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.

Anonymous asked: "How do you know what is right or wrong if you completely ignore the Ten Commandments? For what reason don't you commit adultery? For what reason don't you covet? For what reason do you not take the Lord's name in vain?"

This issue has been a sticking point between sabbatarians and the rest of the Body of Christ for some time… but it shouldn’t be. The Bible is very clear on this subject. Let’s ignore for a moment silly arguments about Constantine, or discussions about the new covenant, and focus on God’s purpose for the sabbath.

Let's look at some Scripture for our answer. Before they died, Jesus told the thief that they would be together in Paradise on THAT VERY DAY. Jesus could not have meant Heaven.

That's a good question. Most people are aware that there are different points of view on the question of whether baptism is required for salvation. Scripture, however, is abundantly clear. Baptism is NOT required for salvation.