How would your faith change if NASA discovered another planet with human or humanoid inhabitants?

Sincerely,
Crop Circler

Dear Crop Circler,

It wouldn’t change our faith at all because the Bible tells us about our responsibility to God, not some aliens responsibility to Him.  If humanoid aliens were ever found (which we deem quite unlikely) then they would have to figure out what they must do to be right with God.  As for those of us on planet Earth… we must be in Christ to be saved (Jhn 14:6).  We've got enough problems without trying to figure out what happens to Martians when they die.

I heard someone teaching that we are little gods.  Is this true?

Sincerely,
Demi

Dear Demi,

We are not "little gods".  The Scriptures state that we are children of God (Jhn 1:12) and that we are sons of God (Gal 3:26), but that is very different from being deity ourselves.  Mankind was designed in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and we have souls that are eternal in nature (Eccl 3:21), but the Scriptures never state that we are god-like beings.  To be a god, you must have no beginning and no end (Ps 90:2).  Only the one, true God has always been and will always be (Heb 13:8).

     I know in the Bible there is a verse about not to do "mixed bathing".  Some fellow Christians don't allow their children to swim because of this.  I feel there is a big difference in washing yourself naked while others are doing the same around you versus having fun and staying cool in the water or competing on the swim team.  I realize that modesty is of great concern with the itsy-bitsy bikinis that some choose to wear, but I feel if I teach my daughter to pick the most modest one we can find (and Mom wears knee length swim shorts and modest top as example), then is it still sinful?  I guess my concern is that I was raised "of the world", and we went swimming all the time; I think it seems innocent enough, but I want to make sure that I am not allowing my worldly past to affect the Christ-like upbringing of my children.

Sincerely,
Sink Or Swim

Dear Sink Or Swim,

Good brethren are divided over this issue because there aren’t any verses that directly address the issue of swimming etiquette.  You are right that there is a big difference between staying cool in the water and washing yourself naked with others, and that is why the issue is so tricky.  If we were dealing with the question of whether or not men and women should go to nude beaches, the answer would be simple – NO.  However, this issue is more nuanced.

Here are some principles to consider:

1. We must always be modest ourselves (1 Tim 2:9).  Whatever your swimming choices, modest swimwear is a must.  As you already know, finding such swimwear often takes a lot more effort than just going down to the mall.
2. We need to think about what sort of environment we are in.  If you are dressed modestly, but everyone else is in immodest swimwear, then you are putting yourself and your family in a situation where you can be corrupted (1 Cor 15:33) and led away by temptation (1 Jn 2:16).
3. You also need to consider the principles and message that your children will be learning.  Are you making sure that your kids are understanding the bigger issues involved with modesty, appropriate behavior between men and women, etc.?  It is a parent’s job to raise their children with godly virtues (Pr 22:6).

After looking at these principles, some families opt out of public swimming, while others feel comfortable that they can swim in a righteous manner.  You and your family need to make that decision for yourself.

     So, I was talking to a co-worker about what she did over the weekend, and she proceeded to tell me it was great because her daughter was home from college; they went to church, and then went shopping, and then went and had a drink together at a new martini bar.  I asked her what church she went to, and she told me the church of Christ, and that sometimes after church, her preacher would have a beer with them?  I'm a little confused on what the Bible says about drinking and wine.  I know it says not to become a drunkard, but does it also say Jesus drank wine?  I've also heard that the wine referred to in the Bible is today's version of grape juice… that seems like a rather confusing translation to me. In addition, I've heard the argument that isn't it better to relax with a glass of wine instead of taking anti-anxiety meds all the time?  I am looking for a Biblical and unopinionated answer; which I see you are consistent with the truth: bible chapter and verse.  Thanks!

Sincerely,
Buzzing With Confusion

Dear Buzzing With Confusion,

God never specifically condemns all alcohol, but He does condemn ‘strong drink’ (Pr 20:1), drinking parties (1 Pet 4:3), and drunkenness (Rom 13:13).  Almost all alcohol that is consumed today would fall into the category of ‘strong drink’ because our alcoholic beverages are artificially fermented to increase their alcoholic content (unlike the wine of Jesus’ day – read “That’s Just Grape” for further details on the wine Jesus drank).  1 Pet 4:3’s reference to drinking parties would be a great example of why to never attend a martini bar or any other drinking establishment (saloons, pubs, etc.).  Furthermore, the Bible teaches that elders, deacons, and all that are mature in Christ need to be the kind of people that aren’t associated with regular alcohol consumption (1 Tim 3:8, Tit 2:3).  Nevermind the influence and appearance of drinking in today’s culture of excess and drunkenness. We would all do well to heed the words of Pr 23:31-32 and avoid alcohol as much as is possible.

[This question is a follow-up to “Looking For God In The News”]

     About healing: where is the news filled with what you claim? Just because some doctor can't explain something doesn't mean the body itself isn't capable of healing certain things.  But name one example where there couldn't possibly be an internal mechanism for healing, such as a rotten tooth or ingrown toenail that was miraculously healed, and I'm sold.  But just because someone can't explain it doesn't mean God healed it.  And on top of that… why does God heal at times and not others?  What is in it for God to give someone an extra few years on this earth when our real home is in heaven?

Sincerely,
Give Me A Doctor

Dear Give Me A Doctor,

In your first question, you asked why there weren’t any cases of illnesses being spontaneously healed in ways that are visible but not understandable.  When we answered that, you now say that just because it can’t be explained doesn’t mean God fixed it.  So let’s sum up: if it can be explained, you won’t give credit to God; if it can’t be explained, you won’t give credit to God.  Jesus once dealt with a group of people that kept asking Him for more and more signs, and He condemned them for false motives.  We recommend you read Matt 16:1-4 for yourself.