Common Objections to Christianity

 

Addressing Common Objections to Christianity: A Thoughtful Response to Skepticism

The Problem of Evil and Suffering
"I understand why you’d ask that—it’s a difficult and painful question. Many people, including myself, have wrestled with it. Christianity teaches that God created a perfect world, but humans, through their free will, chose to rebel against God, and that’s where suffering began. God didn’t create evil, but He allowed it, in part, because He values our freedom. One perspective that has helped me make sense of suffering is the 'soul-making theodicy.' This view suggests that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth and development. It helps shape our character and allows us to learn perseverance and compassion—Romans 5:3-5 says,
‘Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.'
What brings me peace is knowing that God isn’t distant from our suffering—He entered into it through Jesus Christ, who experienced pain, betrayal, and death. The hope of Christianity is that one day, God will restore all things, wipe away every tear, and bring an end to suffering. It’s a difficult topic, but I’d be happy to recommend a book that dives deeper into this if you're interested."

Contradictions in the Bible
"I get that—many people point to supposed contradictions in the Bible. It's something that requires careful study, and I don't claim to have all the answers. A good example of an apparent contradiction is the account of King David numbering the people of Israel. In one passage, it says God incited David to do this, while in another, it says Satan did. At first glance, this seems like a direct contradiction. However, some biblical scholars argue that these passages can be reconciled by understanding the different ways in which the Bible attributes causality. They suggest that God, as the ultimate authority, allowed Satan to influence David, while the author of the other passage attributes the action directly to God. It's a complex issue of interpretation, and there are different viewpoints within Christianity itself. The key is to understand the historical and literary context of the passages and to recognize that the Bible uses different literary styles. If you’re interested in learning more about these types of questions, I can suggest some great resources that explore this in-depth, including some that present different perspectives on these issues."

Science and Faith Are Incompatible
"That's a question many people have wrestled with. It's true that some people see science and faith as incompatible, but I believe they can complement each other. The Bible isn’t a science textbook—it was written in a different time and uses different genres to communicate truths. Science tells us how the universe works, while religion asks why it exists and what its purpose is. Many scientists, like Francis Collins, a devout Christian and the former director of the National Institutes of Health, see no conflict between faith and science. BioLogos, an organization founded by Collins, is a great resource for exploring how science and faith can work together, especially in relation to evolution and creation. I believe that God is the First Cause—the one who set everything into motion. It’s also worth noting that Christianity is open to different views on creation. Some see evolution as part of God’s design. If you're interested, I could recommend some books by scientists who explore this connection between science and faith."

Hypocrisy in the Church
"I hear you, and I don’t want to minimize the harm that has been caused by people who claim to follow Jesus. There’s a lot of valid criticism here. The church, as a human institution, has often failed to live up to its calling. But Christianity is about Jesus—His life and teachings—and not the imperfections of His followers. I think it’s important to distinguish between the failings of the church and the core message of the Gospel, which is about forgiveness, love, and reconciliation. The church is made up of imperfect people, and Christians are called to hold one another accountable, seek justice, and work for peace. Church discipline and accountability are essential aspects of this. It’s not about condemning others but helping them grow and live according to the teachings of Christ. This is a complex issue, but there are many examples of Christians doing good and advocating for peace and justice around the world."

The Exclusivity of Christianity
"I know this is a tough one, and it’s a question that many have struggled with. The Christian belief is that Jesus is the unique Son of God, and that His life and death offer salvation to humanity. This might sound exclusive, but Christianity teaches that God's love is open to everyone—Jesus’ sacrifice is the means by which God offers salvation to all people. It’s not about keeping others out but about offering the hope of eternal life through Jesus. I understand that this teaching is a stumbling block for many, but it’s central to the Christian faith. If you’d like to explore this more, I’d be happy to talk further or recommend some resources that go into more detail on the theological foundations of this belief."

Christianity Is Just Another Religion
"It’s understandable to see Christianity as just another religion, but there are key differences that set it apart. Christianity is centered on the person of Jesus Christ—His incarnation as God in human form, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His resurrection. What stands out to me about Christianity is the concept of grace: God’s unmerited favor given to us, not based on what we do but on what Jesus did for us. Other religions often emphasize what you must do to earn favor with God, but Christianity says that Jesus has already done the work. Another unique aspect of Christianity is the emphasis on having a personal relationship with God. It’s not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about knowing God personally, through prayer, scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit. If you want to explore these differences more, I can recommend some books or resources that discuss the unique aspects of Christianity."

Historical Accuracy of Jesus’ Resurrection
"I understand your skepticism, and it’s a fair question. But there is a lot of historical evidence for the resurrection. First, the empty tomb is one of the most well-attested facts in history, with multiple sources confirming it. Then there are the eyewitness accounts of Jesus appearing to people after His death. The rapid spread of Christianity, despite intense persecution, is also difficult to explain if Jesus' resurrection hadn’t really happened. Even non-Christian sources like the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus and the Roman historian Tacitus refer to Jesus and the early Christian movement. If you're interested in diving deeper into the historical evidence, I can recommend some books by biblical scholars and historians who examine the evidence for the resurrection in detail."

Religious Wars and Violence
"You’re right to point this out. History is full of tragic examples of people using religion as a justification for violence. But I think it’s important to recognize that these actions are contrary to the teachings of Jesus, who advocated for love, peace, and reconciliation. Christianity, at its core, is about loving your neighbor—even your enemy. There are countless examples of Christians working for peace and justice, and many who have fought against oppression in Christ’s name. The use of religion to justify violence and oppression is something I firmly condemn. It’s important to acknowledge that Christianity, when practiced faithfully, calls for nonviolence and justice. It’s painful to see religion misused, but I think it’s essential to separate the actions of people from the teachings of the faith itself."

Conclusion: Embracing Honest Dialogue and Exploration

At the heart of these objections lies a desire for understanding and a quest for truth—questions that deserve thoughtful, respectful consideration. Christianity, like any belief system, faces scrutiny, and it's important to approach these conversations with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a compassionate heart. Whether it's addressing the problem of evil, the historical evidence of Jesus’ resurrection, or the complexities of faith and science, there’s room for meaningful discussion and exploration. These are questions I continue to wrestle with myself, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss them with others.

While no single answer may fully resolve all doubts, the key is to seek deeper understanding, question with humility, and engage in dialogue with others who share different perspectives. In Christianity, the call is not to blind acceptance, but to a transformative journey of faith, growth, and connection with God. It’s about asking tough questions, challenging assumptions, and remaining open to the possibility of discovering something truly profound.

I'd be happy to continue this conversation with you. Perhaps we could discuss [mention a specific topic or resource] sometime? If you're interested in exploring these questions further, I'd be glad to share some resources that I've found helpful. The pursuit of truth, understanding, and peace is worth every step.