Introduction In cases where I am called on to review a thesis or dissertation, I hesitate, frequently decline, and (with rare exceptions) I feel fear, then ultimately despair at the puerile paucity of knowledge that is contained in poorly invested, investigated, and roughly researched papers that aspire to the title and name of thesis—yet have …
Freedom of religion is a centuries-old expression. In most cases freedom of religion does not exist. It is not accepted by SCOTUS or most courts or jurists. It is not enshrined in the nation, nor in separate states. At best it is a buzzword, but in reality freedom of religion is a fantasy that has enchained …
Blue Ridge Coalition of Reason reached out to Virginia for tolerance and the democratic way of life with liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Guided by principles of reason, the Coalition’s message met with violence and the worse elements in Virginia’s Roanoke society who reject the First Amendment of the Constitution of the USA and it promise of freedom of expression and freedom to worship or not worship as the citizen choses.
There are two verses in the Gospel of Matthew that are directed to tombs opening, dead are brought back to life waiting for Jesus. Today we call such phenomena “zombies” and there are theologians who discount their existence, but in the South Baptist group of seminaries, teachers, researchers, and students are told to accept their existence as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus. The question is if this is an isolated case in theological history or one more plagiarism fitted into the Bible.
A serpent in a garden has been a common theme of world religions. Most see the serpent as a god offering wisdom to mortals. This is not the case in Genesis, but the serpent is created out of numerous older theologies, and for a special reason: changing the stories to create a unique tale to meet the writers’ goals.