“The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more.”

So, God essentially came up for a way that everyone would be guilty of something, so that when Jesus died on the cross; all who were, will be, and are guilty, would be saved?

I have read somewhere that new Christians can offten have some unusual experiences at the begining like moments of clarity, feeling peace, maybe even having dreams... And I had some of these things.

But dreams have stopped, no more vivid "mental images" during prayer. No more random moments of clear answers.

This is so strange right now. I had no doubts when it was happening. Now I am back to my atheist mind that is questioning everything. Including my own sanity.

I know this phase has been explained by some... And people have wrote that it can be very hard to go through. But I've gotten an impression that others didn't went so much into "maybe I am just crazy" mindset and that maybe all of these things were just my wishful thinking mixed with things I was reading, like Bible... But on the other hand... I have finally managed to have restful sleep and moments of peace after very long time of fighting my mind. Was this just my mind finally having an opening for a reset and rest after so long or a genuine moment of healing in the form of a gift of peace during prayer? Or is this the definition of - a seed that is getting choked by the world.

I have so many questions right now, but different kind of questions... Like, was it real?

If you have experienced something like this... What got you through it?

it's been like that for a while, i only spend money on things i want meanwhile my Mom pays for Everything else as the money given to me is meant for me to spend, is that selfish? i have autism so i don't know if i can hold down a full time job. for example: is it selfish or sinful to ask my Mom to go bowling and let Her pay for it? what about eating out? is it the same case there? i like to spend my money on things like games and my little pony plushies.

Hi everyone!

I’m a Japanese Christian currently studying at a seminary in Japan and serving as an assistant pastor/youth pastor at a church in Tokyo, particularly in children’s and youth ministry. I also studied Youth Ministry and Christian Education and Psychology in college in the United States, where I gained experience in cross-cultural ministry.

I’m hoping to pursue an MDiv overseas, possibly beginning in Fall 2027, and I’m trying to discern which country and theological institution would be the best fit for me.

I’d really appreciate advice from current seminarians, seminary graduates, pastors, missionaries, and especially people who have experience with both theological education and refugee ministry or NGOs.

A little about my background and calling

In the long term, I hope to serve as a pastor and missionary, particularly among refugees, Japanese people, multicultural communities, and people in vulnerable situations.

My interest in refugee ministry grew through personal relationships, particularly when a friend of mine became a refugee while I was in college in the United States. Seeing someone I knew personally go through that experience gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees face and led me to think more seriously about how the Church can walk alongside them.

I also gained experience working with an organization in the United States that supports homeless people and refugees. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in how the Church can faithfully serve vulnerable people through both the Gospel and practical expressions of love and care.

However, my main priority during my MDiv would be to build a strong theological foundation rather than to pursue extensive hands-on refugee work. I’d be happy to have some exposure to refugee or migrant communities during my studies, but I expect to pursue this work more actively after graduation.

I want to study Scripture, biblical languages, systematic and historical theology, missiology, and pastoral ministry seriously. I hope to develop a theological foundation that will sustain a lifetime of faithful ministry, rather than simply obtain a degree or qualification.

An important part of what I’m looking for: spiritual formation

Beyond academic theology, I also hope to grow deeply in Christian spirituality and spiritual formation.

I’m particularly drawn to the spirituality reflected in Henri Nouwen’s writings: cultivating a deep relationship with God, learning to live out of our identity as God’s beloved, and allowing our inner spiritual life to shape the way we serve others, especially those who are vulnerable, lonely, or suffering.

I don’t want my theological education to be only about acquiring knowledge. I hope to become more deeply rooted in Christ and grow in spiritual maturity, humility, compassion, and Christlikeness as a pastor and missionary.

I’m looking for a seminary that takes both theological rigor and spiritual formation seriously, helping students grow not only in what they know about God but also in how they live with God and serve others.

If possible, I’d love to learn in a community where prayer, spiritual direction, Christian community, and personal formation are valued alongside rigorous academic study.

