Being Catholic doesn't mean that I spend all day praying, listening to Christian music, and watching EWTN. When I travel, I visit museums as part of my must-see list. On previous trips I didn't look forward to seeing religious paintings at all, but to my own surprise, they were what captivated me the most.
Some of my favorites museums are the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. But if you want to admire Catholic religious art, the Museo del Prado is, in my opinion, the best, because I found the greatest collection of paintings and some of the most famous ones I am familiar with (and Spanish is spoken there, which is a bonus for me).
Religious Art Teaches Us
About Our Faith
It is fascinating to see how the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints have inspired artists for centuries. Such art has inspired men and women to be more faithful to the teachings of our Lord.
It is amazing to be able to visualize the truths Jesus taught through religious paintings made by talented artists; even more, when you contemplate the original images firsthand you can find meaning behind every masterpiece.
If you have been in museums where sacred art is exhibited, you will agree how exciting it is to be in front of religious art that we normally see only in pictures, prayer cards, reproductions, books, and other media. You can stare at these paintings for a long time without getting bored.
The almost supernatural talent of these artists is amazing. Some of my favorites are Murillo, Velázquez, Rubens, El Greco, and Goya. And many of these paintings are gigantic.
of the size of some paintings. I am standing in front of "Raft of the Medusa,"
at the Louvre, a 16×24 foot painting by Théodore Géricault.
Without pretending to give you a religious art class, I am simply going to share some feedback on my own impressions and experience of these masterpieces, plus some basic interpretation of twelve of my favorite paintings.
My Top 12 Favorite Religious Paintings and Their Meanings
If you are looking for some divine inspiration in a not-so-Catholic world, let me share some of my favorite religious art, which was painted from the 14th through the 18th centuries. It is hard to pick only a dozen because there are so many magnificent ones that I like just as well, but I managed to select twelve:
1. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
(La Ultima Cena de Leonardo da Vinci)
First of all, I was surprised that this was not a framed painting, but a mural that measures 15 × 29 feet. It doesn't have the vibrant colors and high resolution that we are used to seeing in reproduced prints.
Da Vinci's The Last Supper is inside the Dominican convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. In order to preserve this masterpiece the room temperature must be controlled, so a maximum of 25 people can enter the refectory every 15 minutes. They don't let you take pictures, but there is a framed replica outside the main room which you are allowed to photograph.
This painting is about the betrayal of Christ and the institution of the Eucharist. Jesus has just declared that one of the twelve will betray him. Da Vinci depicts the reaction of each disciple to the news. The apostles are arranged in four groups of three with Chris in the center as the focal point with his body in the form of a triangle, symbolic of the Trinity. He provides calmness and stability in contrast to the astonished expressions of the apostles.
Obviously, this mural by Leonardo da Vinci has inspired innumerable Catholics over the course of time, for I have seen a reproduction in almost every Catholic dining room. I think it is the first famous painting that I remember seeing in my childhood.
In addition to the meaning, the sense of depth is one of the details that I admire in this masterpiece; and I learned that Leonardo had no surname and that is why he is called "da Vinci", meaning "of Vinci."
2. Christ Crucified by Velázquez
(Cristo Crucificado de Velázquez)
Here is a serene representation of Christ after death by a Spanish artist from Sevilla named Diego Velázquez. It measures 98 x 67 inches.
Velázquez's Christ Crucified depicts Christ with a body of classical proportions, representing the perfect man, while blood drips slowly from his wounds, down his body and the wood of the cross, transmitting a feeling of solitude, silence, and rest, rather than showing the agony of Christ's passion.
This is definitely a devotional painting that invites silence and meditation.
3. The Adoration of the Shepherds by El Greco
(La Adoración de los Pastores de El Greco)
The artist's real name was Doménikos Theotokópoulos, but he is known by his nickname, "El Greco." (He was a Greek with Spanish citizenship). He was born in Crete but lived most of his life in Spain, and it is said that he, more than other painters, was able to capture the Spanish devotion to religion.
His painting, The Adoration of the Shepherds, is in El Prado, and measures 126 × 71 inches. It is one of the most-visited images, as I learned from a tour guide.
It shows us the wonder on the faces of the shepherds as they contemplate the luminous image of the Christ Child, whom the Virgin reveals with great tenderness. The kneeling shepherd, who is adoring with reverently folded hands, might be a self-portrait portraying El Greco’s increasing devotion.
If you have seen this painting firsthand, you will agree that the vibrant colors of the figures' garments are one of the features that captivate the most, as well as the dramatic use of light that emanates from Baby Jesus, making the scene look so real.
4. The Angelus by Millet
The Angelus by Jean-François Millet is located in Musée d'Orsay in Paris, and measures 21.9 × 26 inches.
The subject is beautiful: a man and a woman are reciting the Angelus in a quiet field. Because they have paused in the middle of working, all the tools of their labor–a potato fork, basket, sacks, and a wheelbarrow–are right beside them.
Millet said: "The idea for The Angelus came to me because I remembered that my grandmother, hearing the church bell ringing while we were working in the fields, always made us stop work to say the Angelus prayer for the poor departed."
Unless you are a member of a religious order, taking a break to pray and thank God isn't always practical, especially if you work in an office. I work for The Catholic Company, and that is one of the benefits here: employees gather at noon voluntarily to pray the Angelus.
5. The Tears of Saint Peter by El Greco
(Las Lágrimas de San Pedro de El Greco)
Catholic art refers to works created by or for Catholics. Iconography, sculpture, ornamental art, applied art, and architecture are all considered visual arts.
Artistic creations might or might not make an effort to exemplify, complement, or otherwise concretely portray Catholic teaching. The influence of the Catholic Church on Western art can be traced back to at least the fourth century.
Art created by Catholics has traditionally focused on depictions of Jesus Christ and his followers (the apostles and saints) as well as scenes and symbols from the Bible.
As the Western Church embraced a more realistic aesthetic, a renaissance of Romanesque and Gothic art unfolded.
In response to the new waves of image destruction sparked by the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the Catholic Church adopted the dramatic, emotive Baroque and Rococo styles, which placed an emphasis on beauty as something transcendental.
Famous Catholic Paintings
1. The Conversion of Saint Paul – Caravaggio
The Odescalchi Balbi Collection in Rome is home to the painting “The Conversion of Saint Paul” (also known as “The Conversion of Saul”), which was completed by the Italian painter Caravaggio.
