What is the actual history of the Seven Sacraments?

Benedict XVI, the current “pope” of the Roman Catholic Church, recently ignited a firestorm of controversy by reaffirming the oft-made church claim that salvation is found exclusively in the Roman Church.

Though the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship are common in both the Catholic and Protestant communities of "Christendom, " most people do not realize that this function was unknown to the churches of the apostolic age. Rather, the practice was an innovation that came centuries after the establishment of Christ’s church, and such was wholly without New Testament authority. Noted scholar William Woodson discusses this digression in this month’s Feature article.

This week’s Question & Answer segment addresses concerns regarding the “judging of angels,” the practice of appointing a “Godfather,” and the matter of the Messiah and the “temple” pictured in the book of Ezekiel.

The article discusses the controversial topic of women serving communion in churches, exploring various perspectives on female leadership roles within the church, the interpretation of biblical authority, and the potential implications for church unity.

A puzzling passage that contains great wisdom for church leadership.

Are Christians required to attend the formal worship meetings of their local congregation? There are varying views on this theme that are reflected in fluctuating patterns of church attendance. Let’s take a look at this issue.

The controversy concerning the so-called “Shroud of Turin” comes and goes. Is this piece of cloth, so venerated by the Roman Catholic Church, really the burial shroud of Jesus?

Legal authorities in New York City have fought against “Christian” symbolism in the city’s public schools, while defending the presence of both Jewish and Islamic symbolism. Some see this as an accelerating wave of antagonism against the Christian faith?

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

“Extreme Unction” is one of the so-called “sacraments” of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the action of a priest in applying oil to someone who is at the point of death. The priest reads prayers a...

Critics of the Bible sometimes claim that God once asked Moses to act in a deceitful way when dealing with Pharaoh. Is this accusation fair?

Why did Jesus appear only to his disciples following his resurrection? Would not an appearance to the Jewish or Roman authorities have been more effective?

Spiritual people will feel compassion for the poor. But do we always exercise wisdom in our efforts to help? Let us reflect upon some principles relative to assisting the needy.

News sources report that a recently published document from Roman Catholic scholars attempts to promote a compromise between Jewish and Christian views regarding the Messiah? What is the basis of this ecumenical attempt?

What did Jesus mean in Mark 7:11-12 when he condemned the Pharisees’ practice of “Corban”?

Does it matter how you dress? Should dress be appropriate to the occasion? Most in society feel that it should—within reason. Let’s talk about this for a moment.

Should Christians who are merely “weak” be subject to the disfellowship process?

Rehoboam was a reckless king over the nation of Judah and his folly caused spiritual decay among the Lord’s people. What lessons might one learn from this tragic circumstance in ancient history?