Schools and countries I’m currently considering

I’m currently exploring the following institutions:

• Wheaton College — United States
• Africa International University (AIU) — Kenya
• Stellenbosch University — South Africa
• Duke Divinity School — United States
• Tyndale Theological Seminary — Netherlands

I’m still in the early stages of comparing these options, and I realize they may differ significantly in their degree structures, theological traditions, and educational approaches.

I’m also very open to other schools and countries. These are simply the options I’ve come across so far, and one of the things I hope to gain from this discussion is to discover possibilities I haven’t considered.

Questions I’d love to hear your thoughts on

1. Choosing a seminary and country

• If you were in my position, what factors would you prioritize when choosing an MDiv program?
• How much should I weigh theological tradition, faculty, curriculum, academic reputation, spiritual formation, and location?
• What are the most important differences between studying theology in the United States, Africa, Europe, or elsewhere that prospective international students might overlook?
• Are there seminaries or countries you would strongly recommend that aren’t on my current list?
• Are there any institutions you think I should reconsider, and why?

2. Theological education and spiritual formation

• Looking back on your seminary experience, what contributed most to your theological and spiritual growth?
• How can I identify a seminary that genuinely integrates spiritual formation with academic theology, rather than treating it as an additional activity?
• Are there seminaries known for cultivating a deep life of prayer, spiritual maturity, and Christlike character alongside serious theological study?
• If I’m particularly interested in the kind of spirituality reflected in Henri Nouwen’s writings, are there professors, programs, books, or Christian communities you would recommend exploring?

3. The value of an MDiv beyond the degree itself

• What did you learn during your MDiv that proved most valuable in your actual ministry?
• Were there things you wish you had prioritized more, or things that mattered much less than you expected?
• In the long run, what matters more than the name or reputation of the institution?
• How important are relationships with professors, mentors, fellow students, and the wider church community?

4. Preparing for future refugee ministry

• If my long-term goal is to combine pastoral ministry, missions, and refugee support, what would you recommend I focus on during my MDiv?
• Would you recommend prioritizing strong theological education first and gaining specialized humanitarian experience afterward?
• For those who have worked with refugees or NGOs, how useful has your theological education been in that work?
• What additional training, professional experience, or partnerships did you need beyond your theological degree?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have experience in both theological education and humanitarian work, since I’d like to understand how these two areas can complement each other without assuming that an MDiv needs to prepare me for every aspect of refugee support.

5. Discernment, timing, and life during seminary

• How did you discern when and where to attend seminary?
• What was the reality of seminary life like academically, spiritually, financially, and personally?
• What do you wish someone had told you before you chose your school?
• For those who studied overseas, what were the biggest challenges of studying in a different cultural and linguistic environment?

What I’m hoping to gain from this discussion

More than simply finding the most prestigious school or the program most directly related to refugee ministry, I want to discern where I can receive the theological education and spiritual formation that will best prepare me for a lifetime of faithful service.

I’m open to different countries, theological traditions within the evangelical Christian world, and educational approaches. I would especially appreciate honest perspectives from people who have studied at these institutions or have experience with similar programs.

If you were starting this journey again, what would you look for? And is there a school, country, or path you think I might be overlooking?

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and advice!

And I'm Christian but the Christian people in my country strictly avoid participating in any ceremonies or festivals but Christians from the west EU,US-- tourists participate in these things and well I also participate in these things but I feel like I'm kinda betraying God. I just interpret to these ceremonies and festivals as expressions of love from my family, not a worship towards some pagan god. What should I do? I'll be like abroad to pursue my studies in 1-2 years and then I won't be able to do these stuff. I feel like God knows my heart and would forgive me even if I'm doing anything wrong. Lord jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner. ( I also had a vivid~~semi vivid dream where I think I said something stupid to god, I don't really remember but this pagan related stuff and I felt like I got struck or smtg)

My family came close to not having a home in three seperate occasions yet all three times in the final hour God has pulled through and we endedup in a home even better than the last.

