Welcome to RIZE.  The idea behind this blog is simple.  Christians have good questions about their faith and non-Christians have equally good questions about the faith.  Here will be presented rational and reasonable answers to many of those questions: some theological, some philosophical, some political, some sociological and whatever else needs to be addressed. It will all be presented from an enangelical Christian world-view in a more conversational style rather than a scholarly style.  I will link to scholarly supporting articles when appropriate and use Scripture verses where needed.  This blog is written for inquisitive Christians and non-believers not for a seminary prof to grade. If you immediately dismiss a "Christian" viewpoint as ignorant and Draconian then you are the narrow minded one.  There are good answers to good questions by intelligent individuals who are not religious extremists, yet are firmly orthodox.  There are good answers to questions for those who really want an answer.  For those who really are not seeking an answer and who have already made up their minds seeking only an argument...go ahead and leave now.  Interaction is encouraged.  I will answer as long as the discussion remains civil.  If you cannot elucidate your point without profanity, ad-hominem attacks...and then support it with facts, then don't bother.  Intelligent people have different beliefs, all of which should be given equal weight until the light of research, fact, reason, rationality, logic... has shown those beliefs to be true or false, rational or irrational, reasonable or unreasonable, logical or illogical.  Who is this guy answering these questions you may ask?  I am a husband, father, Christian, Seminarian and aspiring Theologian.  I adhere to Systematic Theology.  My beliefs can be found within the doctrinal beliefs of any orthodox Southern Baptist church's doctrinal statement.   Glad you are here.  "Come, let us reason together."