Caravaggio did at least two paintings on the same subject, the Conversion of Paul. Another one is at the Cerasi Chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo and it’s called “The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Road to Damascus.”
The scene depicted in the painting depicts the time when Saul of Tarsus, who was traveling to Damascus with the intention of destroying the Christian community there, was blinded by a brilliant light and heard the voice of Christ saying, “I will see you in Damascus.” “Saul, Saul, for what reason do you persecute me”
And others who were with me did, in fact, see the light, and they were terrified by it; however, they did not hear the voice…” (Acts 22:6-11).
Elsewhere Paul asserts that he had a vision in which he encountered Christ, and it is on the basis of this experience that he grounds his claim to be acknowledged as an Apostle: “Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (First Chapter Nine Verse)
2. The Calling of St Matthew – Caravaggio
It is impossible to find another artist who can match Caravaggio’s ability to portray the contrast between light and dark.
By the year 1600, he had finished his masterpiece, titled The Calling of St. Matthew, which portrays the stirring biblical scenario in which Jesus summons Matthew to follow him and become a disciple.
Also Read: Famous Biblical Paintings
The artwork is admired not only for its extraordinary realism but also for the subjects’ ability to convey their feelings so openly.
Matthew, who is eating at a table full of Roman tax collectors, an activity that was looked down upon by Jews at the time, is the target of Jesus’ pointing finger.
Matthew’s look in this painting is one of surprise at Jesus’ request because of the negative connotation that was attached to tax collectors in Jewish culture.
3. Our Lady of Confidence – Carlo Maratta
The Lateran Basilica is home to a revered figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary called variously as Our Lady of Confidence, La Madonna della Fiducia, and Our Lady of Trust. Every year, on the sabbath before the start of Lent, Christians celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Confidence.
On 14 October 1838, at the request of the Roman seminarians, Pope Gregory XVI authorized Cardinal Carlo Odescalchi to bestow a canonical coronation upon the figure. Also, Pope Pius X had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary in this role.
Carlo Maratta painted the original and presented it to Chiara Isabella Fornari, a young noblewoman who would go on to become the abbess of the Convent of the Poor Clares in Todi, Italy.
In Todi, the statue was revered as the “Refugium peccatorum,” which translates to “Refuge of Sinners.”
4. The Elevation of the Cross – Peter Paul Rubens
Both a massive oil on panel triptych and a more modest oil on paper work bear the title The Elevation of the Cross (also known as The Raising of the Cross).
Each was painted by Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish artist based in Antwerp, Belgium, however the earlier one dates back to 1610 while the later one comes from 1638.
Since the church it was painted for no longer exists, the original is housed in the Cathedral of Our Lady. Its miniature counterpart can be seen at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, Canada.
Another triptych, this one smaller and of a different design, and an oil study are both on display at the Louvre in Paris.
5. The Entombment of Christ – Caravaggio
In 1603 and 1604, Caravaggio was commissioned to paint “The Entombment of Christ” for the second chapel on the right side of Santa Maria in Vallicella. This structure was built to house the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri.
Many people think it’s one of the greatest altarpieces ever created, and that’s a pretty solid statement of fact.
The original of the picture is kept in the Vatican’s Pinacoteca, but a copy of it can be seen in the chapel right now. Many other artists, including Rubens, Fragonard, Géricault, and Cézanne, were influenced by it.
In 1797, the artwork was shipped to France to be displayed in Paris at the Musée Napoléon. The artwork wasn’t displayed in the Vatican until 1816 after it had first arrived in Rome.
6. The Allegory of Faith – Johannes Vermeer
Nowadays, the majority of young folks are eager to start families. The most recent and thorough surveys place the number in the upper 90th percentile. But compared to past generations, they are delaying marriage for extended periods. This transition is being influenced by several sociocultural variables, both advantageous and disadvantageous.
You strongly desire a marriage relationship and are on fire for love, and you are persuaded that God has not blessed you with the blessing of being single. There are valid reasons God is keeping you single for the time being, even if waiting for His perfect plan can be difficult. Your singleness has a purpose in God’s plan.
If you are currently single despite knowing that God wants you to get married, you may ask yourself, “Why is God keeping me single?” This might be one of those occasions when God does things in our lives that we cannot comprehend. He is aware of your desire for marriage and the difficulty of remaining single in the presence of other couples.
1. You must cooperate with God’s plan and timetable for your life as His child. Your life is part of God’s plan. You should believe that things don’t just happen in your life by coincidence if you hold this belief and know that God is your life’s author. God is the one who created you, and while your life is a result of the actions and choices you make, it is also a result of God’s design. Everything in your life must be in line with God’s plan for your life as a child of God who has submitted their will to Him. And occasionally, that entails remaining unmarried even when you don’t want to.
2. He is defending you from more suffering and harm. It is difficult for us to trust again after being harmed. We can develop cynicism and a phobia of closeness to other people. Also, we have the propensity to judge everyone we meet against the one who injured us, making it very challenging to evaluate someone objectively or realistically. God is aware that if we get married too young, we may make the same errors that got us into problems in the past, either by marrying someone similar to the person who wounded us or by selecting someone unqualified to be our spouse.
3. God said that you shouldn’t compromise. Don’t accept anything less than the greatest; God doesn’t want you to. If He provided you with a relationship right now, He understands that you might get someone who isn’t the ideal fit for you. Therefore, resist the urge to give in, even if it can be enticing. God wants you to wait for the wonderful person He has chosen. Have faith in Him because He is in control.
How Do You Know If God Wants You To Stay Single?
Many Christians are unsure how to discern whether God wants them to remain single or marry. Sometimes they are unsure of which will exalt God the most. But not all Christians are obligated to get married. Like the Catholic priests and the Apostle Paul, certain people are called to celibacy.
1. Your attention has since been on the ministry. Religious leaders do not recognize the necessity of marriage because their entire lives are devoted to their God-given ministries. They have a love for God and His mission. They see this as the reason they are here.
2. Serving God and His people makes you happy. Your satisfaction when serving God and His people indicates that He wants you to remain single forever. If the love you experience as a servant of God is sufficient for you to get you through tough times, the call of singlehood might be the cause.
3. You’ve never had a romantic relationship. Not everyone who has never been in a relationship will remain single their entire lives, though. Some people merely fall in love again years later. This may reveal something about the health of your heart, though.
