Ever had a question about God that you were scared to ask? Ever felt like your hard questions get squashed, silenced, or brushed aside? We get that. We wrote this guide for people like you.
And we have good news. First, other teenagers and adults ask these kinds of questions all the time. Second, it's not only okay to ask hard questions, but it's actually important-some say essential-for your faith journey. And finally, God can handle it. God isn't anxious about your questions, struggles, or doubts. We don't think you should be either.
Designed for use in small groups alongside the Can I Ask That Leader Guide, these eight sessions tackle the following tough questions:
What is the Bible, anyway? Why does the Bible contradict itself? Can I be a Christian and believe in evolution? Does God discriminate against women? Is Jesus really the only way to God? What does the Bible say about being gay? Does God endorse violence? And, How can I follow a God who would let Christians do such bad things?
Whether you've never asked these questions before or you've been aching for the chance, this guide is meant to be a starting point for each conversation.
Ready? Go ahead. You can ask that.
Young people want to connect with the Bible and ask tough questions, in a way that will not lead to formulas but renewed minds and transformed lives. Can I Ask That is designed to help them do just that. - John Ortberg, pastor and author, Faith & Doubt
If one of your primary concerns as a youth leader is to equip the young people from your community to continue their faith pursuit long after they graduate, I heartily endorse Can I Ask That? Your leaders will appreciate this study as much as your students, if not more. It's a breath of fresh air. - Dan Gannon, City Church of San Francisco
Can I Ask That? provides a platform for conversation around subjects that students experience but often do not feel comfortable talking about. This curriculum presented a conversational tool to our students, not just cut-and-dried answers. - Chris Hill, First Presbyterian Church of Boulder
"As my friends wrote this book, they intentionally did and didn't do a few important things. First, they didn't shy away from the real questions. Second, they didn't over-simplify the answers into neat little packages. They allow us to live in tension of a real faith. Third, they support us as parents, youth workers, and shepherds of our youth's souls. Lastly, they offer hope for a lifetime of following Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful for resources like this rooted in research ... and love." - April L. Diaz, NewSong Church