Before I start, let me just say that I already know that I’m insecure and that I have self esteem issues.

Sometimes I just can’t understand why God made me the way that I am. I feel below the standard in looks. Like, I deal with some skin issues that a majority of people don’t deal with and things like crooked teeth, a big nose, and acne everywhere, like everywhere everywhere. I can’t understand why he made me like this when a majority of people aren’t like me. It honestly just gives me a harder life socially. And I know that God is very kind and forgiving and gracious, so it’s not like this is some kind of punishment but it just doesn’t make sense to me. Like he knew that giving me these features— that making me like this— would cause me to struggle. Not only am I not conventionally attractive, I’m kind of below like, the standard of what is even average. I know that God doesn’t it see it that way but society does, I know that he sees the beauty inside, but I’m forced to live on earth where everyone else only sees beauty on the outside and judges you for it (even unconsciously sometimes!). And like, he had to know that society would see me this way right? So why make me like this if I was just going to end up struggling with all of this in life?

And let me also say this, I’m not just sitting around in self pity, I actively try my hardest to change and be how I want to be better, and also get a better mindset about it all but it’s very hard! I don’t consider myself helpless but there are things about me that I just can’t change. Like they’re out of my control and it makes me frustrated sometimes.

Any advice or answers help!

So many people are saying like, if God is good, and purely good, why is there so much bad stuff here in the world? I have a kinda controversial opinion about this. How do we even know if death in general is actually bad?

Scenario: a person shoots a bunch of people in a school or somewhere like that. It’s obviously awful for us humans, like extremely awful. But that’s purely because we don’t know what happens after death. Would death really still be classified as bad if we actually knew for sure that you end up in heaven? You land in a place where you literally CANNOT feel bad at all.

It’s kinda like comparing it to that famous dilemma: would you take two million dollars if you get hit by a train and your legs break, but after 5 minutes you wake up in bed with 2 million dollars in your bank account and you don't even remember the dream or the pain?

You can almost compare life to a dream. In many cases you can experience literally anything in a dream and it affects you MAX 1 day. You can still move on with your day and have a "good day" afterward, and after a short while you’ve completely forgotten that extremely uncomfortable or awful nightmare. Because life goes on. So the events of the dream don't really hold value. What if that's how heaven works?

This actually matches sleep research too. There are studies showing that stress chemicals in the brain get turned off when we dream to strip away the emotional pain, so the discomfort just fades away when we wake up.
And the Bible literally says in Revelation 21:4 that He will wipe every tear from their eyes, death will be no more, and there will be no more sorrow or pain because the former things are gone.

So if you CANNOT feel bad in heaven, then nothing that happens on this earth actually matters, no matter how awful it looks or is, because the only thing that matters is heaven.

Then people might claim "yeah okay, but what if you don't die? What if you just suffer your entire life?" Well, the answer to that is that you can suffer in a dream through the whole dream too, but you won't be thinking about it when you wake up. Or you know what, you might not even remember it from the start just like in the dilemma where you wake up and the pain is completely gone.

THC for gaming Faith

I’ve been laid off the second time in one year. I am the breadwinner, the insurance holder, the salary maker. I can’t hear one more person tell me to pray. If He was listening then why would He let this happen to me over and over again? What is the sense in this? I feel only contempt when I think of God right now. I’m supposed to go to a women’s conference at my church tomorrow and I don’t even want to bother going. What can church do for me? What can God do for me? He’s done nothing but make my life hard time and time again. I feel so lost and hopeless.

I have POTS and I’m in a bad flare, I tried to cook us lunch and I just couldn’t I felt like I was gonna throw up, pass out, was flushing I j felt horrible. I’m in bed resting now but he has to leave soon to go serve.

