The Harry Potter book and movie series has sparked much controversy among Christians. As followers of Jesus Christ, how should we view these magical stories? Here is a 9000 word exploration of the Christian perspective on Harry Potter. The Magic and Witchcraft in Harry Potter A primary concern many Christians have with Harry Potter is the use of magic and witchcraft throughout the books and movies. The heroes of the story, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione, are students at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who are learning spells, potions, and magical practices. This seems problematic from a biblical…
Author: Erin Weitzman
How does psychology work with biblical counseling? Biblical counseling is a Christian approach to counseling and therapy that is built on biblical principles and teachings. It believes that the Bible offers sufficient teachings on many topics relevant to human psychology, behavior, emotions, and relationships. According to biblical counselors, the Bible provides authoritative and practical guidance that allows for an understanding of the human condition. As such, biblical counselors utilize Scripture when helping people deal with issues in living, including mental health struggles. They assume the Bible speaks authoritatively on matters related to counseling and psychology. Biblical counselors do not deny…
Greed is an excessive desire for more than what one needs or deserves. The Bible has a lot to say about greed and its dangers. Here are some key Bible verses about greed: Proverbs 15:27 – “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” This verse warns that greed can destroy relationships and bring trouble to one’s family. Luke 12:15 – “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”” Jesus cautions against…
The word “dayspring” in the Bible refers to the dawning of a new day, both literally and figuratively. It is used several times, primarily in prophetic passages pointing forward to the coming of Christ and the new era He would usher in. Here is an overview of the key occurrences of “dayspring” and their significance: Literal Usages Referring to Sunrise/Dawn The most literal occurrences of “dayspring” simply refer to the dawn or sunrise, the first light at the start of a new day: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my…
The twelve tribes of Israel descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. After King Solomon died, the united kingdom of Israel split into two kingdoms – the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom and exiled many of the Israelites, scattering them throughout their empire. These 10 “lost” tribes of the northern kingdom seemingly disappeared from history, leading to much speculation about their fate. Here is a summary of key points from the Bible about the lost tribes of Israel: God Divided Israel into Two Kingdoms: After Solomon’s…
The churches in Galatia were established during the Apostle Paul’s first missionary journey in the 1st century AD. Galatia was a region in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) that was inhabited by Celtic tribes known as Galatians. Paul and Barnabas traveled through Galatia during their missionary work and established several churches in the cities of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 13-14). Paul’s letter to the Galatians provides important details about these churches. The letter was written around 49 AD, likely between Paul’s first and second missionary journeys. The main purpose of the letter was to address the infiltrating of Jewish…
Entitlement culture refers to a mindset where people believe they inherently deserve certain privileges, benefits, or preferential treatment, often without having earned them. This attitude manifests itself in demands, expectations, and assumptions that things should be provided rather than worked for. The Bible has much to say about entitlement attitudes and contrasts them with principles of servanthood, sacrifice, grace, and humility. Humanity’s innate sense of entitlement Due to original sin and the fallen human condition, all people are prone to feel entitled to things they haven’t earned (Genesis 3). We want reward without responsibility, gain without pain, exaltation without humility.…
Music is a powerful part of human culture and identity. For Christians, navigating musical choices in a secular world can be challenging. Some Christians take a very restrictive view and avoid all non-Christian music. Others have a more permissive stance. What does the Bible say about Christians and secular music? The Power and Influence of Music Music has an undeniable emotional and psychological impact. Studies show music can influence our mood, behavior, and even our purchasing choices. For Christians, the spiritual implications of music are also important to consider. The Bible warns that we should be careful about what we…
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who appears briefly in the Old Testament book of Genesis. He is mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20, where he meets and blesses Abram after Abram’s victory over several kings. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about Melchizedek and what we can learn from this intriguing person. The first thing we learn about Melchizedek is his titles and positions. Genesis 14:18 states, “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.” So Melchizedek was both a king and a priest. The name “Melchizedek” means “king of…
Yahweh is the name of God used throughout the Old Testament. It comes from the Hebrew word for “I AM”, emphasizing God’s eternal, unchanging nature. Here are some key Bible verses that reveal truths about Yahweh: Yahweh is the one true God “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:10-11) “This…