Omnism is the belief that there is no one true religion but that every religion holds part of the truth, so all beliefs should be respected. I see the appeal. The truth often lies somewhere between two extreme positions, so why would religion be different?
Continue ReadingDid the Romans Create Christianity to Justify Slavery?
We know some have used the Bible to support slavery in the past. Is that how it began? Did the Romans create Christianity to justify slavery?
Continue ReadingWhen Did Worship Become Christian Entertainment?
Taking on the mantle of leading worship raises the bar and adds extra responsibility than entertaining the audience. My problem with this story had far more to do with the increasingly blurry line between worship and entertainment.
Continue ReadingQuick Challenge Answer: Should Churches be Tax Exempt?
In the United States, churches are considered non-profit organizations and thus do not have to pay taxes to the IRS. Some people take great issue with that and believe many churches abuse their tax-exempt status for self-gain or political influence.
Continue ReadingQuick Challenge Answer: Do Christians Get to be Jerks?
Does Christianity give too much forgiveness? When a person converts, what’s to stop them from sinning? Do Christians get to be jerks?
Continue ReadingThe Solas Part 3: Defending Sola Scriptura
Why take such a firm stance as scripture alone? First, if the Bible truly is God’s inspired word, nothing can reasonably take priority over that. What could a man say that would be a higher authority than God? Second, having an authority set in stone can be a great source of peace and stability.
Continue ReadingQuick Challenge Answer: Are Christians Anti-Education?
Ignatius, a student of the apostle John, instructed parents to “bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and teach them the holy scriptures, and also trades that they may not indulge in idleness.” Yes, teach the Bible, but teach everything else too.
Continue ReadingGamaliel’s Test for Christianity
This test sets the tone for the rest of the book’s narrative. By all accounts, Christianity should not still be here. This religion should have died out numerous times, and I shouldn’t still be here writing about it 2,000 years later.
Continue ReadingQuick Challenge Answer: Can Christians Receive the Mark of the Beast?
The mark has been a hot topic this past year in the fallout of COVID-19. Many Christians fear they could make a mistake and lose their salvation. Can Christians receive the mark of the beast?
Continue ReadingQuick Challenge Answer: Why Should I Go to Church?
“I can worship just fine at home or even better out in nature. All I get from going to church is judgmental hypocrites who care more about offering plates and internal church politics than living like Jesus.”
Have you ever had that conversation? Is gathering as a church essential to being a Christian?