Have you ever found yourself wanting to initiate a conversation about God, but struggled to know where to start? Whether it is with a long time friend, a family member, or total stranger, discerning the opportunity we have for meaningful spiritual conversations often eludes us. I would like to suggest one simple question is both time-honoured and effective. It can take on different forms of approach, but at its root asks simply: “What do you think happens when we die?”
It could be phrased, “Do you believe in life after death?” or, “What do you think about the afterlife?” Regardless, a question along these lines almost invariably leads to deeper conversations about the meaning of life, the existence of God, and the plight of humanity. James Boccardo has used an approach such as this, and has also written of book of practical experience and application that will help if you are serious about sharing your faith more faithfully. His book is called Unsilenced: How to Voice the Gospel.
A good question does at least three things for us as we share our faith. Try to remember these three D’s: diagnostic, disarming and directed.
It’s Diagnostic
A good question will immediately help you understand the worldview of the person with whom you are talking. It’s helpful to know where people are coming from, and every worldview has a distinctive answer to the question of the afterlife. When you ask it, you’ll almost immediately diagnose the worldview you are about to engage, without having to ask any overt questions about God’s existence.
It’s Disarming
Questions about the afterlife are often easier to ask than questions about God, even though the discussion of one inevitably leads to the discussion of the other. Many people have given thought to issues of life and death, even though they haven’t seriously considered the existence of God. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to talk about this question.
It’s Directed
In the end, the Gospel is about being reconciled to God in ultimate glory through His Son Jesus. While God certainly wants us to be transformed in this life, God’s offer of forgiveness through Jesus saves us from judgment in eternity. The question, “What do you think happens when we die?” is directed at the most important offer of the Gospel: forgiveness and eternal life.
People will generally answer in one of two ways: some will be materialists who see themselves simply (and only) returning to the ‘dust of the earth.’ Others will have a vague, undefined belief in life after death. In the first case such a belief demands an answer to the meaning and purpose of life that everyone longs for; in the second case have them consider who makes the call regarding one’s final destination. Either way “What happens when we die?” can be the springboard to many fruitful discussions.
~ Pastor Gary