13 Reasons Why God Is Keeping You Single
God may be keeping you single for you to learn to rely on Him. When we are single[1], it is simple to feel frustrated and believe that getting married would improve our lives. When we have them, it’s also simpler to rely on a love partner than it is to rely on God.
1. You’re the one that prioritizes other things over having a married life. We did not consider the possibility of getting married to a godly partner, even if the likelihood of doing so was higher since we had other priorities besides marriage.
2. God desires you to focus on His mission and spend time with Him rather than worldly things. The Lord frequently gives single people responsibilities that a married pair might find difficult to carry out because of their diminished availability and mobility.
3. Before starting a new relationship, God wants you to let the scars from your prior ones heal. A person may carry severe past wounds from previous relationships into every new relationship they start. You should make the most of your current solitude to receive God’s complete healing to enrich your next partnership.
4. God is still preparing your love life. Therefore, He asks that you be patient. Even if it takes some time for their faith to develop, have patience since God is still working with them. Galatians 6:7 refers to the principle of sowing and reaping, and you must pray for the conversion of your future husband/wife.
5. While you are still single, God is preparing you for a more significant and challenging task with your future relationships. A marriage between two godly people is a powerful tool in God’s kingdom, but when it is coupled with Jesus Christ, symbolized by a triple chord, it becomes even more powerful. Remember that the preparation you must undergo as a Christian living alone will benefit you in the Lord’s work.
6. Our Heavenly Father wants you first to learn to embrace Him since it is simple to become preoccupied with human relationships rather than with Him. Putting God first is more crucial than maintaining any human connection as an idol. You can love your future mate more deeply if you learn to love God and put Him first.
7. For you to serve the Lord, you have been blessed with celibacy and are exempt from the challenges of marriage. “If any of you don’t have your own understanding, let that person ask God, who freely gives to all without holding anyone accountable, and he will receive it. The person who doubts is like a wave of the sea pushed and tossed by the wind, so let him ask in faith, without any hesitation” (James 1:5-6).
8. God is attempting to teach you something about who you are as a single person. Singlehood is a beautiful time for introspection and personal development. If you question God’s decision to keep you single regularly, it may be because He wants to teach you something about yourself. You should practice being more patient or controlling your temper. You should practice being content with what you already have.
9. God wants to prevent you from choosing the incorrect spouse for marriage. God wants the best for you because He is aware of your potential. Hence, He will ensure that whoever you marry is a good fit for you.
10. God is keeping you single, so you can faithfully serve Him in the church and your neighborhood. Because they don’t have many obligations except work and school, single people have more time and energy to devote to their community. Serve now so that you can serve once you are married.
11. You still need to prepare for your future spouse. You must first learn to love yourself to be a decent husband. Every one of us is exquisitely made in the image and likeness of God. God loves us and He wants us to develop self-acceptance to be ready for our future relationship.
12. God wants to use you to support others throughout their solitary seasons. It could help them to see other single individuals who understand what they’re going through. You may reassure individuals dealing with being single that they are not in this battle alone and that there is still hope.
13. You possess a special gift or talent that will blossom if you live a solitary life in service. As they don’t have any dependents to hold them back, single people are free to take advantage of other possibilities that come their way. So, God may keep you single, so you can develop your gifts and become established.
Conclusion
You can honor God with your life whether you marry or remain single. Both are beneficial as long as the Lord is emphasized. Of course, the best course of action is to trust God and seek His guidance to determine His plans for you. You can accomplish this by asking God for guidance and wisdom.
Generally, the best sign that remaining single is God’s will for you is feeling at peace with your choice. You are not at odds with yourself, even if others cannot comprehend it. It’s because your heart and mind are filled with God’s peace.
Why Is God Keeping You Single?
Leadership Development
Logos Academic Training
Missions
New Testament
Old Testament
Pastoral Care
Personal & Professional Development
Theology
From Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes:
Faith honors God, and God honors faith! A story from the life of missionaries Robert and Mary Moffat illustrates this truth. For ten years this couple labored faithfully in Bechuanaland (now called Botswana) without one ray of encouragement to brighten their way. They could not report a single convert.
Finally the directors of their mission board began to question the wisdom of continuing the work. The thought of leaving their post, however, brought great grief to this devoted couple, for they felt sure that God was in their labors, and that they would see people turn to Christ in due season. They stayed, and for a year or two longer, darkness reigned.
One day a friend in England sent word to the Moffats that she wanted to mail them a gift and asked what they would like. Trusting that in time the Lord would bless their work, Mrs. Moffat replied, “Send us a communion set; I am sure it will soon be needed.” God honored that dear woman’s faith. The Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts of the villagers, and soon a little group of six converts was united to form the first Christian church in that land. The communion set from England was delayed in the mail, but on the very day before the first commemoration of the Lord’s Supper in Bechuanaland, the set arrived.1
Sermon illustrations on full faith in Christ
From 10,000 Sermon Illustrations:
Imagine that you are out in the middle of a lake and there are two rowboats and you are standing with one foot in each boat. One boat, however, is filled with holes and is sinking fast. It is obvious that unless you do something you will soon be in the lake. The boat with the holes represents ourselves with all of the leaks caused by sin. The boat without holes represents Christ. It should be obvious that with one foot in each boat we shall end up in the same place that we would have ended up in had we had both feet in the boat marked “self.” The only safe place to be is to have both feet firmly planted in the boat marked Christ.2
From 300 Sermon Illustrations from Spurgeon:
Your condition is like that of a child in a burning house, who, having escaped to the edge of the window, hung on by the windowsill. The flames were pouring out of the window underneath, and the poor lad would soon be burned, or falling would be dashed to pieces. He therefore held on with the clutch of death. He did not dare to relax his grasp until a strong man stood underneath, and said, “Boy! Drop! Drop! I’ll catch you.” Now, it was no saving faith for the boy to believe that the man was strong—that was a good help toward faith—but he might have known that and yet have perished. It was faith when the boy let go and dropped down into his big friend’s arms.
