The Early Church and Slavery
In this post I share a quote from Dr John T Bristow about how some in the early church treated slaves with equity and even tried to free them.
Beauty, Marriage, Motherhood and Ministry
There are differences between the Old and New Testaments in how women are described, especially in regard to beauty, marriage, motherhood, and ministry.
Hell (3): Lazarus, Tartarus, and Teeth-Gnashing
Does weeping and gnashing of teeth go on for eternity? Was Lazarus in hell? Where is Tartarus?
Was Jesus Poor?
Was Jesus poor? A few verses in the Gospels indicate that Jesus was not as poor as I have previously been led to believe.
A quick look at the Greek word for “follow”
Jesus invites people to “follow” him over 20 times in the Gospels. In this article, I look into the Greek word for “follow” (akoloutheō.)
A Collection of Articles on NT Women Church Leaders
Here are links to over a dozen articles on women church leaders mentioned in the New Testament, women such as Prisca, Phoebe, Junia, Nympha, and more.
Protecting the Weaker Sex
Is protection a man’s job? Do women need protecting? Perhaps instead of “protecting” capable Christian women, the church should be empowering her women.
Silencing Slander – 1 Peter 2:11-17
Peter tells his audience to abstain from sinful desires (lusts) of the flesh, and he explains how to deal with slander.
Can a woman be a pastor? Yes or No?
It seems many Christians use a dichotomous key to determine who can be a pastor. For many, the first question is, “Is the candidate a man?” A “no” answer brings instant disqualification.
Nino of Georgia: A Woman Evangelist “Equal to the Apostles”
Nino brought Christianity to Iberia (Georgia) back in the 300s and is regarded as “Equal to the Apostles” by the Orthodox Church.
Women Bible Scholars and Translators in the Church
How is this increase in biblical and theological scholarship from women being received by the church? And how will it affect the church?
Is it only men who can represent Jesus?
Some Christians believe that because Jesus is a man, only men can represent Jesus in their congregations. Does the fact that Jesus is male mean that women cannot be church leaders?
Peace on Earth: A Christmas Plea
Was the declaration of “Peace on Earth” sung by the heavenly host for everyone? Where is this peace the angels sang about? Here is my Christmas plea.
Marvellous Descriptions of God’s People – 1 Peter 2:4-10
Peter encouraged his audience by telling them that, like Jesus, they were rejected, selected, precious and living stones. And he describes them with other wonderful descriptions.
Paul’s Instructions for Modest Dress in 1 Timothy 2:9
Christians shouldn’t dress in a sexually provocative way, but this wasn’t Paul’s meaning in his instructions for modest dress in 1 Timothy 2:9.
Christmas Cardology 1: Introduction
In this series, I compare the story of Jesus’ nativity, as depicted on Christmas cards and in religious art, with what it says in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Christmas Cardology 2: Mary’s Scandal and Favour
Cosy images on Christmas cards contrast with Mary’s potentially scandalous and risky situation of being pregnant and unmarried. How scandalous was it?
Christmas Cardology 3: Nazareth to Bethlehem
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem can’t have been easy for pregnant Mary. She can’t always have been as serene as depicted on Christmas cards, or as lonely.
Christmas Cardology 4: Was Jesus born in a barn?
Christmas cards often show the newborn Jesus surrounded by farm animals. Was this really the case? And what is the significance of the “manger” mentioned three times in Luke chapter 2?
Christmas Cardology 5: When was Jesus born?
Was Jesus born on the 25th of December at the time of the winter solstice? Or was he born at the time of Spring lambing or even during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles?
Christmas Cardology 6: The Virgin Mary
Most religious art portrays Mary as serene, shy, and even sombre. Are they accurate portrayals? Does the Bible teach that Mary remained a virgin?