All modern Christian denominations use baptism as an initiation rite or sacrament to accept members. However, each has their own unique rules and doctrines which continue to cause much contention and confusion among these groups. Baptism is supposed to signify new beginnings. In order to … read more.
In the first centuries of the Christian religion, women constituted over three quarters of the membership. Most new members were drawn from the ranks of pagan women. There are many reasons why women were drawn to this new and very different faith. What was it … read more.
Embodying resilience involves demonstrating the ability to adapt and overcome adversity. This requires both mental and emotional strength as well as the help of friends and family. In the Gospel of Mary, Mary Magdalene must first accept the departure of Jesus. Then, she must follow … read more.
How does a professor of statistics end up teaching classes on Early Christianity? I have been frequently asked that question by many people who attend my classes. The reasons behind the decision to study early Christianity came about from an event in my youth that … read more.
Trust is earned. Once there is trust between two people, each must continually work at maintaining this bond. With trust a person can ask another to do the most difficult tasks. This practice of trust develops this bond that is reinforced over time. This is … read more.
Early Christianity was founded on a practice of invitation that was based on total inclusivity. Members included women, men, slaves, free people, the rich, the poor, Gentiles and Jews. What has changed to the message of Jesus of Nazareth? When anyone looks to join any … read more.
While most Christian denominations assert that God is without gender, all use male pronouns to refer to God, citing traditional English Bible translations, and even go so far to claim that to do otherwise is blasphemy. The reality is that the Bible can accurately be … read more.
In the beginning of the Christian movement around 30 A.D., the followers of Jesus of Nazareth believed him to be just a man. These members of the Jewish faith thought that he was chosen and blessed by God but still just a man. Three … read more.
Many people today know little or nothing about Jesus of Nazareth’s family, especially his brothers. One of his brothers, called James the Just, became one of the first leaders of the early Christian Church in Jerusalem. He did not believe in his brother for … read more.
Almost of people raised in any Christian denomination think of Jesus in the terms of Christ, Lord, and Divine Savior. However, for the first two hundred years of early Christianity, there are very few “facts” about Jesus of Nazareth. There are no physical descriptions … read more.
