“Do some Christmas traditions have pagan origins?”…There is no doubt that some of what we now refer to as Christmas traditions can be traced back, in some form, to pagan cultures and celebrations. The ringing of bells, for example, is generally thought to have had its origin in the early pagan winter celebration of ringing […]
Is the cross from pagan origin The cross is arguably the most beloved symbol in all of Christianity. It adorns our churches and cathedrals, our jewelry, our books and music, and is used in numerous marketing logos. The empty cross symbolizes the work performed there by our Savior who went to death willingly to pay […]
“Did Constantine change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday?”……Answer: In the year 321 A.D., Constantine decreed, “On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed” (Codex Justinianus lib. 3, tit. 12, 3; trans. in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. […]
“What is a house blessing? Is a house blessing biblical?”……A house blessing (also referred to as "house healing" or "house cleansing") is a ritual performed by a religious leader with the intention of protecting those who live in the house from hardships and trouble. Many religions have some form of house blessing that is a […]
“The Sign of the cross – the meaning? Should Christians perform it?”……The practice of tracing the sign of the cross is most prominent in the Roman Catholic Church but is also practiced among the Eastern Orthodox and Episcopalians. The history of the sign of the cross goes back as far as Tertullian, the early church […]
“Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law?”……Answer: The key to understanding this issue is knowing that the Old Testament law was given to the nation of Israel, not to Christians. Some of the laws were to reveal to the Israelites how to obey and please God (the Ten Commandments, for example). Some of […]
“What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving?”……Answer: The original thanksgiving celebration was held by the Pilgrim settlers in Massachusetts during their second winter in America in December, 1621. The first winter had killed 44 of the original 102 colonists. At one point their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn […]