“Semites” are descendants of Noah’s son, Shem[1] (“Shemites”). The term “Semites” is now synonymous with one particular branch of those descendants, the Jews, and “anti-Semitism” refers to hatred and/or persecution of the Jews (generally because of their race or religion). Anti-Semitism has been around for many centuries. Most famously, the Read more…
For those who believe that the role of women in today’s Christian churches is defined—and limited—by the role they played in the early church, looking at what they actually did in the first century churches would of course be instructive. And for those who don’t believe the role of women Read more…
The book of Ecclesiastes is probably one of the least-read—and perhaps least loved—books of the Bible, yet chapter three of Ecclesiastes is famous, thanks in large part to the rock band The Byrds and their 1965 hit song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Similar to the lyrics of that song, chapter three begins: Read more…
It’s a terrible and frightening thing to be alone—truly alone, not just for an hour, or even a day, but all the time. But we Christians are not alone. Of course, Jesus is always with us, as he told us in Matthew 28:20. But we are also never alone because Read more…
Are your religious leaders teaching and preaching racism or bigotry? Misogyny? Persecution of people who are “different,” like homosexuals, transsexuals, and others in the LGBTQ+ community? If so, you should know that that’s not Christianity. Are your religious leaders telling you that Christians should seek political power? Wealth? Laws that Read more…