Golgotha: Where Is It?
If asked where Jesus was crucified and buried, most Christians would respond by naming either the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Garden Tomb. Yet, based on first-century evidence, neither site meets the necessary criteria. There is another option, however.
The Apostles, Part 18: John: Approaching the End
As the last surviving apostle among the original twelve, John was eager to pass on key instruction and understanding to followers of “the Way,” both then and now.
A Time for Listening and Thinking
Most believers recognize the value of prayer—speaking to God. From our online study series, Foundations, we present a module on the other half of communicating with the Creator.
The Apostles, Part 17: John: Apostle of Love and Light
In this second installment on the apostle John, we find that the “Son of Thunder” mellowed greatly as he grew older. A closer look at John’s Gospel and the first letter bearing his name reveal not only this personal change but also some of the less positive changes taking place in his late-first-century environment.
The Apostles, Part 16: Son of Thunder, Apostle of Love
John, the last surviving apostle of the first century, lived a long and challenging life. In this installment, we look at some of his early experiences as a follower of Jesus Christ.
God Exists
The apostle Paul said that the creation around us is evidence that God exists. But those who hold to the scientific method for determining facts demand a different standard of proof. Is a scientific approach the best way to establish whether there is a God?
The Birth of a Legend
The old tradition that the apostle Peter lived and died in Rome took on a life of its own in the second and third centuries, driven by the efforts of one of Christianity’s many early branches to establish preeminence. Vision traces the story of this legendary Peter’s rise to power.
The New Testament: Rightly Divided or Torn Apart?
It’s generally thought that the various New Testament writers were anything but united in what they believed and taught. Do their writings bear this out?
The Apostles, Part 15: What Kind of People Should You Be?
The apostle Peter wrote a second letter to the early Church just before his death. And like other New Testament writings, its message is timeless.
Mary: More Than a Woman?
Who was the real Mary, and why the great disparity of beliefs about her? Which version is the correct one, or does it matter? What we will see is that what one believes about Mary depends in large part on the source of those beliefs.
The Apostles, Part 14: Called, Chosen, Faithful
The apostle Peter's life is a study in how much a person can change. His writings offer wisdom and advice that are as applicable today as when he penned them nearly two millennia ago.
Special Report: The Pass Over to Easter
In the early centuries of what is often called the Christian era, a gulf opened up between professing Christian churches, which commemorated Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday, and the apostolic Church Jesus founded which celebrated His death on Passover. In this collection of articles, Vision explores the origins of this wide divergence in practice.
No Essenes at Qumran?
Another war is brewing in the Middle East, this one pitting Israelis against Israelis and many others in the academic world. The cause of the latest skirmish? A book to be published next month by Israeli academic Rachel Elior of Hebrew University, which questions the relationship of the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Essenes.
Pondering Purim: A Case for Fancy Dress?
Sunset on March 9, 2009, marked the beginning of the Jewish holiday known as Purim. A two-day festival commemorated on the 14th and 15th of Adar (according to the Hebrew calendar) Purim dates back to the events recorded in the biblical book of Esther.
The Apostles, Part 13: Feed My Sheep!
The apostle Peter figures prominently in the New Testament, but he is often portrayed today as being personally and theologically at odds with his colleague Paul. A closer look at the biblical record sheds light on the man and his teachings.
The Gospel Through the Ages
What is “the gospel”? Most probably think of it as a message emanating from the New Testament, but in fact it goes back much farther.
Finding God's Forgiveness
Even religions disagree on how to define forgiveness. And the belief systems that claim the Bible as their basis have significantly divergent views on this pivotal subject. So just what does the Bible say?
The Apostles, Part 12: James, Brother of Jesus
What can we know about James, the first-century writer of one of the general epistles? And what value does his letter have in the 21st century?
The Legacy of the Scrolls
Sixty years after their discovery, the Dead Sea Scrolls still spark controversy and debate. What, if anything, have they established so far, and how will they be remembered?
The Apostles, Part 11: Journeys’ End
As the apostle Paul’s life draws to a close, he continues to demonstrate his sincere concern for those under his care and for those who will carry on his ministry.
