It is an intriguing, and alarming, fact that the overwhelming majority of the original 5 "seats" of Christianity are now generally Muslim, and 4 out of the 5 have a very small Christian population.  Clearly history has not dictated the current religious trends in these significant cities.  Actually, one of the five "patriarchates" is in ruins, and has been such for a number of years. Many Christians may not be aware of this, and specifically of what a patriarchate might be.  In early Christianity as the spread of Christian thought and worship was wide and deep, there were five cities which were at the forefront of Christian leadership and mutual respect.  They were: Antioch, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Rome.  In 2013, only Rome has a majority Christian population- as the head of the Roman Catholic Church (indirectly, via Vatican City).  A minority of current Protestants do not deem the RCC to be a "true" Christian church, so those persons would claim that even… [more]

Recently a Taber's Truths article discussed what happens when a country becomes extremely non-Christian; it discussed the plight of North Korea over the past half-century (http://taberstruths.com/religion-in-north-korea/).  But what is more discouraging (and alarming) is the fact that sometimes in history a predominantly Christian nation will allow the kind of brutal turmoil and leadership that North Korea has been forced to deal with.  Once such striking example is Nazi Germany, and the lead-in to the World War II era. In the early and mid 1930's, as the Nazis (and Hitler) were taking more and more control and power, Germany was an overwhelmingly Christian nation.  It is estimated that over 90% of its citizens were Christian.  Germany had about 60 millions citizens at the time, with approximately 40 million Protestants and 20 million Roman Catholics.  Yet, month by month and year by year a cunning leader (Hitler) and his political party led their country to such harrowing atro… [more]

According to 3 ambitious southern Christians, it will begin on June 20th in Plymouth, Massachusetts This nation has been through three large-scale Christian revivals, or "Great Awakenings"- where large numbers of our citizenry refocused their lives upon Christ and His Word.  The last true "Awakening" happened between 1850 and 1910, or over 100 years ago.  (Some scholars and theologians believe there was a 4th Awakening in the early 1970's, but most followers do not consider that a true "Great" Awakening.)  Given the continual problems in the United States, within a more secular society, are we overdue for another revival? "Yes," states Dan Zimmerle, one of the three Christian men who are spearheading the Plymouth efforts.  Dan, along with Phil Castillo and Robert Kilmarx, has spent considerable time, effort, and also some personal funds in trying to initiate a new 2013 America returning to God. Zimmerle and Castillo have a successful radio talk show called One Nation Unde… [more]

Many Christians have heard of Martin Luther's declaration titled "The 95 Theses", but unfortunately most of those persons have never actually read through the entire 16th century document.  Protestants of nearly-all denominations hail it as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, but upon reading Luther's statements and learning about the aftermath of it, the assumptions may be challenged.  For one, Luther was still a strong Catholic at the time of his writing of the 95 Theses, and officially remained part of the Roman Catholic Church for 3-4 years after his challenge of the Pope and of Rome. The papers that Luther nailed onto the church door in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517 focus primarily on the selling of papal indulgences.  An indulgence was when a monetary gift was given to a parish in exchange for the sinner to not have to serve the priest's mandated "punishment" after the repentant sinner received his absolution of sin from the priest.  And of course an indulgence gran… [more]

One of the great parts of editing, writing, and compiling a Christian nonfiction book is the collaboration with enthusiastic believers.  Especially those with the mindset of a teacher- like any good pastor.  Two examples of such are Pastor Doug Kuiper and Pastor Allen Brummel, of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America (www.prca.org).  The following are excerpts taken from the book, "Top Ten Most Influential Christians- since the Apostles"- those written by the noted pastors.  All four of these historical persons have had a major effect on Christianity, and are worthy of study: Arius Written by Rev. Douglas J Kuiper Arius was born in the middle of the third century AD (possibly 256) in northern Africa. He lived much of his life in Alexandria, Egypt. He became a deacon in the church at Alexandria in 311, and a presbyter in 313. Arius is known as the father of Arianism, a teaching that denies Jesus Christ is truly God. While in Alexandria, Arius taught that God was e… [more]

