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Is it true that the Bible says more about Hell than Heaven?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I’ve always been opposed to the idea of Hell and never allowed my children to talk about the devil unless it was in a humorous way. Now that I’m older and watching our world become Hell on Earth, I had to reconsider my position. I joined a Bible study for the sole purpose of learning why so many...Read more
Why did the Apostle Paul talk about glorying in the cross of Jesus?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Why did the Apostle Paul talk about glorying in the cross of Jesus? – G.C.
A: Paul gloried in the cross because it demonstrates God’s judgment on sin through the willing sacrifice of Christ on behalf of sinful man. “We have turned, every one, to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6, NKJV). He gloried ...Read more
Can anyone prove the account of Jesus’ resurrection?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: My college professor claims that the Bible cannot be authenticated, particularly regarding the account of Jesus’ resurrection. Can anyone prove other antiquated stories? – P.R.
A: There is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Julius Caesar ever lived or that Alexander ...Read more
Would Tim Walz be the first Lutheran VP? It just depends on how you count it
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s vibe has been defined by the internet as “Midwestern dad,” but Minnesotans know their governor as something more specific: a “Minnesota Lutheran” dad.
If elected alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, who herself is Baptist, he could be the first — or second — Lutheran vice ...Read more
Did Adam and Eve commit the original sin?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Did Adam and Eve commit the original sin? – O.S.
A: A man on television once said, “I’ve only one problem in life – temptation.” Temptation entices. We grab hold of what appeals to our senses without considering the penalty for our choices that are costly and sometimes deadly. Satan uses ...Read more
Atlanta pastor leans on personal story to fight for LGBTQ equality, social justice
ATLANTA — As a teenager, the Rev. Andi Woodworth spoke out against the lack of racial diversity at a Christian youth camp.
Decades later Woodworth is still speaking on that and a broader range of issues including support of the LGBTQ community, reproductive rights and social justice.
She’s speaking out at a time when state lawmakers around...Read more
The God Squad: Even more God Winks…
I am the perfect person to evaluate God Winks because I am enough of a believer in contact with the dead to acknowledge that some God Winks are real. I am also skeptical enough to know that everything we think is a wink is just not a wink. Here is my wink scale:
Level 1 God Wink: No violation of natural law or verbal communication. These are ...Read more
Do prayers of the saints live on after they have died?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Do prayers of the saints live on after they have died? – P.L.
A: An auction took place at a sheep ranch in South Africa. The farmer had lived a lonely life after the death of his wife. The son of his old age had rebelled and left home to find his fortune, ignoring his father’s promise that ...Read more
What does it mean when it's said that Jesus came to Earth on a rescue mission?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: As a paramedic, I relate to rescue missions and find satisfaction in spending my life helping others. It’s been said that Jesus came to Earth on a rescue mission, but I’m not sure I understand what it means. – S.R.
A: Who doesn’t want to be saved? “Search and rescue” is a term we hear ...Read more
How does human philosophy square with the Bible’s view on hope?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: As a student at Arizona State, I’m studying the science of hope, with a concentration on how pop culture influences the masses, particularly in uncertain times. How does human philosophy square with the Bible’s view on hope? – H.P.
A: Hope is a gift. Have you ever taken hold of such a prize ...Read more
Doesn’t their lack of Scriptural knowledge indicate some aren’t as skeptical as they claim?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I’m a political speechwriter but my love is in the world of literature. I’m amazed that historians, scientists, educators, politicians, entrepreneurs and many others often quote Scripture in their writings and public speaking, though few claim to be followers of Christ. Doesn’t this indicate ...Read more
Editorial: Religious freedom under attack in Oklahoma schools
For people who supposedly revere the Founding Fathers, some Christian conservatives seem to have no problem ignoring one of their most abiding principles: the separation of church and state. Now the chief of schools in Oklahoma is demanding that all public schools teach the Bible from grades 5 through 12, saying it is necessary for an ...Read more
Why does the Bible call for people to be holy when God allows so much evil in the world?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Why is the Bible called holy when it contains so much greed, lust, and violence? And why does the Bible call for people to be holy when God allows so much evil in the world? – H.B.
A: The Bible tells the truth about mankind, the devil, and sin that prevails. The Bible also tells the truth about ...Read more
Commentary: Are women in the pulpit the reason mainline Christians are leaving the pews?
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the ordination of 11 women as priests in the Episcopal Church, and the milestone is being cited by some commentators as the beginning of the decline of the denomination.
As an Episcopal priest and a student of American religious history, I heartily disagree.
On July 29, 1974, amid threats of violence, ...Read more
The God Squad: Another God wink
Thanks, dear readers, for sending me signs that you have received from loved ones who have died. I try not to include signs that are either clearly contrived or not really signs at all but just ordinary coincidences. The point of including these “God Winks” is to support those of you who believe, as I do, and as our faiths do, that death is ...Read more
LA council members drop plan for $2 million in security grants for religious institutions
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles City Council members Katy Yaroslavsky and Bob Blumenfield withdrew their proposal to provide city funding for security at synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions on Wednesday, saying state funds are now available to cover such expenses.
Yaroslavsky and Blumenfield proposed the creation of a $2 million ...Read more
Judge sends Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy to critical mediation phase
BALTIMORE — Mediation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy case will “begin as soon as reasonably possible,” a judge has ruled, thrusting the proceeding into its most critical phase.
During the forthcoming negotiations, attorneys and mediators will work together to determine how much money the diocese and its insurers have to ...Read more
Bankruptcy judge considering deal on mediation in Archdiocese of Baltimore case
BALTIMORE — A judge is set to decide whether to approve an agreement for the terms of mediation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy case.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle M. Harner is considering a proposed order for mediation crafted by attorneys for the Catholic church, a committee of sex abuse survivors and the archdiocese’s ...Read more
Gateway Church introduces interim pastors, gives update on child sex abuse investigation
Two well-known evangelical leaders will serve as interim pastors of Gateway Church after its founder and senior pastor, Robert Morris, resigned following revelations of child sexual abuse.
Max Lucado, a charismatic evangelical author and San Antonio pastor, and Joakim Lundqvist, a leader of an megachurch in Sweden, will share the ...Read more
The God Squad: Books and covers
Q: Dear Rabbi Gellman, thank you for your amazing and sorely needed ministry.
I would like you to share your thoughts on the habit of our current culture to “read a book by its cover”. Of course, the age-old saying is "Never judge a book by its cover”, but everywhere I turn these days, I feel people are paying too much attention to the ...Read more
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