Hard Questions to Ask a Christian
Thoughtful and challenging questions to ask a Christian to explore faith, beliefs, and spiritual understanding.
1How do you reconcile the existence of suffering and evil with a loving, all-powerful God?
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How do you reconcile the existence of suffering and evil with a loving, all-powerful God?
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Why this works
This addresses the fundamental problem of evil, one of the most challenging theological questions.
2What evidence would convince you that Christianity is not true?
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What evidence would convince you that Christianity is not true?
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Why this works
Tests intellectual honesty and openness to alternative perspectives.
3How do you interpret biblical passages that seem to condone violence or injustice?
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How do you interpret biblical passages that seem to condone violence or injustice?
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Why this works
Challenges them to address difficult biblical texts that appear morally problematic.
4Why would a just God send people to hell for not believing, especially those who never heard the gospel?
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Why would a just God send people to hell for not believing, especially those who never heard the gospel?
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Why this works
Addresses the fairness of eternal punishment and the accessibility of salvation.
5How do you explain the scientific evidence for evolution and an old earth?
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How do you explain the scientific evidence for evolution and an old earth?
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Why this works
Tests their approach to reconciling faith with scientific evidence.
6What do you think about other religions and their claims to truth?
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What do you think about other religions and their claims to truth?
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Why this works
Explores their perspective on religious pluralism and exclusivity.
7How do you handle doubts about your faith, and what causes you to question?
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How do you handle doubts about your faith, and what causes you to question?
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Why this works
Encourages honest reflection about faith struggles and intellectual challenges.
8What do you think about the historical reliability of the Bible?
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What do you think about the historical reliability of the Bible?
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Why this works
Tests their understanding of biblical scholarship and historical criticism.
9How do you explain the problem of unanswered prayers?
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How do you explain the problem of unanswered prayers?
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Why this works
Addresses the practical challenge of prayer and divine intervention.
10What do you think about the role of women in the church and society?
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What do you think about the role of women in the church and society?
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Why this works
Explores their views on gender equality and biblical interpretation.
11How do you handle the tension between faith and reason?
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How do you handle the tension between faith and reason?
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Why this works
Tests their approach to intellectual inquiry and critical thinking.
12What do you think about the problem of religious diversity and truth claims?
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What do you think about the problem of religious diversity and truth claims?
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Why this works
Explores their perspective on religious truth and exclusivity.
13How do you explain the existence of other religions with similar claims?
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How do you explain the existence of other religions with similar claims?
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Why this works
Tests their understanding of religious pluralism and comparative religion.
14What do you think about the problem of divine hiddenness?
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What do you think about the problem of divine hiddenness?
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Why this works
Addresses why God might not be more evident to all people.
15How do you handle the tension between free will and divine sovereignty?
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How do you handle the tension between free will and divine sovereignty?
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Why this works
Explores the complex relationship between human choice and divine control.
16What do you think about the problem of religious experience and its reliability?
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What do you think about the problem of religious experience and its reliability?
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Why this works
Tests their understanding of religious experience and its validity.
17How do you explain the problem of religious disagreement among Christians?
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How do you explain the problem of religious disagreement among Christians?
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Why this works
Addresses the diversity of Christian beliefs and interpretations.
18What do you think about the problem of religious violence and extremism?
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What do you think about the problem of religious violence and extremism?
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Why this works
Explores their perspective on religious extremism and violence.
19How do you handle the tension between faith and doubt?
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How do you handle the tension between faith and doubt?
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Why this works
Tests their approach to intellectual honesty and spiritual authenticity.
20What do you think about the problem of religious exclusivity and inclusivity?
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What do you think about the problem of religious exclusivity and inclusivity?
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Why this works
Explores their perspective on salvation and who can be saved.
Engaging in Meaningful Spiritual Dialogue
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Approaching the Conversation
Be Respectful
Approach the conversation with respect for their beliefs and spiritual journey.
Listen Actively
Pay attention to their responses and show genuine interest in their perspective.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Ask follow-up questions to deepen understanding and explore their reasoning.
Understanding Their Perspective
Seek Understanding
Focus on understanding their beliefs rather than challenging or converting them.
Explore Reasoning
Ask about the reasoning behind their beliefs and how they arrived at their conclusions.
Respect Differences
Respect differences in belief and avoid being confrontational or dismissive.
Maintaining Dialogue
Stay Open
Keep an open mind and be willing to learn from their perspective.
Share Your Views
Share your own thoughts and questions in a respectful and thoughtful way.
Build Connection
Focus on building understanding and connection rather than winning arguments.