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Do Christians And Muslims Really Worship The Same God?

...es in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, Immanual — “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). The Qur’an & Hadith: Allah Remains Hidden Islam strongly denies that Allah can ever become man, be seen, or take form. ❌ Surah 42:51 — “It is not for any human being that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil…” ❌ Surah 112:3 — “He neither begets nor is born.” ❌ Surah 6:103 — “Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives all vision.” However, Hadith literature introduces troubling anthropomorphic imagery, though some Muslim scholars try to say this is only metaphorical despite its literal natur...

Who was the real Santa Claus?

...the Dutch incarnation of St. Nicholas that we get the traditional red outfit and big white beard of Santa Claus. In the Dutch tradition, the Sinterklaas figure wears a red outfit styled after a liturgical vestment and traditional Bishops items, such as the mitre, alb and crosier (a ceremonial shepherd's staff). He also carries a book listing every child who has been good or naughty in the last year, too! While today’s incarnation of Santa Claus may be more mythical and secular than we might like, let's not forget that if it weren’t for an ancient Christian bishop in Turkey, we wouldn’t even have the popular figure! If you're seeking a faith-based approac...

What did Jesus actually sacrifice?

...efore the incarnation? Well, yes. Obviously all the pain and suffering that Jesus had to endure before his death was a big deal, and it showed, as we can see from the Gospels when Jesus says to his disciples that he is “deeply grieved, even to death” (Matt 26:38). Luke 22:42-44‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. We can see from the quote above that Jesus really wasn’t looking forward to this, despite knowing its p...

On the Feast of the Nativity, a sermon by Leo the Great

...In the days leading up to Christmas, I wanted to share a sermon from a man known as Leo the Great (aka Pope Leo I), who was a Pope from 440-61 AD. He was one of the most significant and important men in Christian antiquity, as he tried to combat the heresies which seriously threatened church unity in the West, such as Pelagianism. This sermon of his about the incarnation of Christ and what it means for us has always stuck with me since I first read it last April when writing my own book on the Early Church Fathers. It's not that long, so take the time to read it through and let the words sink in as we prepare for Christmas to remember and celebrate the birth...

Lent Day 21: Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 1-10

...Day Twenty-one: St. Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 1-10 Who: Bishop of Alexandria; Confessor and Doctor of the Church; born c. 296; died 2 May, 373 AD. He was the main defender of orthodoxy in the 4th-century battle against the Arianism heresy. Certain writers received the title “Doctor” on account of the great advantage their doctrine had on the whole Church, Athanasius especially for his doctrine on the incarnation. What: The biography of Anthony the Great’s life, which helped to spread the concept of Christian monasticism, particularly in Western Europe. Why: From the letter’s own prologue: “The life and conversation of our holy Father, A...

Lent Day 22: Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 11-20

...Day Twenty-two: St. Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 11-20 Who: Bishop of Alexandria; Confessor and Doctor of the Church; born c. 296; died 2 May, 373 AD. He was the main defender of orthodoxy in the 4th-century battle against the Arianism heresy. Certain writers received the title “Doctor” on account of the great advantage their doctrine had on the whole Church, Athanasius especially for his doctrine on the incarnation. What: The biography of Anthony the Great’s life, which helped to spread the concept of Christian monasticism, particularly in Western Europe. Why: From the letter’s own prologue: “The life and conversation of our holy Father,...