What is the Walk to Emmaus / Emmaus Walk, and is it biblical?
The Walk to Emmaus (also known as the Emmaus Walk) is a Protestant version of the Roman Catholic Cursillo movement. Cursillo began in the 1940s in Spain and was brought to America the next decade. In the United Methodist Church, Cursillo was called The Upper Room Cursillo until 1981, when its named was changed to…
What is Celtic Christianity?
Celtic Christianity is a modern movement wherein ancient practices that were presumed to be followed in Christianity in the British Isles are integrated into current Christian practice. The community of practitioners is usually centralized within an abbey, although individuals may worship at churches of different denominations (always Protestant; usually liturgical). The claim is that Celtic…
What does the Christian fish symbol mean (ixthus / icthus)?
The Christian fish symbol is one of the most ubiquitous symbols of Christianity. Apart from the cross, the fish symbol is probably the most recognizable symbol of faith. It is found on cars, Bible covers, tattoos, and more. The link between Christ and a simple line drawing of a fish is not readily apparent and…
What is the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church?
The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA or CMA) is a global “movement,” begun in the late 19th century in New York, focused on fulfilling the Great Commission through the local church. As of 1974 the Christian and Missionary Alliance is also officially a denomination, though it retains its focus on overseas missions and planting churches…
What is cultural Christianity?
Cultural Christianity is religion that superficially identifies itself as “Christianity” but does not truly adhere to the faith. A “cultural Christian” is a nominal believer—he wears the label “Christian,” but the label has more to do with his family background and upbringing than any personal conviction that Jesus is Lord. Cultural Christianity is more social…
What is a cowboy church?
“Cowboy Church” is simply an approach to church with an emphasis on cowboy culture. Cowboy churches desire to reach those in the cowboy community (often those involved in the pro rodeo circuit) and hold worship services with a decidedly Western flavor. There have been cowboy churches for the past 50 years or so, but they…
What was the First Great Awakening? What was the Second Great Awakening?
The First Great Awakening (c. 1735-1743) and the Second Great Awakening (c.1795-1830) were theologically significant in that they helped to shape Christian thinking by the intense revivalism they created. Each had leaders who were noteworthy in history, with Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield being two of the prominent names in the First Great Awakening (which…
What is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical?
The Keswick movement, also called the Higher Life movement, is a theological movement that originated in England in the early 19th century. It was heavily influenced by the teachings of John Wesley, John William Fletcher, and Adam Clarke. Since 1875 promoters have organized the annual Keswick Convention. Various Christian leaders have been involved in the…
Are many practices and traditions in Christianity actually pagan in origin?
In their 2008 book Pagan Christianity, authors Frank Viola and George Barna present the surprising origins of many of the practices commonly found in churches today. The authors of Pagan Christianity claim that many common church practices / traditions actually have their roots in paganism (non-Christian religions), not in the Bible. But is it accurate…
What is Puritanism and what did the Puritans believe?
The Puritans were a widespread and diverse group of people who took a stand for religious purity in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries in Europe. Their rise was directly related to the increased knowledge that came to the common people in the Age of Enlightenment. As people learned to read and write, and as…