Why Venerate Mary? A Biblical and Theological Defense
In conversations about the veneration of Mary, one often encounters strong objections, particularly from Protestant perspectives. Recently, I listened to Dr. James White argue against Mary’s veneration, raising questions about its biblical basis. Yet, Scripture and tradition together provide a compelling case for honoring Mary—not as an object of worship, but as the greatest of saints and a model for every Christian.
Undoing the Fall: Eve’s Temptation and Mary’s Yes
Humanity’s story is a tale of two pivotal women: Eve and Mary. One’s act of disobedience set the stage for humanity’s fall, while the other’s act of obedience opened the door for redemption. By comparing Eve’s fall to Mary’s acceptance of God’s will, we can see how God, in His infinite wisdom, wove a plan to reverse the effects of sin and invite humanity back into communion with Him.
Why Do We Need Sacred Tradition?
For much of my life as a Protestant, I firmly believed in sola scriptura—the idea that the Bible alone was all I needed to know, understand, and live the Christian faith. It was a non-negotiable belief for me. Any discussion of Sacred Tradition was, in my mind, unnecessary and even dangerous. Case closed.
Credobaptism in the Early Church: Did Any Theologians Defend It?
Recently, I listened to a podcast on Baptist history. The guest made a striking claim: credobaptism—baptism administered only to those who profess personal faith—was the standard practice for the first 500 years of Christianity. When I heard that, I couldn’t help but think, Is that really true? It sparked a deep dive into the writings of early Church theologians to better understand baptismal practices during this formative period of Christian history.
Living Like Jesus: A Call to Radical Compassion Across Divides
What does it mean to be compassionate? What does it mean to touch the untouchable?
Jesus’ life answers these questions in ways that challenge every norm. He didn’t shy away from the uncomfortable or the controversial. He embraced it, often at great personal cost. His compassion crossed every line—social, religious, and political.
When God’s Answer Isn’t What You Expected
Have you ever prayed for something with all your heart, believing it was the right thing, only to have God answer in a way that left you confused or disappointed? It’s a common experience for those of us who try to align our desires with God’s will, only to discover that His plans often look quite different from what we envisioned.
Would Religion Exist if We Burned All the Books?
On a recent episode of The Wandering Home Podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing Derek Webb. During our conversation, Derek brought up a fascinating quote from Ricky Gervais that sparked some deep reflection.
The Gift of Failure
Nothing seasons our lives quite like failure—if we’re willing to view it the right way. When we sit with our mistakes, accept responsibility for them, and refuse to run from the discomfort, something remarkable happens: we grow. Growth that wasn’t accessible before the fall becomes possible. We can rise again, often as a better version of ourselves.
My Journey to Understanding the Real Presence in the Eucharist
My initial response to the doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist was to push back. Growing up in a Southern Baptist tradition, the idea that Christ was truly present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist felt foreign and unnecessary. I had been taught to see Communion as symbolic, a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice rather than a literal participation in His body and blood.
The Eucharist: More Than a Symbol
The doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, where Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—has deep roots in scripture. It’s a mystery at the heart of Catholic belief that has been reaffirmed for centuries. Yet, this teaching isn’t just based on tradition or theological interpretation; it finds its support directly in the words of Christ and the writings of the Apostle Paul.