The various Lutheran churches represent a large percentage of Protestant Christians in the States.  Some outside the LC may not be aware of the various sub-denominations within the larger Lutheran Church, but similar to other large Christian denominations there are differences even amongst those who all consider themselves to be "Lutheran".  Naturally all look back to German reformer Martin Luther as the leader of their church and movement.  And nearly all current American Lutherans consider a man named C.F.W. Walther as the first major leader of the greater Lutheran church within this country, after his arrival in the U.S. in 1839. According to Lutheran pastor Tom Engel, "The main difference between Lutherans and other mainline Protestants is the way we view the Lord's Supper.  As other mainline Protestants see that the bread and wine only are sybmols of Christ's body and blood, we see that Christ is actually present in the bread and wine.  This understanding gives us the assura… [more]

Baptist represent the largest Protestant (more on this later) group in the nation, and are the 2nd biggest Christian denomination- by far- in the country (after Roman Catholics).  Their influence in our current society is significant, although there are various further groups and divisions within the overall term "baptist".  In this column we will not have time to delve into those differences, but rather review some of the keys of the current Baptist church within the United States.  To do this we interviewed Pastor Fred DeRuvo, ThD. Do you consider Baptists to be Protestants?  Why or why not? Only in a general sense.  Generally speaking, Baptists rose up from the English Separatist movement, which was not connected to Protestantism. Essentially, being Baptist is being part of a fellowship of other believers without the control of a main body or group. What is your opinion on the recent name change of the SBC?  Regarding the name change, I don't think it will really replace … [more]

The United Methodist Church (UMC), which began in 1968 upon a formal merging of the largest existing groups of U.S. Methodist churches, is currently the third largest Christian denomination in the country.  As such, its reach and influence is wide within our society.  But many outside the UMC do not know what exactly Methodists believe.  In answer to these questions, we have recently asked Senior Pastor David Nichols, of the UMC with a congregation in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to share some basic and intriguing information and insight: What does the word "Methodist" mean?  Where did it come from?  Does it have to do with some kind of methodology of your worship or doctrine?  The word “Methodist” was originally used as a term of derision for the first group that met at Oxford.  Charles and John Wesley and others met and prayed and studied the Bible and then preached in the streets and visited the prisons.  The Wesleys called themselves the Holy Club, others laughed and c… [more]

Ignatius of Antioch, called Saint Ignatius by Catholics and some other groups, lived in the 1st and second century, dying via slaughter by wild beasts in a Roman amphitheater.  He was subjected to death by the Roman emperor, for his crime of living a distinctive and influential Christian life.  Ignatius was the 3rd bishop of Antioch, which was founded by the Apostle Peter following the death and resurrection of Christ.   Ignatius is known as an “apostolic father”, as he is said to have heard and learned directly from an Apostle.  In his case, it was the Apostle John.  He is said to have died in 107 A.D., which is not long after the death of the last Apostles Simon and John, and only about 20 years after the death of the Apostle Andrew. On his journey to death Ignatius wrote a number of letters to various groups and churches that were important to him.  In these letters we can appreciate the wisdom and faith of this early Christian leader.  We also can understand more fully… [more]

Christians are persecuted today in many part of the world.  Here in the United States we are fortunate that we do not have to live our lives under this constant threat.  However, in areas like Egypt and China persecution against Christians is widespread.  There is plenty of information on this situation via different groups such as The Voice of the Martyrs.  One additional group, which focuses on threats against Egyptian Christians (Coptics) is called the Voice of the Copts, and it is led by Dr. Ashraf Ramelah.  Dr. Ramelah has spoken in front of key governmental groups such as the E.U. Parliament and the Italian Parliament. The following is an unedited Q&A Taber's Truths recently had with Dr. Ramelah: What is Pope Theodoros II's role and attitude towards the ongoing strife in Egypt, regarding persecution of Coptics? Pope Theodoros II inherited a great and heavy responsibility. The Orthodox Church has been under attack due to the political involvement of Pope Shendua III an… [more]

