About this site

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Purpose

The purpose of this site is:

To help Christians engage in intelligent and persuasive conversations with doubters and unbelievers

Most Christians are unprepared for the tough questions being asked today by well-educated people who need coherent answers about the reasons for Christian faith.

Most doubters and unbelievers today – particularly the 'nones' – don't go to church, don't go to Christian media sites, and don't read Christian books. More than a fourth of young Americans today are raised in families without any religious teaching at all.

The only way they will understand Christian faith is if Christians tell them in sensible language they can understand. Sadly, most Christians keep silent whenever spiritual conversation gets below surface level.

Many Christians think that just living a good life or giving testimony is enough. But there are people of all faiths who live good lives and give testimony to some kind of spiritual faith. The modern reaction is, 'That's cool. You have your spirituality ... he has his ... she has hers ... and I have mine. That's what's so beautiful.'

Solid Christian faith needs to be based on facts recorded in the Bible ... tested by tough questions and intelligent answers ... confirmed by feelings, not based on feelings.

Doubters and unbelievers

This site is about doubters and unbelievers but is not intended for them directly. This site is for Christians, to help Christians become more comfortable and effective in spiritual conversations.

Thinkers Bible Studies can make Christians more confident, respected and persuasive.

This site helps Christians build bridges from unbelief to belief.

Removing barriers

'The heart cannot embrace what the mind cannot accept.' (Anonymous Christian pastor)

The Christian message was simple as expressed by Jesus and his apostles, but over a span of two thousand years, Christianity has sprouted many different branches – Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentacostal, etc.

There are now more than 2,500 different Christian denominations, each believing that its interpretation of scripture and definition of Christian faith and practice is the correct one. No wonder doubters are confused!

Over time, theologians and pastors within each denomination have formulated explicit doctrines of faith. Many of these doctrines, though good in themselves, are not what Jesus taught and not grounded in scripture – just extra baggage, creating enormous barriers to Christian faith for doubters and unbelievers.

This site identifies the barriers ... examines them in careful Bible study ... and shows how they can be removed, or at least reduced in size.

Writer

Writer for this site is Richard Lundborg, responding to questions being asked by people today who can't get clear and direct answers in church.

◉ Statement from the writer

– FROM THE WRITER –

I WOULD PREFER to remain anonymous, but that arouses suspicions, so here is full disclosure.

I write and produce this site myself to help others in their spiritual journey, with nothing expected in return. I'm just eager to share what I've discovered over the years.

I have no theological credentials to offer. I have a full-time law degree and MBA but have never been to seminary. Maybe that's why the presentation here is different from most religious sites. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, have studied the Bible carefully for decades, and have enjoyed a long and happy Christian life.

I have held management positions in three Fortune 500 corporations ... owned companies of my own (real estate development, mortgage financing and restaurants) ... retired at 49 ... then volunteer consulting with dozens of national and international Christian organizations in strategic planning and fund raising ... and I have done some writing and teaching over the years on various theological topics.

I have been a leader in my local church ... traveled in more than 50 countries ... first marriage, three children, twelve grandchildren.

For this site, I have pulled together important information from the Bible, history, and science and have organized all to form a comprehensive and coherent theology. Not just bits and pieces, but a structure for the whole of it, summarized, online in one place, quick access, easily shareable.

New material is added every week.

I believe that the Bible is the Word of God – the foundation and test for Christian belief. I don't challenge the Bible, but I do challenge some traditional interpretations. I make my case with in-depth Bible studies which lay out all relevant Bible statements in a way that enables you to see for yourself what the Bible actually says.

This site tells not only WHAT millions of Christians believe, but also WHY. Even if you come to some different conclusions, I trust that this will help you find and articulate the REASONS for your own faith.

Most people read the Bible to affirm what they have been taught. Hopefully, this will help you read it for new insights.

Richard Lundborg

Minneapolis MN / January 2021

Personal bio

'ALWAYS BE PREPARED to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the REASON for the hope that you have.' – I Peter 3:15

Sources

There is nothing new here that hasn't already been expressed in the media or on the Internet, or discussed somewhere. The purpose is not to develop something new, but to simplify the basic teachings of the Bible and make them intelligible to ordinary people.

The Bible itself is the information source for this site, with some help from science and history for interpretation. Statements here are the result of direct Bible study, documented here in detail.

This is basic Christianity at the core, stripped of Bible stretches and add-ons.

Method

This is not a typical fill-in-the-blanks or lecture-type of Bible study.

This study uses the Socratic method of learning, the method used with amazing success by the Apostle Paul in the Hall of Tyrannus in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10).

