such an un-natural event as an historical fact?
Security
Christian, tell me why you feel so secure? Why don’t you worry about the future? How do you know that everything will be all right?
Evolution
Christian, tell me why you disagree with evolution? Why do you see it as a threat?
Pharoah’s Daughter
I was in a seminar on writing monologues to go along with worship services. We were instructed to choose an obscure Bible character, and write from their perspective. Pharoah’s daughter, who raised Moses, gets a whole five verses (Exodus 2:5-10). This is my take on what might have happened after those verses.
Un-created God
Christian, tell me why you say everything must have had a Creator, yet God is eternal and un-created? Aren’t you breaking your own rules?
Woman Caught in Adultery
The Bible does not tell us why the woman was having an affair. It does seem suspicious, though, that she was being prosecuted while the man was not. This my imaginary explanation.
The Bible, God’s Word
Christian, tell me why do you believe that the Bible is God’s word? Wasn’t it written by men just like any other book? Didn’t humans make the choice of which writings were and were not “Scripture”?
Hypocrisy
Christian, tell me why are you such a hypocrite? You think you’re better than everyone else. But I see you doing all the things you condemn in others!
A Day of Thanksgiving
For this Thanksgiving 2021 post, I decided to go through my day listing things for which to be thankful. It was a joyous exercise, one that could have gone on for much longer.
A Special Weekend
What might it have been like to be a Roman soldier witnessing the events of that first Easter weekend?
A Terrifying God
Christian, tell me why does Hebrews 10 say that “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”?
Access to God, a History
Christian, tell me why do you say both that we are separated from God but also that He wants a relationship with us? You contradict yourself!
Adam’s First Day
We grow up surrounded by God’s creation. Adam didn’t: As far as the Bible says, he was created already adult. How might he have reacted when awakening to so much beauty and diversity? What was his relationship with God like?
Adopted Child of God
Christian, tell me why do you call yourself a “child of God”? What makes you so special?
Angels
Christian, tell me why do you believe that angels exist? How are they relevant to our lives today?
Apostles
Christian, tell me why are some Bible folks called “Apostles”? What does that mean?
Armor of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “armor of God”? Do you think you are a medieval knight headed off to battle or something?
Ascension and Return
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus “ascended”? What do you mean by that?
Assurance
Christian, tell me why are you so sure that you are going to Heaven? What makes you think that you are good enough to be right with God?
Atonement
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “atonement”? That’s an awfully church-y word. What does it mean?
Authority
Christian, tell me why do you respect Jesus’ words more than any of the world’s other great teachers?
Because He Loves Us
God loves us so much that He gives us veto power over something He wants more than anything else: Us!
Before and After
Christian, tell me why is the Bible divided into an “Old” vs. a “New” testament? What is the difference between the two?
Big Sins, Little Sins, Forgiven Sin
Christian, tell me why some sins are worse than others, but you say that God forgives them all?
Blessings and Beatitudes
Christian, tell me why do you talk about God’s “blessings”? What does it mean to be blessed?
Bloodthirsty God?
Christian, tell me why do you worship such a bloodthirsty God, who is always sending fire and brimstone onto anyone who offends him?
Born Again
Christian, tell me why do you say that you are “born again” and have become a “new creature”? What on earth does that even mean?
Bride of Christ
Christian, tell me why do you refer to the church as the “Bride of Christ”? Is that any relation to Bride of Frankenstein? !!
Cathedrals: Showing Off God, or Just Showplaces?
Christian, tell me why are churches so often the fanciest and most expensive buildings in town? Shouldn’t all that money go to helping the poor or something?
Choice
Christian, tell me why God even bothers to give us a choice? Why not create us incapable of disobedience? Why not make Himself so obvious that everyone would automatically obey? And why, if He gives a choice, does He make it so terrible to choose incorrectly?
Christianity’s Jewish Heritage
Christian, tell me why do you appropriate all of the Old Testament promises to Israel as applying to you also? You’re not Jewish!
Cleaning All The Corners
Christian, tell me why do you use big words like “justification” and “sanctification”. What do they even mean? Why can’t you speak in normal language?!
Confession and Repentance
Christian, tell me why do you say that everyone must “confess” and “repent” of their sins? What gives you the right to be so judgmental?
Conflict vs. Love
Christian, tell me why do some Christians insist on doing church the same old way, while others are always wanting things to be done differently?
Covenant
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “covenants”? What does that mean, and why is it important to you?
Deacons
Christian, tell me why do you call your leaders “deacons”? Why do some churches not allow women to be deacons, but others do?
