JIM ASKS: Muslims in the U.S.: Sunni or Shi’a? And a second reader asks about the two groups’ numbers and over-all relationship on the international level. THE RELIGION GUY ANSWERS: This two-sided split underlies the increasingly dangerous Mideast rivalry between a rising Shi’a axis under revolutionary Iran and a bloc led by Saudi Arabia with its strict Sunni regime. A 2012 Pew Research survey asked people in Sunni lands “do you personally consider Shi’as to be Muslims or not?” Those  answering... Read more

PATRICIA’S QUESTION: Who do you think authored the Fourth Gospel? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: This follows up on our December 10 item about whether the apostle John wrote the Bible’s Book of Revelation. The Religion Guy will report what some experts say, not what a mere journalist thinks. The full question from seminary graduate Patricia shows she’s familiar with this debate. Bottom line, there’s no simple answer. The headline sounds like a conundrum. But remember the Gospel text itself names... Read more

JOSH’S QUERY: [Referring to “Time” magazine’s 1971 cover story on the youthful “Jesus Revolution”]  A lot has happened since then — culturally, religiously, movement-wise — and I’d be fascinated to see you revisit your journalistic and theological mind. THE RELIGION GUY’S RESPONSE: This interests Josh because his parents were members of Love Inn, which typified the youth-driven “Jesus Movement” of those days. It was a combination church, commune, Christian rock venue and traveling troupe, based in a barn near the... Read more

HEATHER’S QUESTION: I don’t see the New Revised Standard Version in my biblegateway.com app. Do you have any idea why it’s excluded? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: This specific topic is quick and easy, so the Guy will use the space and occasion to provide broader information about the quite remarkable www.biblegateway.com (hereafter BG), billed as “the most-visited Christian Website in the world” with “more than 18 million unique visitors per month” — and a must for Religion Q and A... Read more

TERRY’S QUESTION: What is it with Muslims and beheadings? Where does that come from? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Islam has no hesitation about capital punishment when proper legal procedures are observed and death is hudud (mandatory) under Sharia (religious law). Traditionally this covers such infractions as murder, adultery, homosexual activity, political rebellion, and apostasy, including (under the strictest regimes) conversion to a different religion. Beheading has a long human history, but what’s remarkable in the 21st Century is its continued... Read more

RACHAEL’S  QUESTION:   Luke addressed the books of Luke and Acts to Theophilus, but who is he?   THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Theophilus is a very important person in the New Testament, yet we know next to nothing about him.  If, that is, he was an actual person at all rather than some sort of symbol.  The only information 1st Century history has to offer comes in the introductions to two biblical books:   — “It seemed good to me... Read more

MARY’S QUESTION: Is a belief in God essential to morality? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Many online articles carry that above headline so Mary’s question is a classic, one seen in this little incident: A traditional Nativity scene is being moved away from Nebraska’s state capitol for Christmas week 2015 to make way for atheists’ “Reason This Season” display. A sponsor explained the purpose: “It’s meant to communicate that atheists are not bad people; we can be good without God.” Some... Read more

JOHN (the perfect name for this question) ASKS: I thought the John of Revelation was the Beloved Disciple. The sermon today tried to disabuse me of that notion. What do we know about this? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: One cherished Christmas tradition is dramatic presentation of the story of Jesus via Handel’s “Messiah,” the most-beloved, most-performed musical setting of Bible verses ever composed.  This 1742 oratorio concludes with a stirring chorus taken from the Book of Revelation 5:9,12-14 in the... Read more

AN EPISCOPALIAN ASKS: Can you tell us something more about the presiding bishop of our [Episcopal] Church? I’ve heard only upbeat things about him from people who have met and heard him. Will he be a Marco Rubio — a very effective speaker who can connect with people? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Perhaps so. Here’s some information about the personable Michael Bruce Curry, 62, who was installed this month as the new presiding bishop of America’s troubled Episcopal Church. Some U.S.... Read more

With Islamic State claiming responsibility for the Friday the 13th massacres in Paris, the Religion Guy is re-posting the following answer from February 21,2015, and calls attention to the link below to “Who speaks for Islam in a time of terrorism?” DAVID ASKS: Where is the Muslim peace movement? Put another way, if Islam is a peace-loving religion where are the Muslim voices for peace? THE RELIGION GUY ANSWERS: “Islam is a religion that preaches peace,” U.S. President Barack Obama... Read more