Miranda asked: "If god already knows what we want, why pray?" That's a very good question, and one that lots of people have asked. I'm not sure that anyone has a complete answer...
Christianity, especially the American sort, has its own language. Many people don't speak a word of this curious language...so, as a web designer specializing in working with churches and non-profits, I have to remind a lot of folks to avoid using jargon to communicate.
A lot of people in the Bible had their names changed, or went by more than one name. I appreciate your patience while I compile a comprehensive list of all of them.
Should gay couples appear in your church's pictorial directory? Church leaders are often faced with difficult decisions. In fact, they often have to make critical decisions on a weekly basis. Without taking sides in church politics, I feel for the folks having trouble dealing with this issue.
Doubt is our friend. No, I'm not promoting ignorance. You should know me better than that by now. I'm promoting a mindset: one that makes room for questions...leaves room for doubt...allows others to be elsewhere on the continuum we call faith. Uh-oh.
This is a common question, even if it's not expressed out loud. Science and religion are often seen as in conflict. I suggest that most often, they are not...the problem is one of utility. Here's the problem, in my estimation:
That's what we call 'a loaded question'! First, I find that Catholics are usually very much like other people. =)
Jewish men of that time, by and large, did not speak to Gentiles (non-Jews). They especially did not speak to women. In fact, it's said that they went so far out of their way to avoid contact with women and Gentiles that they would cross the street to avoid passing next to them.
In a word, no. Of course, slavery is mentioned in the Bible, so let's look at the context. There were three kinds of slavery in vogue at that time: involuntary slaves, indentured servants, and bondservants.
Does the Bible teach that Christians should give 10% of their income to their local church?
Tithing did occur before the Mosaic Law was given. There are actually three kinds of tithing in the Bible...the way Abraham did it, the way Jacob did it, and the way that the Jews did it.
Why am I writing this article? Because, in all of those years, I've never heard any preacher or teacher explain the Biblical basis for tithing...and I think it's time someone addressed the issue.