This is a method of open questioning and investigation with these distinctives:

No question is out of bounds. No one is judged or rebuked for respectful objections or comments.
No church talk. No celebrity authorities. The only authority here is the Bible, which is the sole subject of objective study and discussion, one topic at a time.
This is deep focused learning for the purpose of gaining new spiritual understanding and the ability to explain it intelligently and persuasively to others.

The Socratic method is not a debate where there are winners and losers. It is an exploration method for finding truth, wherever the truth may lead.

Most people like to learn through the Socratic method but are afraid to participate directly in it because it exposes lack of knowledge and incoherent thinking, often making participants feel humiliated or embarrassed. However, this site simulates the method online so that anyone can just sit back in his or her own home and‍ get all the keys points without having to go anywhere or speak to any group.

Funding

This site is produced and funded by Lundborg Foundation as a public service.

Costs are covered by investment income and a $10,000 per month grant from Google Foundation. (Google does not endorse site content but gives grants to IRS-approved nonprofits which maintain sites with excellent user experience, high technical quality, high click-through rates, and high user time on page.)

No contributions have ever been solicited or received by Lundborg Foundation. No products or services are for sale, promoted, linked or endorsed.

Lundborg Foundation is not affiliated in any way with any church, school, business or other organization of any kind. It is totally independent and not constrained or influenced by any constituency.

The only objective here is to help people better understand Christian faith and experience a better life ... and to share it.

Work in process

This site started in 2020 and is still in early stages of development. New materials and edits are added every week.

Come back often for review and fresh content.

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◉ Recent comments from readers

Great information, it is worth further studies. Kept up the good work, all of us need to read and study the bible more including me. We need to remember Christ is the Only Way to eternal life.

I love the premise of this site and its focus on engaging the modern doubter or unbeliever, and can't wait to see the new material that is planned.

Yes, I agree there is a lot of evidence to substantiate what you say. I have often thought about this myself. Thank you for all the research you have done.

Brilliant

My views on original sin have changed. Romans 5:12 says "all men die because all have sinned". What it doesn't say is "all men die because Adam sinned".

Please let me know if it is available in a hardcover or paperback book.

I found this to be extremely informative. I'd always had doubts about the "original sin" and being punished for my ancestors sins, but this explained why "original sin" doesn't really exist in a way that resonated with me. Thank you. I will definitely check this site more often.

Good points

Mainstream science is wrong about almost everything.

There are too many pastors and theologians who take the simplicity of God's Word and try to make it profound when they should be taking the profoundness of God's Word and making it simple.

Are these lessons available in printed form that can be purchased or that can be downloaded on line in a condensed version?

Much of what you share are things that have been revealed to me by the Spirit of God. Finally your site is out and does not counter Biblical script and does not hinder the Christian witness. Thank God.

awesome info keep up this good work

The problem with "science" today that too much of it is based on theory and not enough observation.

I like your site. Good to see others believe as I do.

This sounds interesting.

Since your website is new and still in the making, it leaves me excited yet hungry for more understanding. Thank you so much for putting your website together to help those of us asking questions about traditional lines of thinking. I look forward to reading more!

You have developed material that is vitally needed for reaching the newer generations.

Adam was perfect because it doesn’t say anywhere in the Bible that he had body aches and gray .

Just happened upon this site and wow! This is fabulous. I will be back. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it with us all. God bless you and your family.

Wish I could remember all this.

Very interesting, food for thought. I have often wondered about this and have had many questions Thanks

Great read very needed in this current time thank you

Someone has never had a real encounter with God and does not know the assumptions he is making with the scientific evidence. Sad when you don't know either God or Science

Scientists make mistakes, and when the scientists' beliefs don't match the Bible then God's word, the Bible, is right, and the scientists are wrong.

Thank you so much for confirming what I had always thought!!! Our Father makes wonderous wonders!!!

O my how i wish i could find a friend would be willing to discuss the bible openly with me.

No scripture to back up your words.

About time!

Scientists lie to us. They lie about the age of the earth.

You have answered so many questions for me! Thank you!

God bless.

This is a great Bible study, it explains everything perfectly so there is no confusion anywhere, it just helps understanding the Bible and God's word so well.

Not only do I thoroughly enjoy the topics you discuss but also the motivation behind their writing.

Very good and educational, explaining how it all connects and coincides with the Bible’s account.

I really liked what is written and honestly agree with the reasoning. May the Almighty broaden my mind to perceive and digest these facts.

I appreciate your efforts at presenting the Bible as an accurate portrayal of what science has found to be true.

Beautifully done and very reasonable. I’ve been struggling with the contradictions in the Bible and science for years. I believe that there is a God but I wasn’t always sure if the Bible Was Gods word or man made. Thank you! Makes so much sense!

