John Shelby Spong, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church, has made a career of being a rogue “priest” who assaults almost everything that is sacred within the Christian religion. His outrageous ideology has been an embarrassment to many of his Anglican kinsmen. This week’s Penpoints focuses upon some of Spong’s theological aberrations.

Here is a simple seven point plan to help one start understanding the Bible and its remarkable message.

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

Is new always better than old? Not always. Some modern trends have had a negative impact on the church.

A single Christian mother seeks advice on dealing with conflicting emotions after having a baby out of wedlock, discussing issues of sin, forgiveness, responsibility, and the importance of love.

In response to a recent article in which we argued that instrumental music in Christian worship is without divine authority, a critic replied by suggesting that we practice many things in Christianity that are bereft of authority. One example he cited was the use of Bible translations. In this week’s Penpoints, we refute this baseless quibble.

In this article, Jason Jackson considers the divine imperative, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it” (Eph. 5:25). A husband, living like God wants him to live, will learn to love his wife according to Christ’s example, giving himself selflessly for her spiritual needs. That is agape — a Christian husband’s eternally rewarding obligation.

The New Testament gives a clear picture of what the church was under the leadership of the Lord’s apostles. The church’s origin was divine; it continues to be subject to the authority of Christ. Should it not be the same today — simply, the church of Christ?

A reader wants to know, “Will only your bunch be saved?” Though the question usually is highly prejudicial, we will elicit two answers — his and ours.

Some allege that voting in elections is a Christian obligation. Others contend that it is an option, but not an obligation? Where does the truth lie? May Christians disagree on this issue without dissension?

The California Supreme Court is one of the most reckless judicial bodies in the nation. Once more it has intruded into, and trampled upon, the right to religious freedom. Consider one of its latest infractions.

Harvard’s noted anti-creationist, Stephen J. Gould, recently died after a lengthy battle with cancer. In this article, Wayne Jackson comments regarding the professor’s controversial legacy.

Is it ever permissible for the Christian to file for bankruptcy? This is not a question that has a simple answer. General biblical principles dealing with finances must be studied carefully.

Jason Jackson explores some guidelines for fulfilling our responsibility to preach the Word abroad.

One of the most fascinating areas of Bible study is that of typology—the study of Scripture “types.”

Are we baptized in the Spirit or in water?

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.

It is time for a return to an era of fidelity that is seasoned with common sense and brotherly concern.