Delight with God
Christian, tell me why do you say that God “delights” in you? Or that you delight in Him? Religion is usually associated with rules, not with delight!
Demons
Christian, tell me why do you believe that demons exist? How are they relevant to our lives today?
Disciple
Christian, tell me why are Jesus’ followers usually called “Christian” but sometimes called “disciple”? What does “disciple” mean?
Doxology
Christian, tell me why do you sing something called a “Doxology”? What is that?
Dress Code
Christian, tell me why do you expect people to dress up for church in their “Sunday best”? You’re acting like a snob!
End Times
Christian, tell me why do you talk about all of those “End Times” topics? What do you mean by “Rapture”, “Tribulation”, or “Millenium”? What makes you think such things are real, or matter in the real world?
Entering God’s Rest
Christian, tell me why does Hebrews 4 threaten that Christians may not enter Heaven, God’s “rest”, after all?
Eternal Life Starts Now
Christian, tell me why do you talk about eternal life when life right now is so messed up? I wouldn’t want this to last forever!
Evangelism
Christian, tell me why do you care so much about “evangelism”? Why do you insist that your way is the only way? Why can’t you live and let live?
Evil Spirit from the Lord?
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say that God sends evil spirits? You say that God is good, so how could He do such a thing?
Evolution
Christian, tell me why you disagree with evolution? Why do you see it as a threat?
Failed Expectations, Meet God’s Grace
Christian, tell me why should I keep trying to be good, when all I do is keep failing?
Faith
Christian, tell me why do you expect anyone to have blind faith in something they can’t see? Why follow a fairy tale?
Faith and Politics
Christian, tell me why do you try to make laws that force everyone else to live the way that you think they should? Haven’t you heard of separation of church and state?
Falling Away
Christian, tell me why does Hebrews 6 say that it is impossible for a fallen Christian to repent?
Fear Not
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say we shouldn’t be afraid? The world is full of scary things!
Fear of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “fear of God”? Why do you worship if you’re afraid of him?
Feasts of Jesus
Christian, tell me why do you see Jesus in the Jewish annual festivals? They were started hundreds of years before He lived!
Fight Satan, Not People
Christian, tell me why do you sing about “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and talk about the “armor of God”? Why be so militant?
Finding Life’s Meaning
Christian, tell me why is the book of Ecclesiastes even in the Bible? It seems negative and fatalistic and weird. What’s up?
Focus on God
Christian, tell me why aren’t you more different from non-believers? If God is so important to you, why aren’t you focussed on Him constantly?
Following the Rules
Christian, tell me why do you follow so many rules and restrictions? Why do you jump through so many hoops to please God?
Foot Washing
Christian, tell me why do you talk about washing your feet? That’s a little digusting!
Forgiveness
Christian, tell me why I should just forgive anyone who hurts me? I can’t pretend it didn’t happen. Isn’t it evil to ignore wrong-doing? What about justice?
Foundations
Christian, tell me why do you consider “being a Christian” to be the most significant thing about you? Don’t you care about who you are as a person?
Friend, Not Fussbudget
Christian, tell me why do you think of God as a friend? How can a sinner be friends with the Almighty?
From Despair to Joy
This Easter, imagine the difference between that Friday afternoon and that Sunday morning! The difference between “I am a sinner” and “Jesus saved me” is just as enormous.
Gifts of the Spirit
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “spiritual gifts” or “gifts of the Spirit”? What kind of gifts do you mean?
Give Thanks in Everything
Christian, why do you say to “give thanks in everything?” There are plenty of things that I don’t feel thankful about!
God Alone
Christian, tell me why is God sometimes called the “Hound of Heaven”? What does a hound dog have to do with God?
God Became Man
Christian, tell me why do you think it’s important that God became man? That’s an old fairy tale: The gods in mythology became human all the time.
God Is
Christian, tell me why do you believe that God exists? Don’t quote the Bible; give real evidence.
God is Great, God is Good
Christian, tell me why do you teach your children to pray “God is great, God is good”? Looking at the chaos in the world, it doesn’t seem like the work of a great, good God.
God of the Ark
Christian, tell me why was the Ark of the Covenant important? What was it exactly, and what was special about it?
God’s Not Fair
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “grace of God”? What does that mean?
God’s Spirit, in Me
Christian, tell me why do you say that you have God’s Spirit “in” you? What does that mean? Is it anything like demon possession? I sure wouldn’t want that!
Good Person? Wrong Answer!
Christian, tell me why do you think that we have to be Christian in order to be good people? Lots of non-Christians are good (and some Christians aren’t!)
Good vs. Evil, a Lopsided Battle
Christian, tell me why are you so sure that Good will ultimately win? There is an awful lot of Bad in the world!
