Reflections on “The Case for Christ”

I often get letters from Christian apologists and evangelicals of the fundamentalist stripe. They often challenge me to read some apologetic literature and then decide for myself. I’ve always challenged them in response, telling them to send me some, saying that I would read it. The apologists almost never respond to that offer. So I [...]

The Roman Census, Bethlehem and Nazareth

Many authors have already written about the Roman Census, Bethlehem and other aspects of the “Christmas Story” of Jesus’ birth. Some elements derive completely from folklore and aren’t even mentioned in the bible, other important bits are only mentioned by one gospel writer but not by others, and all of them include historical errors. Prof. [...]

Impassible Suffering Of God; The Theological Arguments After The Counsel of Nicaea

Few periods in the history of Christian thought have received more scholarly attention than the christological debates of the fifth century. In fact, so much interpretive energy has been spent on these controversies that many textbooks report confidently that all relevant questions about the debates have been answered.(1) The controversy, the textbooks imply, was about [...]

Jesus (pbuh) in Extra-Biblical Materials

In the early Church, Christians identified Jesus as Christ. Now, in the modern Church, many consider themselves believers in the Christ of faith (as developed by the teachings of the Church) without believing in the identity of that Christ as the actual, historical person of Jesus. But this distinction between the Christ of faith and [...]

The Figure of Jesus in Popular Islam

THE FIGURE OF JESUS IN POPULAR ISLAM “I have an axe to grind,” said Tarif Khalidi, professor and fellow of the faculty of Oriental Studies at Cambridge University. Speaking at a June 9 panel on religion during ADC’s 18th National Convention, Khalidi addressed the topic of Jesus in the Islamic tradition, which he considers “an [...]

Jesus in Islam

The Islamic view of Jesus lies between two extremes. The Jews, who rejected Jesus as a prophet, called him an imposter, while the Christians, on the other hand, considered him to be the son of God and worship him as such. Islam considers Jesus to be one of the greatest and most forbearing of prophets, [...]

The Jewishness of Jesus

THE FACT THAT JESUS was a Jew has not gone unrecognized. Libraries and bookstores are replete with volumes bearing such titles as Jesus the Jew, The Galilean Jewishness of Jesus, Jesus and the World of Judaism, The Religion of Jesus the Jew, Jesus in His Jewish Context, The Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, and three volumes [...]

Jesus Barabbas and Jesus the Nazorean

Before the attested crucifixion of Jesus, the Roman governor Pilate gave the Jewish people a choice between releasing two characters, the first one was Barabbas, and the second was Jesus who is called the Messiah or the king of Jews. However, early Greece manuscripts of the Matthew Gospel mention the first name of Barabbas; the [...]

The Issue of Mary’s Perpetual Virginity

For Jesus to be sinless, Mary had to be a virgin and born without a father.  This would give Jesus a pure vessel. However, the bible points to many of the brothers and sisters Jesus had.  The History Channels deals with the issue of immaculate conception.

Hajar and Keturah in the Jewish Tradition

The following is taken from the “Jewish Women’s Archive”…my notes will be added in capital letters to further emphasis some points. Keturah was one of Abraham’s wives. The Rabbis describe her as a woman of virtue and for that she was worthy of being joined to that righteous one [Abraham]. The Torah mentions this marriage in [...]

Hajar: Wife or Concubine?

Genesis 25:1 and 1 Chronicles 1:32 are contradictory, because the first passage indicates Keturah was Abraham’s “wife,” while the other says she was “Abraham’s concubine.” Based upon the understanding of some that there is a distinction of the words “wife” (Hebrew ‘ iššâ) and “concubine” (pilegeš) during the monarchic period, even some Bible believers may be [...]

Was Hajar a Slave?

No she was a daugther of a king.  The following is an exerpt from Wikipedia regarding what the Rabbanic (Jewish) Traditions say about her. Rabbinical commentators asserted that Hagar was “Pharaoh’s daughter”. The midrash Genesis Rabbah states it was when Sarah was in Pharaoh’s harem that he gave her his daughter Hagar as slave, saying: [...]

Reflections on Hajar by Martin Luther

Unfortunately, Hagar is also among the first biblical women to experience “use, abuse, and rejection.” ….AS SHE IS  COMMONLY UNDERSTOOD IN CHIRSTAIN AND JEWISH TEXTS.  Not only is Hagar marginalized by her status as a slave, she is further coerced into serving as a surrogate for the barren Sarah. But Hagar’s success only alienates her mistress: she [...]

How was Jesus Killed: Cross or Tree?