The Gospel of John is potentially the most important and most heralded Book of the entire Bible.  It includes the verse of John 3:16, which is arguably the most recited and prayed verse in the entire Scriptures.  Though similar, it is clearly different from the other 3 Gospels- with a different theme and almost a different focus.  This Gospel was written after the other Gospels, in approximately 90 A.D.  Most of Jesus' disciples had been martyred by then.  So how exactly did this famous Gospel come to be?  What was the reason for it being written?  Under whose influence? Some clues to how John's Gospel was written can be found in an ancient document, dating to approximately 170 A.D., called the "Muratorian Fragment".  This document was, as noted in its given title, not a complete literary work or book, but just a section that was found of an incomplete larger work.  Therefore, historians and theologians must do their best to surmise what the author was stating.  This is not… [more]

Recently analyzed pictures of the Shroud, utilizing new micropictography, may help explain the origins of the famous artifact. (Austin, TX)  Ronald Stewart, PhD, ThD, has just released 3 digital images of the controversial Shroud of Turin (or "Shroud of Jesus") which may shed some additional light on the centuries-old question: "Is this fabric the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ?".  The Shroud is, still today, one of the most researched and controversial artifacts in history. Stewart's initial analysis of various close-ups of the available pictures and images of the Shroud has shown what seem to be pictographic images/icons within various areas of the Shroud's negative.  In addition, via various images it appears as though the eyes of the man alter from open to closed.   What this may mean is unclear- and requires further investigation.  Stewart has released the following short video which explains specifically what he has uncovered, as well as a bit about his imaging m… [more]

Growing nondenominational church expands throughout New England with a simple message of Jesus. It has been widely known for some time that the six States of New England are amongst the least-Churched in the country; here religion (specifically Christianity) seems to be withering away.  Per a 2009 Gallup poll (visit http://www.gallup.com/poll/114022/state-states-importance-religion.aspx ), the "top 4" least religious States in the nation are: 1. Vermont 2. New Hampshire 3. Maine 4. Massachusetts (Plus Rhode Island and Connecticut help round out the "top 10").  I recently interviewed Pastor Steve Jesmer of the Dialogue Church (www.theDC.tv) to find out his thoughts about this sad statistic, and what specifically he and his church are doing to improve the situation and to preach the Good News.  (The Dialogue Church is part of the New England United Network; see below.) Why do you think New England is the "least-churched" region in the country?  Was it always this way? There… [more]

(NOTE: This column is the first in a series about various denominations.  Portions of this article were researched via the following website-  http://www.oldcatholic.org/index.htm) The Old Catholic Church split from the Roman Catholic Church over certain doctrines, most notably that of "Papal Infallibility" (which the OCC opposes).  These churches are not in communion with the Vatican and the Pope, but their union of certain European Old Catholic Churches is in full communion with the Anglican Communion.  The formation of the Old Catholic communion of Germans, Austrians and Swiss began in 1870, following the First Vatican Council.  Today in the U.S. some OC churches ordain women and/or openly homosexual persons. Most OC churches in the U.S.A. publicly declare their agreement with the historical "Fourteen Theses of the Old Catholic Union Conference at Bonn", which took place on September 14-16, 1874.  A portion of those doctrinal bullet points is as follows: We agree tha… [more]

  There have been 30 "antipopes" within the long history of the Roman Catholic Church.   Amadeus of Savoy (or "Felix the 5th") was the 30th, and last, "antipope" from 1440-1449.   The first antipope was Hippolytus in the 3rd century. What exactly is an antipope?  It is someone who, for one reason or another, claims to be the legitimate leader of the Catholic Church- but is not.  They usually later on becomes nothing more than a historical footnote.  This is very different than the term "Antichrist", which is a figure from the future End Times who leads many in the world away from God and the Church.  There are some Evangelicals today and in recent history who believe that the Pope is, or will be, the Antichrist.  That is another discussion, but it is possible that some are confused with the terms antipope and Antichrist.   Others believe the earthly leader of the Catholic Church is predestined to be the Antichrist via prophetical verses in the Books of Daniel and … [more]

