Studies on the Fringe of Christianity
We hear a lot about Hell, but there is still much confusion about what it is and where it is located. In some religions it is the location of the afterlife, where the souls of evil people are subjected to suffering through torture and eternal punishment, usually for sins committed sometime in their lives. But …
Moses (circa 14th – 13th century BC)1 was not just the man who led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, he also authored the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Torah or Pentateuch. Furthermore, he was a great prophet and recognized as such in all Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam. …
Most Christians have heard of the Lost Tribes of Israel, but many have no idea of why they were lost or where any possible descendants may live today. It was not really any secret during New Testament days, for Jesus knew where they were and indicated that fact, but one must examine the Bible closely …
When someone asks me how many sects of Christianity are there, my first answer is “Too many!” But after my curt reply, I explain Christianity has branches like Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, etc. These main groups can be divided into smaller groups, which are sometimes called sects. Even sects are often further divided into smaller subgroups.1 …
Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai in the desert and they camped there. By command, Moses goes up the mountain to speak with the LORD, (YHWH, Yahweh, Jehovah, Adonai, Elohim), who dictates demands for the people. The rules imparted makeup the Decalogue, a list of religious and moral laws by …
Although Paul the Apostle gets all the credit for being Timothy’s mentor, the young boy’s introduction into the Christian faith must be attributed to the love expressed by his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. This was not just the normal love of a mother and grandmother toward the child, but also their love for …
My feature photograph of the juicy hamburger was chosen for a psychological reason — so what kind of reaction did it receive from you? Does it make you hungry, happy, or is it unpleasant or distasteful? Do you see an acceptable and tasty choice for dinner, or a disgusting selection? Those emotions, among others, are …
The title of this article is a ‘play on words’ because of its redundancy; it is my way of having a little fun. Let me explain. I recently read an article by a woman who reflected upon a story from her early years of marriage. She wrote, “When my husband and I were first married …
Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy is believed by some scholars to be the last letter written before his death in Rome.1 Paul encouraged Timothy by saying “hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13, NRSV).2 Our study …
Everyone has a guardian angel, right? You know, an invisible heavenly spirit being from God that shadows us throughout this human existence and runs interference during the rough times in our lives. If true, I imagine some of them must have a boring existence, while others (like mine) have a very rough time, trying to …