Peter’s account:  Jesus was crucified on a tree according to the books of “Acts” and “1 Peter”. Acts 5 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him [...]

Reflections On The Usage Of The Word “Pais”

The following information is taken from the following website http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/pais.html The KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon Strong’s Number: 3816 Original Word Word Origin pai’ß perhaps from (3817) Transliterated Word TDNT Entry Pais 5:636,759 Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech paheece Noun Definition a child, boy or girl infants, children servant, slave an attendant, servant, spec. a [...]

Is Jesus “God’s Son” or “God’s Servant?”

Do you see a difference between these two Bible versions? King James Version Acts 3:25 – Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Acts 3:26 – Unto you first [...]

Jesus as “The Son of the Living God”

MATTHEW’S GOSPEL is UNIQUE among the canonical Gospels in using the epithet “living God.”‘ The first occurrence of the epithet is found in Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi (Matt 16:16b) and the second comes later in Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin (26:63). My primary interest is in the former occurrence, since it presents a unique [...]

Modesty Laws in Judaism Similar to Islam

Muslim women are not the only females who cover themsevles. In fact, if we watch the following clip, we will be able to appreciate what the Jewish laws & history teach us about Modesty (Tziut). One reason to discuss this issue is to understanding why Mary the mother of Jesus was also covering herself up, [...]

For Almost 1,000 Years, The Christian Church emphasized Paradise, Not Crucifixion

Images of Jesus’s Crucifixion did not appear in churches until the tenth century. Why not? This question set us off on a five-year pilgrimage. Initially, we didn’t believe it could be true. Surely the art historians were wrong. The crucified Christ was too important to Western Christ­ianity. How could it be that images of Jesus’ [...]

Does the Bible Teach Jesus was Crucified?

(Please pay special attention to Psalm 91:11-12, 15) Psalm 91 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a] 2 I will say [b] of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will [...]

Was Jesus Crucified According to the Bible?

No he was not crucified….. Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+5%3A7&version=NIV

Was Jesus Christ (pbuh) Really Crucified ?

From The Bible Was Jesus Christ (pbuh) Really Crucified?

The Expression “Son of Man”

Jesus, the Son of Man? The concept of the Son of Man was not known until the time of Jesus. Jesus was the first to introduce this appellation, which was an idea or an expression He used many times in His teaching. Until now however, many of us have assumed that with this expression or [...]

How Jesus and The Prophets Prayed

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will’” (Matthew 26:39). (Psalm 95:6)”O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”, [...]

What The Movie “Passion of Christ” Could Not Hide

This video uses a clip from the passion of Christ; the word manahma is used by Jesus peace be upon him to refer to the praised one. Manama is the seismic pronunciation of Ahmad which means the praised one in Arabic. Mohammed means the most praised.

History of the word “Jesus”

In the New Testament, Jesus is a proper name derived and transliterated (not translated) from an anarthrous (without any definite article) Greek noun Ieesoús, which is pronounced as sounding similar to the Spanish version of Jesus “ee-ay-sooce” or “ee-yay-sooce.” Ieesoús is first used for Joshua in the Septuagint; the Septuagint is a Greek translation of [...]

The Real Jesus

Oldest Bible found in Palestine – Jesus was a servant of God and not God himself or the son of God…

Jesus-The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

It was very clear to the earliest followers of Jesus that Jesus was a prophet like the other prophets who came before him (see Luke 4:24; John 6:14; Jn 9:17). However, the Gospel writers were eager to teach that Jesus was not like other prophets, but that he was the Son of God. In their [...]

Jesus is a Servant of God: Reflection On The Book Of Acts

The book of the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible is an important piece of evidence on the present subject. This book details the activity of the disciples over a period of thirty years after Jesus was raised up. It is important to see what the disciples were saying about Jesus, and what titles [...]

Son or Servent? Reflections on the word “Pais”….

Is Jesus “God’s Son” or “God’s Servant?” Do you see a difference between these two Bible versions? King James Version Acts 3:25 – Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be [...]

The Sacrificial Son – Ishmael or Isaac (Ismail or Ishaq)?

A Bonus Let me start with a bonus before we get into the actual debate of this issue. The Bible states both the sons (Ishmael and Isaac) as sons. Please note:- And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, [...]

Was Mary Really Married To Joseph?

Most Protestants claim that Mary bore children other than Jesus. To support their claim, these Protestants refer to the biblical passages which mention the “brethren of the Lord.” As explained in the Catholic Answers tract Brethren of the Lord, neither the Gospel accounts nor the early Christians attest to the notion that Mary bore other [...]

