Search — Theology Explorer

Is Loan Forgiveness Moral or Immoral?: Is it biblical for a Christian to file for student loan forgiveness? I attended college in my 20s and racked up 20k in student loans. The balance is currently at 16k. Biden's student loan forgiveness plan would really help, but would I be "taking the easy way out" when I'm able-bodied to pay off the remainder over time myself? Would it be selfish and irresponsible, or a blessing, to accept the aid?

Q&A question: Is Loan Forgiveness Moral or Immoral?

forgiveness

Matthew 1 Corinthians 8:3 1 Corinthians 8 Jesus Matthew 1 Corinthians 8:3

Does God Not Knowing a Soul Mean They Never Loved Him?: Through 1 Corinthians 8:3, we know that whoever loves God is known by Him. Thus, would you agree that Jesus saying “I never knew you” in Matthew 7 is the equivalent of Him saying “You never loved Me”?

Q&A question: Does God Not Knowing a Soul Mean They Never Loved Him?

About the Patriarchs’ Ages in Genesis: Were the biological ages of the Patriarchs from Adam to Noah congruent with their chronological ages? At 900 years old, were they biologically 90? How long do you think they spent in childhood?

Q&A question: About the Patriarchs’ Ages in Genesis

Genesis Genesis

Was Sacrificing to Molech Similar to Abortion?: Was Molech child sacrifice similar to abortion in that a key purpose was to get rid of unwanted babies born (most often) of sexual sin? Ezekiel 16: 20-21(NKJV) clearly links the practice to fornication.

Q&A question: Was Sacrificing to Molech Similar to Abortion?

Ezekiel abortion Ezekiel

How Much Should we Desire Marriage?: How fervently should I pray for the possibility of marriage being included in God’s will for my life? It has always felt pointless considering that it's likely God may not ever give it in my life.

Q&A question: How Much Should we Desire Marriage?

marriage

Colossians 1 Jesus Colossians 1

How Will Jesus Reconcile All Things in Heaven?: In Colossians 1: 20, Paul says that Jesus reconciles all things to Himself, both in Heaven and on Earth. What does it mean for Jesus to reconcile all things in Heaven?

Q&A question: How Will Jesus Reconcile All Things in Heaven?

Matthew Matthew 28 Matthew Matthew 28

Am I Called to Global Missions?: Is Matthew 28: 18-20 a calling for all Christians to leave their respective countries to share the Gospel, or just some? How can I tell if I am to leave my home country to share the Gospel?

Q&A question: Am I Called to Global Missions?

Should We Celebrate Friends’ “Out of Wedlock” Pregnancies?: I have some Christian friends who have gotten pregnant out of wedlock, and I feel like they expect you to react just the same as if they were married. What’s the right response in this situation?

Q&A question: Should We Celebrate Friends’ “Out of Wedlock” Pregnancies?

Romans 5 Matthew 12 Matthew Romans 5 Jesus Matthew 12

Is it Possible to be “Good”?: “Good Man”? Jesus said there is none good but God in Luke 18: 19, Mathew 19: 17, and Mark 10: 18. But, in Acts 11: 24 it talks about a Good Man. Also in Matthew 12: 35, Proverbs 13: 22, and Romans 5:7 (NIV).

Q&A question: Is it Possible to be “Good”?

About Moral, Civil & Ceremonial Laws: Why do we differentiate between moral, ceremonial, and civil law? Meaning, who decided the moral law was to be continued but not the other two types?

Q&A question: About Moral, Civil & Ceremonial Laws

1 Samuel 28 Abraham Samuel salvation

About Abraham’s Bosom & King Saul’s Salvation: Does 1 Samuel 28: 19 disprove the theological idea of “Abraham’s Bosom,” or could we perhaps assume that King Saul was saved?

Q&A question: About Abraham’s Bosom & King Saul’s Salvation

Matthew 5 Matthew Philo Matthew 5 Matthew

Can Only God be Perfect?: As a philosopher, I want to say that only God is (or can possibly be) perfect. How do I reconcile this with Matthew 5: 48?

Q&A question: Can Only God be Perfect?

