01

Is God real?

Christians believe God is real and wants to be known. We see hints of him in the beauty and order of the universe, in our sense of right and wrong, and in our longing for meaning. But the clearest answer, Christians say, is a person: Jesus, who claimed to show us exactly what God is like. You don’t have to settle this question before you start exploring it. Plenty of Christians began with serious doubts, and doubts are welcome here.

Go further: Explore it at Alpha

02

Who is Jesus?

Jesus was a Jewish teacher from first-century Galilee. Most historians, Christian or not, agree that he lived and was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. What sets him apart is what he claimed, and what his followers said happened next: that he was God come to live among us, that he died to deal with the wrongs we’ve done, and that he rose from the dead three days later. If that’s true, it changes everything. That’s why we think he’s worth looking at for yourself.

Go further: Read Mark’s Gospel, the shortest account of his life

Reading it? Tell us how you’re getting on. We’d love to hear your thoughts and help with any questions it raises.

03

If God is good, why is there suffering?

This is one of the hardest questions there is, and we won’t pretend otherwise. The Bible doesn’t explain suffering away. It is honest about pain, grief and injustice, and many of its prayers are cries of protest. What Christianity offers isn’t a neat answer but a God who doesn’t stay distant. In Jesus, God stepped into our suffering: he was betrayed, he wept, and he died. Christians also hold on to a promise that one day every wrong will be put right.

04

What is Christianity actually about?

At its heart, Christianity isn’t a set of rules or a way of earning God’s approval. It’s good news about what God has done. We’ve all turned away from God and gone our own way, and we can’t fix that ourselves. Jesus came to do what we couldn’t: through his death and resurrection he offers forgiveness, a fresh start and a relationship with God that lasts forever. It’s a gift, not a reward. Following him then shapes everything else: how we love, forgive, spend our money and treat the people around us.

Go further: Listen to our Sunday talks

05

Doesn’t science disprove God?

Many scientists, past and present, have been Christians, and plenty see no conflict between the two. Science is brilliant at explaining how the universe works. Why there is a universe at all, whether life has a purpose, and what makes something right or wrong are different kinds of question. Christians believe the universe is orderly enough to study because a God of order made it. If this is your sticking point, it’s a great one to bring to Alpha.

Go further: Bring it to Alpha

06

Isn’t the Bible out of date?

The Bible is a library rather than one book, written over many centuries in different styles: history, poetry, letters and wisdom. Reading it well means reading each part as it was meant to be read. Christians believe it is God’s word, and many find that its honesty about human nature, its call to love enemies and care for the poor, and its picture of Jesus speak just as directly today. You don’t need to accept all of it to start reading. Many people begin with one of the accounts of Jesus’ life, such as Mark or Luke.

Go further: Start with Mark’s Gospel

07

Am I good enough for God?

No one is, and that’s the point. Jesus spent his time with the people religious leaders avoided, and said he came for the sick, not the healthy. Christianity isn’t for people who have it all together. Whatever you’ve done, God’s offer of forgiveness and a new start is for you too, and you’ll be welcome at Bethany exactly as you are.

08

How do I become a Christian?

It starts with a decision to follow Jesus: to trust him and make him the centre of your life. There’s no magic formula, and you don’t need to have it all worked out. If you’d like to take that step, you can tell God in your own words, or you could use this simple prayer.

09

What is church actually like?

Bethany meets on Sundays at 10:30am at St George’s School, Sun Lane, Harpenden. Expect a friendly welcome, songs of worship, a talk from the Bible, prayer, and time to chat afterwards. You don’t need to know what to do or what to wear. Come as you are.

Go further: Plan your first visit