The “god of the gaps” argument refers to the view that God or supernatural forces can be invoked to explain phenomena that science has not yet fully explained. The term “gaps” refers to gaps in scientific knowledge. The basic logic of this argument is: Science can’t explain X, therefore God did it. Over the centuries, as scientific knowledge has advanced, the “gaps” where God is said to exist have become smaller. The god of the gaps argument is disliked by both religious and non-religious people. Critics argue that gaps in scientific knowledge are simply gaps in knowledge, not proof of…
Author: Richard Curi
The question of whether God is imaginary is an important one that many people grapple with. The Bible has much to say on this topic, providing perspective on the reality and nature of God. To start, the Bible affirms repeatedly that God is real and not a figment of human imagination. Passages like Exodus 3:14 declare God’s self-existent, eternal nature: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.”” This affirms that God is the ultimate reality, the self-existent and eternal one who…
The phrase “He leads me in the paths of righteousness” comes from one of the most well-known and beloved psalms in the Bible – Psalm 23. This psalm was written by David, who was reflecting on God’s guidance and care as a shepherd leads and cares for his sheep. In verse 3, David declares that God “leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” This verse provides insight into how God guides His people and the purpose behind His leadership. The Shepherd Imagery To understand this verse, it’s important to place it in the context of the shepherd…
The question of whether there is life after death is one that has been pondered by humankind for millennia. The Bible provides insightful answers about the afterlife that give hope and perspective to Christians. While the full mysteries of the afterlife are not completely revealed, Scripture outlines key truths about what happens after we die and the hope of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Immortal Soul The Bible teaches that human beings have an immortal soul that continues existing after physical death of the body. Genesis 2:7 states that God breathed into Adam the “breath…
Caring for elderly parents is an important topic addressed in the Bible. As parents age and become unable to fully care for themselves, adult children are called upon to provide support and assistance. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding caring for aging parents: Honor Your Father and Mother One of the Ten Commandments given by God is to “honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). This commandment comes with a promise of blessing for those who…
The Bible does not directly address the topic of family planning or birth control. However, there are some principles and passages that can provide wisdom for Christians thinking through this issue. 1. Children are a blessing from God The Bible presents children as a gift and blessing from the Lord. Several verses illustrate this: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3) “Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:5) “Grandchildren…
Psalm 90:1 states, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.” This verse indicates that God has been a refuge, shelter, and home for His people throughout all generations. Understanding what it means that God is our “dwelling place” provides insight into how God relates to and cares for His people. God as a Secure Dwelling Place Calling God a “dwelling place” implies protection, stability, and security. A dwelling place is a place of residence and refuge from harm. Throughout Scripture, God is described as a fortress, rock, and shield for His people (Psalm 18:2, 31:2-3). He is…
Prayer is an important part of the Christian faith. The Bible has a lot to say about the purpose and power of prayer. At its most basic, prayer is communicating with God – sharing our hearts with Him, seeking His will, and asking for His help. Through prayer, we build intimacy with God by bringing our cares, concerns, thanksgivings, and requests to Him. Prayer allows us to align our will with God’s purposes. The Bible encourages believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to bring all our requests to God (Philippians 4:6). One key purpose of prayer is…
The Bible does not explicitly state that God expects all people to have children. However, Scripture provides principles and perspectives that can help us think through this question. Marriage and Children God designed marriage between a man and woman to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32). Marriage also serves the purposes of companionship and sexual intimacy (Genesis 2:18, 24). Within this union, God blessed and commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Children are viewed as a gift and blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). So in the general sense, God expects…
The origin of demons is not explicitly explained in the Bible, but we can piece together some clues from various passages to get an idea of where they come from. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about the possible origins of demons: 1. Fallen Angels Some Bible scholars believe that demons originated from a group of angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. Revelation 12:9 refers to Satan as “that ancient serpent” who leads “the whole world astray” and who was thrown down to earth along with his angels. And 2 Peter 2:4…