I am a Christian, and I have always been a “young earth” proponent. My son, also a Christian, is an “old earth” proponent, and we have debated this topic. After reading the content of this website thoroughly, I am willing to reconsider my position.

I ran across your website this morning. At age 50, I lead a women's Bible Study in Florida. I am at a place where I am questioning so many things about what I have been taught - traditions handed down for generations. To continue teaching is becoming challenging. I have a daughter who is also a believer but wrestles aloud with questions concerning Adam and original sin, eternal hell with eternal suffering, etc. Honestly, I think her wrestling has led me to stop and think more. So now I am seeking…

I absolutly loved this! My daughter is a high school science teacher, and we are both christians. We had our own ideas of what scriptures say, and what actual physical science says. This brought ALOT to light! Thank you.

The reason the doctrine of original sin arose, was that Augustine couldn't read Greek and there was an inadequacy at certain points in the Latin translation, resulting in a misunderstanding.

Great explanation of something I've wondered about.

Wonderful subject thank you I want more Bible studies

Bwahahahahaha!!! Religion, please go away and die.

I really enjoy your website. I find your arguments compelling.

Just another Satanic attempt to change God's WORD. More likely made up of Liberal Kids that don't know any better.

I appreciate this study.

This is such clarity I wish I could've given this argument earlier.

Will this material be made available in print form for purchase?

You should just go away. You are preaching heresy.

Interesting to read. Will research further.

Nice to read a legitimate attempt to harmonize the traditions of the Bible with scientific discoveries.

I am looking forward to reading through the rest of the Thinkers website. Thanks for investing in this work. It’s so important! Especially in these times.

Very insightful

Since your website is new and still in the making, it leaves me excited yet hungry for more understanding.

Excellent reading

Amazing! I have been studying this subject and drafting a book for about 5 years. I discovered your web site today. In those 5 years, I have come to many of the same concepts as you. Good job folks.

Just came across your website, want to commend you on believing the Bible can and should be read as the Truth. I have always believed that if I cannot make sense out of the scriptures, it is my deficiently not the Bibles. God Bless.

I'm a pastor in NE Ohio. Good stuff!!

Great job! Fantastic resource for believers not only to be able to speak intelligently in a time of waning faith, but for our own education and edification as well!

Found this to be very helpful. Answered my questions.

Excellent

I am in to deep thinking concerning the Bible, while holding on to Biblical fact. Being open to possibilities where things are vague is food for the soul, yet being careful of being deceived into false teaching.

This has certainly opened my mind, I believe in the Bible but could never get a lot of answers to my questions. Thanks

Your are wrong

I am 75 years old. I was raised as a Roman Catholic. I have studied religions all of my life. I have so many problems with the Bible starting with Genesis. I agree with your assessment that Adam wasn't the first human on earth. The more that I learn, the less I believe in the bible and religion as a salvation. But I shall continue researching.

Very enlightening and interesting, Thank you

Your Thinkers site is the best Bible site I've come across.

Fascinating to think about. Here is something also to absorb. Let Us make man in Our image. Who is Us? Why not let Me make man in my image. Sounds plural to me. Thank you for the compelling argument Adam is not the first man:)

Very informative and interesting.

How great it is to have a resource to help in ministering to the sceptical. Thank you. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to upcoming studies.

One of the best study sites I have found!

Loved it. Been saying it for years but nobody listened.

lov it

Very interesting

Bullshit. Just utter bullshit.

Thank you

I can't wait to share this article with my grandson.

Don't know, don't need to know. It'll all be revealed by & by.

I am excited to have found this site when I was seeking the truth about Bible timelines. I have been forced to justify my beliefs by a pastor who has a very fundamental belief in God's seven days of creation.

I really enjoyed this article. I found it very insightful as well as challenging.

This is wonderful. Would like to read more.

Rational Evangelicals. Exellent.

Very good

Interesting topics. The bible is good for salvation but not for earth history

Thank you for your wonderful website. I have linked to it from my own. I'm looking forward to your expanding list of subjects.

Pure sophistry for the purpose of setting aside the claims of God upon us.

very well done.!!

This is a fantastic article , thank you

What you have said makes so much sense to me. I would love to read more of what you think.

Either believe the world or believe God. We cannot have both.

Death and suffering had not taken place until the original sin, so no one was before Adam.

I don’t think Adam was the first human on earth. I am 72 in age. Most people my age and older do not have this perception. But from my bible study I believe this Genesis points to others.

Very,very informative! Thank you

This makes me better understand that you need to "dig deeper" in Bible study.

I admit that I have some struggles with your interweaving of science and the Bible, but that will not stop me from reading and considering the material.

Thank you for a good read on this subject: the indisputable existence of humanoids and civilizations before Adam.

The big bang is a theory. God is a fact.

This is great, I am going to read more of your topics!

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