“Unless I am convinced by the testimonies of the Holy Scriptures or evident reason (for I believe neither in the Pope nor councils alone, since it has been established that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures adduced by me, and my conscience has been taken captive by the Word of God, and I am neither able nor willing to recant, since it is neither safe nor right to act against conscience. God help me. Amen.” Luther’s Response in Worms (1521)   According to a recent multidenominational and national survey, Protestant Reformer Martin Luther is the most "influential" Christian of all time (since the Apostolic era).  The survey asked numerous Protestant and Catholic pastors, teachers, theologians, and other Church leaders. The survey was open-ended, and included a large list of potential names to consider, as well as write-in lines.  The survey conductors did not ask for who was the "best" or the "most holy", but asked … [more]

It is time once again for the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. It has traditionally been a time where we set aside our daily labors and give thanks to God for His abundant providence upon us. However in recent years, with the secularization of our society, questions have arisen as to whether Thanksgiving is a Christian holiday. Now, I think it would be remiss to say that Thanksgiving or the ability to give thanks is exclusive to Christianity. However the concept of giving thanks assumes a belief in God, for if you are not giving thanks to God, then whom are you giving thanks to? To give thanks to ourselves would be an extreme exercise in hubris. We Americans have been taught since kindergarten that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated at Plymouth Ma. by the pilgrims. We have cute little plays with kids dressed up as native Americans and pilgrims in black and white outfits, and turkeys with all their feathers. However if you look at the historical record, other than the fact that th… [more]

Composer and refuter of a key doctrine that in essence determines the eternity of our souls, Jacob (or Jacobus) Arminius is not necessarily a popular name.  But the theologian whom he defied, John Calvin, is well-known across nearly all Christian circles. When Protestantism began with Luther and Calvin, in the early- mid 16th Century, there was of course considerable denial of much of the longstanding dogma present in the Roman Catholic Church.  The RCC had generally taught that a person, after receiving eternal salvation, could potentially lose it.  To John Calvin this was infeasible and not in line with his reading of Holy Scriptures.  He established and defined some critical Reformed doctrine, including that of the "Perseverance of Saints"- once saved, always saved. Later in the 16th Century a Dutchman named Jacobus Arminius (born Jacob Harmenszoon) was studying under the son-in-law of Calvin.  Over time Arminius had trouble defending Calvin's position of "once saved, always… [more]

Imagine if today, in the United States, there were only 100 actual (functional) Christian churches.  To give some basic perspective, that would equal just two church buildings per State!  (The truth is that there are about 300,000 churches in the USA, according to "Grounds For Giving".)  What kind of society would we have?  What would our morality look like?  Would we rely more, or less, upon the Federal and State governments? The Russian, or Bolshevik, Revolution of 1917 and its outcome would alter the landscape of the country of Russia for the better part of a century.  The communist and socialist party overthrew the last Tsar (or Czar) of Russia, killing him and his family, and in the few years that followed the new leaders did all they could to undermine the very popular and far-reaching Russian Orthodox Church and its leader, Patriarch Tikhon.  In 1918 the new government declared that the Church had no legal rights, including the right to own property.  In the years and d… [more]

I just caught wind of this this morning. A gunman has shot and killed a man leading a prayer meeting at Creflo Dollar's World Changers Church yesterday. According to initial reports, the gunman walked in dressed in a suit, and opened fire yesterday morning on a man who was leading a prayer meeting. Here is a video of the initial report. News Video of World Changers Church shooting. Later it turns out, police named the suspect as 52 yr old Floyd Palmer. Palmer is a former employee at World Changers Church as a maintenance man. He walked up to Greg McDowell, age 39, and shot him at point blank range. There were about 25 people at the prayer meeting and immediately those attending recognized the shooter. Here is another video of the incident. Police Identify Gunman as former Employee of World Changers Church A few hours later, Palmer was apprehended at a Macy's department store at a mall in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. Creflo Dollar, who was not at the prayer se… [more]