Session 1 — Is Christianity Good?
The Heart of the Question
Truth vs. Good News
We all know it’s possible for something to be true but not good. Bad news can be 100% true. But Christianity claims not only to be true—it claims to be good news.
As believers, we don’t just say, “Yes, God exists.” We go further and say, “God is good.” That should be evident in our lives.
Society’s Suspicion
We live in a world that increasingly views religion—Christianity included—with suspicion. Some folks, like well-known atheists, even claim the world would be better off if faith disappeared altogether.
Yet Scripture teaches our faith should result in good works and real care for the vulnerable (James 1:27, Galatians 6:10). Why, then, does the broader culture sometimes lump Christianity into the “problem” category?
The Evidence for Good
Impact on Marriage and Family
Studies reveal that religious practice, particularly Christian faith, corresponds to lower divorce rates, reduced depression, better overall health, and more stable homes.
Children raised in Christian or religious homes show lower levels of anxiety, higher graduation rates, and generally thrive due to principles that prioritize stability, love, and moral grounding.
Historical and Societal Influence
Contrary to the myth that all religion just causes wars, some of the worst atrocities in the last century came under explicitly atheistic regimes (Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot)—resulting in millions of deaths.
Christianity, by contrast, introduced moral repulsion to previously accepted norms like slavery. Men like William Wilberforce fought the slave trade because of their Christian conviction about human dignity.
The very idea of human rights and equality springs from the Christian belief that every person bears the image of God.
Charity and Compassion
From the early church caring for pagan poor in Rome to modern charities like Samaritan’s Purse or the Salvation Army, Christian compassion toward strangers and the needy has been a hallmark of the faith.
Christians consistently outpace non-religious folks in charitable giving, volunteering, and service. Even Emperor Julian, a pagan, complained that Christians were winning people over through radical acts of kindness.
Art, Culture, and Human Flourishing
Christianity has produced and inspired some of humanity’s most significant works of art, music, and literature. Artists like Bach signed their compositions “S. D. G.” (Soli Deo Gloria—glory to God alone), attributing their creativity to divine inspiration.
The Power to Change Lives
Ultimately, Christianity’s greatest gift is its power to transform individuals. Take Louis Zamperini (subject of the book and film Unbroken), a WWII veteran tortured in a POW camp. He returned home furious, traumatized, and addicted to alcohol—until he encountered Jesus at a Billy Graham event and discovered the freedom to forgive and move forward.
That kind of inner renewal—breaking cycles of hatred, addiction, and despair—defines the good news we talk about.
Main Takeaways
Christianity Doesn’t Just Claim to Be True; It Claims to Be Good News. We can’t stop at arguing God exists; we must show God is good and that this goodness transforms lives.
It Benefits Individuals, Families, and Whole Societies. Data and history testify to its positive impact on marriage stability, children’s well-being, humanitarian efforts, and moral progress.
Its Core Belief in the Imago Dei (Image of God) lays a foundation for human rights, dignity, and equality—things many folks champion today without realizing they’re rooted in Christian thought.
Radical Kindness and Service Have Always Distinguished Christianity. From the early church in Rome to modern charities, believers have served both their own communities and those outside the faith.
True Transformation Comes Through Jesus Christ. Christianity is about a relationship with a living Savior who offers forgiveness and changes hearts from the inside out.
In short, if you ask, “Is Christianity good?” the testimony of history, data, and countless changed lives shouts back a resounding yes. Not only is Christianity true (as many of us believe), but it’s also a powerful force for good in our world—because Jesus Christ, who is at its center, is unfailingly good.
