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SEGMENT 1: TEACHING EVOLUTION
Featuring John G. West, Ph.D., senior fellow
at the Discovery Institute, associate director of the Center for
Science and Culture, and associate professor of Political Science
at Seattle Pacific University; and Rev. Barry Lynn,
executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church
and State, practicing attorney, and ordained minister.
- To what extent do you think evolution and intelligent design
are currently being taught in public schools?
- To what extent do you think evolution and intelligent design
should be taught in our public schools? Give reasons for your
response.
- Barry Lynn suggests that when it comes to the study of evolutionary
theory, a distinction should be made between scientific questions
and religious questions. What do you think that distinction should
be?
- John West believes intelligent design is scientific, not religious.
What do you think? Give reasons for your response.
- Do you think scientific criticisms of evolutionary theory are
currently being taught in public schools? Should they be? Why
or why not?
- West claims that a double standard exists in our public schools.
He says that while students are not allowed to draw positive conclusions
about religion in science classes, they are encouraged to draw
negative conclusions about it. Do you agree with West’s
assessment? Why or why not?
- Do you think students in public schools are being taught to
think critically about both sides of the issue when it comes to
evolution? Should they? Why or why not?
SEGMENT 2: BILLY GRAHAM’S OTHER WOMAN
A one-on-one discussion with Anne Graham Lotz,
daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, founder of AnGeL Ministries,
and author of nine books, including her most recent book, Why?
- Why do you think Billy Graham has remained so popular with people
of various religious backgrounds and beliefs?
- What do you think would be some positives and negatives associated
with growing up as the son or daughter of a famous preacher like
Billy Graham?
- When she was young, Anne Graham Lotz says she often felt pressure
from others outside of her family to become someone she wasn’t.
What expectations to conform did you face growing up?
- Lotz decided she would live her life for an audience of one:
God. She wanted to live her life in such a way that was pleasing
to God. What are the benefits of choosing to live life that way?
- Lotz reveals that she is not always comfortable speaking in
front of large groups of people. How comfortable are you in speaking
to large groups? Why do you think public speaking is so difficult
for so many people?
- What is your perspective concerning the role of women in ministry?
What are some of the positive and negative things that women in
ministry face?
- Do you think God always answers our prayers? Explain.
- Why do you think bad things happen to good people?
SEGMENT 3: FAITH AT WORK
With Christopher Scott, executive director of Forum for Faith
in the Workplace; and renowned secular humanist Paul Kurtz, editor-in-chief
of Free Inquiry magazine and professor emeritus of Philosophy at
the State University of New York at Buffalo.
- Do you think it’s appropriate for companies to hire chaplains
for their employees? Why or why not?
- What is the proper role, if any, of religion in the workplace?
- Should corporations care if employees participate in Bible
studies during their lunch hours? Should they encourage these
types of endeavors? Why or why not?
- Should corporations allow employees to use their offices or
conference rooms for lunch-hour religious discussions? Why or
why not?
- Paul Kurtz believes that chaplains are not “neutral”
and have no place in the workplace. In what ways is Kurtz correct?
Incorrect?
- Christopher Scott argues that because a chaplain’s services
are not mandatory, it is a voluntary benefit for employees. Do
you agree or disagree?
- Do you think people should be allowed to share their faith
where they work? Why or why not?
SEGMENT 4: GAY RIGHTS=CIVIL RIGHTS?
Featuring Ron Buford, denominational leader
in the United Church of Christ; and Bishop Wellington Boone,
head of Wellington Boone Ministries and author of Woman, You’re
a Kingmaker.
- Do gay rights mean the same thing as civil rights? Explain
your response.
- Do you believe that if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were alive
today he would be a champion of gay rights? Why or why not?
- Wellington Boone believes that gays should not have civil
rights because their behavior violates God’s moral law.
Do you agree with Boone’s logic? Why or why not?
- Ron Buford believes that because we’re commanded by
God to love one another, people have the right to express their
love in any way they choose. Do you agree with Buford? Why or
why not?
- Buford believes that love overcomes legalism. What does this
mean to you? Do you agree or disagree with him? Why?
- Do you believe that sexual orientation is genetically based?
Why or why not?
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We
have heard some great comments about our new second-season format
that features topical programs. This week, we shake things up a bit
by looking at a number of interesting topics that fit under the heading
of A Potpourri of Faith. With these varied issues,
you are sure to have some interesting spiritual conversations with
your friends and family based on this week’s Faith Under
Fire. If any of the segments or questions challenges your
thinking, we’d love to hear about it! Remember to click on the
comments section at 