Death of God theology refers to a line of theological thinking that gained prominence in the 1960s, driven in large part by the Christian theologians Gabriel Vahanian, Paul Van Buren, William Hamilton, and Thomas J. J. Altizer. The basic premise of death of God theology is that the traditional Christian conception of God has “died” or ceased to be believable or relevant in the modern world. Advocates of death of God theology argue that the idea of an all-powerful, all-knowing, transcendent God “up there” or external to the world no longer makes sense in contemporary society. They contend that the…
Author: Erin Weitzman
Compulsive hoarding, also known as hoarding disorder, is a complex condition characterized by the excessive acquisition of items and the inability to discard them. This leads to cluttered living spaces that can pose safety and health risks. Hoarding is considered a mental health disorder and is associated with significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Though the Bible does not directly address hoarding disorder, it does contain principles and verses that can provide wisdom and insight into this issue. By examining what the Bible says about materialism, greed, anxiety, and contentment, we can begin to understand the spiritual roots of…
Being gospel-centered means making the gospel of Jesus Christ the central focus and driving force in every aspect of our lives. The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again, offering salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who repent and believe (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). A gospel-centered person recognizes they are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). They understand the gospel is not just the starting point of the Christian life, but the sustaining power to finish it as well. Recognizing Our Need for the…
How did the Israelites deny themselves in Leviticus 23:27? The Israelites were commanded by God to “afflict yourselves” or “deny yourselves” on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 23:27. This involved various forms of self-denial and ritual purification to humble themselves before God and repent of their sins. Here is an in-depth look at how the Israelites denied themselves on this solemn day: The Setting of the Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement was the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar. It took place on the 10th day of the 7th month (Leviticus 23:27). This was…
Christians who find themselves living in an area without access to a local church face a challenging situation. While church attendance and fellowship are encouraged for believers, circumstances may make that impossible at times. However, there are still ways to maintain one’s faith and continue growing spiritually even without a traditional church home. Prioritize Daily Bible Reading and Prayer Without regular preaching and teaching, personal Bible study becomes even more critical. Set aside time each day to read God’s word and speak with Him in prayer (Psalm 5:3, Psalm 55:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand…
Prayer in public schools is a controversial issue that elicits strong opinions on both sides. As Christians, how should we view this topic? Here is an overview of what the Bible says that can help us think through this issue. Prayer is a Privilege and Responsibility The Bible makes it clear that prayer is an incredible privilege for believers in Christ. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, those who put their faith in Him have direct access to communicate with God the Father (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is a gift that should never be taken for granted. The Bible also presents prayer…
Hellenism was the ancient Greek culture that arose after the conquests of Alexander the Great. It represented a merging of Greek culture with the cultures of the Near East and Southwest Asia. Hellenism had a significant influence on early Christianity as the early church took shape amid Greco-Roman culture. Here are some key aspects of Hellenism and how they impacted the early church: Greek Philosophy Greek philosophy placed a heavy emphasis on reason, rhetorical skills, and discussion. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle set the intellectual stage for more systematic ways of thinking that shaped early Christian thought. For example, Platonism…
King Rehoboam was the son and successor of King Solomon in the Bible. He is mentioned in 1 Kings chapters 11-14 and 2 Chronicles chapters 9-12. Rehoboam was born to Solomon and the Ammonite princess Naamah (1 Kings 14:21). He reigned as king over the united kingdom of Israel for 17 years, from around 930-913 BC. When Solomon died, Rehoboam went to Shechem to be made king. The people asked Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor and taxes that Solomon had placed on them. Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father, and they advised him to listen…
Family conflict is unfortunately a common issue that many Christians face. The Bible has a lot to say about how to handle disagreements and strife within families in a godly manner. One of the most important principles is that families should strive to live in peace and harmony as much as possible. The apostle Paul instructs, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). This includes our family members. God desires for families to have healthy relationships built on love, patience and forgiveness. However, the Bible is realistic that conflicts…
The topic of predestination vs. free will has been debated by theologians and Christians for centuries. At the heart of the matter is whether God sovereignly chooses who will be saved (predestination) or whether human beings have the freedom to choose or reject God (free will). There are verses in the Bible that can be interpreted to support both perspectives. Predestination emphasizes God’s sovereignty and that He alone chooses who will be saved. Verses commonly associated with this view include: Romans 8:29-30 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,…