Christianity began as a small sect of Judaism in the 1st century AD, centered around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers spread his message rapidly around the Mediterranean region and beyond. As Christianity grew and encountered new cultures and philosophies, it began to branch out into different interpretations and emphases on Jesus’ teachings. Here are some of the main reasons why distinct Christian sects emerged over time: Geographical and Cultural Differences As Christianity spread beyond its origins in Judea, it interacted with diverse cultures, philosophies, and religious traditions. Christian beliefs and practices…
Author: Emma Price
The Bible has a number of passages that relate to the death penalty or capital punishment. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on this topic: The Old Testament law authorized the death penalty for various offenses including murder, kidnapping, sorcery, bestiality, adultery, incest, homosexuality, rape, Sabbath breaking, disobedience to parents, etc. (Exodus 21:12-17; Leviticus 20:10-16; Deuteronomy 13:6-11). Capital punishment was seen as a just punishment for serious crimes against God and the community. Genesis 9:6 is often cited as establishing capital punishment: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed,…
The Bible teaches that human beings are composed of body, soul, and spirit. While the body is the physical part of us, the soul and spirit are the immaterial parts. There is much discussion among theologians about the precise differences between the soul and spirit. Based on Scripture, we can summarize the key differences as follows: The Soul The soul refers to the mind, will, and emotions of a person. It is who we are as conscious, self-aware beings created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). The soul gives us self-identity, desire, and intellect. Some key verses about the…
Perennialism is a philosophical and theological perspective that sees all religions as sharing common mystical experiences and truths. The word “perennial” means everlasting or eternal. Perennialism believes that at the core of every religion is a universal and eternal truth that transcends time, culture, and language. This universal truth is often described as the “Divine Reality,” the ultimate origin, ground, and goal of all things. According to perennialism, all the great world religions, underneath their outward differences and forms, share a single, common divine source and essence. The various religions are seen as different cultural manifestations or interpretations of this…
Humility is a key theme in the Bible, and 1 Peter 5:6 contains one of the clearest commands regarding humility: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” So what does it mean to “humble” ourselves under God’s mighty hand? Here is an in-depth look at this verse and the biblical teaching on humility. The Background and Context of 1 Peter 5:6 First Peter was a letter written by the apostle Peter to churches in Asia Minor who were facing persecution and suffering. A key theme in 1 Peter…
The topic of breast implants is one that many Christian women wrestle with. On one hand, there is a desire to enhance one’s appearance and feel more confident. On the other hand, there are concerns about altering God’s design and promoting vanity. What does the Bible have to say about this issue? First, it is important to note that the Bible does not directly address cosmetic surgery or breast implants. However, there are some principles from Scripture that can guide a Christian woman in making this decision. The body is fundamentally good, being created by God, but also affected by…
Romans 5:8 is a profound verse that encapsulates the beautiful message of God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ. The verse states, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This powerful truth reveals the depths of God’s love and the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. To fully understand the significance of Romans 5:8, it is important to look at the broader context of Romans chapter 5. The chapter begins by speaking of the blessings and the hope believers have through faith in Christ. Verses 1-2 state,…
The Pearl of Great Price is part of the scriptural canon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and some other Latter Day Saint denominations. These denominations consider the Pearl of Great Price to be scripture comparable to the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Pearl of Great Price contains selections from the revelations, translations, and narrations of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. The Pearl of Great Price contains the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith–Matthew, Joseph Smith–History, and the Articles of Faith. The Book of Moses contains…
Sin can often feel like a private matter between us and God. We may reason, “If I sin in secret, how can that possibly affect someone else?” But the Bible teaches us that all sin has far-reaching consequences. Even private sin damages our relationships, our witness, and our world in ways we cannot fully comprehend. First, private sin damages our relationship with God. Isaiah 59:2 tells us “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” Every act of willful disobedience creates distance in our fellowship with the Lord. Unconfessed sin hinders our prayers and quenches the Spirit…
The verse in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that speaks of the dead in Christ rising first is an important passage that gives insight into biblical eschatology and the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ. In the context of 1 Thessalonians 4, the Apostle Paul is addressing concerns among the Thessalonian church regarding those who have passed away before the return of Christ. He assures them that those who have died in Christ will not miss out on Christ’s return or the resurrection. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind this verse. The Context of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18…