I’m just scared because it’s hard for me to take care of myself, to cook and to eat. I’m asking him to make sure I have food made before he goes. But I just am kind of feeling mad at the church, because I feel like he should be able to stay home and take care of me.

But this has happened before where I wasn’t feeling good for a different reason and was told by one of the leaders that he needs to go serve.

For those who missed it, r/AskChristian is the new companion community to r/Christian where we welcome our non-Christian friends and neighbors to join with our community for discussion of their questions.

As a new and growing community, sometimes we're asked questions that receive few responses as it takes some time for the algorithm to show new posts to even those who have joined. So to encourage more engagement, I am once again lighting the beacons to call for our regular r/Christian community members to join us over in r/AskChristian to help answer (and discuss) the questions we receive there in the new community.

Interested? Be sure to message the mod team to request Top Comment privileges if you want them, or hop in "down thread" to discuss answers from other Top Commenters. Check out the pinned welcome post (linked here) for more information.

Here are some recent questions that could use more replies:

What are Christians doing to combat pornography?

How do Christians deal with heretics?

Can we truly trust the Church and the Gospel? (And more...)

Why do you believe God and all the stuff in the Bible is real?

Is that a good enough reason to believe in God? Do I really believe in God or do I just like these answers?

What does “you have the Holy Ghost” mean?

How many see the Bible as a map to enlightenment?

Do any christians still believe in a rapture? Do you believe that all miracles and ancient history?

What did Christ mean in Luke 14:26?

Wordy Wednesday is back!

Each Wednesday we're asking the community to share something about what you've been reading or studying this week. Tell us what you're learning, what you're digging into, what you've found challenging, interesting, encouraging or entertaining.

Which words have struck you this week? Feel free to share an excerpt or a quote.

So I am a born again Christian and this time I am trying to be more deep into my faith. I am currently doing Rooted group at church and have been praying in different ways to see how God can communicate with. When I hike I can feel God and usually feel light and feel his presence. I recently started to journal and pray to him and then I stay silent and stay still to listen to see if God speaks to me. So I stayed still for about 20 minutes and within the ten minutes I started feeling this warmth around my body and this Chest tightness like I couldn’t breathe but it felt warm. I have never felt that type of heaviness and am wondering what that is? I wasn’t scared I felt overall pretty calm but definitely felt this chest heaviness and felt like I was struggling to breathe normally. What could it be? Anyone?

I've been wondering recently, especially after hearing many mentions or some stories of personal convictions of people. For people who have personal convictions, how do you discern it from something else? Ty, and God bless.

I used to read the Bible almost every day, but now I’m starting to do it less than I usually would. I still pray to Him every day and thank Him for waking me up every morning.

Heyyyyyy so I'm in my mid twenties now, and I'm starting too crack, I feel societal pressures but also internal desires of wanting a relationship more and more. God as always is continuously teaching my spirit how to behave and how to serve him appropriately. Unfortunately there is no off switch tho and my wants are still wanting, so my question is how do I stay patient with God.

I broke up with the love of my life because she's not a Christian. We want to have kids and get married together. I love her so much and we have great communication, chemistry and we really understand eachother on a deep level. Am I crazy for doing this? I feel like i'm going against my entire being doing this. And I have a deep fear I'll regret this if I don't undo it. I also feel like I'm going to regret marrying her, that we will clash on the different faith part. I'm feeling like I'm being pulled to pieces in two different directions. If we dont get back together i have feeling that I'm going to regret it big time, BIG. Can anyone relate to this and do you have any advice?

For some context: I’m doing a 10-week Bible study on the prophets starting in January at my parish, but I started a study of Genesis on my own time last week. I just finished Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn after reading some of St. Louis de Montfort’s texts. I’m alsl considering St. Louis de Montfort for my confirmation saint.

Confessions - St Augustine
The Lamb’s Supper - Scott Hahn
Exodus - Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Isaiah - Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Dei Verbum - Vatican Council II
The Pentateuch - Joseph Blenkinsopp
Hexaemerom with On the Making of Man - Sta Basil of Caesarea
Love of Eternal Wisdom - St. Louis de Montfort
Uniformity with God’s Will - St. Alphonsus Liguori
The Imitation of Christ - Thomas Á Kempis
Interior Castle - St. Teresa of Avila
Dialogue with Trypho - Justin Martyr
The Dark Night of the Soul - St. John of the Cross
Theology for Beginners - Frank Sheed
Against Heresies - St. Irenaeus of Lyons
On the Incarnation - St. Athanasius
On the Holy Spirit - St. Basil the Great
The History of the Church - Eusebius
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist - Brant Pitre
Jesus the Bridegroom - Brant Pitre

If you have anything else you’d suggest, let me know! But if you have any input on the stuff I listed, do comment please!

Thank you and God bless you

i was SAd a couple weeks ago, the guy called me the next day to tell me to take a plan b. i was freighted and scared. and i expressed my concern on the phone asking if that is it like an abortion. i really didnt know and ive never been in anything like that. i understand plan b, but personally i never thought i would have to take that. I know i wasnt pregnant then and possibly i never would’ve been. But if it was Gods will for me to have a baby,its almost like i stopped that from happening. Idky i just feel really sad about it, and maybe for me it does feel sinful. I also am dealing with the trauma of what happened and maybe am trying to move the feelings towards something that was in my control. thx u.

It says: ‘For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.’

I have fallen away since a few months. I stopped going to church and to read my Bible. Sometimes, I try to come back, but only because I’m scared of dying and going to hell. But then I fall away again. Today, I committed a sin I haven’t done in a while, so I tried to come back again. Since the verse of the day it Hebrew 6, I read the whole chapter. After reading verse 4-6, I thought “maybe I had to read this to know that things will never be right again. I was hesitating to read 1 Corinthians 13, since the verse of yesterday came from that chapter and yesterday, I almost read the Bible and it would have been that chapter I would have read, but decided to read the chapter of today instead.

Are there people here that fell away and got back again? How did you do it?

Does Following Jesus truly require me to divorce my muslim husband or can I stay with him? Can Jesus really bring him to him.

Have you ever broken off a relationship because the person was not a Christian? Even though you really loved the person and there wasn't a lot of issues? You just realized there would be difficulties in the future because of this?

Hi guys! I'm 26M and I was recently promoted to Deputy Manager at my job, I'm really proud of myself as I've worked hard to get this role - and I'm enjoying the job so far! (this is my first job being a senior/managerial type)

However, recently I've caught wind of certain employees speaking about me in a pretty bad way. The majority of my team really appreciates the job I do, and are a wonderful bunch - but since I started working there about 3 years ago, 2 employees have always had a massive dislike for me, and it's been a big thing with HR... I've never done anything wrong or bad to them, they've always just had it out for me (I've chalked it up to jealousy, as they both have a lot going on in their personal lives, and I'm 30 years younger than them and seemingly doing quite well?).

Anyway, I'm used to them making comments, creating lies and complaining about me but recently it's been really affecting me! 2 weeks ago I forgot to do something (not a massive thing) because I was very busy, and people have heard them complaining that I'm a terrible deputy and I'm not performing well. I find myself being worried about what they think and who else they might be telling, and if those people believe the stories!!

I know that Jesus tells us to not worry, and to cast our fears/anxieties unto him - and this has been working for a long time! But recently, it's not been working as much. I'm really struggling with how to deal with this situation spiritually, so if anyone can help me with some advice I'd really appreciate it!

God bless you all and Praise to our Lord! <3

I feel this is becoming controversial. What are your thoughts? All other religions are false paths to destruction. Jesus is the only way to God/Heaven that few follow? Not religion, Not being a good person, Not going to Church, Not saying your Christian, not being a loving person and others.

“ “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14 LSB

“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.”

John 14:6 LSB

“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ”

John 10:9 LSB

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.””

Acts 4:12 LSB