There are you, sinner, clinging to your sins or to your good works. The Savior cries, “Drop! Drop into my arms!” It is not doing, it is leaving off doing. It is not working, it is trusting in that work which Jesus has already done. Trust! That is the word—simple, solid, hearty, earnest trust. Trust and it will not take an hour to save you, the moment you trust you are saved.3
1. Faith as a wire
We can picture faith as a connection between the work of the Holy Spirit and the power at work in our new nature. Faith is a wire that conducts a current called grace that flows from the Spirit so that the new nature receives power.4
2. Faith as an on switch
Most things that are powered by batteries have an on and off switch. If the batteries are included when an item is purchased, then it is ready to be used immediately. However, it still must be activated by the switch. As Christians, our switch is faith. When we turn on our faith, we are able to access the power included in us.5
3. Faith as a corn kernel
From 300 Sermon Illustrations from Spurgeon:
To all appearances, the most absurd thing that ever was done by mortal man is to throw away good corn, burying it in the ground. If you had never seen or heard of its results, it would seem the way of waste and not the work of [farming]. Yet the farmer has no doubt, he longs to be allowed to cast away his seed, in faith he even covets fair weather that he may bury his corn. And if you tell him that he is doing an absurd thing, he smiles at your ignorance, and tells you that thus harvests come.
This is a fair picture of the faith that grows from experience. It helps us to act in a manner contrary to appearances, it leads us to commit our all to the keeping of Christ, burying our hopes and our very lives with him in joyful confidence that if we are dead with him we shall also live with him. Jesus Christ who rose from the dead will raise us up through his death unto newness of life and give us a harvest of joy and peace.6
***
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- Robert J. Morgan, ed., Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes (Thomas Nelson, 2000).
- James Kennedy, Evangelism Explosion, 3rd edition, p. 101, in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).
- Charles Spurgeon, 300 Sermon Illustrations from Charles Spurgeon, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Lynnea Smoyer (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017). C. H. Spurgeon, “A Sermon to Open Neglecters and Nominal Followers of Religion,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 13 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1867), 180. Spurgeon repeated this illustration a number of times, including in, “Christ a Sanctuary,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 62 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1916), 353.
- Tony Evans, Tony Evans’ Book of Illustrations: Stories, Quotes, and Anecdotes from More Than Thirty Years of Preaching and Public Speaking (Moody, 2009), 270.
- Evans, Tony Evans Book, 272.
- 300 Sermon Illustrations. C. H. Spurgeon, “Faith: What Is It? How Can It Be Obtained?” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 27 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1881), 408.
Will God Forgive Me? | Bible Questions
Images of My God Forgive Me
IS SEX A SIN?
Sex is a gift from God. Like His other gifts, it can become something harmful and twisted when we misuse it or use it selfishly. And when we do misuse it, it can become something shameful that creates consequences like depression, abortion, etc. This is when it is defined as sin. But when we understand why God gave us this wonderful gift of sex, and when we use it in accordance with His will, then it can be a source of great happiness and joy.
Why did God give us sex? The biggest reason is to continue the human race from one generation to another. God told Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28).
God also gave us the sexual relationship for our pleasure. There is nothing wrong with this—as long as our passions do not control us and dominate our thoughts—and God delights in giving us good things. Sex is also an expression of love and unity between a husband and wife. It is a sign of their commitment to each other within marriage.
This is why the Bible tells us that sex is to be practiced only within marriage. The sexual relationship should be a sign of commitment and love—the kind of commitment that is part of the marriage vow between a man and woman. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). Realize that God did not intend for sex to be sinful, but beautiful—when it is used in accordance with His standards.
God did not make a mistake when He commanded, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Why did He give us this command? Incidentally, the command covers all types of sexual sin but it wasn’t given to restrict us and make us unhappy. He did it because He loves us, wants to protect us and knows what is best for us.
But God also understands that we can only love and follow His ways with His help. Through a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ, we receive a new heart with new desires to honor God with our bodies and receive His good gift as He designed it.
Society & Culture
A Corner of the Robe
The news has been welcomed by Republic, the country's most prominent anti-monarchy pressure group, who are planning to target King Charles's Coronation in May.
Graham Smith said on behalf of Republic: "The public mood is clearly moving away from the monarchy. Now Republic is joined by No More Royals who are aiming to speak for a generation of people angry about the inequality represented by the monarchy.
"Protests will continue before, during and long after the Coronation. And we will see more people stepping up to challenge this ridiculous and elitist institution."
Since succeeding his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, in September the King has faced a number of republican protests, including on royal visits to Milton Keynes and Colchester.
However, according to information provided by the Met Police Charles has not experienced a noticeable increase in protests since his reign began.
Responding to a Freedom of Information request, the Met Police told Express.co.uk: "I can confirm that the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] has not recorded a noticeable increase in protests against the monarchy and its members since September 2022."
After the death of the Queen in September a number of lone protesters expressed their anti-monarchy views, with a man named Symon Hill arrested and then de-arrest on September 11 for supposedly making comments at a proclamation ceremony for the King.
READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan tipped to attend King Charles's Coronation
He was later charged with using threatening or abusive words or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
However in January Crown Prosecution Service reversed the police force's decision to charge him.
Charles was also targeted by egg-throwers in two separate incidents, one on November 9 in York and another on December 6 in Luton, although he was not hit on either occasion.
Republic CEO Graham Smith said of his group's campaigning efforts: "We believe the British public should be asked, do you want Charles or a choice?
"The tide is starting to turn against the monarchy and we need a serious debate about its future."
A poll carried out on 2,124 UK adults between January 5 and 6 for the Sunday Express suggested young people would prefer to elect a head of state than retaining the monarchy.
Overall, the poll suggested Britons are still in favour of their country retaining the current system, with 54.7 percent of people across all ages saying they supported the monarchy against 32.7 percent speaking in favour of a republic.
Mr Smith added: "Republic will be protesting at the Coronation, driving home the message that this is not a national celebration, but promotion of the monarchy at huge cost to the taxpayer. The time for change is here."
Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press.
Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against the LGBTQ community, and he himself referred to the issue in terms of “sin.” But he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds, and said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of everyone. “These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, adding that they should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us."
Some 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, 11 of which can or do impose the death penalty, according to The Human Dignity Trust, which works to end such laws. Experts say even where the laws are not enforced, they contribute to harassment, stigmatization and violence against LGBTQ people. In the U.S., more than a dozen states still have anti-sodomy laws on the books, despite a 2003 Supreme Court ruling declaring them unconstitutional. Gay rights advocates say the antiquated laws are used to harass homosexuals, and point to new legislation, such as the “Don’t say gay” law in Florida, which forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as evidence of continued efforts to marginalize LGBTQ people.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to laws criminalizing homosexuality outright, saying they violate rights to privacy and freedom from discrimination and are a breach of countries’ obligations under international law to protect the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Declaring such laws “unjust,” Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them. “It must do this. It must do this,” he said.
Francis quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church in saying gays must be welcomed and respected, and should not be marginalized or discriminated against.
“We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” Francis said, speaking to the AP in the Vatican hotel where he lives. Such laws are common in Africa and the Middle East and date from British colonial times or are inspired by Islamic law. Some Catholic bishops have strongly upheld them as consistent with Vatican teaching that considers homosexual activity “intrinsically disordered,” while others have called for them to be overturned as a violation of basic human dignity.
In 2019, Francis had been expected to issue a statement opposing criminalization of homosexuality during a meeting with human rights groups that conducted research into the effects of such laws and so-called “conversion therapies.”
In the end, the pope did not meet with the groups, which instead met with the Vatican No. 2, who reaffirmed “the dignity of every human person and against every form of violence.”
On Tuesday, Francis said there needed to be a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality.
“Being homosexual is not a crime," he said. "It's not a crime. Yes, but it's a sin. Fine, but first let's distinguish between a sin and a crime."
"It's also a sin to lack charity with one another," he added.
Catholic teaching holds that while gays must be treated with respect, homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered.” Francis has not changed that teaching, but he has made reaching out to the LGBTQ community a hallmark of his papacy.
Starting with his famous 2013 declaration, “Who am I to judge?” when he was asked about a purportedly gay priest, Francis has gone on to minister repeatedly and publicly to the gay and trans community. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he favored granting legal protections to same-sex couples as an alternative to endorsing gay marriage, which Catholic doctrine forbids.
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The truth about Jesus Christ
Actor Kelsey Grammer will soon return to the big screen in Jesus Revolution. He plays a fictional version of a real-life pastor named Chuck Smith, who participated in the national spiritual awakening of the ’70s. Taking place in Southern California, the Evangelical revival incorporated rock and roll and the hippie spirit.
Given that the movie focuses on Christianity, audiences are wondering about Grammer’s beliefs and whether he is a Christian. So, how closely does the former Frasier star’s life align with the religion?
What is ‘Jesus Revolution’ about?
Jesus Revolution takes place in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Southern California. It follows a young man named Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) as well as pastors Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) and Chuck Smith. Together, they help start the Jesus Revolution, a movement of hippies who combine rock ‘n’ roll, love, and spirituality to change the world.
“The movie is set in a very specific time and place, but the theme of finding a deeper meaning to life in the midst of a fractured and broken world is timeless,” director Jon Erwin said, according to Metro Voice News.
Erwin added, “If anything has been made clear over the past few years, it is how much we need each other. Yet with each passing day, it feels like we are more disconnected than ever before. The true story in Jesus Revolution reminds us that hope is never lost, and through even the most challenging of times, with faith, change is possible.”
The movie is based on the book Jesus Revolution by real-life Laurie. He is currently a pastor, author, and film producer.
Is ‘Jesus Revolution’ star Kelsey Grammer a Christian?
Grammer himself is a Christian. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the actor opened up about his faith:
“I was raised a Christian Scientist, which was fantastic because it’s so metaphysical in its approach to things,” he said. “I have had great periods of time when my faith was simple and easy and a gift. Then there have been some true tragedies that challenged that faith.”
Grammer has dealt with several tragedies in his life. For example, his father and sister were murdered in separate incidents. He also had half-brothers who died when they were teenagers. Grammer has also experienced substance abuse, in part because of these difficult life events.
Although Grammer’s faith was not always strong, at the end of the day, he still held on to the religion that he grew up with.
“In my situation, whatever set of things I was given as a child, I turned to a sense of faith that was kind of founded in an understanding of the absurdity of what goes on here, but supported by a belief in something bigger than myself,” he once told Larry King, according to CNN.
Kelsey Grammer uses Jesus Christ as a guide for his life
A large part of Grammer’s faith is in trying to live the best way he can. He has shared that he uses Jesus Christ as a role model.
“As a Christian, we always fail because we can’t become Christ,” he said (via iNews). “But I can try to at least emulate the best qualities, even if I may fall short.”
Read the original article from Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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Kelsey Grammer won five Emmys and three Golden Globes for his work in "Frasier," "The Simpsons" and "Boss."
But the decorated actor says his greatest work might be the Christian drama "Jesus Revolution" (in theaters Friday). Don't believe him? Just ask his wife, Kayte Walsh.
"It's really uplifting. It's a good movie," Grammer says. "My wife and I saw it together. She was just dissolved in tears and said, 'It's the best thing you've ever done.' "
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In the faith-based film, Grammer portrays real-life pastor Chuck Smith, who with the help of street preacher Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) reignited his struggling church by inviting young hippies and rock music into the fold. Grammer himself was raised Christian Scientist and remembers the "Jesus movement" of the 1960s and '70s.
'I really loved her': Kelsey Grammer explains how 'Frasier' revival honors Kirstie Alley
Watch: 'The Chosen's Jonathan Roumie turns hippie in 'Jesus Revolution'
"They were energized and optimistic, and I thought that was a great thing to see," says Grammer, 68, who will next star in the Paramount+ revival of "Frasier" later this year. He tells us more about the movie and his scrapped ABC comedy with Alec Baldwin, who is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in a shooting death on the "Rust" movie set. (Edited and condensed for clarity.)
Question: What did you find most radical about the way Chuck welcomed the counterculture into the church?
Kelsey Grammer: What Chuck did went back to one of the basic precepts of Christianity, which is inclusion. He thought, "Well, I'm doing it this way and people aren't listening," so he finally surrendered. He said, "You show me a hippie and I'll listen." Sure enough, it became a very dynamic relationship between him and Lonnie Frisbee. It became a great adventure, which is still going on. His (Calvary Chapel) church branched into 1,000 churches around the country, and it still exists. Christian contemporary music is going gangbusters, and (the Jesus movement) put that at his doorstep.
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Do you view the world through a spiritual lens? Are you fascinated by the intersection of religion and politics?
Religious and spiritual writing runs a wide gamut from hard news reporting to lifestyle pieces for particular faith-based demographics.
Whether you’re interested in writing specifically on religious topics, looking for Christian writing jobs or simply want an audience who understands where you’re coming from, these 23 publications are a good place to start.
Our list includes websites, literary journals and magazines from a variety of spiritual perspectives. And best of all? They pay their writers.
New to freelancing? Make sure you know the basics about who and how to pitch before you reach out to a publication.
