Syria, also known as Aram in the Bible, was a prominent neighboring nation of Israel that is mentioned frequently throughout the Old and New Testaments. Located just north of Israel, Syria played an important role in Israel’s history, often as an enemy and threat but sometimes as an ally. Examining the references to Syria in the Bible provides insight into its relationship and interactions with God’s people. Here is an overview of the significance of Syria/Aram in the Bible: 1. Syria was a dominant regional power that threatened Israel During the divided kingdom period after Solomon, Syria was the dominant…
Author: Erin Weitzman
The psychology of religion is a fascinating field that looks at how religious beliefs, experiences, and behaviors are influenced by psychological and social factors. Some key areas that the psychology of religion explores include: Religious beliefs What causes people to believe or disbelieve in God or other divine beings? How do factors like upbringing, culture, personal experiences, cognitive biases etc. shape religious beliefs? For example, some research suggests that a tendency to see intentionality and purpose in events makes some more prone to belief in a higher power behind those events (Kelemen, 2004). Religious and spiritual experiences What psychological and…
# What is Augustinianism? Augustinianism is the theological system and philosophy developed by Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church. Augustine lived from 354-430 AD and his ideas have had a profound impact on Western Christianity. Here is an overview of some of the key aspects of Augustinian thought: ## Human Nature According to Augustine, humans are born with a corrupted nature inclined toward sin and evil as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. He believed that the original sin of Adam stained all subsequent generations and deprived humans of…
The Russian Orthodox Church is one of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. It is considered to be the largest and most influential of the Orthodox churches in the world. The Russian Orthodox Church originated in the 988 Christianization of Kievan Rus’, a medieval East Slavic state centered around Kiev. Under the leadership of Prince Vladimir I, Kievan Rus’ adopted Christianity following the baptism of Vladimir and his court. This event is known as the Baptism of Rus’. After the collapse of Kievan Rus’ due to the Mongol invasion, the Russian Orthodox Church became a self-governing body under the jurisdiction…
Is an Online Communion Service Biblical? The practice of celebrating the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is an important tradition for many Christian denominations. With the rise of online church services and virtual gatherings, some churches have started offering online or virtual Communion as an option for people who cannot attend in person. This has prompted questions about whether an online Communion service aligns with biblical principles and practices. What the Bible Says About Communion The practice of celebrating Communion originates from the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples on the…
The Bible does not provide a definitive answer on the origins of angels, but it does offer some clues that help us understand where angels come from and what their role is in God’s creation. Here is an overview of the key biblical evidence on this topic: Angels were created by God The Bible makes it clear that angels are spiritual beings created by God. They are not eternal like God, but had a beginning point when God brought them into existence. For example: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them…
What are charismatic Roman Catholics? Charismatic Roman Catholics are members of the Roman Catholic Church who believe in the charismatic gifts and practices found in Pentecostalism, while still maintaining their Catholic identity and membership within the Catholic Church. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a movement within the Catholic Church that emphasizes having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, being baptized in the Holy Spirit, and exercising spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing. History of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal The Catholic Charismatic Renewal emerged in the 1960s, sparked by events such as Vatican II emphasizing a personal…
Why Do Babies Die? A 9,000 Word Biblical Perspective The death of a baby is a tragedy that leaves many Christians wondering why God would allow such a thing to happen. Though the Bible does not provide all the answers, it does offer comfort, perspective and hope to grieving families. This approximately 9,000 word article will explore what the Bible says about why babies die. To start, the Bible makes it clear that death entered the world through Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12). Prior to the fall in Genesis 3, there was no death. Physical death is a consequence of the…
The topic of Muslims having dreams and visions about Jesus is one that has generated much interest and discussion among Christians in recent years. As more and more stories emerge of Muslims encountering Jesus in supernatural ways, many believers wonder how to make sense of these accounts from a biblical perspective. What does Scripture have to say about such phenomena? How should Christians interpret dreams and visions in which Muslims purportedly meet Jesus? This article aims to provide a balanced overview of the key considerations around this issue. The Frequency of Such Accounts Firstly, it is important to recognize that…
The just war theory is a Christian doctrine that provides criteria for evaluating whether it is morally justified to go to war. The just war theory has its roots in Biblical teachings and philosophies from Christian thinkers such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas. At its core, the just war theory aims to provide moral guidance on when war is permissible and how war should be conducted justly. There are two key components of the just war theory – jus ad bellum and jus in bello. Jus ad Bellum – Justice of Going to War Jus ad bellum provides…