Muhammad—The Prophet of Islam

The continual use of Muhammad’s name among Muslims indicates their deep respect and reverence for him. Whether it’s spoken by worshipers in mosques, uttered by those in need, whispered by the sick and dying, or even invoked by soldiers in moments of danger, his name carries significant weight in all aspects of Muslim life. It…

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Cicada Mania

Newspapers and other media around the US recently have been filled with discussions of an exceptional insect—cicadas. Broods or groups of some cicadas are called periodical cicadas. Their unique life cycles occur only in the Eastern United States in various geographic regions even though 3000 species of cicadas occur worldwide. Entomologists have determined that the US broods are composed of seven…

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The Teachings of the Spirits

The teachings of the spirits have been a subject of fascination and intrigue for many. Their teachings relate to God, Jesus, humankind, sin, salvation, heaven, and hell. These teachings are transmitted through human spiritists. Interestingly, there is a global consistency in the core doctrinal themes shared by spirits from different parts of the world. The…

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Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Doctrine of Jesus

Jesus was created billions of years ago as the archangel Michael. So says the Watchtower Society of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Michael (Jesus) was supposedly created first and then used by God to create everything else in the universe. Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge Jesus as a “mighty god” but reject the notion that He is God Almighty,…

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Wasted Opportunity

Last night I had one of my (thankfully) rare sleepless nights. I lay in my bed for hours bemoaning my wakeful state, and worrying about how I would cope with tomorrow on no sleep. What is a wasted opportunity? But, as so often happens, this morning the Holy Spirit slapped me upside my head (an idiom…

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The Quran—The Scriptures of Islam

What are the Scriptures of Islam? In the Islamic world, reverence for the Quran is deep and abiding. The Quran is held in the highest esteem in every Muslim household, often called the “Mother of Books.” Its importance is emphasized from birth to death, as it is the first and last recitation for many Muslims.…

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A Christian Assessment of Psychics and Ghosts

We have considered the methodology that psychics use when they do readings. We have found that in many cases they “fish” for information. At other times they cheat by deriving information beforehand. But some psychics are in genuine contact with demonic spirits. Regardless of how they operate, there is insurmountable evidence of their dismal rate…

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Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is neither a person nor God. So says the Watchtower Society. Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal “active force” used by God to accomplish His will in the world.  What is the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ view of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is compared to…

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Create in Me a Pure Heart

Treason, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “1. The offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injury the sovereign or the sovereign’s family; 2. The betrayal of a trust.” Little wonder that in the United States the punishment…

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