The conflict between two worlds

A 13-year-old Christian attends public charter school where she learns evolution in science class while her Bible teaches creation. She's caught between two different explanations for how life began.

“Science helps me understand how our world works. God tells me why it's here.”

Disagreement sparked research

She once told her science teacher she'd prove her wrong about tectonic plates. That confrontation made her realize she needed to actually understand the evidence instead of just asserting her position.

“I wouldn't say that today.”

Apologetics changed everything

Her mom introduced her to apologetics, the practice of giving reasons for what you believe. Suddenly she needed to ask: What's the evidence? Why does the other person believe that? Why do I?

Questions strengthen faith

Watching people defend their beliefs showed her that faith can and should be questioned, examined and discussed. Her teacher didn't weaken her faith. She made her investigate it.

Owning her own beliefs

She doesn't want to believe just because her parents do or because it feels good. She wants to know what she believes, why she believes it, and how to respond when someone challenges it.

Competing voices everywhere

Teenagers face more competing messages than ever: friends, teachers, social media, influencers, algorithms and artificial intelligence. Everyone has answers, but she's learning not to be afraid of the questions.

Science and faith work together

She believes God is the Creator and has left fingerprints everywhere. Science helps her study those fingerprints. God tells her who the Author is.

“Science helps me study the fingerprints. God tells me Who the Author is.”