Culture

Explore all 30 articles about Culture.

Culture

Does The Lord of the Rings series have Christian themes?

The Lord of the Rings is a wonderful series with wisdom and beauty in the characterizations and the writing. But the world Tolkien created was not meant to be a Christian world and should not be interpreted as such.

Culture

How did the peace sign originate?

The peace sign most likely started as a protest symbol against nuclear armament. While the sign is not a Christian symbol, Christians are called to be peacemakers in all times and situations.

Culture

How does God view illegal immigration?

Scripture reveals God’s compassion for immigrants without rewriting modern immigration law. Christians are called to obey earthly authorities while remembering that true citizenship is in heaven.

Culture

How should a Christian view Harry Potter?

Harry Potter can be enjoyed as a fantasy story about good versus evil, but its use of occult themes gives many Christians pause. Harry Potter does give a powerful picture of redemption, but we need to seek God for how we can honor Him with our entertainment choices.

Culture

How should a Christian view refugees?

Christians should view refugees as image-bearers of God who should be treated with dignity. Personal treatment of refugees is not synonymous with government policy toward them.

Culture

Is John Milton's Paradise Lost biblically accurate?

Paradise Lost fills in the Bible’s silences with poetic imagination, not new doctrine. Milton’s details are fictional, but his theology is in line with Scripture—so enjoy the poem, and trust the Bible for the truth.

Culture

Is Todd Bentley of Fresh Fire Ministries a biblical teacher? Was the Lakeland, Florida revival biblical?

Todd Bentley’s dramatic claims at the 2008 Lakeland revival drew huge attention, but his immoral actions and unbiblical teachings show he is not a trustworthy spiritual leader. True biblical miracles are verifiable and God-honoring, while Bentley’s ministry relied on unverifiable signs and failed to produce the fruit of genuine Christ-centered ministry.

Culture

Is contemporary Christian music honoring to God?

Contemporary Christian music is a broad category of Christian music. Style doesn’t determine holiness—biblical lyrics, a focus on God, and a desire for genuine worship does.

Culture

Is it okay for a Christian to pledge of allegiance to the flag?

Christians may pledge allegiance to a flag as a form of respect and a promise to be a good citizen. However, a believer’s primary allegiance should always be to God.

Culture

Is the Divine Comedy/Dante's Inferno biblically accurate?

Though creative, Dante's Divine Comedy is a work of fiction, not a source for accurate biblical theology. The Bible alone offers a clear way to know God and spend eternity with Him.

Culture

Is the Zeitgeist movie true?

The Zeitgeist movie is not true and has been widely discredited by experts in history, religion and science. While not a reliable source of information, it may appeal to those captivated by conspiracy theories.

Culture

Is the saying 'idle hands are the Devil's workshop' biblical?

The saying “idle hands are the Devil’s workshop” isn’t in the Bible, but its principle is biblical—idleness can lead to sin while work is a God-given gift. Living with purpose, whether in work or rest, honors God and keeps us from temptation.

Culture

Jesus Camp – What is it?

Jesus Camp is a 2006 documentary exposing the Pentecostal children’s camp “Kids on Fire,” where some biblical teaching was mixed with heavy emotionalism and unbiblical ideas. It serves as a cautionary reminder that even Christian programs must be evaluated by Scripture.

Culture

Jesus Christ Superstar - Is the rock opera biblical?

Jesus Christ Superstar contains theological problems and misrepresents Jesus and other Bible figures. The best source to learn about Jesus is God’s Word.

Culture

The "church of Oprah"—What is it? Is Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth consistent with biblical Christianity?

Oprah’s influence is huge, but there’s no actual “church of Oprah.” Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth, promoted by Oprah, blends New Age ideas that conflict with biblical Christianity.

Culture

The National Day of Prayer – What is it?

The National Day of Prayer was established in the U.S. in 1952 and annually observed as a day for Americans to pray for their country and government. For Christians, the National Day of Prayer is a meaningful opportunity to pray sincerely and publicly to the one true God.

Culture

The Thomas Jefferson Bible – What is it?

Thomas Jefferson created his own version of Jesus by cutting out miracles, deity, and the resurrection from the Gospels, keeping only what fit his rationalism. Removing the supernatural results in a Jesus who cannot save.

Culture

The Urantia Book – What is it?

The Urantia Book claims to be spiritual revelation from celestial beings, revealing mysteries of God, the universe, history, Jesus, and humanity. However, the book is not compatible with biblical doctrine, nor is it authentic.

Culture

Was Nostradamus a prophet of God?

Nostradamus was a sixteenth-century French pharmacist who became known for writing mysterious poems that some have treated as prophecies. Nostradamus was not a true prophet because his writings fail to point people to God and were not perfectly accurate.

Culture

What are the Jesus Papers?

The Jesus Papers is a 2006 book written by Michael Baigent, which argued that hidden documents revealed that Jesus did not die on the cross but lived for years after in marriage with Mary Magdalene in the South of France. The novel is based on unfounded conspiracy theories, not legitimate historical accounts.

Culture

What can we learn from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan?

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan and published in 1678 with Part Two published in 1684. Reading the Scriptures brought to life in Bunyan's fictional telling often helps readers grasp biblical truths in new ways.

Culture

What is Red Letter Christians?

Red Letter Christians is an organization that purports to be apolitical but connects Jesus’ words, especially from the Sermon on the Mount, to political causes. Emphasizing one part of the Bible to the exclusion of others is problematic.

Culture

What is The Bible Project?

The Bible Project is a nonprofit animation studio that brings Scripture to life through creative, accessible videos and resources. The Bible Project helps people see the Bible as one unified story and makes study and understanding accessible for all.

Culture

What is The Gospel Coalition?

The Gospel Coalition (TGC) is a network of evangelical churches and pastors in the Reformed tradition who focus on preparing the next generation for gospel-centered ministry. While secondary theological debates exist, its core mission is uniting Christians around gospel-centered teaching and ministry.

Culture

What is a Christian response to illegal aliens/illegal immigrants?

Christians should follow the laws of the land, while also showing the love of Christ to illegal immigrants.

Culture

What is a Christian response to the negativity rampant in society?

Christians should expect life to involve struggles and troubles but should not succumb to negativity because of that. Christians have eternal hope in Christ through whom we are renewed and strengthened.

Culture

What is the meaning of a scarlet letter?

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s nineteenth century fictional novel The Scarlet Letter popularized the term “scarlet letter” as a symbol of shame for sin. Those who accept Christ as Savior, though, have been released from the shame of sin and can walk in newness of life with Christ.

Culture

Who were the Jesus freaks? What was the Jesus Movement?

The “Jesus freaks” were passionate believers of the 1960s–70s Jesus Movement who found true meaning in Christ amid countercultural disillusionment. Their bold, joy-filled faith sparked a revival that reshaped worship, evangelism, and modern American Christianity.

Culture

Why do televangelist scandals seem commonplace?

Televangelist scandals seem common because human sinfulness affects everyone, even those in ministry, and the public spotlight magnifies their failures. While some exploit their platform for greed or pride, the real issue isn’t televangelism itself—it’s the heart.

Culture

Why do we say 'God bless you' in response to a sneeze?

Saying “God bless you” after a sneeze likely began as a superstition to protect someone’s health, but it’s perfectly fine for Christians to use it today as a sincere expression of care. The Bible encourages blessing others in God’s name, so saying “God bless you” with meaning honors God rather than trivializes Him.