Answers to Christianity Questions
Thank you for the question on the nature of the Bible and Qudran, “Are holy books like the Bible and the Quran democratic or dictatorial in orientation?” In this response, I will defer the answer about the Quran being a democratic or dictatorial in orientation to a Muslim. It will be inappropriate for me to comment … Read More “Question: Are holy books like the Bible and the Quran democratic or dictatorial in orientation?” »
Thank you for the question on the dating of the Gospel of John, “In which time was the book of John written?” There are two dates for the writing of the Gospel of John. The dates are before 70 CE or around 85 CE. Among the various pros and cons for the dates, the critical question … Read More “Question: In which time was the book of John written?” »
Thank you for the theological and application question on II Samuel 24, “Wasn’t God rather too hard on Israel when David took a census in 2 Samuel 24?” As one reads II Samuel 24, the plague that killed 70,000 Israelites seems overwhelming to the readers. It may even seem unjust that God destroyed so many lives … Read More “Question: Wasn’t God rather too hard on Israel when David took a census in 2 Samuel 24?” »
Thank you for the question on the age of the Earth and the Gospels, “If the age of the Earth matters to the gospels, is that why the span of the Bible is four thousand years with the last two thousand added on after?” Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration regarding the age of the … Read More “Question: If the age of the Earth matters to the gospels, is that why the span of the Bible is four thousand years with the last two thousand added on after?” »
Thank you for the question on quotations from the Quran and the Bible, “In the Quran pharaoh said “O Haman build me a high tower that I may attain the means of reaching the heavens, so that I may see the god of moses, though I think he is a liar”. Why similar verses don’t exist … Read More “Question: In the Quran pharaoh said “O Haman build me a high tower that I may attain the means of reaching the heavens, so that I may see the god of moses, though I think he is a liar”. Why similar verses don’t exist in the Bible?” »
Thank you for the comparative question on the New Testament, “How different are the gospels from the other books of the New Testament?” The New Testament Books are letters. They are addressed to the early Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Christ Jesus. The setting for the letters makes them unique. Here are some thoughts for one’s … Read More “Question: How different are the gospels from the other books of the New Testament?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question on David and Goliath’s sibling, “Did Goliath the Giant in the Bible have a brother that also try to fight David? What did that mean that David took out two giants and not one?” There are three passages that relates to Goliath: I Samuel 17, II Samuel 21, and I … Read More “Question: Did Goliath the Giant in the Bible have a brother that also try to fight David? What did that mean that David took out two giants and not one?” »
Thank you for the application question on Luke 24:1–12, “What is the reflection in Luke 24:1-12?” As one reads the text, Luke, the companion of Paul, summarizes the first day of the resurrection from his first hand investigation of Jesus’ resurrection. There is the belief among the women and Jesus’ followers that their teacher and lord … Read More “Question: What is the reflection in Luke 24:1-12?” »
Thank you for the question on the Messianic motif in the Gospel of Mark, “Why is the messianic secret a motif in Mark’s gospel?” If Jesus came proclaiming that he is the Messiah and didn’t go the cross, there would be no kingdom people in the Kingdom of God. The Law of Moses requires that one … Read More “Question: Why is the messianic secret a motif in Mark’s gospel?” »
Thank you for the application question on the Bible, “How does the Bible relate to you?” On a personal level, the Scriptures are the foundation for my beliefs and values in my vertical relationship toward God and my horizontal relationship with other believers and non-believers. Even without the Bible, I would still believe in a Creator … Read More “Question: How does the Bible relate to you?” »