Add these 22 publications, including Christian magazines, to your pitching list
Here are 22 publications on religion and spirituality that pay freelance writers.
1. First Things
Published by The Institute of Religion and Public Life, First Things is a conservative and heady publication that offers predominantly Christian and Jewish perspectives. It accepts opinion pieces, featured articles and book reviews in print and online.
Pay: According to the submission guidelines, it offers an honorarium for writers, though the amount is not specified.
2. The Jewish Forward
The Jewish Forward offers political and cultural coverage for topics relevant to the American Jewish community. It’s been around since 1897.
Pay: While The Forward hasn’t confirmed its rates, it states that compensation “will be highly competitive for the right pitch.”
1. Il principe d'Egitto (1998)
T | 99 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
Egyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.
Directors: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells | Stars: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock
Votes: 136.466 | Gross: $101.22M
2. Animated Stories from the New Testament (1987–2005)
Episode: Treasures in Heaven (1991)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Two wealthy men respond to Jesus in very different ways. One, who is basically good, is unable to accept Jesus' directive that he give up the treasures of this world for the greater ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Jared Davis, Vicki Eccel, Jonathan Best, Oscar Rowland
Votes: 34
Animated Stories from the New Testament
3. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Joseph's Reunion (1995)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
The classic animated Scriptural retelling of Joseph reuniting with his brothers and father in Egypt.
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Brian Nissen, Neil Vipond, Robert Cottrell, William Dennis Hunt
Votes: 33
Animated Stories from the Bible
4. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Moses: From Birth to Burning Bush (1993)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Retells the story of Moses from his birth until the Burning Bush.
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Ray Porter, Vicki Eccel, Maikel Bailey, David Jensen
Votes: 45
Animated Stories from the Bible
5. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Elisha (1994)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Elisha, a young man, works hard on his father's prosperous farm, a farm which he will some day inherit. When the prophet Elijah visits Elisha and tells him that he will be the new prophet ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Victor Humphries, Mike Sharon, Barry Kraft, Paul O'Connor
Votes: 32
Animated Stories from the Bible
6. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Elijah (1993)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Ahab, a great king of the Israelites, has fallen under the spell of Jezebel, a daughter of the King of the Sidonians. He has rejected the Israelites' God and embraced Jezebel's religion: ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Gregory Snegoff, Victor Humphries, Ray Porter, Paul O'Connor
Votes: 42
Animated Stories from the Bible
7. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Daniel (1993)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Nebuchadnezzar orders that all Hebrew boys be brought to his palace in Babylon. Daniel, along with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, are captured and taken to the palace. They are to be ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Jonathan Best, U. Jonathan Toppo, Jack Whitaker, Cody Howard
Votes: 34
Animated Stories from the Bible
8. The Legend of the Three Trees (2001 Video)
24 min | Animation, Short, Family
A story of three trees and God's plan for each of them.
Star: Hal Holbrook
Votes: 49
9. Giuseppe il re dei sogni (2000 Video)
T | 75 min | Animation, Adventure, Biography
A prophet who has the ability to interpret dreams is sold into slavery in Egypt, where people learn of his gifts.
Directors: Rob LaDuca, Robert C. Ramirez | Stars: Ben Affleck, Mark Hamill, Richard Herd, Maureen McGovern
Votes: 13.487
10. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Solomon (1995)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
King David was renowned for his wisdom. On his deathbed, he anoints his younger son, Solomon, to be King of Israel. Solomon's older brother tries to wrest away the crown. But Solomon ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Jamie Newcomb, Ray Porter, Sandy McCallum, Phil Hubbard
Votes: 36
Animated Stories from the Bible
11. Animated Stories from the New Testament (1987–2005)
Episode: Jesus, the Son of God (1995)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Jesus, the Son of God begins with Jesus, Mary and Joseph traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover in 13 A.D. Young Jesus, age twelve, walks behind His parents carrying a lamb. Jesus is to ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Ivan Crosland, Jonathan Best, Maikel Bailey, Pat Jackson
Votes: 40
Animated Stories from the New Testament
12. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: David and Goliath (1995)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Saul, king of Israel, struggles to do as the Lord commands. Through the Prophet Samuel, the Lord commands Saul destroy the Amalekites and kill all their animals. Saul refuses to kill their ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Andrew Marshall, Aldo Billingslea, Ray Porter, U. Jonathan Toppo
Votes: 48
Animated Stories from the Bible
13. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: The Story of Ruth (1994)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
A famine has destroyed the farm of Elimelech of Bethlehem, driving him and his wife Naomi to the land of Moab. There, with the help of their two sons, they do well for a time, and the sons ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Victoria Lindley, Phil Hubbard, Ursula Meyer, Jonathan Best
Votes: 40
Animated Stories from the Bible
14. Animated Stories from the Bible (1987–2005)
Episode: Esther (1993)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Mordecai, a Hebrew, is the gatekeeper at the palace of a great Babylonian king. A woman brings him an orphaned infant girl named Esther. Mordecai raises her as his own daughter, devoutly ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Lisa Hart, Barry Kraft, U. Jonathan Toppo, Ivan Crosland
Votes: 38
Animated Stories from the Bible
15. Animated Stories from the New Testament (1987–2005)
Episode: The Prodigal Son (1988)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
The Prodigal Son, Jacob, leaves his father's farm to seek his fortune in the city. Encountering many temptations, Jacob squanders his inheritance. Reduced to living with animals, he decides... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Ivan Crosland, Glen Camomille, Christopher P. Angelos, Jared Davis
Votes: 45
Animated Stories from the New Testament
16. Animated Stories from the New Testament (1987–2005)
Episode: John the Baptist (1990)
30 min | Animation, Drama, Family
John the Baptist, born to an elderly couple in answer to their prayers and a promise from God, grows up to be a prophet, preaching of the coming of the messiah. He fulfills Biblical ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Rich | Stars: Gregory Snegoff, Jack Whitaker, Beverly Rowland, David Grey
Votes: 48
- McGivney Hall 303
RESEARCH AREAS
• Metaphysics
• Philosophical Anthropology
• Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophical Theology
D.C. Schindler
Ph.D. Program Advisor
Bio
Education
Ph.D., Philosophy, The Catholic University of America
M.A., Philosophy, The Catholic University of America
M.T.S., Pontifical John Paul II Institute, Washington, D.C.
