Being a Christian does not require you to switch off your brain. In fact, questions are an incredibly important part of faith and help us grow and change as human beings. If there are any questions that are bothering you and are not answered on this site, please feel free to ask us and we will try and find an answer or some thoughts for you to consider. From time to time, we will publish some of your questions and the answers we provided on this site. We have started with a couple of questions that are often asked but we look forward to adding your question to the ones below.

Q: I am a good person and believe in God. Why should I go to church.

A: I meet many people who live by great principles and really work hard for others: faith in God is not always their motivation, but their goodness is real.  I also meet many people whose whole way of life is directed by their living faith in God.  What we all need to be honest about is: how do we know what goodness is really like?  As a Christian, I believe we see the goodness of God "in the face of Jesus Christ" as the New Testament puts it.  Put me alongside Jesus and I know two things:  1) I do not measure up and 2) he is always ready to give me a new start.  This means that in my prayers I need regularly to be honest and receive his forgiveness afresh.  Worshipping with other Christians in a Church does not guarantee goodness - sadly wrong things go on in Churches just like other places.  However, the love of God is not meant to be a private luxury: he calls us to part of his community which is made up of people who know his love.  We can know that on our own - so much better to share it with others.

Answer by the Dean of Birmingham, the Very Revd Robert Wilkes.

Back to the top.

Q: Is it because of something in my past that I’m sick now?

A: Probably not.  In this life, sickness happens: but it strikes very unfairly.  It’s more creative to ask the question: What are the ‘plusses’, now that I am sick? 

Many people who are ill do find some positive things come out of the situation such as finding an unexpected strength in themselves, or the family coming together to support.  Having said this, it’s right to get angry at the awful suffering some – children, for example – have to endure.

Answer by the Revd Francis Buxton, Chaplaincy Team Leader, Queen Elizabeth  Hospital, Birmingham.

Back to the top.