A Family Attending Different Churches: Is it okay to go to different churches while being under the same household? My family goes to a Pentecostal church, but I prefer a Baptist one.

Q&A question: A Family Attending Different Churches

Should We Require a Sign from God Before Belief?: How would you respond if someone you love said something like, "I won't believe in any God unless He performs a supernatural miracle right in from of me”?

Q&A question: Should We Require a Sign from God Before Belief?

miracles

Is Satan Omnipresent?: I was asked if Satan was omnipresent. I said no, but was met with some push back. What are some good Bible verses to prove why Satan is not omnipresent and why this attribute is exclusive to God?

Q&A question: Is Satan Omnipresent?

Satan

Does the Opportunity for Repentance Expire?: Is there a point in someone's life when they can't repent anymore (like Esau)?

Q&A question: Does the Opportunity for Repentance Expire?

repentance

Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?: My mom likes to “take communion over people” when they need prayer as if it does something extra special or gives her favor in prayer. It seems like this isn’t right or biblical. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?

prayer communion

Daniel 12 Daniel Daniel 12 Daniel

What is being Awaken from in Daniel 12?: In Daniel 12:2 what are they "awakening" from?

Q&A question: What is being Awaken from in Daniel 12?

Discerning What is Vanity in our Appearance: How do you discern what is vanity and what is not? Is wanting to "fix" appearances always vanity? Examples: covering scars with tattoos or having rhinoplasty to "fix" an appearance after a broken nose.

Q&A question: Discerning What is Vanity in our Appearance

tattoos

Does the Bible Refer to Men as Virgins, or Only Women?: Why are women in the Bible referred to as virgins, but not men? It makes it seem as though sexual purity was only important for women, but not for men. I know that’s not true, but would love clarity.

Q&A question: Does the Bible Refer to Men as Virgins, or Only Women?

sexual ethics

Surprise Bonus Q!

Q&A question

Can We Resist Sin Without the Spirit?: How were the disciples able to follow Jesus and resist sin without the Spirit indwelling them? Is it possible to be a Christian without the Spirit?

Q&A question: Can We Resist Sin Without the Spirit?

Jesus

Help with the Hiddenness of God: The hiddenness (and silence) of God is causing me doubts. Is there any advice or help you can offer (such as that God is silent now because revelation has been completed with the New Testament)?

Q&A question: Help with the Hiddenness of God

revelation revelation

A Young Pastor being Disrespected: I am a young pastor of a church with people mostly in their 60s and 70s. My staff often micromanages me, corrects me in public, and treats me like a grandchild instead of their pastor. Any advice?

Q&A question: A Young Pastor being Disrespected

pastoral ministry

Is Christian Nationalism Biblical?: Is Christian nationalism in the sense of theocracy a scriptural concept?

Q&A question: Is Christian Nationalism Biblical?

God’s Judgment vs. Justice: How are God's judgment (him being a judge who carries out consequences) and His justice (establishing order) different if He uses His judgment to apply justice? Or can you explain His judgment vs. His justice?

Q&A question: God’s Judgment vs. Justice

Are Batchelor Parties Always Sinful?: I am attending a bachelor party and I have a Christian co-worker who said "Christians shouldn't go to bachelor parties." How would you response to this? All at the party profess to be Christians.

Q&A question: Are Batchelor Parties Always Sinful?

Are Rapture Dreams Truly from God?: What are your thoughts on Christians that have “rapture dreams” claiming that the rapture will be soon? Do you think these are from God, or just a result of all of the end times talk that has ramped up lately?

Q&A question: Are Rapture Dreams Truly from God?

rapture eschatology

Was Aaron Punished In Place of Moses?: In the book of Numbers, why did God punish Aaron for unbelief when Moses is the one who struck the rock?

Q&A question: Was Aaron Punished In Place of Moses?

Moses Aaron

Overcoming Addictions: I struggle with an addiction to nicotine and caffeine. There are no rehab centers for these. What do I do? I know its sinful, but I need help to overcome. I can’t be a slave to two masters.

