The Gospel of Matthew provides important insights into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Here are some key questions that are addressed in Matthew’s account: 1. What was Matthew’s background before becoming a disciple of Jesus? Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ twelve disciples (Matthew 9:9). As a tax collector he would have been despised by many Jews since he worked for the Roman government collecting taxes. His profession shows that Jesus reached out to sinners and those rejected by society. 2. Why did Jesus come into the world? Matthew highlights…
Author: Erin Weitzman
Anime, a style of animation that originated in Japan, has become increasingly popular around the world in recent decades. As anime has gained more viewers, many Christians have wondered what the Bible says about watching these animated shows and movies. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles to consider when evaluating anime from a Christian perspective. Consider the Content and Themes One of the most important factors is to look at the actual content and themes in any given anime. Anime covers a huge range of topics and genres, from family-friendly films to more mature action series. Philippians…
The Parable of the Rich Fool is found in Luke 12:13-21. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who had such an abundant harvest that he didn’t have enough room to store it all. Rather than using his wealth to help others, the rich man decided to tear down his barns and build even bigger ones to hoard all of his grain and goods for himself. But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20). This…
The question of why God allows evil and suffering in the world is one that has perplexed believers and non-believers alike. At some point, we all struggle to make sense of the presence of evil and understand why a loving, all-powerful God permits it. While there may not be a fully satisfying answer to this question on this side of eternity, the Bible provides some insights that can help us process this thorny issue. God has given humanity free will One key aspect to understand about evil and suffering is that much of it results from the free will and…
The immanence of God refers to God’s closeness, presence, and involvement in the world. It speaks to God’s intimate relationship with His creation, how He actively works within the world to accomplish His divine will and purposes. Several key themes emerge from Scripture that reveal the immanence of God: God’s Omnipresence God is omnipresent, meaning He is fully present everywhere at the same time (Psalm 139:7-10). Though God is transcendent and exalted above His creation, He is also immanently present in every point of time and space. There is nowhere we can go to escape His presence (Jeremiah 23:23-24). God…
Contemporary theology refers to the study and interpretation of God and the Christian faith in light of modern circumstances and ways of thinking. It engages with current issues, questions, and contexts using theological resources from Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Some key aspects of contemporary theology include: Engagement with Modernity and Postmodernity Contemporary theology seeks to understand and apply the Bible in a world shaped by modernity and postmodernity. Modernity refers to the Enlightenment values of reason, science, individualism, and progress. Postmodernity is skeptical of overarching stories and claims to universal truth. Contemporary theology tries to remain grounded in the…
Amos was a prophet in the Old Testament who lived and prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam II king of Israel (Amos 1:1). Though originally from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos’ prophecies focused primarily on the northern kingdom of Israel and its idolatry and social injustice. Here are some common questions people have about the prophet Amos and the book that bears his name: Who was Amos? Amos identified himself as a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore figs (Amos 1:1, 7:14-15). He was from the Judean town of Tekoa, about 6 miles south…
Anthropological hylomorphism is the view in Christian theology that human beings are composed of both physical matter and an immaterial soul or spirit. The word “hylomorphism” comes from the Greek words hyle (matter) and morphe (form), indicating that humans have both a material and a spiritual dimension. This view stands in contrast to materialist views that consider human beings to be purely physical, with no spiritual soul. It also contrasts with views like dualism that see the spiritual soul as completely separate from the body. Instead, anthropological hylomorphism argues that the physical body and the immaterial soul are intimately united…
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurological conditions that affect a person’s ability to focus, pay attention, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. Though not specifically mentioned in the Bible, ADD/ADHD can provide unique challenges and opportunities for spiritual growth for those affected by them as well as their families. Recognizing ADD/ADHD as real medical conditions Some Christians have viewed ADD/ADHD skeptically, as though they are invented excuses for misbehavior or laziness. However, there is strong scientific evidence that ADD/ADHD result from differences in brain development and chemistry. Brain imaging shows structural and functional differences…
Biblical womanhood refers to the roles, responsibilities, and calling that God has designed for women according to Scripture. At the heart of biblical womanhood is the understanding that men and women, though equal in essence and value before God, have been created by God to fulfill different roles and purposes in life. Women Created in God’s Image The Bible teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God and share the same dignity and worth before their Creator. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created…