What is “radical criticism” and how has this philosophy affected “Christian” colleges and universities? This theme is addressed in this week’s Penpoints.

A recent news item highlighted a case where an inmate was refused the privilege of being immersed for the remission of his sins. A chorus of sectarian voices argued that “hard cases” like this negate the belief that baptism is a necessary condition for salvation. Is this quibble valid?

The Lord expects his disciples to demonstrate a loving disposition, while, at the same time, defending the truth vigorously. All of us to some extent, have made errors in both of these areas. And sometimes, we do more harm than good when attempting to defend truth with incorrect reasoning. This is part two in a three-part series, “Defending the Faith with a Broken Sword.”

The devil is after us. He wants us to join him in hell’s fire. In Ephesians 6:12-18, the apostle Paul pleads with Christians to take the devil’s malicious plans seriously. He calls upon us to appropriate the only available means to stand against the wiles of Satan — the whole armor of God. Such will make us strong in the Lord.

Christianity is viewed by promoters of hate and bigotry as an obstacle. Atheism, however, is not.

A recent news item regarding the Mormon doctrine of “proxy baptism” highlights the inconsistencies of the practice and is the subject of this week’s Penpoints.

In the final book of the Old Testament there is a stunning prophecy that deals with the mission of John the Baptizer and the Lord Jesus—who was the object of John’s preparatory work. A study of this text pays rich dividends.

While there certainly are times when a preacher, teacher or church must be publicly censured, there are many cases where problems are dealt with in a less than expedient manner—and far too often with an ugly spirit of division. What are some principles that should guide our reaction to such controversial events?

Stephen J. Gould of Harvard University was probably the most militant opponent of Christianity in the nation in the late 1990s. But his popular combative rants against creation got him in hot water from his evolutionary companions, a modern-day feud among friends.

A gentleman recently attempted to negate the divine proclamation that God made heaven and earth, and everything therein, in six days (Exodus 20:11). His argument can best be characterized as “belly button” logic. We here review it briefly.

What is faith? Is it merely trusting Jesus to save you? Or is action necessary for a believer to be pleasing to God?

In Romans 8:19-23, Paul addresses the hope that eventually the creation will be set free from the “bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.”

The Jews of the Old Testament regime were responsible to the law of Moses. But what law were the Gentiles under? This is a question that perplexes many Bible students.

Members of the Lord’s church are sometimes erroneously referred to as “Campbellites.” What exactly is behind such appellation?

What about Jephthah’s vow, as mentioned in the book of Judges? Did he sacrifice his daughter? Or did he commit her to a life of service as a virgin? Good scholars have disagreed on this issue. What are the arguments, pro and con?

The October 25th edition of U. S. News & World Report carried a sensational cover story titled “Is The Bible True?” The most significant thing about Jeffrey Sheler’s article, perhaps, is this: it reveals the telling concessions that even the most left-leaning thinkers are forced to make.

Those who teach that salvation is solely by faith, without further acts of obedience, have a difficult time reconciling Paul with himself. Study this matter with us.

Does the church need more preaching on baptism? How does one determine balance in gospel preaching? Jason Jackson addresses this issue in this week’s Penpoints.