spiritual struggles

Question and Answer

The Bible's description of God the Father is most attractive, but it raises some very difficult questions. If a heavenly Father really exists, and if He really satisfies people's deepest longings, why is the world full of unhappy people? What kind of father would let his children get hurt, suffer and die? How can anyone watch the evening news and seriously say that the universe is run by a loving Father?

God is the Supreme Ruler, but He is not the only supernatural power in the universe. Many millennia ago, one of His angels rebelled against Him. The rebel, often called Satan ("the accuser"), wanted to be king of the universe himself. To limit Satan's destruction, God banished him from heaven, but He allowed him to try ruling one little corner of the universe — a planet God created called earth. God didn't give Satan complete control of earth, however. People would be allowed to choose whether to follow Satan or to follow God.

One of the first stories in the Bible tells about mankind's choice to follow Satan. Through Adam and Eve's choice to believe Satan instead of God, earth gained some new experiences that God never intended for it: Pain. Illness. Famine. War. Oppression. Perversion. Murder. These are Satan's contributions, not God's.

Background Information

If I had Faked the Resurrection
Only a Master-Planner would have arranged such a perfect series of events.

Jesus: Liar, Lunatic or Lord?
How could one man turn the world upside down?

Questions and Answers

If God is a powerful and loving Father, why doesn't He do something about the mess on earth?
Answer

How could Jesus Christ die for everyone's sins? Isn't every person responsible for his own sins?
Answer

Just what is sin? Who decides what is or isn't sin?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

Salvation in Times of Crisis
Losing her father at a young age was the beginning of this woman questioning God's plan.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

A Relentless Pursuit
At the time I became Christ's, my life was consumed by feminist politics and the gay and lesbian community.

Spend It Any Way You Like
Sometimes, the meaning of life is found in the most surprising places.

The Cross: What It Isn't, What It Is
Does Christ's cross have any power to help you?

The Perfect Family
In a world where even the best of families have problems, can there really be a "perfect family"?

Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving

Relationships: Communication Gaps

Parenting Teens: Communication Problems