Maidenhead's Big Questions

Over January and February 2016 we asked people "if you could ask God one question, what would it be?" More than 400 people responded with a question. In the run up to Easter we tackled the 6 most common questions.

There were 27 questions asking various things about the existence of so many world religions including:

  • Why are there so many religions?
  • Why can't all religions get on together?
  • Which God is right?
  • Does your upbringing dictate your religion?

Karnie Sharp grew up in a Hindu family in South Africa. Christianity was the religion of the apartheid regime, and she hated it. Now a Christian believer, she shared something of her own personal experience.


There were 29 questions about death and what happens next including:

  • Why is death a thing?
  • What is heaven like?
  • Where do we go when we die?
  • Is my grandma ok?

Kate Wheatley shares what it was like coming to terms with the death of her husband, and the difference her Christian faith has made.


There were 32 questions about the purpose of life including:

  • What is the point of life?
  • Why are we here?
  • If there a common 'key' to happiness?
  • Why?

Mike Manisty shares how through various ups and downs in life he found lasting purpose in a relationship with God.


There were 43 questions about the existence of God including:

  • Is God real?
  • Do you exist?
  • If God made us, who made God?
  • Why should I believe in you?

Rob Wingfield grew up as a convinced atheist. In his 20s he was challenged to consider the claims of Jesus Christ. He shares what it was that led him to change his mind, and the impact that's had on his life:


There were 69 questions about the presence of evil in the world, many of which focused on war, terrorism, and the possibility of world peace. They included:

  • Why does God not do something about Syria?
  • Please could you stop evil?
  • Why isn't there world peace?
  • Why do you allow the human to be so unfair?

Mark and Karen Chapman were in St James' Church, Cape Town, when gunmen broke in and opened fire. They share their experiences.


Coming in at the top spot, there were 85 questions about the reality of suffering in the world, including:

  • Why do dreadful things happen?
  • Why does he allow us to get old?
  • Why did my sister die so young leaving behind two children?
  • Why do bad things happen to good people?

Christian Hacking was a young guy in his 20s with everything to live for when a climbing accident left him without the use of his legs. He speaks movingly about his own experience grappling with this question.