Was Peter Ever in Rome?
The world’s largest Christian church bases its claim to authority on the belief that the apostle Peter spent time in the capital of the Roman Empire and founded the church there. Vision examines the evidence for that teaching.
Before Christianity—A First-Century Perspective
In this collection, which includes an interview with Boston University's Paula Fredriksen, Vision publisher David Hulme examines Christianity in its first-century context. Did Paul really sever Christian practice from its Jewish roots?
The Apostles, Part 10: Productive in Prison
Though Paul is manacled to a Roman guard, he continues his ministry both in person and through letters to fellow believers in outlying provinces.
During the Christmas season, people hear the familiar account of Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus. The popular story uses facts from the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament, but surprisingly little of what is popularly believed about Mary actually comes from the Bible.
Special Report: Ghosts of Christmas Past
Do customs and origins matter in religion? The paradox is that Jesus said He came to establish truth, yet the very day that supposedly celebrates His arrival is characterized by myth and tradition.
Apocalypse Now, Later or Never?
The book of Revelation is an enigma to most who read it. Even in scholarly circles, ideas about its meaning and significance abound. Does such a puzzling book have any real value?
The Apostles, Part 9: A Dangerous Voyage
The prisoner Paul makes his way to Rome for a hearing before the famous Nero. But what might appear to be the end of the story is really just another beginning.
Theodicy
Theodicy is an unfamiliar word that relates to the question of why a benevolent God would allow evil and suffering to exist in this world.
Unitarianism
Unitarianism is not a settled concept of the godhead such as Trinitarians accept. It denies the divinity of Jesus Christ and sees Him as purely a human being.
The Apostles, Part 8: To Caesar You Shall Go!
Paul’s final visit to Jerusalem resulted in riots, beatings, imprisonment, hearings before governors and a king, and finally an appeal to Caesar.
Terror: Can We Blame Religion?
Would eradicating all forms of religious belief remove terror from our world?
Is the Bible Relevant to the Modern World?
In his God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, like others before him, has denied the place of religion in our lives: we as adults should not teach matters of faith to our children. This idea has now been taken up by Hector Avalos, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Iowa State University.
Paul the Jew
The apostle Paul and his writings have been increasingly prominent at the annual November conference of the Society of Biblical Literature.
Dead Sea Scrolls on Loan to San Diego
The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947 at Qumran and a part of Israel, are coming to San Diego, California. The San Diego Natural History Museum will be hosting the longest and largest exhibition of the scrolls to date.
Why Paul Changed His Name
The New Testament records in Acts 13 that Saul changed his name to Paul. Why did he do this?
Would We Be Better Off Without Religion?
Would we be better off without religion? That was the subject of a recent debate in London. Vision contributing writer David Lloyd attended the event which featured authors Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. Were they successful in convincing the audience?
Special Report
Jesus in Context: The True Origins of the Church
Every Easter brings a new wave of TV specials about the life of Jesus and his early followers. From the Discovery Channel to the History Channel, and even news channels like CNN and Fox News get into the act. But though it may be the most often told story, it is seldom told correctly.
A Critical Look Inside the Jesus Tomb
A new book and documentary just released this week are making some big claims. But biblical scholars and archaeologists are casting an enormous shadow of doubt on the authors' conclusions as more is learned about the facts behind their hypothesis.
The God Confusion
In his book The God Delusion, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins marshals all of his trademark talent for impassioned, witty and lucid debate. But there are significant flaws in his logic.
Judas: It's Still About Money
The newly translated "Gospel of Judas" is the latest pseudo-Christian text to grab public attention. Like other Gnostic works, it has generated much more than interest.
The Apostles, Part 7: Ephesus: City of Worthless Idols
The apostle Paul travels to the city of the goddess Artemis to live and teach for three years before making his way to Jerusalem one last time.
The Apostles, Part 6: At the Center of the Greek World
The apostle Paul, continuing his travels through Greece, arrives in the ancient cities of Athens and Corinth. How he approaches his respective audiences is in itself enlightening.