B.A., Program of Liberal Studies, The University of Notre Dame
Dr. Schindler’s work is concerned above all with shedding light on contemporary cultural challenges and philosophical questions by drawing on the resources of the classical Christian tradition. His principal thematic focus is metaphysics and philosophical anthropology, but he also works in political philosophy, phenomenology, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of religion, and philosophical theology. His main historical areas are ancient Greek philosophy (especially Plato and Neoplatonism), German philosophy (especially Hegel and Heidegger), and Catholic philosophy (especially Aquinas and 20th Century Thomism).
Dr. Schindler studied the Great Books as an undergraduate at Notre Dame, received a Master’s degree in theology at the John Paul II Institute, and then completed his education with a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in philosophy at The Catholic University of America. After teaching for twelve years at Villanova University, first as a teaching fellow in philosophy and then as a founding member of the Humanities Department, Dr. Schindler returned to Washington, DC to teach philosophy courses at the Institute. He has published more than a dozen books—including two volumes of a planned trilogy on the nature of freedom with the University of Notre Dame Press and a Robert Spaemann Reader with Oxford University Press—and more than 70 articles and book chapters, and his work has been translated into six languages. He is an editor of the English-language edition of Communio: International Catholic Review, and a board member of The Review of Metaphysics and New Polity: A Journal of Post-Liberal Thought; he is a translator of books and articles from French and German; he is a Fellow of the Institute for Human Ecology at CUA and served on the Executive Council of the American Catholic Philosophical Association; and he has been invited to deliver named annual lectures in a variety of venues, including the Thomas Aquinas Lecture at four universities and colleges, the Bitar Memorial Lecture series at Geneva College, the John Paul II Lecture at the University of Dallas, the Lorenzo Albacete Lecture in New York City, and the Areopagus Lecture at Mars Hill Audio Journal in Charlottesville, VA.
The Origin Of Christianity
#8 The Future Of Warfare
Nohammed
St Andrews School Days
Moses Discovers A Typo
The Day After Trumps Election Victory
If Moses Descended From Mount Sinia In 2017
Reluctant Muslim
Hide And Seek
The Future Of Sports
The former US president said "illegal leaks" from the Manhattan district attorney's office indicated he will be arrested on Tuesday.
Making the claim on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump provided no evidence he had been directly informed of a pending arrest and did not say how he knew of such plans.
Law enforcement agencies are preparing for a possible indictment of Mr Trump as early as next week, NBC News reports.
The Manhattan district attorney's office declined to comment on Mr Trump's claim and a spokesman for the former president did not respond when contacted.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has apparently been investigating whether payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in 2016 broke state laws.
The grand jury in Manhattan has been hearing from witnesses, including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who says he orchestrated payments to the women to silence them about sexual encounters they said they had with Mr Trump a decade earlier.
Mr Bragg's office is also said to be examining the way Mr Trump's company compensated Mr Cohen for his work.
Mr Cohen was jailed for three years in 2018 after admitting making the payments.
He also pleaded guilty to tax evasion and lying to Congress about the extent of negotiations between the Trump Organisation and a project to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
Mr Cohen claimed Mr Trump directed him to make the payments worth $280,000 (£230,000) to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal - something the former president denies.
Before I became a parent I remember boldly proclaiming that my children would NEVER watch TV. And then I actually had kids and my philosophy changed.
To be clear, we do limit TV time and it’s not constantly on as background noise. I’m also very vigilant on what they watch.
Thanks to my husband’s love of all things baseball, we do have cable but half of the channels are blocked (wouldn’t it be great if you could only subscribe to the channels you actually watch?). The only channel my kids watch on a regular basis is PBS. Curious George, Daniel Tiger and Super Why are beloved friends to my kids, and I’m not ashamed to admit some days the only character training my kids get is from Daniel Tiger!
Occasionally we might watch Doc McStuffins, Peppa Pig or Paw Patrol but only on rare occasions, mainly because I hate how many commercials there are. My kids also enjoy watching classic Disney movies we check out from the library. On a good day I’ll let them have their quiet time on the couch with a movie and some popcorn.
As a mom, it’s my job to be aware of what my kids are being exposed to.
I know I won’t always be there to protect and shield their little eyes but these early years at home are prime time and I want to make sure that the shows they watch are beneficial.
Some days we watch more TV than others (those would be survival mode days) and then there are days when I just really need a few moments of quiet so I can spend time with the Lord before my day begins.
As my children grow up, I desire for them to cultivate their own daily Bible reading and study time but for now, since they can’t yet read on their own, they watch a few hand selected faith-based shows that are growing their faith.
I’m not oblivious to the fact their little brains are like sponges during this stage of life, so when I hear them repeating songs or dialogue from favorite shows they have watched over and over again, I want it to be from quality programming that is watering those seeds of faith
Our Top Favorite Family TV Shows to Grow Your Child’s Faith
THEO
I was only recently introduced to the Theo videos by Leigh Ann from Intentional By Grace but I am so glad! These cartoons are high quality, engaging, and teach BIG truths to our little ones. Each show is only about 10 minutes long but full of spot on theology and truths of God’s love and grace. Every morning my daughter asks if we can watch the “Jesus” movies.
WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE
My kids are still on the younger side and these are geared towards elementary age children but with that being said, my kids enjoy the music (they like to crazy dance) and think the puppets are funny. I think they will appreciate these once they are a bit older. I will say the Christmas episode is really fantastic, even I learned a thing to two! 😉
BOZ
What’s not to love about a big, friendly and adorable bear? The values and lessons taught through the stories and music are very entertaining and catchy. I find myself humming along too! This is a great cartoon without feeling like your kids are being overly preached at.
3-2-1 PENGUINS
This one is new to me, I just discovered it while exploring RightNow Media over the past few weeks but already I can tell we will love it. From the same people who are behind Veggie Tales, it’s fun, engaging, silly yet teaches some wonderful lessons and values about God’s love.
IESODO
Another new to us video series but already a favorite. The music is catchy, the Bible storytelling is right on for young kids to learn more about the Bible and it’s entertaining. My kids love these!
VEGGIE TALES
OK can I just admit that I am not a fan of Veggie Tales… but my kids are. I think it’s a common theme among most adults, kids love them but adults would rather watch something else! 😉
I will say though that there is value in Veggie Tales and, while it can drive me completely bonkers, there are far worse things they could be watching. Not all of the Veggie Tale episodes are worth watching if you are looking for solid Biblical teaching but there are many episodes that are. Just preview and do a little research.
