The Bible does not directly address the modern concepts of colonialism and imperialism, as these systems of governance developed many centuries after the Bible was written. However, the Bible does speak to issues of justice, oppression, greed, and the proper use of power and authority – themes that are relevant when considering colonialism and imperialism. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were liberated from oppression in Egypt and established their own nation in the Promised Land. Yet they also engaged in conquering and subjugating other nations at times. The prophets often condemned the unjust treatment of the poor…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
Asceticism and monasticism have long been practices within Christianity, though their forms and rationales have varied considerably across different times and traditions. At its core, asceticism refers to practices of self-denial and discipline with the aim of strengthening one’s faith and devotion to God. Monasticism involves ascetic practices but within a communal setting and rule of life. While ascetic and monastic traditions have elicited debate within Christianity, they have also deeply shaped its spiritual practices and institutions. Origins and Early Christian Asceticism Some early roots of Christian asceticism can be traced back to Judaism and the Essenes, a Jewish sect…
Living a life that honors God in everything we do is an important goal for Christians. The Bible provides guidance on how to make choices that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him. While we will never achieve perfection in this on our own, God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us and guide us in living honorable lives. What does it mean to live a life honoring to God? Simply put, it is living in a way that is pleasing to Him and submitted to His lordship. The Bible says “So, whether you…
Neopaganism is a modern religious movement that seeks to revive ancient pagan beliefs and practices. While Neopaganism takes many forms, common themes include reverence for nature, goddess worship, use of ritual and magic, and emphasis on self-spirituality. The Bible does not directly address Neopagan beliefs, as these developed long after biblical times. However, there are some key biblical principles that provide insight into a Christian perspective on Neopaganism. Biblical Perspective on Pagan Idolatry and Nature Worship A core aspect of Neopagan practice is reverence and worship of nature, embodied in goddesses representing natural forces and phenomena. However, the Bible clearly…
The term “sensus divinitatis” refers to the innate sense of the divine that all humans possess according to theologian John Calvin. It is the idea that all people have an inborn awareness or instinctive knowledge of God’s existence. The sensus divinitatis is part of Calvin’s theological framework and explanation for how and why people are able to come to knowledge of God. Calvin taught that the sensus divinitatis is a natural gift from God, part of the general revelation of God to humankind. Calvin wrote in his seminal work Institutes of the Christian Religion: “There is within the human mind,…
Jesuism refers to the teachings and way of life exemplified by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. At its core, Jesuism encompasses beliefs about God, salvation, ethics, and living a Christ-centered life. Here is an overview of some of the key components of Jesuism: God In Jesuism, God is understood as one eternal being existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is known as the Trinity. God is characterized by attributes such as love, holiness, justice, goodness, and grace. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Jesus…
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven fantasy novels by C.S. Lewis that takes readers to the magical land of Narnia. This popular series has captivated both children and adults alike since the first book was published in 1950. But as Christians, should we read these fictional books or see the movie adaptations? To answer this question, we need to examine the books through a biblical lens. An Overview of the Chronicles of Narnia The series follows the adventures of children who discover a magical wardrobe that serves as a portal to the fantasy world of Narnia. The…
1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” The phrase “double honor” has been interpreted in different ways by Bible scholars over the years. Here is an in-depth look at the possible meanings behind this intriguing verse. The Context of 1 Timothy 5:17 First, it is important to understand the context of this verse. 1 Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to his younger co-worker Timothy, instructing him on various matters regarding the Ephesian church where Timothy was serving at the time. In…
The term “whoremonger” appears several times in the Bible, primarily in the New Testament. It refers to a person who practices sexual immorality or prostitution. The original Greek word is “pornos,” which refers to a male prostitute or a man who solicits prostitutes. Let’s take a closer look at how this term is used in Scripture. Old Testament References The term “whoremonger” itself does not appear in the Old Testament. However, the concepts of prostitution and sexual immorality are certainly condemned. For example, in Deuteronomy 23:17-18, the people of Israel are warned against bringing the wages of a prostitute or…
Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. Yet as Christians, we can find hope and meaning even in the midst of suffering when we understand what the Bible teaches about it. God uses suffering for our good and His glory, and He promises to be with us through every trial if we turn to Him. Here’s an overview of the Bible’s perspective on suffering. Suffering Entered the World Through Sin According to the Bible, suffering was not part of God’s original perfect creation (Genesis 1-2). It only entered the world later through human sin. When Adam and Eve…