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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INTERNET STATISTICS for Thinkers Bible Studies from Google Analytics as of May 15, 2021:

Users: Average 2,974 per day

Time on page: Average 2:53 minutes

Most popular pages:
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  • people-before-adam
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Median age: 52

Gender: 61% male, 39% female

Country: United States 93%, All Other 7%

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◉ Recent comments from readers

Yea

By observing ruins etc firsthand, my personal opinion is that man existed before Adam. Adam was the first God breathed His Spirit into.

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.

this page can go to hell the bible is the truth idiots science is what a man created not GOD!

Unbelievable. Was man there at the beginning to make this determination. No. The human race is so arrogant and ignorant.

I don't think I believe this

This is wonderful. Would like to read more.

Right!

What a great and informative article! This information is invaluable when discussing biblical concepts with others, both Christian and non-Christian.

Thank you for letting me know. Opened up my mind.

I like it! I always wondered about the dinosaurs, and whether other people lived before Adam. You see, the Bible says that Cain was worried about being slain by other people. So, what does that tell you? It's more to the Bible than some clergymen are letting on.

I have read all with an open mind. I heard bits and pieces of theory but never this much evidence.

It's constructive that science keeps indefinitely improving with better observations and verifiable facts. Immutable good scriptures should simply keep itself relevant by subtle changes in its interpretation to complement and coexist with science. Good work!

I have always thought this to be true but have never heard it said! Praise God!

I love this web site. I have always wanted to know more about what the Bible means. Please, please keep expanding this site.

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.

Have always believed in this way ,read and ask for understanding and it will be given to you.

God created everything that was created in six literal days.

Very insightful

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.

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.

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

awesome info keep up this good work

Enjoyed the read. I am a believer.

So far you make a lot of sense, I do believe in God.

Thanks for the analysis

Wrong all wrong

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

Thank you for this summary. Very large and difficult task and worth the time taken. I am a believer in Jesus Christ, His eternal life, His death burial and resurrection. I believe the Bible is the Word of God.

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

If for nothing else, this at least may cause someone to dig deeper.

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

About time!

This is great. God has shown this to me some time ago, but you are the first that has ever confirmed it. God is good.

Very interesting. Verification of my own thoughts.

Thank you for the article! There are several nonbelievers in my life that I love deeply. My heart breaks for them. Every time I share my faith, I'm bombarded with science. Perhaps this will help. Thank you. God bless you.

Thank you for the Bible verses about hell. This is a very difficult subject that many people that believe in Christ have adopted as truth. I have yet to understand why.

All bad things on the face of the earth are connected to sin , by one mans sin we were all condemned.

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.

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.

praying Gods direction, provision, and anointing on this site and everyone, like me, blessed enough to have been led to it .

Thank you. I have visited this site before.

You have an interesting take on how to reconcile the time difference challenge between Bible time history & archeology . I don’t think it will matter about which time viewpoint ya right. What matters is faith & trust in Jesus for forgiveness of sin & gaining eternal life

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.

I do not believe in a Supreme Being who created us in his image and likeness as quoted in the bible

Love the study

Very interesting

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

Fascinating and deightfully clear!

Wonderful subject thank you I want more Bible studies

I want more information and I want bible study

Yes to have a intelligence conversation is of most importance.

One of the best study sites I have found!

Very,very informative! Thank you

I applaud you on your studies and have to say that I do not disagree with what I have read. You seemed to have covered this subject very thoroughly.

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.

Yes

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

Do you offer a textbook?

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!

Adam was the first man created to have a living soul.

I am eagerly awaiting more topics.

You are absolutely wrong

Not sure what to think of this bible study. If nothing else it compels you to really dig deep and think,read and pray for understanding which I think is a good thing.

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

awesome info keep up this good work

No scripture to back up your words.

Interesting and thought provoking.

Your are wrong

When are you going to have more?

This is utter nonsense in my opinion

You guys are doing an incredible job of bringing science The Bible together as one truth thank you Please continue this valuable work to awaken the public that the Bible and science are truly God's truth not contradicting each other

I wish to save this

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

Your site is full of heresy. Repent.

I appreciate your thorough investigation into the Word of God.

Of course. If Adam and Eve were the only humans and had children, who did the children copulate with? If it was each other, then everyone would have mental defects. The Adam & Eve story is just the beginning of the Old Testament.

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

Great explanation of something I've wondered about.

Your site is great for discussions and other questions about the bible. I hope that it continues.

Dumbest thing I've ever read!

Thank you I knew about these things but I did not understand

False teaching. Repent

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

Proof of the absurdity of ALL religions, thanks.

Of course there were people before Adam. Adam and Eve were created for a line through which Christ would come.

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

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

I’m learning so much. Thank you.

I'm preparing to teach my first Religious Instruction lesson for the year in a public Australian school tomorrow and we'll launch straight in to the creation story from the Bible. So thank you!! I feel confident now to answer any questions the kids might raise.

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.

THANK YOU. You are helping me to understand so much more! I have always questioned, and for the first time, feel I am getting answers, or at least more of an insight to my own feelings and beliefs.

Wish I could remember all this.

You really don’t understand the Bible at all.

You are very much on the right track.

Great Information. I've been teaching these studies for some time to hopefully help Christians have a true biblical world view and not just a churchy world view. Glad yall out there.

This is awesome, very detailed information and totally makes sense, thanks for sharing!

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

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

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.

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