Studies on the Fringe of Christianity
I have received some questions about The Outlaw Bible Student (OBS) website; this happens from time-to-time. People want to know more about us and if the OBS is popular outside the United States and, if so, how many countries does it cover, and things like that. I’m not sure why they want to know, but …
Recently, I received an email concerning Judas and it asked the question, “What was Judas thinking when he betrayed Jesus?” For someone with such a prominent role in Jesus’ ministry, you would think there would be much information about this person’s personal life reflected from the descriptions in the texts, but that is not the …
I always enjoy listening to other people’s ideas and thoughts, because one never knows when something may be heard that was never considered before. If someone has a better idea or a better grasp of some issue, knowing what they think helps me, too. And sometimes, knowing more about them, I am able to offer …
I don’t know what our world will be like when you read this article, but at this time, while I’m writing it, most of the world’s population is in a state of high anxiety over a pandemic1 virus sweeping the globe. Whether this turmoil is deserved or not, will be evident sooner or later, I …
The other day my wife, Mary, told me she spoke with someone that was having a personal problem. I don’t know what that problem was, but the burden must have been heavy for Mary suggested that the lady ask God for help in solving it. The person replied, “I can’t pray for myself, because that …
This article is going to be a little weird — like me, I guess. We will cover a bit of background concerning the Roman government during New Testament times, but the last half of this discourse, although related, is a personal reflection from early in my adult life. So, let’s get started. Jesus’ life story …
This was a rather difficult article to write, because there are so many Christians with opposing opinions. Serious debates covering this topic produce anxiety, and many lay people show signs of agitation discussing this subject. I know, because I’ve seen, heard, and been involved with it all. I’ve been called sacrilegious, profane, and anti-Christian in …
The Bible tells us of two opposing groups of spiritual emotions, desires, and acts. There is a good or nice group which we should strive to emulate and the other, a bad or evil one of which we should choose to reject. On the good side are the ‘fruits of the spirit’: “love, joy, peace, …
As I get older and my knees hurt more, I use a walking cane to help me get around. I thought that a really nice one would be fun to have when leaving the house and going someplace special. In my grandfather’s day, he would have called it his “Sunday-go-to-meeting cane.” Since on our wedding …
A belief in ghosts is very common. Worldwide, more than half the population believe in ghosts or spirits of the dead. A lot of years ago, I did, too, although I never had any personal contact. Before a study of God’s word to guide me, I thought this belief was true, because that concept was …