There are roughly two accounts regarding the universe: 1) The materialistic/atheistic explanation posits that matter and space were created spontaneously and that thinking creatures evolved by some fluke without any purpose; 2) The more common perspective is the religious view. According to this view, a mind or spirit created the universe. This spirit or mind…
14 Billion years ago Big Bang God spoke the Big Bang 4.5 Billion years ago Earth created – Young earth creationists claim 4004 BC 3.7 Billion years ago – Photosynthesis 550 Million years ago – Plants and animals development 65 Million years ago – Dinosaurs went extinct 2 million years ago – Homo erectus 270,000…
Fowler’s Stages of Faith: 1. Intuitive-projective faith–unable to compare ideas; simple belief 2. Mythical-literal faith–making mysticism literal 3. Synthetic-conventional faith–incorporating values 4. Individuative-reflective faith–critical thinking 5. Conjunctive faith–combining the mystical with critical thinking Walker’s Stages of Faith: 1. Instinctive faith–child-like faith 2. Literal faith–the Bible says it’s so 3. Humanistic (enlightened) faith– philosophy/psychology + Christianity 4. Rational…
Joe, a respected bank president, and Cindy, a tireless realtor, joined a prominent Charismatic megachurch where they developed a deep, abiding love for Jesus Christ. As their commitment grew their diligent and dedicated service in the name of Christ earned them veneration throughout the congregation. Unexpectedly, a black mole on Joe’s forearm emerged as a…
The Bible’s Old Testament tells the story of God’s gift of free will and how humankind turned that free will into self-will. The narrative of this self-will rebellion unfolds throughout the books of the Old Testament. God’s plan that humankind would love him unconditionally unravels in the first 11 chapters of Genius. The first few…
The Bible’s Old Testament tells the story of God’s gift of free will and how humankind turned that free will into self-will. The narrative of this self-will rebellion unfolds throughout the books of the Old Testament. God’s rigorous response and unfailing compassion become clear as we read through this account. Genesis 1-11: The Primeval Story…
A recent survey of 35,000 Americans by the Pew Research Center found that nearly one in four adults in the United States reported no religious affiliation. Economic uncertainty, global instability, technological advances, and demographic transitions have created a crisis within the church. The traditional definition of family has evolved; it is no longer just a…