Eric: I have been deeply involved in church for most of my life, but over the past few years I have become very unsure of anything. I have read a great deal of history and anthropology and have found so many different societies and cultures have developed religions that claim to be the One. I have found early religions that seem to presage the stories of the Bible, often telling the same stories in different settings or earlier times. It makes me wonder if the Bible is simply carrying on the oral tradition that other, earlier societies had developed. I have tried to discuss my doubts with pastors and with priests and have generally been told to just accept God's Word. "Take it on faith" ...

Ruth: If I could answer even one of your questions to your satisfaction I would feel at least partially fulfilled. But your questions simply don't have easy answers that go to the heart of your pain and unbelief. I am very sorry about the loss of you little daughter; there is nothing more anguishing than the death of a child. And you've been hit particularly hard with your sister's situation and the loss of your mother as well . . . [more]