Great Commission
Christian, tell me why do you say that you have a “Great Commission” to spread Christianity? Isn’t it arrogant to try to force everyone else to believe like you do?
Hands and Feet
Christian, tell me why do you call yourself the “hands and feet” of Christ? What do you mean by that?
Heaven
Christian, tell me why do you look forward to Heaven, anyway? I’m not particularly interested in living in the clouds, playing a harp, or sitting in an endless church service singing worship songs forever.
Hell
Christian, tell me why do you tell scare stories about Hell? I don’t appreciate being manipulated into buying your “fire insurance”!
High Priest
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus is a “High Priest”? I could understand “prophet” maybe. But “priest”?
History
Christian, tell me why do you believe that God is acting in human history? There are always wars and conflicts, and the winners aren’t always the good guys. Who says that God has anything to do with it?
Holy God, Holy People
Christian, tell me why do you say that God is “holy”? What do you mean by that?
Hope
Christian, tell me why are you so confident about your hope in Christ? The things we hope for don’t always come to pass, after all!
Husbands and Wives
Christian, tell me why are wives supposed to submit or “be subject” to their husbands? Why aren’t they equal?
Hypocrisy
Christian, tell me why are you such a hypocrite? You think you’re better than everyone else. But I see you doing all the things you condemn in others!
Image of God
Christian, tell me why do you say that people are created “in the image of God”?
In Christ
Christian, tell me why do you say that you are “in Christ”? What does that mean?
In Jesus’ Name
Christian, tell me why do you always end your prayers with “in Jesus’ name”?
Incredible
I have always found it easier to accept God’s infinite power than His infinite love. Power is obvious in Creation. But love? That seems too good to be true, but the Bible insists that it IS true. This prayer is my response of praise to Him.
Individually Responsible
Christian, tell me why you say that everyone is “individually responsible”? Some have lots of advantages, while others are very dis-advantaged.
Infinitely Valuable
Christian, tell me why do you think that everyone is “infinitely valuable”? Some contribute much more to the world than others!
Intimacy of God
Christian, tell me why do you think that God is close to us? You talk about how big and holy and majestic He is. Isn’t it contradicting yourself to say that He is also close by each individual person?
Jealous God
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say that God is “jealous”? Isn’t jealousy a bad thing?
Jesus, God’s Word
Christian, tell me why do you refer to Jesus as the “Word” of God?
Jesus, Only Jesus
Christian, tell me why you are so insistent on Jesus as the only answer? There is always more than one route to a destination!
Jesus, the Seed that Grows an Eternal Crop
Christian, tell me why do you compare Jesus to a seed? That’s an odd way to refer to someone that you worship!
Jesus: God AND Man
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus is both God and Man? Which is it? Why does it matter?
Jesus’ Amazing Courage
Christian, tell me why do you say that Jesus was brave? That’s not a description I hear very often.
Jesus’ Enemies
Christian, tell me why did people want to kill Jesus? He was a peaceful man who taught others to be loving and kind. What was wrong with that?
Jesus’ Yoke
Christian, tell me why does Jesus talk about his “yoke”? What does He mean?
Judges – Abimelech through Samson
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judges – Deborah and Gideon
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judgment, Hell, and Heaven
Christian, tell me why do you insist on talking about some big scary Judgment Day? We can’t know what will happen, so as long as we sincerely try, we should be OK, shouldn’t we? And why keeping “harping” on heaven-in-the-clouds-with-angels, or shouting about fire and brimstone in hell?
Just Enough
Christian, tell me why do you say that we shouldn’t worry about money? Why shouldn’t I do my best to get ahead?
Just Passing Through
Christian, tell me why doesn’t life get you down as much as it does other people? How do you face problems without being crushed by them?
Keep the Faith
Christian, tell me why does the Bible say opposite things, that Jesus gives eternal life but that it is possible to then lose it?
Kingdom of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “Kingdom of God”? I don’t see any palaces or thrones being built!
Knowledge of Good and Evil
Christian, tell me why was it so bad for Adam and Eve to eat a piece of fruit? It hardly seems to warrant getting kicked out and sentenced to death!
Life with Jesus: More than just Activities
Christian, tell me why do you talk so much about church activities? You say that Christianity is about Jesus, not choir rehearsal, don’t you?
Light of the World
Christian, tell me why do you call Jesus “the Light of the World”? What does that mean?
Living Water
Christian, tell me why did Jesus say He was the source of “Living Water”? What is meant by that?
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Christian, tell me why do you do that weird ritual with a tiny bite of bread and sip of wine?