LITTLE ANGELS
My little ones LOVE watching Little Angels, and frankly so do I. Think Bible teaching combined with early learning skills you would commonly find on PBS (ABCs, numbers, manners, friendship, etc.) and the music is super fun, silly, filled with truth and perfect for dance parties around the living room when everyone is in a grouchy mood!
In the Old Testament, the concept of salvation is rooted in Israel's deliverance from Egypt in the Book of Exodus. The New Testament reveals the source of salvation in Jesus Christ. By faith in Jesus Christ, believers are saved from God's judgment of sin and its consequence—eternal death.
Why Do We Need Salvation?
When Adam and Eve rebelled, humans were separated from God through sin. God's holiness required punishment and payment (atonement) for sin, which was (and still is) eternal death. Our own death is not sufficient to cover the payment for sin. Only a perfect, spotless sacrifice, offered in just the right way, can pay for our sin. Jesus Christ, the perfect God-man, came to die on the cross, to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrifice to remove, atone, and make eternal payment for sin.
Why? Because God loves us and desires an intimate friendship with us. God's plan of salvation has one goal, to connect God with his redeemed ones in the closest of relationships. The Lord of heaven and earth wants to walk with us, talk with us, comfort us and be with us through every experience of life. 1 John 4:9 says, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him."
Accepting God's offer of salvation won't solve all of our problems. It won't make life easier. Unfortunately, that is just one of many common misconceptions about the Christian life. But we will find a love that changes everything.
Your world will feel upside down if you are a Bible-believing Christian because God’s Word and His ideals are very different from our current world’s views. On top of that, life also has a way of continually changing. Nothing is always the same and this can throw anybody off balance. Life will never be perfect. There will always be conflicts and disruptions. You can’t always be happy because happiness depends on circumstances.
What Does it Mean to Have Faith in God?
To have faith in God means you believe that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and by believing you gain eternal life with God (John 3:16). Consequently, if He provided for your soul’s salvation, you can also trust that He will guide you in your life. He loves you and wants to shepherd you.
20 Scriptures to Help You Have Faith in God
1. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
Take a moment to remember that God’s character is essentially good. He loves you and went to great lengths to have an eternal relationship with you. You can trust His plan even when you don’t understand the how’s and why’s.
2. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:5-6
Not only is God essentially good, He also has a hand of blessing on your head. He does things behind the scenes that you may never see.
3. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4
When testing comes, and it will, it builds your endurance. Endurance brings great strength when you let it shape your character. You can trust that God is at work even when you are struggling.
4. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
Your own understanding will fail you most of the time. You can never see all sides of every situation. You have a limited scope. But God in time can show you left, right, top, bottom, and even inside the problem. Your perspective is vast when you trust in God to show you His way.
5. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourself by realizing that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Keep learning from His Word because you know that His way is much better than your way. God gives much grace when you react with humility in your daily interactions.
6. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
God always brings what is meant to be. It is always good to remind yourself that He is God and you are not.
7. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:18
Strive to always learn more about God’s love. Reading your Bible regularly helps you to understand just how wide, long, high, and deep God’s love really is. God’s love will never ever run out.
8. So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John 20:29
Seeing things in this world that don’t make sense will be the norm until you reach your real home—eternity with a loving and gracious God. Trusting God’s character when you haven’t seen Him with your eyes is a very precious and blessed thing.
9. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
Unselfishness is a life-long endeavor. It’s not always easy but with God’s help, you can think of others as more important than yourself. When you do, you also find that a lot of your needs are miraculously filled as well. God helps you as you help others. The more you seek to have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had, the more you experience His joy. He came to serve others.
10. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7
You often see people living in ways that are the opposite of how our God wants us to live. People don’t understand. They get hurt and bitter. And unfortunately, they also can lash out in evil ways. But God sees every offense against His perfect justice. Even when people seem to get away with something, one day they will see judgment. You don’t have to see the judgment, but you can know God will come through with it.
11. Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12
Instead of worrying about your trials, live your life by the golden rule. Spend so much time seeking to help others that you forget about your own troubles. There’s something about serving others that minimizes your own problems.
12. For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. 1 Peter 1:18-20
When you trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you were redeemed with His precious blood. That is what gives you worth as well as the power to walk through this life with a great hope enveloping you. God gladly paid a very high price for your salvation.
13. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:3-5
When you feel weak, God is right there with you. The world says, fake it ‘til you make it and hide your weaknesses. God says come as you are and be your true self, weaknesses and all. You can be transparent and real with God. When you are, He makes up for your weaknesses by giving you His strength.
14. Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Faith can open doors, so always keep praying. The world says, give up if you try something that doesn’t work out. God says to keep on asking. You will either get what you want in God’s timing or you’ll get insight as to what you really need.
15. Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Matthew 8:26-27
Quench your worries with the thought that you have the One who can command the winds and the waves always at your side. Be amazed at this truth.
16. Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. Matthew 10:16-18
God sends you out to fight with His truth and love. That doesn’t seem like enough when you’re up against people who may behave like wolves and snakes. God’s people play by the rules because that is God’s way, but non-believing people don’t have those statutes. This can make them seem overpowering, but God will do things to even the playing field when we trust Him and obey.
17. Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household! Matthew 10:34-36
You may find that there is division within your own family. Some believe. Some don’t. Ideals of dark and light clash. This is deeper than simply a personality problem. This requires prayer. Pray that their heart will soften. No one is beyond the reach of God.
18. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Worries weigh us down, but Christ offers to take all of them for us. We just have to give up our tight grip of control and let Him lighten our load.
19. Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone[i] who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22
People tend to think that certain things are too much and shouldn’t be forgiven. They will say “Unfriend them” or “Cancel them,” anything but forgive them. God says to forgive so many times that you lose count. Forgiveness is meant for people to release all the bad things that are done to them, whether or not the person apologizes. God will make up for the wrongs you see or experience.
20. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
The biggest reason to have faith in the midst of trials is that Jesus has already won the ultimate war and He will help you walk through your battles until you see Him face to face. He won’t leave you nor forsake you.
How Having Faith in God Changes Your Worldview
When you have a biblical faith in God you become aware of how humanity falls short in comparison to God’s standard. You see evil and its effects everywhere, including your own life. This causes you to pray for God’s will to be lived out everywhere because you know that humanity often messes things up.
When your life feels upside down, rejoice because this means that you are living and thinking differently from the world. You are thinking more in line with God. So really, you are living right side up while the world is living upside down.
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