Can I Be a Christian and Be Good?

Can I Be a Christian and Be Good? | Christian Standard, February 2017 explores skepticism, doubt, apologetics, and the church’s responsibility to engage questioning people with humility, honesty, and grace. Built around a clear cover theme, this issue listens carefully to objections raised by skeptics and then responds with biblical reflection, practical counsel, and thoughtful review.

Visible contents begin with “Letter from a Skeptic,” which asks whether Christianity is not only true but good. Dick Alexander replies from a believer’s perspective, and Steve Carr reports conversations with former Christians in “Seeds of Doubt.” Chris Moon then offers strategies for engaging skeptics after cultural and moral “hot button” issues are raised, while Richard Knopp reviews Timothy Keller’s Making Sense of God as a resource for helping skeptical people consider Christian faith. Chad Ragsdale examines the surprising Jesus of Scripture, and Bob Mink reflects on difficult sayings of Jesus.

The issue also expands beyond the main theme. T.R. Robertson writes on the church as a diverse community of reflected lives, Gene Appel previews NACC 2017 in Kansas City, Doug Priest reports on ICOM 2016, Rick Chromey tells a story of healing and restoration, and Gary Olsby explores ministry to men. Together, these visible contents make this issue especially useful for readers thinking about evangelism in a skeptical culture.

For readers researching Christian apologetics and doubt, Can I Be a Christian and Be Good? | Christian Standard, February 2017 offers a substantial snapshot of how church leaders were addressing skepticism with conviction and compassion.