Christianity is viewed by promoters of hate and bigotry as an obstacle. Atheism, however, is not.

According to recent news reports, “Mother” Teresa, the deceased Catholic nun, is on the fast-track toward “sainthood” — a process that usually takes many years. A claim is now being made that the departed “sister” has performed a miracle from the grave.

It is not an uncommon thing that a Bible verse, which seems so simple, can be so deep and brimming with meaning. Such surely is the case with the apostle John’s tender message in 1 John 2:1-2. In this week’s Penpoints, we contemplate this thrilling passage.

The prophet Hosea described ancient Israel’s goodness as like the morning dew. What did he mean by this strange analogy?

The greatest commandment ... love.

It is now urgent that courageous men and women repeat the ancient refrain, “ask for the old paths ... and walk therein ....”

Was Jesus absolutely sinless? What does the evidence actually reveal? If he was sinless, was this necessary in the divine scheme of things? If so, why?

In a marvelous passage designed to inspire confidence in God’s oversight of our lives, Paul affirms that the Holy Spirit assists the Christian in his prayer life.

We are living in a time when the “work ethic” is suffering enormously. More and more people want to do less and less for higher pay.

This article calls for reflection upon the need to be right with God, in view of sudden tragedies.

Why did Paul, who was an apostle, go to Jerusalem in Acts 15 to settle a dispute in the early church.

Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” continues to generate controversy —especially the prolonged scenes of violence. How does this emphasis compare to the Gospel accounts of the death of Christ? Read this week’s Penpoints for a discussion of this matter.

Does God need our service? If not, then why should humanity serve him?

When does one’s expressions of belief become “politically incorrect”? Cartoonist, Johnny Hart, had to answer this question when his recent “B.C.” “Easter” comic strip portrayed an extinguished menorah turning into a cross.

Did Jesus say that the law of Moses including Sabbath observance would last until the end of the world?

Christ taught much about sin, and we would profit from a humble reflection on some of the sayings of Jesus about sin.

In his letter to the Galatians Paul wrote that “in Christ” there is neither “male nor female.” Does this mean that for Christians all gender distinctions have been abolished?

Is someone you love trapped in a cult? This article helps to identify the traits of a cult.

Over the years the folks at C.R.I. (Martin, Hanegraaff, et al.) have lustily pursued debate encounters with a host of cultists. They have engaged the heretical movements in verbal and written battles time and again, and begged for additional conflicts.

Christians recognize that the New Testament Scriptures represent the body of sacred literature to which men are amenable today. But does that mean that we disregard the value of the Old Testament documents? Indeed not. These holy writings contribute to our spiritual well-being in a variety of ways. This week’s Penpoints explores some of these.