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
Disciple Martyrdom Mythology
Many Christians argue that the willingness of Jesus’ disciples to die for their belief in his resurrection serves as powerful proof of the truth of Christianity. The reasoning goes that people would not willingly suffer martyrdom for something they knew to be false. While this may seem compelling at first glance, closer scrutiny reveals several … Continue reading Disciple Martyrdom Mythology
The Great Commission Mythology
The Great Commission refers to the instruction given by Jesus Christ to his disciples after his supposed resurrection, as recorded in the New Testament (particularly in Matthew 28:18–20 and Mark 16:15–16). In these passages, Jesus commands his followers to spread his teachings, make disciples of all nations (Gentiles), and to baptize them in the name … Continue reading The Great Commission Mythology
Jesus vs. Paul: Repentance & Good Works vs. Substitutionary Atonement
In one of his most striking warnings, Jesus foretold of false prophets and deceivers who would come in his name, claiming to have seen him, or to act on his authority, or to even be him. In Matthew 24, he cautioned: 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, … Continue reading Jesus vs. Paul: Repentance & Good Works vs. Substitutionary Atonement
Adoptionist Ideology of Paul and Luke
Many people mistakenly believe that the concept of the Trinity was a fully developed and universally accepted doctrine among the earliest Christians. In reality, this was far from the case. After Jesus' death, the early Christian community was deeply divided over fundamental questions about his identity. Was Jesus divine, or was he merely a prophet? … Continue reading Adoptionist Ideology of Paul and Luke
Paul Calls Satan (theos) god (2 Cor 4:4)
The New Testament’s use of the Greek term theos (θεός) is more nuanced than most Christians would want people to believe. For centuries, this term—translated as “God” in most English Bibles—has served as a cornerstone for Christian doctrinal claims about the divinity of Jesus based on a few passages where the term can be argued … Continue reading Paul Calls Satan (theos) god (2 Cor 4:4)
Celsus: A Discourse Against Christians
Celsus, a 2nd-century Greek philosopher, stands as one of the earliest and most incisive critics of Christianity. His work, On the True Doctrine (c. 175 CE), offers a sophisticated critique of the burgeoning faith during a time of significant cultural and religious upheaval. A staunch defender of traditional Greco-Roman polytheism, Celsus viewed Christianity as a … Continue reading Celsus: A Discourse Against Christians
No One Can Serve Two Masters
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers one of His most profound teachings: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). This passage has long been … Continue reading No One Can Serve Two Masters
God is Ahad (Echad) “One”
The Shema is one of the central declarations of faith in Judaism and is to be recited daily by observant Jews and during important religious services. It is found in the Torah, specifically in Deuteronomy 6:4, and begins with the words: "Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad," which translates to "Hear, O Israel: the Lord … Continue reading God is Ahad (Echad) “One”
