Did Christianity take an unexpected turn when Saul of Tarsus rose to a leadership position in the early first century? Did Saul of Tarsus, or Paul, as he became known, hijack Christianity with his own religious influence? Did Paul change the face of Christianity into something that would be unrecognizable to Jesus? Critics of Christianity […]
If Baptized as an Infant, Should I Be Baptized Again?
Not long ago I was asked this very good question. The person asking had been baptized in a ceremony as an infant, but had recently come to faith as an adult. He wanted to know if he needed to be baptized again. Although not everyone baptized as an infant questions this, it is still often asked. As many come […]
Religion Just Isn’t Relevant For Me
Those who routinely read my blog will know that I often write on topics having to do with the reasonableness of faith. In other words, I like to explain why having a belief in the existence of God is rational. However, there are some who are simply unimpressed. It’s not that they don’t follow or […]
Are Tattoos and Body Piercings Sinful?
This question comes up frequently. I think this is because of the rise in popularity of tattoos and body piercings. When I was a small boy, it seemed only gangsters and servicemen had tattoos. Today, grandmothers, choir members, and even preachers are getting them. Many, who would never have considered getting “inked,” are changing their […]
Should Women be Pastors?
This question comes up frequently, but is a little difficult to answer. Not due to a lack of Biblical data, but because I don’t believe the modern church is operating in the same way as the early church. When you’re “comparing apples to oranges” it is hard to talk about how that fruit is used. I also […]
Top Five Guitar Solos for the Air Guitar
It’s been awhile since I’ve updated my blog. To break back into it, I thought I’d do something completely different from my normal posting. During my younger years I played bass guitar in a number of bands. Although my taste for some music styles has changed since then, there are still a few songs that […]
The Philosophy of Hiking
I have a tendency to over-think things. At times this has caused me a lot of grief. When a problem comes my way, or I’m offered some type of challenge, I tend to amplify that situation by excessive thinking. I can over-analyze something to death. In-depth analysis, however, has not always been burdensome. Sometimes it […]
Applying Permetherin to My Hiking Clothes
Here in Pennsylvania, as well as many other Appalachian states, ticks are a major concern for the outdoorsman. Ticks are tiny, parasitic arachnids that attach themselves to a host and then gorge themselves on the host’s blood. They are especially troublesome because they can spread a number of diseases. Lyme Disease is probably the most […]
Why Are You You and Not Someone Else?
I’ve had this thought many times. Most recently, it occurred to me as I was in the check-out line at The Dollar Store. The clerk was a slightly overweight, 20-ish female with multiple body piercings and purple highlighted hair. As we briefly chatted, those oft-repeated questions bubbled to the surface of my mind again. Why […]
Why Does the Bible Condone Smashing Babies Against Rocks?
I was asked this question recently and thought it might be a good one to write about. It focuses on the final verse of Psalm 137, and might well be one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to reconcile. It’s a hard verse. You won’t find it on a greeting card and grandma won’t be needlepointing […]