What are teraphim?
The word teraphim comes from the Hebrew word hatterapim that in the Bible usually refers to household idols or family gods. We first see this word in Genesis 31:19 when Rachel stole her father’s household idols as she fled with her husband and family back to Jacob’s homeland. Throughout the Bible, teraphim is used in…
What does the Bible say about religion?
Religion, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is “the belief in and worship of a god or gods, or any such system of belief and worship.” The Bible refers to religion in several places. Recalling his time as a Pharisee, Paul relates how he belonged to “the strictest sect of our religion” (Acts 26:5). Festus calls…
What is the definition of religion?
More than 80 percent of the world subscribes to some “religion”; one might expect the word to have a straightforward meaning. Yet there is no universally accepted definition of the term religion. Religions take fundamentally different approaches to truth, Scripture, behavior, and reason. The same is true of a host of other concepts, such as…
Are all religions the same?
The English writer and poet Steve Turner, in his short work called “The Creed,” answers the question of whether all religions are equivalent in this way: “We believe that all religions are basically the same At least the one that we read was. They all believe in love and goodness. They only differ on matters…
What is the meaning of the ankh symbol?
In ancient Egyptian mythology, the ankh was a symbol of eternal life. The shape of the ankh resembles a capital T with a loop connected to the top. The ankh could also be described as a cross with the top arm replaced by an upside-down teardrop shape. In hieroglyphics, the ankh is frequently seen being…
How can I recognize a false teacher / false prophet?
Jesus warned us that “false Christs and false prophets” will come and will attempt to deceive even God’s elect (Matthew 24:23-27; see also 2 Peter 3:3 and Jude 17-18). The best way to guard yourself against falsehood and false teachers is to know the truth. To spot a counterfeit, study the real thing. Any believer…
What is the significance of a sideways cross?
There is a fashion trend today that involves a sideways cross, often worn on a necklace. The cross is the same shape as a “normal” Latin cross, except it is situated horizontally. Several celebrities have taken to wearing the sideways cross, which has added to its appeal. As for what the sideways cross means, there…
What is the hand of Hamsa?
The Hamsa (also spelled Khamsa) is a Middle Eastern amulet supposedly symbolizing the “Hand of God.” The Hamsa is shaped like an open hand and is used as a good-luck charm to ward off the evil eye and other curses. The amulet is believed by some to attract happiness, wealth, and good fortune. The Hamsa…
With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct?
There is no doubt that the number of different religions in the world makes it a challenge to know which one is correct. First, let’s consider some thoughts on the overall subject and then look at how one might approach the topic in a manner that can actually get to a right conclusion about God.…
What is the Abrahamic Family House?
The Abrahamic Family House is an interfaith enterprise inaugurated in February 2023 on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The location is home to three worship centers: the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, the His Holiness Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. Each of these structures is built of equal size to the others, and…