We know from Scripture that Christians are commanded to forgive. But is it always required, even in situations of abuse or violence?
Big Questions
Our panel of contributors replies to questions from readers on topics like these: ethics, relationships, missional living, faith formation, vocation/calling, digital life, church/Bible/doctrine, and stewardship. Got a question you’d like answered?
These prayers involve asking, listening, and acting—perhaps not what first comes to mind when we think of the call to pray.
Our children are visual learners, but so much in our worship and church programming is word-based. What's a parent to do?
Our children look to us as their example for how to live. Through us, they discern a model for how to live as broken people in a broken world.
I’m hearing a lot about the artificially intelligent ChatGPT these days. Should I pay attention?
There are important context clues to help us understand this phrase.
My job feels as if it has become my whole life. As much as I love it, I don’t think it’s healthy for me to check my messages constantly or work whenever I have a free moment. How do I break the pattern I’ve fallen into?
Can a couple get married in the eyes of the church but not in the eyes of the state if they have financial or family concerns about a legal marriage?
If a loved one invites me to their same-sex wedding, can I show love by attending the wedding or would attending communicate that I agree with same-sex marriage?
What might be signs of the kingdom of God at work?
Our family has gotten into the habit of streaming worship rather than attending in person. As adults, we meet regularly with our small group, but what is the downside for our kids?
My mom is refusing to follow through with the medical treatment the doctor is recommending. She knows this will likely shorten her life, yet she remains stubborn. How can I get her to see her life’s value to us and especially to her grandkids?
I know big technology companies keep track of our every move online, but what about privacy among family members and friends online?
No one can simply write a letter to synod unless they have standing to do so and have followed the prescribed procedures for submitting material for synod’s agenda.
Assuming God did predestine only a select few to be saved, why would he bother creating people he did not elect for salvation?
I have loved animals my whole life, so working in an animal hospital seemed like an obvious choice for a career.
Could joining God’s mission begin with recognizing God already at work?
In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies. So why does the CRC allow its members to go to war?
My kids want to go to a youth group at another church with their friends. We don’t have time to be involved at this church and wonder if it is appropriate to hand our kids to another group.
Should I reconsider retirement plans if I am concerned about having too much “together time” with my husband? I love him but am worried we’ll get on each other’s nerves.
It might be helpful to think about our media consumption like our food consumption: try for a well-balanced diet.
There can be much good in saying yes to something, but there’s also good in saying no.
How will our people learn Reformed doctrine in church now that synod has removed the requirement for catechism sermons?
I’m hearing suggestions that the Bible is not a rule book, but Christian confessions declare it “the only rule for life and faith” (Westminster Confession) and “infallible rule” (Belgic Confession, Art. 7). Which is right?