BRAD’S QUESTION: Why don’t Catholics have a problem with the graven images that surround them in church? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER Brad is obviously Protestant in his cultural outlook. That is, Catholic and Orthodox churches encourage religious art in church, seen as aids to devotion. Protestants’ policies vary (as on most things!) but they broadly unite with Judaism in limiting visual images in worship settings to avoid any association with idolatry. Some Protestants prohibit all art in sanctuaries. Others allow... Read more

RACHAEL’S QUESTION: In the recent Pew survey showing America’s religious changes, how were nondenominational churches categorized? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Rachael asked previously what America’s biggest Christian groups are, and now has another demographic item about the Pew Research Center’s important “Religious Landscape Study,” which continues to spur discussion. (Text: www.pewforum.org/files/2015/05/RLS-05-08-full-report.pdf. This blog scanned key findings May 16). Pew’s 2014 polling tells us how 35,071 U.S. adults identify themselves on religion, with important new fundings about these independent (a.k.a. “nondenominational”... Read more

JOHN’S QUESTION: I understand there is currently a debate between orthodox and progressive theologians on the doctrine of the atonement. I always considered this a cornerstone of Christian theology. Can you encapsulate the arguments? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: A tough one, and this mere journalist has long pondered how to reply. Tough because the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion stands right at the heart of the Christian faith — indeed the cross is its universal symbol — and so is vitally... Read more

GEORGE’S QUESTION: When are we as Christians allowed to fight back and protect our civilization? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: George wonders whether Christians should work in police departments, whose conduct is much in the news, as well as the armed forces or other security vocations that  involve use of violence and possible  injury or death. The Religion Guy previously addressed various religions’ views of military service: www.patheos.com/blogs/religionqanda/2014/08/is-military-service-sinful. But it’s a perennial and important topic worth another look, this time limited to... Read more

JOSHUA’S QUESTION: Ed Stetzer suggests the rise of the “nones” — the religiously unaffiliated — is a dual trend. On the one hand, the more nominal “cultural Christians” are no longer self-identifying as Christians, and on the other hand the more theologically conservative Christians are becoming more robust. What are the political consequences? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Following Joshua’s posting, the Pew Research Center issued an attention-getting “Religious Landscape Study” of the U.S. that appears to support such a scenario.... Read more

GERALD’S QUESTION: When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, what would the baptismal formula have been? “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” wasn’t used until the 2nd Century. THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Even a highly skeptical scholar like John Dominic Crossan considers it historical fact that Jesus inaugurated his public ministry with baptism performed by his cousin John the Baptist, who was “preaching in the wilderness.” There’s also wide agreement that John would have used full immersion in the waters of the Jordan... Read more

GORDON’S QUESTION: Is the divide between Protestants and Catholics growing or shrinking? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: “Will Pope Francis Break the Church?”  The Atlantic attached that overwrought headline to a sober analysis of internal Catholic tensions written by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat. No, Francis won’t, despite weighty issues the article surveyed. But a dramatic “break” did actually happen, beginning in 1517 when Martin Luther posted what history calls the “95 Theses.” The German Catholic priest protested sales of indulgences to... Read more

JACOB’S QUESTION: Christians and Jews — Is it OK for them to get tattoos? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Quick summary: Many if not most Jews say no (as do Muslims). With Christians, it’s complicated. There are obvious pros and cons with getting a tattoo because it’s a social signifier and permanently so, unlike hair styles, attire, and other expressions of individuality. But as a religious matter the issue is whether to observe the Bible’s commandment in Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make... Read more

RACHAEL’S QUESTION: What are the major Christian denominations in the U.S.? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Numbers. Numbers. The Pew Research Center snagged some headlines April 2 with projections on world religions as of 2050 that are worth pondering. Among other things, we’re told high birth rates will make world Islam almost as large as Christianity, India will surpass Indonesia as the nation with the biggest Muslim population, Muslims will constitute 10 percent of Europeans, and will surpass the number of religious... Read more

KRISTYN’S QUESTION: I’m having trouble discerning what Luke was trying to communicate when he referred to the women of Jerusalem on Jesus’ trek up to Golgotha [in Luke 23:28-31]. If this is exactly what Jesus said, I have no idea what he meant. Can you shed some light on this? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Thanks to Kristyn for something Christians might ponder during the Holy Week season of sorrow that precedes Easter joy. Jesus’ saying was poetic prophecy that, yes,... Read more