Spiritual theology is the study of the Christian spiritual life, focusing on the lived experience of faith and the means by which believers grow closer to God. At its core, spiritual theology examines the process of sanctification and the pursuit of Christian perfection through prayer, spiritual reading, asceticism, contemplation, and mystical union with Christ. Definition and Scope Spiritual theology is often contrasted with dogmatic or academic theology. While academic theology uses reason to study Church dogma and doctrine intellectually, spiritual theology relies more on practical application and experience. Spiritual theology concentrates on the personal appropriation and inner effects of theological…
Author: Erin Weitzman
The story of Abraham banishing Ishmael is found in Genesis 21:14, which states “So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.” To understand why this happened, we need to look at the full context surrounding this event. Background on Abraham, Sarah and Hagar Abraham was originally called Abram. God had promised him that he would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:2). However,…
The Black Hebrew Israelites (also called Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, and Hebrew Israelites) are groups of African Americans who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites. Black Hebrews adhere in varying degrees to the religious beliefs and practices of both Christianity and Judaism. They are not recognized as Jews by the greater Jewish community. Many choose to identify as Hebrew Israelites or Black Hebrews rather than as Jews to distinguish themselves from normative Judaism. The exact origins of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement are unknown. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many African Americans were beginning…
An antinomian is someone who believes that Christians are released from the obligation to obey the moral law by virtue of grace. The word “antinomian” comes from two Greek words – “anti,” meaning “against,” and “nomos,” meaning “law.” So an antinomian is one who is “against the law.” Antinomians believe that Christians are not required to follow God’s moral laws and commandments, such as the Ten Commandments. Since we are saved by grace alone and not by good works, they argue, we are free from any obligation to keep the law as a way to earn salvation or prove our…
Escapism is the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities through entertainment or fantasy. It can take many forms, from immersing oneself in fiction books and movies to more concerning behaviors like addiction or dissociation. At its core, escapism provides a psychological “escape hatch” from aspects of life that feel boring, stressful, or unhappy. The Bible has much to say about escapism, offering wisdom on when it can be healthy versus when it becomes spiritually and emotionally problematic. Overall, Scripture calls us to find balance – embracing God’s gifts of imagination and creativity, while staying grounded in the…
The phrase “be still, and know that I am God” is found in Psalm 46:10. It’s a simple yet profound invitation to find peace by recognizing God’s presence and power in our lives. Let’s explore the meaning behind this verse and how we can apply it today. The original context Psalm 46 was likely written during a time of great turmoil for God’s people. Verses 1-3 describe calamitous events: the earth gives way, the mountains fall, the waters roar and foam. But in the midst of chaos, the psalmist expresses unwavering confidence in God’s protection, power, and presence with His…
A Christian minister is a person who has been called by God and set apart to serve Him and His people. The Bible teaches that God gifts certain people in the church to be pastors, teachers, and ministers to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). A minister is someone who tends to the spiritual needs of a local congregation or Christian community. Their primary responsibilities are to preach and teach the Word of God, provide pastoral care and counseling, administer the sacraments, and equip the saints for ministry. Here is a more in-depth look at what the Bible…
The statement that the Word of God is “living and active” is found in Hebrews 4:12, which says “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This is a richly symbolic verse that conveys several important truths about the nature and work of God’s Word in the lives of believers. Here are 9000 words exploring what it means that the Word of God is living and active: The Word of God…
The mark of the beast is a significant eschatological concept found in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. This mysterious mark is said to be received by those who worship the Antichrist in the end times. There has been much speculation throughout church history regarding the nature and identification of the mark of the beast. In this lengthy article, we will thoroughly examine what the Bible teaches about the mark of the beast and evaluate the possibility of someone receiving it in the present day. The Passages in Revelation Concerning the Mark of the Beast The mark of the beast is…
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster, physical or sexual assault, or other threats to life or safety. People with PTSD may relive the event through flashbacks, memories, or nightmares. They may feel sad, afraid, or angry. They may feel detached or estranged from other people. PTSD can cause significant impairment in daily life and relationships. The Bible does not directly address PTSD, since it is a modern diagnosis. However, the Bible has much to say about trauma, fear, anxiety, and…