Q&A question: Overcoming Addictions

addiction

How Were Jesus’ Words Translated?: Did the synoptic writers translate Jesus’ words from Aramaic to Greek? Does that partially explain why they don’t match each other exactly, because they translated to best explain His teaching?

Q&A question: How Were Jesus’ Words Translated?

Jesus

Matthew Matthew 6 Matthew Matthew 6

Will the Father Not Forgive Us?: Matthew 6: 14-15 says we should forgive others of their trespasses or our Father will not forgive us of ours. But the Bible also says that all of our sins have been atoned for on the cross. Can you explain?

Q&A question: Will the Father Not Forgive Us?

1 Peter 3 Peter Jesus 1 Peter 3

Is Typology Only About Jesus?: Is typology only ever about Jesus? If so, how do we explain the type/antitype in 1 Peter 3: 21? If not, how do we tell true vs. false types when "no new theology" can come from typology?

Q&A question: Is Typology Only About Jesus?

Christ’s Law vs. the Moral Law: What is Christ’s law, and how is it different from the 10 commandments which many argue is the moral law we are to keep to this day?

Q&A question: Christ’s Law vs. the Moral Law

Do Our Spiritual Gifts Ever Change?: As believers, are we given a static set of spiritual gifts, or are our gifts more dynamic in nature so that God adds to and/or subtracts from them according to our season of life or our maturity in Him?

Q&A question: Do Our Spiritual Gifts Ever Change?

spiritual gifts

Should We Date Unbelievers for Evangelism?: My cousin is dating someone who is not a Christian in the hopes that they will get saved. Is this okay to do?

Q&A question: Should We Date Unbelievers for Evangelism?

angels

If My Own Child Comes Out…: What is your take on what we should say when unbelievers ask, “What would you do if your child came out to be gay?” Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Q&A question: If My Own Child Comes Out…

homosexuality

Avoiding Distraction in Prayer: What is the best way to focus on God? Do you know of any techniques for this? While I'm praying, I try to focus on God, but I always seem to get distracted.

Q&A question: Avoiding Distraction in Prayer

prayer

Can We Wear Cross Jewelry?: What are your thoughts about wearing cross jewelry?

Q&A question: Can We Wear Cross Jewelry?

Am I Doing Enough in Marriage?: My wife works very hard, long hours. She frequently comes home exhausted and stressed. My job is fairly stress-free, and I work from home. I feel like I’m not doing enough for her. What should I do?

Q&A question: Am I Doing Enough in Marriage?

marriage

How to Glorify God at All Times: If Scripture tells me to glorify God in all I do, how can I glorify God when doing things like taking a math class, playing checkers, eating a meal, listening to Beethoven, etc., if these things are "morally neutral"?

Q&A question: How to Glorify God at All Times

“My Yoke is Easy” vs. “Take Up Your Cross”?: I’m confused about why Jesus says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden” but then instructs us to pick up our cross (of suffering?) and follow Him. That sounds like a heavy burden to me, to try to love and obey Jesus perfectly.

Q&A question: “My Yoke is Easy” vs. “Take Up Your Cross”?

Jesus suffering

Trusting God’s Will for our Loved Ones: We are supposed to trust God with all our hearts. But what does it look like to trust God with the free will decisions of others, like our adult children?

Q&A question: Trusting God’s Will for our Loved Ones

free will

Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?: What is your take on Christian pastors practicing and teaching dream interpretation using dream dictionaries, Google, and their own reasoning to interpret?

Q&A question: Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?

pastoral ministry

Was Christianity Made Up to Control People?: What do you say to a skeptic that thinks Christianity is just a man-made thing created as a means to control people?

Q&A question: Was Christianity Made Up to Control People?

apologetics

Is Monarchy Unbiblical?: I’ve been thinking about this question a lot since Queen Elizabeth died last month, but I’ve had it for a while. Does 1 Samuel 8:6-7 teach that monarchy is unbiblical?

Q&A question: Is Monarchy Unbiblical?

Samuel

Does Satan Think He’ll Win in the End?: How can Satan, an angel much smarter than us, be so unwise as to oppose an all-powerful God? Does Satan think he stands a chance of winning in the end?

Q&A question: Does Satan Think He’ll Win in the End?

Satan angels