#STRask

Questions about why there is no effort towards a neutral interpretation of Scripture that doesn’t take denominational preferences into account, and how so many people in different denominations that believe different things can all claim to be followers of Christ.
 

Why is there no effort towards a neutral exegesis—i.e., without taking denominational preferences into account—in light of the fact that there are so many denominations divided over hundreds of topics? Which inspiration theory and which explanatory system do you use?

Considering there are so many denominations that all believe different things, how can they all claim to be followers of Christ?

Questions about how one person could trust another person on the topic of God, how STR obtained information about God that others haven’t obtained, and whether God only matters for the purpose of the afterlife.
 

How could one person trust another person on the topic of God, and how did you obtain information about God that I haven’t obtained?

Aside from Heaven and Hell, does God matter? Atheists and Muslims experience the same world you do.

Questions about responding to an LGBTQ person who says he feels good about who he is, and whether—since we all have sin in our life we don’t consider to be sinful—a practicing homosexual can be born again as long as he sincerely believes his behavior isn’t sinful.
 

What would be an appropriate response to an LGBTQ person saying, “I feel good about who I am”?

Since we all have sin in our life that we don’t consider to be sinful, and will only learn about it when we get to Heaven, doesn’t that mean a practicing homosexual can be born again as long as he sincerely believes his behavior is not sinful?

Questions about whether or not God hears and answers the prayers of non-believers, and thoughts about a church sign that reads (as if from God), “Just love everyone. I'll sort them out later.”
 

Does God hear non-believers’ prayers, and if he hears them, does he answer them?

How would you evaluate a church sign that reads (as if from God), “Just love everyone. I'll sort them out later”?

Questions about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, advice for someone who believes in God intellectually but struggles to understand how to have a “personal relationship” with him, and resources other than Greg’s that teach the wisdom model for making decisions.
 

If the Holy Spirit doesn’t give us personal instructions, what does that leave the role of the Holy Spirit to be in my life?

Do you have advice for someone who believes in God intellectually but struggles to understand how to have a “personal relationship” with him? I don’t understand how others “feel his presence” or “hear from God.”

What resources (outside of your own) would you recommend in regard to the wisdom model for making decisions rather than a more charismatic approach of receiving impressions, whispers, etc. from God?