Alpha course?

[Wolves]

Hi there, I am new here...
I have never really been firm in any kinds of beliefs and found myself questioning the meaning of life and really being bothered by the fact that I had no answers. My mother-in-law invited me to church recently and I have begun exploring Christianity in many ways, including reading the Bible and listening to podcasts/discussions. I also signed up for the 'Alpha' course that a local church is running, and I'm wondering if it's worth going or not. While I would be keen to go, it's at a really inconvenient time of the week for me in terms of my work etc, and I really don't know whether it's worth me going or if there are better ways to explore faith and Christianity. Is 'Alpha' necessary? What would you recommend for someone like me who is looking for answers? Thanks so much for any help, thoughts, ideas or opinions!

 

[Tigger45]

Welcome to CF! I haven't experienced the Alpha course myself so I can't you any feed back. Sorry

 

[Joshua260]

Yes, welcome to CF! I haven't any experience with the Alpha course either, but it sounds like a basic intro to Christianity.

If you had asked about a book to introduce one to Christianity, I would have recommended Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (because it provides a basic foundation without getting hung up on all the denominational differences). I dug out my copy and now I'm thinking about revisiting it again. It's one of his best.

You didn't explain your bible-reading plan, but I would recommend as an intro, the gospel of John and then Romans.

 

[Wolves]

Thank you Tigger and Joshua for your replies!

As it turns out, I just got my work roster today and I won't be able to attend the Alpha course anyway, as my local one clashes with my work hours

I will definitely check out 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis! Thank you for that suggestion!

As for my Bible reading plan, I have read Romans, Galatians, Colossians, the gospel of John and Mark. I then have a plan that covers the rest of the New Testament. And then I don't know where I will go from there!

Thank you so much for your suggestions so far.

 

[Radagast]

Welcome to CF!

I will definitely check out 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis!

Do that! It's a great book. In fact, most of his books are good.

I've never been involved with the Alpha course, but I hear a lot of good about it. It's worth attending if and when you get the chance. Of course, attending church, reading, and asking lots of questions is a good alternative.

Feel free to ask your questions here on CF as well as at church or within your family.

 

[Radagast]

Elsewhere you asked about CF faith icons.

The "Christian Seeker" icon (

) implies that you accept Christian beliefs (as expressed in the Nicene Creed), but are still "seeking" as far as knowing which church to go to. People with this icon can post in all the "Christians only" areas.

The "Non-Christian Seeker" icon (

) implies that you do not (yet) accept Christian beliefs (or any other religion), but are searching.

Given your icon and the fact that you're reading the Bible, some of the "Christians only" areas might be the best places to post.

 

[Liberasit]

Hi there, I am new here...
I have never really been firm in any kinds of beliefs and found myself questioning the meaning of life and really being bothered by the fact that I had no answers. My mother-in-law invited me to church recently and I have begun exploring Christianity in many ways, including reading the Bible and listening to podcasts/discussions. I also signed up for the 'Alpha' course that a local church is running, and I'm wondering if it's worth going or not. While I would be keen to go, it's at a really inconvenient time of the week for me in terms of my work etc, and I really don't know whether it's worth me going or if there are better ways to explore faith and Christianity. Is 'Alpha' necessary? What would you recommend for someone like me who is looking for answers? Thanks so much for any help, thoughts, ideas or opinions!

It's excellent. It is very accessible to non-Christians, as it starts with a meal where you chat with others in a non-threatening way, usually about anything but Christianity.

This is followed by a talk teaching about the topic for the evening, starting out with the most basic question, Who is Jesus? Then you go into discussion groups where you discuss the talk. You don't have to agree with the talk, you can share scepticism. The whole premise is to ask questions and hopefully get answers.

Go for it!

 

[Tigger45]

Elsewhere you asked about CF faith icons.

The "Christian Seeker" icon (

) implies that you accept Christian beliefs (as expressed in the Nicene Creed), but are still "seeking" as far as knowing which church to go to. People with this icon can post in all the "Christians only" areas.

The "Non-Christian Seeker" icon (

) implies that you do not (yet) accept Christian beliefs (or any other religion), but are searching.

Given your icon and the fact that you're reading the Bible, some of the "Christians only" areas might be the best places to post.

Very good adivice

 

[bling]

I really enjoyed the Alpha course and had some wonderful discussions. A lot will depend on your table leader, but they should be well trained and learn with you. It is about the best course I fell out there for someone in your spiritual growth situation and have recommended it to others, that all wound up learning a lot from it.

 

[Receiver]

... Thanks so much for any help, thoughts, ideas or opinions!

Hi Wolves,
Anything to do with Wolverhampton Wonderers?

I don't know whether the Alpha Course will ask the right questions for you or give the right answers ... but you don't need it!

What you / I / people generally need is to see the difference becoming a Christian makes.
I saw this 29 years ago when I met people who had what all the disciples received in Acts 2.
("God's Alpha Course")

My best advice would be to get to a midweek or Sunday meeting of such people and just observe.
If you really can't make it just contact one of the pastors, they will be happy to have a chat.

I'm actually in the UK but they all know me, my name's Nick.