Judas's Story? Gospel Attributed to Jesus's Betrayer Stirs Controversy
Marvin Meyer, Professor of Bible and Christian Studies at Chapman University, Orange County, and one of the leading translators of the Gospel of Judas, outlines some of the background and intrigue that led to the final reconstruction and translating of the Gospel of Judas in April this year.
From Here to Eternity
All civilizations and cultures, it seems, developed legends about avoiding our inevitable date with death. Could these accounts have a common source?
James and Paul: Why the Conflict?
Most Bible Scholars pit the apostles James and Paul against one another. A brief review of the historical record shows the origins of that mistaken idea.
The Apostles, Part 5: New Team, New Territory
The apostle Paul, together with his traveling companions, sets out on a journey to the ancient cities of Asia Minor and Greece. Even in the 21st century, his experiences offer valuable and instructive lessons.
Richard Dawkins and the God Delusion
Vision was invited to attend the kickoff lecture for Richard Dawkins' U.S. tour to promote his new book The God Delusion. Can Dawkins be measured by his own yardstick?
Is God Dead? Atheism Finds a Market in the U.S.
CHICAGO, Oct 18 (Reuters) - A fresh wave of atheistic books has hit the market this autumn, some climbing onto best-seller lists in what proponents see as a backlash against the way religion is entwined in politics.
The Apostles, Part 4: The First Journey
In this issue we retrace Paul and Barnabas's travels through Cyprus and Asia Minor. What they taught Jews and gentiles along the way is the subject of considerable debate and misunderstanding.
Special Report: Drowning in Da Vinci
In this special report,Vision takes a close look at the scholarship behind the theory that formed the basis of Dan Brown's fictional work, The Da Vinci Code.
Facing Facts
Amid the controversy, many forget that The Da Vinci Code is only a novel, albeit based on certain facts, according to its author. So just where does fact leave off and fiction begin?
The Apostles, Part 3: Peter, Paul and Barnabas
The biblical book of Acts provides a fascinating history of the New Testament Church's growth and development. In this issue, we recall the early experiences of three key players.
Mary, Mary? Quite the Contrary!
Mary Magdalene has been repainted to conform to modern agendas. But is her new image a truer likeness than the old?
Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion, Part 4: Aspects of Empire: Roman, Holy and German
A look at Otto the Great and his role in a reemerging Roman empire, this time in Germany.
Concrete Evidence?
A startling archaeological find in Israel last summer is fueling debate about the historicity of the Bible.
The Apostles, Part 2: Beyond Jerusalem
Amid growing persecution, early followers of Christ fled to neighboring regions, spreadng a message of hope and a way of life.
Trendlines: April 7, 2006
The Gospel of Judas or Queen Victoria's CD Collection?
Several new books are capitalizing on the release of an ancient text that purports to be Judas' side of the story in his betrayal of Jesus. What evidence is there of its authenticity?
Trendlines: February 24, 2006
Letters from the Past
The recent discovery of another tomb in Egypt highlights that there is still much to explore in the ancient near east. But today's archaeologists are hoping to find a different kind of treasure.
Seeing the Face of God
What does God look like? Did Jesus have blond or dark hair? And why do we want to know?
The Apostles, Part 1: Acting on Conviction
In this issue we begin a new series on the 21st-century application of the gospel, this time focusing on the biblical book of Acts.
Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion, Part 3: The Fall and Rise of the Roman Empire
The idea that political power can confer aspects of divinity on human leaders has had remarkable longevity.
Interview with Paula Fredriksen: Paul and Paula
Author and early-church historian Paula Fredriksen discusses the life and times of the apostle Paul.
Orthodoxy: Just Another Heresy?
Christian orthodoxy and heresy both have a long history. But is either right, and who decides?
Constantine: The Man and the Church
The Roman Emperor who single-handedly changed the Western world. What were his motivations?
Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion, Part 2: The Coming of the "Christian" Emperor
Was Constantine the Great a Follower of Christ?
The Rise and Rise of the Queen of Heaven
What do you actually know about the Virgin Mary?
Is the Bible Anti-Woman?
