Most Christians believe that redemption and salvation require faith in Jesus' sacrificial death—that without believing he died for one's sins, a person cannot be redeemed. But is this idea supported by the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) or even by Jesus' teachings found in the Gospels? A close examination of the Bible demonstrates that both the Tanakh … Continue reading Redemption Through Repentance and Good Works: A Biblical Perspective
Hadith As Divine Revelation (Wahi) Dilemma
The Quran repeatedly declares that those who rule by anything other than God's revelation are disbelievers (5:44), unjust (5:45), and wicked (5:47) and that He sent the scripture to judge among the people (2:213 & 4:105). This presented a fundamental problem for proto-Sunni scholars, whose religious rulings and theology relied heavily on the utilization of … Continue reading Hadith As Divine Revelation (Wahi) Dilemma
Hermeneutics: Mimetics vs. Reason
In daily life, people navigate decisions using different approaches, often without realizing it. Sometimes, we rely on imitation (mimetics)—following established norms, routines, or the behaviors of those before us. Other times, we use reasoning. Consider a doctor treating a patient. If the doctor follows a mimetic approach, they might apply textbook treatments precisely as written, … Continue reading Hermeneutics: Mimetics vs. Reason
Marcion: The Heretic Who Shaped Christianity
Marcion of Sinope (c. 85–160 CE) was one of the most controversial figures in early Christianity, yet his influence on the faith was profound. Though officially labeled a heretic by the early church, his radical rejection of the Old Testament, his emphasis on Pauline theology, and his role in shaping the Christian canon left a … Continue reading Marcion: The Heretic Who Shaped Christianity
Paul Contradicts Jesus & Torah on the Law
Jesus & The Law One of the most striking tensions in the New Testament is the difference between Jesus’ teachings on the Law (Torah) and Paul’s theology of faith over works. Jesus consistently affirmed the validity of the Torah, instructing his followers to observe and uphold its commandments. In Matthew 5:17-19, he explicitly states, "Do … Continue reading Paul Contradicts Jesus & Torah on the Law
The Hidden Hand: How Creation Conceals and Reveals Its Maker
When God created the heavens and the earth, He established an intricate system through which the universe could function without His direct involvement. Yet, when one searches to discover the origins of any of this, it always points back to God as its Creator. Every element in creation operates within a framework designed by God, … Continue reading The Hidden Hand: How Creation Conceals and Reveals Its Maker
H.M. Initial Counts (An Amazing Miracle)
The Quranic initials H.M. ( حم ) prefix seven consecutive suras in the Quran. These are, respectively, suras 40 through 46. If we add all the occurrences of these two letters across all seven of these suras, the total we obtain is 2,147, which is 19 x 113. Set #1 If we check to see … Continue reading H.M. Initial Counts (An Amazing Miracle)
Abu Hanifa: The Heretic Who Became a Sunni Icon
Abu Hanifa al-Nuʿmān ibn Thābit (699–767 CE / 80–150 AH) was a prominent Islamic scholar and jurist, best known as the founder of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, the oldest and the most widely followed Sunni legal school whose adherents constitute over half of all Sunnis. Born in Kufa, Iraq, he was a merchant by … Continue reading Abu Hanifa: The Heretic Who Became a Sunni Icon
Punishment for Adultery in Quran
The punishment for sexual immorality in the Quran can be found in the following verses: 24:2-10, 4:15-16, and 4:25. Each of these verses deals with different categories of sexual misconduct and legal conditions. Different Words for Sex in the Quran In English, a variety of expressions are used to describe sexual relations, ranging from formal … Continue reading Punishment for Adultery in Quran
Notes & Quotes: Abu Hanifa, Hadith, & Sunni Heresy
Abu Hanifa al-Nuʿmān ibn Thābit (699–767 CE / 80–150 AH) was a prominent Islamic scholar and jurist, best known as the founder of the Hanafi school of thought, the oldest and one of the most widely followed Sunni legal schools. Born in Kufa, Iraq, he was a merchant by trade but gained recognition for his … Continue reading Notes & Quotes: Abu Hanifa, Hadith, & Sunni Heresy
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