FAQ

Are science and faith incompatible?

No, they are very compatible, in fact, science is based on faith in an orderly universe.

Did Jesus really die on the Cross?

Yes, he could not have survived the crucifixion. There is excellent historical evidence that he was crucified in rougly 30 A.D.

Do faith and reason conflict?

No, faith and reason are related. Faith in fact can "solidify" that which reason apprehends.

Does God exist, and How can we know?

Two basic types of evidence are utilized to answer this question, Faith and Reason. Faith is a phenomenon available to all people and is present in various degrees of development in each person. Reason is available to all human beings to a variable degree as well. In excess of 20 classical arguments have been developed over the past several thousand years by scholars in an attempt to demonstrate the existence of God. These "proofs" based on reason, can establish with a high degree of probability ie., >95% likelyhood, that God exists. They will never be able to demonstrate it with 100% certainty since God is a transcendent entity and by definition exceeds our human ability to define, prove or otherwise characterize. Faith can provide an additional degree of certainty which is not quantifiable, and is dependent upon a personal interaction between God and the believer. Together faith and reason provide for cognitive certainty that God exists.

Has an extra-terrestrial intelligence source contacted us?

Yes, however, the source is extra-universal and extra-terrestrial, not intra-universal. God is the transcendent extra-terrestrial intelligence source that has contacted us.

How do we define ultimate reality?

Reality is composed of both the visible and invisible realm, that is, the realm of both physical and non-physical existence in the Christian Mono-theistic paradigm. All of the known universe is therefore composed of these constituents. Among them are physical and non-physical created beings, created matter, space, energy, and time. Only God, that is a transcendent supreme being is unlimited by the known universe, and in that real sense transcends or extends beyond space, matter, energy, and time.

How do we interpret the Bible?

This is a complex subject. It can be said that the Bible must be interpreted in light of itself. That is, any scriptural passage must be interpreted in light of context, and comparison with other passages which speak to the same or similar issue. It is true that some of the Bible is strictly literal and some is allegorical or metaphorical. The important thing is to recognize when to interpret scripture in each way. Various "aids" "devises" or hermenuetical methods have been developed over the centuries to assist in proper interpretation, in addition to the traditions established by the Apostles, early Church fathers, and the church throughout history. Significant differences still exist with respect to the interpretation of scripture among the "3" branches of Christianity.

How do we know that Jesus really came back from the dead?

Several lines of evidence can be sighted. First, an entire religion, (Christianity) has resulted from the belief that Jesus was crucified and subsequently resurrected from the dead. Second, if we apply the same historical tests of accuracy to the biblical New Testament documents (which state that He did), that we apply to other texts of similar periods, the evidence is compelling. Third, 11 out of 12 of the original Apostles were killed because they were unwilling to deny that Christ rose from the dead. It is totally implausible that these men would have died for a lie. Other evidence is strong as well, including non-biblical writings whihc support the biblical texts.

Is Christianity rational?

It is very rational. In fact, it is more rational then any other religion, in part because it is based on historically verifiable facts.

Is everything relative, or are there absolutes?

No, everything is not relative. There are some absolutes. In fact, the statement that "everything is relative is self-refuting", for if true, everything could not be relative.

Is the Bible myth?

The Bible is mostly historical, some portions are allegorical, but not "mythical" in the sense usually meant by the term myth.

Is the Trinity a necessary part of the Christian faith?

Yes, it is clear from careful scholarship of both the Old and New Testaments that the trinity is a necessary doctrine of orthodox Christian Monotheism. In fact, it is the only religion which holds that God is simultaneously one and three, that is, 3 persons in one nature, or 3 whos in one what. This triune nature of God is reflected in all of both general and special revelation, a fact which establishes its authenticity. Please see the section on Notable Triads for further information.

Is the universe infinite, or finite?

The universe is finite. It originated in a singularity roughly 15 billion years ago according to the way scientists measure time. The Bible also states that the universe was created, that is it originated from nothing, so-called Ex Nihilo creation.

Is there life after death?

Christian Monotheism emphatically states that there is life after physical death. Medical data also supports this contention.

Was Jesus more than Human?

Yes, he was both fully human and fully divine. This is a classic doctrine of orthodox Christian Monotheism.

Why does God allow evil to exist?

He values the "Free Will" of his creatures enough to allow them to choose evil. Free will is such an important characteristic of the triune God-head that He had to allow us to possess free will if we were to be created in His image.

What is Grace?

In Christianity, grace has several meanings. First, common grace is an unmerited, unearned free gift or divine assistance from God which enhances the recipient in some way. Second, there is sanctifying or efficacious grace which through Baptism makes a person a new creation. As a Christian grows in grace, they become more conformed to the triune God from whom the grace emminates.