Love Your Enemies
Christian, tell me why didn’t Jesus hate the people who rejected and crucified him? If he is God, he should have just hurled lightning bolts and destroyed them!
Mary’s Testimony
I wrote this in Christmas of 2019 for no particular reason. I just kind of like writing monologues. Maybe this is something like how Mary felt before her first Christmas.
Messiah
Christian, tell me why do you think that Jesus is the Messiah? What does “Messiah” mean, anyway?
Missing Papaw
I wrote this over forty years ago, when my grandfather passed away. It was my first experience of death that close to me. At first, it seemed a bit personal to post on this site. But I decided that it’s real, and someone out there may identify with the feelings.
Music in Worship
Christian, tell me why do some church groups sing new “praise choruses” while other sing old-fashioned hymns? Why do some use organ and piano accompaniment, others use drums and guitars, and others use none at all? What are the Bible’s instructions?
Mustard-Seed Faith
Christian, tell me why do you think that your faith in God is sufficient? How do you know that you are believing hard enough?
Names of God
Christian, tell me why is God called by so many names? God, Father, Lord, lots of different Hebrew words. Why not pick one and stick with it?
Outcasts
Christian, tell me why do you say that God cares for outcasts as much as He does for the most religious people?
Palm Sunday
Christian, tell me why do you celebrate Palm Sunday the week before Easter? What does it mean?
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men
Christian, tell me why do you believe in the fairy tale of “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men”? Look around you!
Pearls Before Swine
Christian, tell me why did Jesus talk about throwing “pearls before swine”? What are the pearls, and who are the swine?
Perfection
Christian, tell me why only perfection is acceptable to God? Why will He send even a good person to Hell for one little sin? Why can’t He understand that we’re only human?
Pharisees
Christian, tell me why do you use the term “Pharisee” as derogatory? What does it mean?
Pharoah’s Daughter
I was in a seminar on writing monologues to go along with worship services. We were instructed to choose an obscure Bible character, and write from their perspective. Pharoah’s daughter, who raised Moses, gets a whole five verses (Exodus 2:5-10). This is my take on what might have happened after those verses.
Power in the Blood
Christian, tell me why do you talk so much about blood? That’s gruesome!
Predestined, Elect, Chosen, or Hardened?
Christian, tell me why do you say that you were predestined to be one of the elect, special chosen ones? That seems awfully arrogant. It also makes it seem like no one has a real choice whether to become a
Christian or not.
Promised Land
Christian, tell me why do you talk and sing about “crossing the river” to the “Promised Land”?
Rapture
Christian, tell me why do you talk about something called “Rapture”? What does that mean?
Redemption
Christian, tell me why do you talk about “redemption” or “being redeemed” or Jesus as your “Redeemer”? What do you mean by the word “redeem”?
Rejecting Christianity
Christian, tell me why do you think that many people reject Christianity?
Relationships and Sexuality: A User’s Manual
Christian, tell me why are you such an intolerant prude about sex? Why can’t you let people do what they choose with their own bodies?
Religion vs. Relationship
Christian, tell me why is Christianity different from any other religion? They all are just sets of rules and regulations to follow in order to be considered “acceptable”. What makes your to-do list any better than anyone else’s?
Remember!
How would what Lazarus experienced affect his perspective on the events that followed?
Resurrection Importance
Christian, tell me why the Resurrection is so important to you? What difference does it make?
Resurrection: Fact
Christian, tell me why do you believe in the resurrection? Why do you accept such an un-natural event as an historical fact?
Reverse Contamination
Christian, tell me why does the Bible talk about “clean” vs. “unclean”? And what does Jesus have to do with it?
Rock of Ages
Christian, tell me why do you refer to God as a rock? You sing songs like “Rock of Ages” and “On Christ, the Solid Rock”. What do you mean by those?
Sabbath
Christian, tell me why do you think that Sunday should be a special day? Why treat one day different from the others?
Salt and Light
Christian, tell me why do you call yourself “salt” or “light”? What is meant by that?
Saved, Savior, Salvation
Christian, tell me why do you refer to Jesus as your “Savior” and ask people whether they are “saved”? Saved from what?
Second Coming and Millennium
Christian, tell me why do you expect a Second Coming of Jesus? It’s been over 2000 years. Get over it: He’s like all the other legends and never coming back!
Security
Christian, tell me why you feel so secure? Why don’t you worry about the future? How do you know that everything will be all right?
Self-Righteousness
Christian, tell me why are you so self-righteous? What makes you think that you’re better than anyone else?
