Category: Theological Thoughts
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Skeptical Theories Before the Dead Sea Scrolls
How Ancient Manuscripts Silenced Modern Doubts About Isaiah 53 19th–Early 20th Century Criticism: In the 1800s, many German “higher critics” took a skeptical view of biblical prophecy. Influential scholars of this era (often based in German universities) argued that the Bible contained no true predictive prophecies – in their view, any prophecy that…
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Archaeologists in Israel Use the Bible
Here’s Why That Matters Did you know that archaeologists in Israel use the Bible as a reference for archaeology? Despite what many skeptics claim, archaeologists regularly use the Bible when conducting excavations in Israel. This isn’t about proving faith—it’s about using an ancient historical document to identify and interpret real-world sites, just as archaeologists…
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The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Undeniable Site of Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection For more than 2,000 years, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem has been revered as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. This is not merely a claim of tradition—it is confirmed by overwhelming historical, archaeological, and geographical evidence. Despite modern speculation, particularly…
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C.S. Lewis’s Trilemma
Liar, Lunatic, Lord—or Legend? C.S. Lewis (who is one of my favorite authors and well noted for his Chronicles of Narnia series), in his book Mere Christianity, famously argued that Jesus could not simply be regarded as a great moral teacher. Given His direct claims to divinity, He must be one…
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Eudocia
Thinkers and Theologians Eudocia (c. 401–460 AD) was a Byzantine empress, Christian poet, and patron of the arts who combined imperial power with a deep commitment to faith and literature. Born Athenais in Athens to a pagan philosopher, she was renowned for her education, particularly in rhetoric and poetry. After converting to Christianity,…
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The Strength of Oral Tradition
How Memory and Writing Worked Together “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV) Oral tradition in the New Testament is often misunderstood. Some assume that reliance on memory before writing leads to distortion. Yet, far from undermining the Gospel’s reliability, oral tradition…
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Theodoret of Cyrus
Thinkers and Theologians Theodoret of Cyrus (c. 393–457 AD) was a prolific theologian, bishop, and historian whose writings played a significant role in shaping early Christian doctrine, particularly in the context of the Christological controversies of the 5th century. Born in Antioch, Theodoret received a classical education before embracing a…
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Peter of Chrysologus
Thinkers and Theologians Peter Chrysologus (c. 406–450 AD), known as the “Golden-Worded” for his eloquence in preaching, was the Archbishop of Ravenna whose homilies left an enduring mark on early Christian theology. Born in Imola, Italy, Peter’s rhetorical brilliance and pastoral care earned him the admiration of his contemporaries and…
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From Suffering to Redemption
Why Animal Pain Points to a Loving God “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6, ESV) Animal suffering is often…
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The Principle of Reciprocity in Debate
If You Ask, You Must Answer “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” – Proverbs 18:17 Engaging in meaningful discussion or debate requires fairness, intellectual honesty, and a willingness to both question and be questioned. Yet, a common pattern emerges in many…
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Melania the Elder
Thinkers and Theologians Melania the Elder (c. 341–410 AD) was a prominent early Christian ascetic, theologian, and founder of monastic communities. Born into a wealthy and influential Roman family, Melania renounced her privileged life after the death of her husband and two of her children, dedicating herself entirely to the…
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Macrina the Younger
Thinkers and Theologians Macrina the Younger (c. 330–379 AD) was a pivotal figure in the early Church, whose spiritual influence profoundly shaped her family and the broader Christian tradition. Born into a devout Christian family in Cappadocia, Macrina was the sister of two renowned theologians, Basil the Great and Gregory…
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Was the Gospel of John Written Before 70 AD?
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” – John 2:19 (ESV) The dating of the Gospel of John is one of the most debated topics in New Testament studies. While many scholars traditionally assign it to 90–95 AD, compelling evidence suggests a much earlier date—potentially…
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A Defense of the Longer Ending of Mark
Mark 16:9-20 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15) The longer ending of Mark’s Gospel, consisting of verses 9-20, has faced criticism from some scholars who claim it was a later addition to the text. However, the evidence from…
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Jerome
Thinkers and Theologians Jerome (c. 347–420 AD) was a Christian scholar, theologian, and ascetic whose influence on the early Church continues to resonate today. Best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate, Jerome’s tireless devotion to Scripture earned him a place among the most significant figures…
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Marcellus of Ancyra
Thinkers and Theologians Marcellus of Ancyra (c. 280–374 AD) was a bishop, theologian, and key figure in the early Church’s efforts to defend Nicene orthodoxy during the Arian controversy. Born in Ancyra (modern-day Ankara, Turkey), Marcellus became bishop of his city around 314 AD and served during one of the…
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