In 2001, 75% of those polled by the Pew Research Center indicated that religious institutions have played a role in solving important social problems (Stonestreet, 2016), yet by 2016, the percentage had dropped significantly to only 58% (Lipka, 2016). This figure is disappointing, suggesting that the memories or knowledge of positive Christian influences have diminished. …
Continue reading "The Significant Contributions of Christianity to Healthcare and Education"
Of all of the books of the Old Testament, only the book of Isaiah has been fully preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls. To me, that is significant, given the fact that Isaiah is the source of some of the greatest prophecies of Jesus, which were made over six hundred years prior to his earthly …
Continue reading "An Explanation of Jesus’ Anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane"
In the early history of the Christian Church, the church fathers asserted that Matthew was the first to write the gospels, yet in recent years many have asserted that Mark was the first author. The intention of this blog is to examine the arguments for both so readers can develop their own conclusions. I will …
Continue reading "Was Mark or Matthew the First to Write the Gospel?"
The foundation upon which Christianity rests is in Jesus’ resurrection. If the resurrection did not occur, early Christian disciples would have remained in hiding, fearful of persecution. If the resurrection did not occur, they would likely have returned to their positions prior to Jesus’ ministry and their cause would have died down as the realization …
Continue reading "Early Secular Sources Support New Testament Accounts of Jesus’ Divinity"
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last” – Matthew 20:16. According to first-century Jewish historian Josephus, women in ancient Jewish societies were considered inferior in all matters (c.f., Green, McKnight & Marshall, 1992). They lacked rights, lacked an education, and played a small role in society aside from child-bearing. Josephus …
Continue reading "So The Last Will Be First, And The First Will Be Last: Women in the Gospels"
The intention of the following blog is to offer support for Christians who encounter people who believe Jesus is merely a myth, perpetuated by the early Church. One such mythicist is Dr. Richard Carrier. I have had a number of delightful interactions with Carrier on Twitter, which alerted me to his thoughts on Christianity, Jesus, …
“The people stood watching and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One. The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered Him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself. There …
Continue reading "Why Did Jesus Have to Die? An Extension of Penal Substitution Atonement"
