Original Sin and a Misapplied Passage
This essay addresses a verse commonly used in support of the false doctrine of original sin.
The Papacy and Mark’s Significant Omission
The Roman Catholic Church teaches the dogma of the “primacy of Peter.” Does the Gospel of Mark hold a key piece of evidence pertaining to this controversy?
Understanding Forgiveness
We must try to master the art of forgiving—for others’ sake, and for our own.
Did Jesus Endorse Situation Ethics?
Some claim that Matthew’s Gospel record (12:1-4) provides biblical precedent for the philosophy of situation ethics. They are wrong.
Did the Nile River Really Turn to Blood?
During the plagues that were visited upon Egypt, prior to Israel’s departure from that land, did the Nile River actually turn to blood, or was this merely a silting of the river with red clay?
Is Christianity Polytheistic?
How is Christianity different than religions that worship several gods?
A Skeptic Reflects upon Jesus Christ
This article discusses author Lee Stroble’s interview with skeptic, Charles Templeton.
Luke’s Accuracy – Some “Unfinished Business”
Bible critics have charged that Luke 2:1-3 is rife with historical errors. Yet the following points more than vindicate the great historian.
Scopes 2005: Evolution vs. Intelligent Design
A trial rages in Pennsylvania over whether or not the concept of “Intelligent Design,” as opposed to “random evolution,” is an appropriate subject for high school science classes. Why are evolutionists so fearful of this ID theme?
Christian Ethics and Legal Maneuvering
Christians are not only responsible to the laws of God, they are accountable to the laws designed to protect society. A relationship with Christ does not exempt one from legal culpability.
Can the Living Talk To the Dead?
Humankind has always been fascinated by the idea of talking to the dead. Necromancy is condemned in the Bible, but is speaking with the dead possible?
John Shelby Spong: Anglican Nightmare
John Shelby Spong, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church, has made a career of being a rogue “priest” who assaults almost everything that is sacred within the Christian religion. His outrageous ideology has been an embarrassment to many of his Anglican kinsmen. This week’s Penpoints focuses upon some of Spong’s theological aberrations.
The Church Fathers: Benefits and Abuses
The writings of the so-called “Church Fathers” are valuable sources of information for that period known as the “post-apostolic” age. Unfortunately, the literature frequently is also abused.
Did Paul Sin in Submitting to the Temple Ritual?
One of the most controversial contexts in the book of Acts has to do with Paul’s activity in the Jerusalem temple, as recorded in Acts 21. Did the apostle violate the law of God in “purifying” himself in that ritual? Some so claim, but is this a necessary conclusion?
How Does this Man Know “Letters”?
“How does this man [Jesus] know letters, since he has never learned?” (John 7:15). This text has puzzled many Bible students? How could Christ have so amazed the multitudes with his teaching if he had “never learned”? Study this passage with us.
What Is A Cappella Music?
Did the first-century Christians employ mechanical instruments of music in their worship of God? If so, where is the evidence of such? If not, why did they refrain from such when instruments were readily available in that era?
Exploiting Human Weakness: A Look at Vice Taxation
Christians need to oppose wrong-doing on the basis of principle, rather than capitulating to compromising crumbs thrown to us from the tables of politicians.
Paul’s First Recorded Sermon
The first recorded sermon of Paul occurred in Antioch of Pisidia (see picture of historical ruins). Some were converted, many were not.
The Falwell-Gay Alliance
Jerry Falwell is calling for a more charitable view, he says, towards the “gay” community.
Another Fossil Flub
Stephen J. Gould of Harvard University is probably the most militant opponent of Christianity in the nation today. Now, though, the tables are turned. Gould is on the receiving end of a fiery blast “and that from one of his own evolutionary colleagues.”