While it’s true that non-Christian elements have been widespread in Christianity, as evidenced in everything from Vatican artwork to Easter bunnies, we overshot the runway on the cross. Here, I’ll address the common arguments against the cross symbol and hopefully answer the questions: Are crosses pagan? Does the depiction of a Latin cross dishonor Christianity, Christ, or the commandments of God?
Read MoreWhen we “pray” does the act bear any similarity to the act that Christ, Moses, Paul, and countless others thought of when they spoke about praying? Biblically, prayer was thought to be a verbal act. Praying, like blessing, vowing, praising, and speaking in tongues, required audible speaking. The tradition of spoken prayer was virtually universal throughout the ancient world.
Read MoreWhy do I believe in the infallibility and authority of the Old Testament? After all, the Old Testament is a collection of documents written over a thousand years by dozens of people. So why should a reasonable Christian believe the Old Testament to be an accurate expression of truth and God’s will? The answer is actually simple…
Read MoreBeing “born this way” is a hot phrase for LGBT advocates, especially as they confront Christian objections to LGBT behavior. It seems like a perfect defense because it blames the Creator. The argument is simply: If God exists and created me, then it’s His will or fault that I am this way. It’s a catchy marketing slogan, but it’s a bullshit argument.
Read More“Love is love” is a cornerstone LGBT argument. It is said that we ought to encourage love regardless of the biological and social context. At best, it’s a pointless argument. At its worst, it reinforces a dangerous abandonment of responsibility and sexual morality.
Read MoreEve has become the icon for fallen humanity. She’s been demonized in art and theology for the fate of the world. Eve is blamed for everything from the “sin” of lust to the corruption of doctrine to the battle of the sexes. But what if Eve was innocent?
Read MoreThe true test of whether or not one is living up to fifth commandment is not the degree to which parental figures are happy. Nor is it inherently tied to even a desirable relationship. To keep the fifth commandment, we need to understand what it means to honor our fathers and mothers.
Read MoreAround the world, Evangelical leaders are routinely calling for and (seemingly falsely) prophesying when revivals will occur. But there’s one major problem: They’re not talking about a Biblical revival.
Read MoreEverything God desires from us is revealed by the life-giving relationship between a husband and wife, as first seen in the Garden of Eden. The structures of the Tabernacle, the cycle of the Feasts, and even the biology of human reproduction are all wrapped up together to reveal Yahweh's plan for our relationship with Him.
Read MoreWhat about divorce? Divorce is obviously mentioned throughout the Bible. God Himself even experienced a divorce. So while we strive to live according to our "'til death do I part" vows, are there other Biblical reasons (aside from death) for a marriage to end? Is it possible to terminate a marriage covenant without sinning in the process?
Read MoreJudeo-Christian circles occasionally have some odd traditions and sentiments. Countless times, I've heard parents pray for their daughters to become women "like Ruth and Esther," two terrific protagonists in the Bible. It's such a popular sentiment that it even crept its way into 1970s show tunes via Fidler on the Roof. But it's weird. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, especially my own daughter.
Read MoreWe make idols of our own plans when we trust in them to provide our sense of identity, purpose, success, and happiness. By seeking to assert our own desires over God's will, we prioritize ourselves before God. Worse, we often mistakenly assume that God's will is aligned with our own. In so doing, we attempt to make God in our own image, instead of conforming ourselves into the image of God.
Read MoreIn the New Testament (and, curiously, not really anywhere in the Old Testament), there are a few letters that seem to suggest that wives should be universally obedient to their husbands. Among the patriarchal obedience advocates, no epistle is more popular than 1 Peter. But what did Peter actually write?
Read MoreInstead of drawing close to our nine friends and excluding everyone else, we should pour out our lives for those who will be reconciled to God — especially when they may not share our beliefs. If we are truly the Body of Christ, we have to be willing to endure pain, discomfort, and disappointments. Self-preservation, whether it be of body, reputation, or ideas, should never be a deciding factor. As the Church, we must lay down our lives.
Read MoreThroughout the Bible, we can see God's purposeful inclusion of women. When we are inclusive of women, we're acting in the character of God. At many of Scripture's most pivotal moments, and at many of the first expressions of our theology, God granted women the honor of being the forerunners and standard-bearers. Moreover, we often see God granting revelation to women first.
Read MoreThere are many third rails in Church traditions. Among the most hotly contested over the last 2,000+ years pertains to what women should (or most often, should not) do within the Church. The feelings run so strong that the functions of women within churches often becomes the single most defining issue in many congregations.
Read MoreDo we really have to go to church? It's becoming increasingly unpopular, but let's re-examine what the Bible says about our obligation toward church involvement and let's address some of the ridiculous arguments made against going to church.
Read MoreIn Christianity, there are many traditions and taboos related to sexual activity. We have been taught that certain acts are inherently sinful. We've been taught that "Christian marriages" don't involve certain sexual expressions. "Good" men and women just don't do "that" ...
Read MoreIt’s tragically interesting that the only promise most couples seem to really care about is the pledge to sexual fidelity. We hinge almost everything on this portion of our vows...
Read MoreEveryone has it wrong. While liberals are rejoicing and conservatives are wailing, they've all misunderstood the issue. The Supreme Court's decision to forbid states from banning gay marriage (effectively legalizing same sex marriage throughout the United States) should not be praised — but not merely for the reasons espoused by the loudest opponents.
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