Prophet Muhammad (animated movie)

This animation is a good tool to learn the basics of the great Prophet’s life. It can used to teach the kids, young people in school, etc. Hope you enjoy (don’t forget to watch in full screen)…

Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet

A tribute to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)

THE LAST PROPHET AND THE QUR’AN IN PREVIOUSLY REVEALED SCRIPTURES

Qur’an 2:146 Those unto whom We (Allah) gave the Scripture recognize (this revelation) as they recognize their sons. But lo! a party of them knowingly conceal the truth. Qur’an 5:15-16 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now hath Our messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which ye used to [...]

Who Is The Awaited Prophet?

God will Put His Words in the Mouth of that Prophet: Generally speaking, this description may apply to any messenger of God who is communicating God’s message to mankind. While that message may come in “written tablets” as is believed to have been the case with Moses, the specific wording of the above verses is [...]

PROOFS OF MUHAMMAD’S PROPHETHOOD IN THE NEW AND OLD TESTAMENT

Prophet Muhammad in the Old Testament Almost all the previous Prophets predicted the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. Despite the changes they have undergone over time, we can still find indications to his coming in the Torah, Psalms and the Gospels. A Prophet from among the brothers of the Israelites who resembles [...]

Dating Jesus’ Jewishness Through Mishnah

Posted by Lois Tverberg How much can we really know about the Jewishness of Jesus? That’s a pretty fundamental question, since the goal of this website is to understand the Jewish background of Christianity. I’ve found some pretty important news in my recent reading, and wanted to share it here. A common approach to studying [...]

Can we call Jesus “Rabbi”?

Is it all right to speak of Jesus as a “rabbi”? Some have suggested that the term may be from after Jesus’ time, so to apply it to Jesus isn’t appropriate. Others have said that Jesus rejected the title because he refused to associated with the religious teachers of his day. What is going on [...]

The Bible According To “Who”

This is an interesting clip on the historical authority of the New Testament. The last part which gives analogy of Hitler and Paul is the most interesting. It raises some serious questions, that all levels of scholarship should seriously consider.

Jesus Christ believes in Prophet Mohammad

Here we have a clip for the movie “Passion of the Christ” which proves that Jesus Christ referred to God as Allah and he was talking about the coming of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Prophet Muhammed Mentioned In The Gospel of St Barnabas

Muslims only believe in the Quran as the true un-edited word of God and anything else you might see is mainly for sheer interest and not divine intervention. The Gospel of St Barnabas was a book that contained the prophecy of Prophet Muhammed PBUH by Prophet Jesus PBUH. The Gospel was said to have been [...]

The Face of Jesus

Here is fairly reliable research work done by a British team of experts, about how Jesus may have broadly looked like in his times. This is unlike the popularized image of Jesus all over the world. The Question we want people to ask is? Has the message of Jesus also changed, like his image?

Is Jesus God?

Muslim and Christians have a small exchange of ideas in this small clip. Enjoy

Jesus Tempted God who cannot be Tempted

Can God be tempted? According the Bible, God can not be tempted. Then how do we explain Jesus temptation by the devil.

Jesus’s Sacrificial Death

If Jesus died for our sins, made himself a sacrifice, so that the original sin can be done away with, this concept does not seem to add up, when one considers that Jesus according Pauline Christians, came back to life. What type of sacrifice is it, when the person will not even really die. So, [...]

Paul and Women

Paul considers the mandatory head covering for church going women to be a symbol of authority over her, while Islam considers the head covering to be the way of womens liberation from being made into “sex objects”. Why do women not cover thier heads anymore and following the teachings of Paul?

Can God Almighty be a man? Is Jesus Christ God?

In this Show I talk with Shaykh Yusuf Estes about the topic can God be a man. Many people in the world today are making God Almighty into idea or a part of his creation and its very important that … In this Show I talk with Shaykh Yusuf Estes about the topic can God [...]

Pork in the Bible, Quran and Science

The Bible prohibits the consumption of pork, in the book of Leviticus “And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you”. “Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you.” [Leviticus [...]

Genesis 16:12: The Grammer of the Verse

]For Torah-literate Jews (and Christians, for that matter), the introduction to Islam takes place at a very early age.  This introduction, which sets the stage for all future opinions, consists of the first reading of Genesis 16:12. This passage makes a statement about Ishmael, the son of Abraham, the brother of Isaac, and — according [...]

The Christmas Tree, and The Bible

The first question that should be asked in regard to this subject is the following: Is there a command anywhere in the Holy Scriptures that a human should cut a tree out of the forest, set it up in one’s home at the time of the Winter Solstice, deck it with trinkets and various decorations, [...]