Faith in the Fray: Navigating Secular Challenges with Confidence
The college years can be a crucible for faith, as students encounter a myriad of secular challenges that test their convictions. How can young believers navigate these obstacles with intellectual honesty, compassion, and confidence? In his book “Surviving Religion 101,” Michael J. Kruger offers wise counsel to Christian students, emphasizing that Christianity is not only intellectually defensible but also satisfying at the deepest levels.
Opposition as Opportunity
Kruger notes that opposition to one’s faith can be transformative, sharpening the mind and honing character. By trusting in the Lord amidst adversity, students can develop a patient spirit and calmness under pressure. Moreover, they can cultivate love, compassion, and sympathy for those who do not know Christ.
The Claims of Christ
Writing in the form of a letter to his college-age daughter, Kruger tackles some of the toughest questions Christian students face at secular universities. He addresses the issue of arrogance, pointing out that believing in Jesus’ claims about himself is not arrogant but rather a response to his divine authority. Kruger emphasizes that everything comes down to what people think about Jesus, not what they think about us.
Saved for Obedience
Kruger also highlights the distinction between being saved by obedience and being saved for obedience. Moralism, he argues, is not the solution to our broken relationship with God; it’s the problem. Instead, we must recognize that we are saved by God’s grace, which enables us to live a life of obedience.
A Multifaceted God
Kruger reminds readers that the God of the Bible is complex and multifaceted, embodying both love and holiness, righteousness and purity. This nuanced understanding of God’s character is essential for navigating the challenges of life and competing worldviews.
Knowing Jesus
Ultimately, Kruger emphasizes that being a Christian is not about joining a cause but about knowing a person: Jesus Christ. In the midst of life’s difficulties and competing worldviews, Jesus is worth it – glorious enough, wonderful enough, worthy enough to spend our entire lives on.
Abundant Life
Kruger’s words offer a powerful reminder that abundant life is found in Jesus. As we navigate the complexities of faith in a secular world, may we hold fast to this truth, trusting in the rock of Jesus Christ as our firm foundation.
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