Christian Themes for Privileged Teens
Does science contradict religion? Is there any actual evidence for Christianity? If God is real, why doesn’t he just reveal himself? Why would a good God send people to Hell? What does being Christian really mean for my life (besides going to church and listening to bad* music)?
CTPT is a free online resource that provides a survey of the intellectual foundations of Christianity. Written for a university educated audience (i.e. it has memes), CTPT explores concepts such as science and faith, the problem of suffering, and the historicity of the Bible.
*Okay, sorry. Mostly bad. -Tim
Chapter 1: Who cares
Why should I even entertain questions about God? An exploration of what’s really at stake when considering your belief in God or lack thereof. Read the Chapter.
Chapter 1 appendix: Why Genesis Doesn’t Contradict Science
Was my 9th grade biology teacher wrong? An exploration of how Genesis and evolution are two sides of the same story. Read the Chapter.
Chapter 2: Is Atheism Absurd?
Can you live a logically consistent life as an atheist? A discussion of the implications of an atheistic worldview. Read the Chapter.
Chapter 3: Does God Exist?
How can I believe in something I can’t see? An exploration of our observed reality and how that necessitates the presence of a God. Read the Chapter.
Chapter 4: Missing God
Why wouldn’t a good and loving God just wave his hands and stop poverty, natural disasters, birth defects, and human brokenness? An exploration of our sinful [imperfect, lacking, suffering-filled] world and how God uses it not to punish us, but rather to point us toward Him. Read the Chapter.
Chapter 4 appendix: First Sin
An exploration of the first sin of mankind and why sin and separation from God permeates our lives regardless of how “good” we are. Read the Chapter.
Chapter 5: Finding God
Why doesn’t God just reveal himself to us if he wants us to believe in him? An exploration of the book where he does just that. Hint: it’s the Bible (GASP)! Read the Chapter.
Chapter 6: Heaven and Hell
How could a good God send people to hell, a place of eternal damnation? An exploration of what hell really is and how sometimes we voluntarily choose the path that leads to hell. Also some stuff about heaven. Read The Chapter.
Chapter 7: Jesus and the Cross
A survey of what the central figure and event of Christianity are about. Read The Chapter.
Chapter 8: Decisions
If I cared enough to read chapters 1 through 6, what am I supposed to do with that information? Read the Chapter.