Credobaptism in the Early Church: Did Any Theologians Defend It?
Recently, I listened to a podcast on Baptist history. The guest made a striking claim: credobaptism—baptism administered only to those who profess personal faith—was the standard practice for the first 500 years of Christianity. When I heard that, I couldn’t help but think, Is that really true? It sparked a deep dive into the writings of early Church theologians to better understand baptismal practices during this formative period of Christian history.
Living Like Jesus: A Call to Radical Compassion Across Divides
What does it mean to be compassionate? What does it mean to touch the untouchable?
Jesus’ life answers these questions in ways that challenge every norm. He didn’t shy away from the uncomfortable or the controversial. He embraced it, often at great personal cost. His compassion crossed every line—social, religious, and political.
When God’s Answer Isn’t What You Expected
Have you ever prayed for something with all your heart, believing it was the right thing, only to have God answer in a way that left you confused or disappointed? It’s a common experience for those of us who try to align our desires with God’s will, only to discover that His plans often look quite different from what we envisioned.
Would Religion Exist if We Burned All the Books?
On a recent episode of The Wandering Home Podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing Derek Webb. During our conversation, Derek brought up a fascinating quote from Ricky Gervais that sparked some deep reflection.
The Gift of Failure
Nothing seasons our lives quite like failure—if we’re willing to view it the right way. When we sit with our mistakes, accept responsibility for them, and refuse to run from the discomfort, something remarkable happens: we grow. Growth that wasn’t accessible before the fall becomes possible. We can rise again, often as a better version of ourselves.
My Journey to Understanding the Real Presence in the Eucharist
My initial response to the doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist was to push back. Growing up in a Southern Baptist tradition, the idea that Christ was truly present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist felt foreign and unnecessary. I had been taught to see Communion as symbolic, a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice rather than a literal participation in His body and blood.
The Eucharist: More Than a Symbol
The doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, where Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—has deep roots in scripture. It’s a mystery at the heart of Catholic belief that has been reaffirmed for centuries. Yet, this teaching isn’t just based on tradition or theological interpretation; it finds its support directly in the words of Christ and the writings of the Apostle Paul.
The Catholic Canon Part 2 Flavius Josephus: A Complex Figure in Early Jewish History
Flavius Josephus is one of the most frequently cited early historians, especially in discussions about the Protestant biblical canon. Understanding who Josephus was is crucial for anyone who wants to grasp the context of his writings. His perspective was shaped not only by the turbulent events of his time but also by his own personal journey, marked by shifting allegiances and practical decisions for survival.
The Catholic Argument for the Canon: Exploring Scripture, Tradition, and Church Authority
The question of which books should be included in the Bible has been a matter of debate for centuries. For Catholics, the canon includes certain books known as the Deuterocanon, often referred to by Protestants as the “Apocrypha.” While the Protestant tradition typically excludes these books, the Catholic Church has historically embraced them as part of Sacred Scripture. This post will explore the Catholic argument for the canon, tracing the history and reasoning behind the inclusion of these texts, and addressing some common objections.
When Your Past Mistakes Become Someone Else’s Punchline
I recently had a conversation that hit me harder than I expected. Someone who had been deeply hurt by my past mistakes reached out after seeing my blog. They didn’t have kind words. In fact, they told me they thought the entire thing was ridiculous. To make it worse, they said their friends had been texting screenshots of my posts back and forth, laughing about it. Hearing that was like a punch to the gut.