Christianity encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. Within this broad spectrum, two major theological perspectives have emerged: Conservative Christianity and Progressive Christianity. These perspectives represent different approaches to interpreting the Bible, understanding theology, and engaging with contemporary social and political issues. While both perspectives generally fall under the umbrella of historic Christianity, they…
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, along with his resurrection from the dead, is the climactic moment of all four New Testament Gospels. Crosses are common symbols in Christianity because they help people remember Jesus’ death and its meaning. Sometimes decorative crosses include the letters INRI at the top, and many people are curious about what…
The rapid spread of Christianity in the first few centuries after Jesus Christ is one of the most miraculous stories in world history. The incredible expansion of Christianity is rooted in its message that although all people sin (Rom. 3:23), God has intervened in history through Jesus, who died to save people of all nations,…
Christian apologetics is a popular segment of biblical and theological studies. It’s become a well-liked and in-demand topic among Christian academics, pastors, and churchgoers. Apologists write books, post videos on YouTube, and educate followers of Jesus Christ about arguments, strategies, and tactics. Yet many people still aren’t sure what the term “Christian apologetics” describes. Christian…
In relation to personal convictions, an individual’s “values” generally refer to their principles or standards of behavior. The term “Christian values” has become a popular way to differentiate the ideals that followers of Jesus Christ embrace in contrast to those that non-Christians prioritize. So what are Christian values? Christian values consist of what Jesus Christ…
The name “Christian” consistently ranks among the top 50 names for boys in the Western world. Some years it’s even been in the top ten. Historically, parents have named girls “Christian,” too, yet the trend in the twenty-first century has been to use it as a name for males. Because so many people love the…
People seek counseling for various reasons, such as receiving help with important relationships like marriage, healing from past trials and trauma, and learning how to cope with mental illness in healthy ways. Just like there are different approaches to counseling, there are also different worldviews behind some of the methods, strategies, and exercises that advisors…
The founder of a religion or faith is the person who started and established it. Knowing who found a belief system and its accompanying way of life helps followers and observers to understand its values, priorities, and convictions. Unlike other faiths, the foundation of Christianity doesn’t only consist of what its founder said but who…
Jesus Christ prayed that his followers would be one (John 17:22). Sadly, Christian history shows that sometimes political, ecclesiastical, and theological discord have stood in the way of such unity. A “schism” is a major division in the church. One of the most significant divisions, called the “East-West Schism,” occurred in 1054 A.D. The three…
All moral, historical, and theological belief systems have a history. People can trace some ideas to the ancient world and others to recent years. Furthermore, people can trace some ideas to religions and faiths that have existed in the world for centuries, while others are the product of secular convictions and values. Judeo-Christian refers to…
Jesus Christ taught his followers that the Father sought people who worshiped in Spirit and truth (John 4:24). Since the days of the early church, followers of Jesus have met together weekly, and sometimes more often, to worship God through song, the reading and preaching of the Bible, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and fellowship. Yet…
Most Christians worship God in churches on Sunday mornings, although a small number gather on Saturday mornings or evenings. Churches have hosted Sunday morning services for 2,000 years. For many followers of Jesus Christ, Sunday mornings at church are foundational to their life, faith, and family. Yet many regular worshipers, and some outside the church,…
A martyr is someone who dies for their faith. The Bible is full of stories about martyrs, from Abel in the book of Genesis (4:18) to Antipas of Pergamum in the book of Revelation (2:13). Christians hold martyrs in high esteem because of their strong faith and their willingness to die for their commitment to…
Many countries around the world observe Halloween on October 31st, each with its own traditions. In America, Halloween traditions include carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, dressing up in costumes, and going trick-or-treating door-to-door for candy. Some Christians fully participate in the traditions of the holiday, while others attend harvest parties and similar events. Others don’t do…
Some Christians have a reputation for being unkind, judgemental, and condemnatory. In their efforts to express and defend their faith, they come across as mean, contrary to Jesus Christ’s example. While some non-Christians unfairly stereotype all believers as mean and dislike anyone challenging their beliefs and values, it’s also true that sometimes Christians aren’t as…
Christian Apologists have been around for 2,000 years. Some of the first followers of Jesus Christ became apologists. What’s more, is that there are still Christian apologists today. People can find them in churches, universities, and online, especially on YouTube. Yet, there are a lot of people who aren’t familiar with what a Christian apologist…
The New Testament encourages Christian to grow in their faith. Peter desired that believers “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:8). Paul’s hope for followers of Jesus Christ was that God would continue his work in them: “He who began a good work in you will…
People who identify as Christians have different views on the Church, society, and government. Some believe it’s important to maintain traditional values and fight to ensure their survival. Others believe it’s important to challenge conventional standards and fight to advance new ideas. An ideology that is growing in the 21st-century Church, especially in mainline denominations,…
Revelation 3:16 is the only place in the New Testament where churchgoers are called lukewarm, and Jesus is the one who utters the description. It’s clear from the context of the passage that the description is a criticism. However, it’s also clear that repentance and forgiveness are possible. Many readers are interested to know more…
The distinction between right and wrong is an important part of the Christian faith. The difference between good and bad, righteousness and wickedness, and sinfulness and holiness is rooted in the nature and character of God. Morality isn’t the product of randomness, culture, tradition, social majority, or anything else that comes from chance or people….
The person of Jesus of Nazareth is alluring to many people after they learn about his boundless love, his extraordinary grace, his inexhaustible kindness, his astonishing miracles, and his sacrificial death on the cross for all people. After hearing Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” (e.g. Matt. 4:19) through the gospel, some desire to devote themselves…
Over one billion people in the world identify as Christian. Self-professing Christians live in countries all around the world. In the last millennium, most Christians lived in Europe and America. Today, more people are becoming Christians in Africa and Asia than anywhere else on earth. Many people know that being a Christian has to do…