Simple Question #015a: Does Culture Trump Morality?

I think we can agree that there are cultural differences between almost any identifiable groups of people. That's a really good thing. Even if I don't happen to like the same things you do, you should have the freedom to express your individuality within your unique culture.

But when someone takes cases like Michael Vick's (where he was found guilty of dog fighting by his own admission) and tries to provide some meaningful perspective by saying that he was involved in something that was part of his culture, I see no value in that. Culture is irrelevant. That doesn't make his actions even slightly more acceptable or understandable. It is our responsibility to stand up against those things in our culture that are disgusting so they cannot survive. I would say training dogs to tear each other apart and then violently killing the losing animals, even if part of someone's "culture", is absolutely reprehensible.

What do you think?

Simple Question #015a: Should We Love Gay People Unconditionally?

I have an answer to the Simple Question this time around. That answer is an unqualified YES.

Simple Question #014a: What Does it Mean to "Behave"?

Especially when the coffee is flowing, I'm late for work, everyone wants something from me, and I can't hear God's loving voice in my ear telling me life is good, I don't feel like behaving. I know what I think it means to behave, but it seems so nebulous. I see a definition on thefreeditionary.com that states, "To conduct oneself in a specified way," but I'm not sure that's the whole story.

What does "behave" mean to you?

Simple Question #010a: Is Intelligent Design Necessary?

For Christians, is the concept of Intelligent Design really necessary to reconcile science with the Bible?

It's a straightforward question. There are many ways in which, at least on the surface, the Bible seems to contradict scientific findings of the last 100 years. Does this mean you need to "find God" in these scientific results before you can rest easy in your faith?

I have an opinion or two, but I'd love to hear what you think first!

Simple Question #009a: Where do you see God?

I was looking at some pictures recently and reflecting on how we can see God in it all. Some images seem to bring up God more presently than others for me. That prompts me to ask this question: In what do you see God most clearly?



Too sweet? Maybe, but I still like it. :D

Simple Question #004a: What is a Church?

Is it the building? Is it the leader? Is it the people? Is it the community efforts? What really is a Church?

I know that Christ said, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. So what about when I'm all alone? Why isn't that a Church too. What if I'm standing alone at the altar of a well-known cathedral and praying earnestly? I guess that's not really a Church... but why?

Simple Question #001a

From a Christian standpoint, it's important to be aware of the rules of faith, but without the ever-ignorant disciples at His side, Jesus wouldn't have had such ample opportunity to tell his wonderful parables. This raises the question:

Is it ever a good thing to be ignorant?

New Section - Simple Questions

I've decided that sometimes it's better to post a question I have no formal answer for than to avoid posting about it. In those instances, I'll title it a Simple Question and listen for answers. If none are forthcoming, I may post on the subject again later or just let it go. Consider these placeholders with comments encouraged.