Shades of Belief
Christian, tell me why do you insist that belief in Jesus is so important? Some people don’t believe in God; others believe in God but not Jesus. What difference does it make?
Simply Obey
Christian, tell me why should I do as God says? What if He asks me to do something weird?
Sin: Missing the Mark
Christian, tell me why do you keep saying that people are all sinners? Sure, there are plenty of sins, but not everyone commits them.
Single Source of Truth
Christian, tell me why do you insist that your truth is better than mine?
So Much More
Christian, tell me why do you think that Christianity is so much more than all of the world’s other religions?
Son of Man
Christian, tell me why did Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”? Was he claiming to be simply a man?
Sovereignty of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “sovereignty” of God? What does that mean?
Still A Great Country
This Independence Day, let’s all thank God for our country and its Constitution. Let’s also commit to living within that framework that has made the United States a leader in freedom and innovation for 246 years.
Tabernacle
Christian, tell me why do you use that strange word “tabernacle”? It’s just a church building like any other, isn’t it?
The Bible, God’s Word
Christian, tell me why do you believe that the Bible is God’s word? Wasn’t it written by men just like any other book? Didn’t humans make the choice of which writings were and were not “Scripture”?
The Church, the Body of Christ
Christian, tell me why do you insist on going to church? I can meet God anywhere, like by myself in the woods or when watching a sunset, can’t I?
The God Who Sees
Christian, tell me why is God called “the God Who Sees”? What is special about seeing?
The Good Samaritan
Christian, why do we call someone who does a good deed a “Good Samaritan”? Where does the term come from?
The Jews, God’s Chosen People
Christian, tell me why do you say that the Jews are “chosen” by God? What makes them so special? Why are they always at the center of so much conflict?
The Soul Goes On
Christian, tell me why do you believe that anything about us persists after we die?
The Stone’s Story
This is a story I wrote for Easter, many years ago. It was fun thinking from the different perspective. It may be my favorite of everything I’ve written.
Thee, Thou, and Thy — Oh, My!
Christian, tell me why does the Bible talk in such formal, old-fashioned language? What’s with all the “thee’s” and “thou’s”?
Three Rules for a Good Life
Christian, tell me why do you try to follow God’s rules? Don’t they take all the fun out of life?
Titanic, or Lifeboat?
Christian, tell me why do you insist that everyone needs Jesus?
Tithes and Offerings
Christian, tell me why churches are always talking about money? Are they just greedy, or do they expect people to buy their way into favor with God?
To Drink or Not to Drink
Christian, tell me why do some Christians say that drinking is wrong, while others are OK with it?
To Judge, or Not To Judge?
Christian, tell me why are you so judgmental? Doesn’t the Bible tell you not to judge others?
Tribulation: Anti-Christ and Babylon
Christian, tell me why do you talk about someone called the “Anti-Christ”? Who is this big, bad person we’re supposed to be afraid of? And what’s up with Babylon? Why is that ancient empire coming up again?
Tribulation: Armageddon
Christian, tell me why does the word “Armageddon” convey such disaster? What is it, really?
Tribulation: Warnings and Witnesses
Christian, tell me why do you talk about a coming time of “Tribulation”? Doesn’t that mean “trouble”? Why anticipate such a thing?
Trinity and Incarnation
Christian, tell me why you refer to “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”, yet still say that there is only one God? Why do you say that Jesus is the Son of God, but you also say that He is God Himself? Why don’t you make up your mind?!
Un-created God
Christian, tell me why you say everything must have had a Creator, yet God is eternal and un-created? Aren’t you breaking your own rules?
Useful vs. Usable
Christian, tell me why do you say that someone has been “used by God”? What does it take to be considered useful to Him?
Watch Your Words!
Christian, tell me why does the Bible harp on speech codes so much? Why does it matter what we simply SAY, when so many are ACTING so badly and getting away with it?
We Three Kings
I happened to really listen to the words of this Christmas carol on the radio. I was surprised at them, so I looked them up for more details.
When Church Hurts
Christian, tell me why should I care about God when Christians behave so badly?
Why Anti-Semitism?
Christian, tell me why do people hate the Jews so much? What is your explanation of the causes of anti-Semitism?
Why Bad Things Happen
Christian, tell me why a “good” God allows so many bad things to happen?
Why Pray?
Christian, tell me why bother praying? God already knows what He’s planning to do. How would my prayer change that, and why would I want to?
Why the Cross?
Christian, tell me why is the cross symbol so important to you? I know that Jesus was crucified, but why turn the cross into an icon?
Will of God
Christian, tell me why do you talk about the “will” of God? Why do you pray “Thy will be done”, or say “God willing…”?
