Reading Time: 5 minutesQuestion 0024 The Bereans have become something of a byword in Christian circles for careful biblical discernment, and rightly so. Whenever someone encourages us to check teaching against Scripture, the Bereans get mentioned. But what exactly were they doing, and why did Luke consider it worthy of such commendation? The passage in question reads: “Now…
Reading Time: 7 minutesQuestion 0010 Before we can answer why, we should be clear about what we mean by a catechism. The word comes from the Greek κατηχέω (katēcheō), meaning “to teach by word of mouth” or “to instruct.” Luke uses this word in his Gospel when he tells Theophilus that he is writing “that you may have…
Reading Time: 6 minutesQuestion 0009 The answer is yes… and no. It depends entirely on which doctrines are in view. This is not evasion. It is the consistent witness of Scripture. The New Testament both commands unity among believers and warns against associating with those who teach a different gospel. Getting this balance right is one of the…
Reading Time: 6 minutesQuestion 0008 This is a question that cuts right to the heart of the matter. If theology matters, and it does, then surely some of it matters more than others. What must a person believe in order to be saved? Can someone be genuinely converted while holding mistaken views on certain doctrines? Where is the…
Reading Time: 7 minutesQuestion 0048 It sounds so reasonable, so irenic, so Christian. “Doctrine divides, but Jesus unites.” The sentiment is appealing, especially to those weary of theological controversy and ecclesiastical strife. Why argue about doctrine when we could simply gather around Jesus? Why draw boundaries when we could be building bridges? Yet beneath this pleasant-sounding phrase lies…
Reading Time: 3 minutesQuestion 4000 If you have spent any time in theological study, you have almost certainly encountered words ending in -logy: theology, Christology, eschatology. Pneumatology is one of these, and it refers specifically to the systematic study of the Holy Spirit. The word itself comes from the Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα), meaning breath, wind, or spirit, and…
Reading Time: 5 minutesQuestion 0002 It is stated as fact and has become a cliché: “Doctrine divides, but love unites.” The point is clear; if we would only set aside all our theological differences and focus on relationships, the church would be stronger and more united. This sounds appealing, even spiritual. But is it true? A careful look…