Old Testament and New Testament writers present a consistent view of God toward women, but it isn't what most people think.
Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion, Part 1: Men as Gods
It's a reality with a colorful history: Powerful leaders sometimes fall prey to grand delusions.
From Jew to Gentile?
James D. Tabor, chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a specialist in biblical studies, spoke with publisher David Hulme about the apostle Paul.
Christianity's Sibling Rivalries
Competing philosophies put pressure on the early Christian church to change its doctrines and practices.
An Ancient Truth: We Are Not in Control
“Where was God when the tsunami struck?” You've heard the question, but what's the answer?
Daniel: Prophet or Historian?
How did a young Jewish slave foretell more than 2,500 years of world history?
Revisiting the Dead Sea Scrolls
A look at the story of these ancient writings and what we can learn from them.
Daily Devotion: The Legacy of the Protestant Work Ethic
The Western world's obsession with work has a long history. But on what is it founded?
Written in Stone
Archaeology might seem to be above the religious and political fray, but recent finds in Israel demonstrate otherwise.
Pharaoh's Hardened Heart
How a God of slaves humbled one of the world's greatest civilizations.
In Other Words
How did the Bible come to be translated into so many vernacular tongues?
The Most Dangerous Book, Part 2
Part Two in the story of the courageous struggle to put the Bible into the hands of the English people.
The Bible and the British Throne
Is this unusual relationship, which has spanned nearly 500 years, outdated?
The Most Dangerous Book, Part 1
Why was the translation of the Bible into English so violently opposed? First in a two-part series.
Digging for Faith
With their faith on shaky ground, many nominal Christians and Jews are looking to archaeology to dig them out of their doubts.
Holes in History
What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It? by William G. Dever;The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman; The Lost Testament: From Eden to Exile: The Five-Thousand-Year History of the People of the Bible by David Rohl.
Shadows of Augustine
Part Two of Vision's look at Augustine includes several articles that explore not only the sources but also some of the major outgrowths of his philosophy.
Daniel in the Critics' Den
The book of Daniel is often written off as nothing more than a poor historical account. Is that a valid argument?
Augustine's Poisoned Chalice
Can the mixing of pagan philosophy with biblical teachings result in anything but a lethal potion?
After Life
What happens to a person at death? You might be surprised at what the Bible has to say on the subject.
Halloween: Treat or Trick?
It's more popular than ever, and it may seem harmless enough, but what are you really participating in when you celebrate Halloween?
Splitting Heirs?
Will an ancient religious rift between Eastern and Western Europe be healed?
I'm Dreaming of a Right Christmas
You've probably heard that the Western world's biggest holiday is steeped in paganism. But have you asked yourself why it matters?
Through an Ancient Looking Glass
Modern Western society reflects a civilization that most people consider long dead. Yet the connections are clear and unmistakable.
As It Was From the Beginning?
The spirit that animated our earliest ancestors has continued unabated through the ages. And so, in humanity's struggle to create for itself a secure and prosperous world, it is unwittingly fulfilling an ancient prophecy.
An Empty Shell
Is Easter all it's cracked up to be?
Groundless Claims
Where was Jesus buried and does it really matter?
Plagued by Doubt
Scientists offer rational explanations for the biblical plagues against Egypt.
'S No Angel
There's more to the angelic realm than meets the eye.
When Will the Real Millennium Arrive?
In the confusion about the start of the new millennium, we're forgetting about another millennium.
A Blueprint for Vision
What the world needs now is visionairies, and you could be one of them.
The Warrior Pope
Thanks to John Paul II, the papacy is once again a force to reckon with.
Right and Wrong
Does humanity have the right to define or even discard moral standards according to personal preference?
In Search of Utopia
Is the idea of utopia just “pie in the sky”—an unrealizable dream—or could it someday become a reality?
Finding Peace of Mind
Life in today's world is increasingly complex. A host of dilemmas, difficulties and challenges plague us individually and collectively. Yet we can enjoy a depth of tranquility that seems to elude most people.
A Crisis of Identity
A look back at Christianity's departure from its Hebrew roots.
Funeral Pyre of a Straw God
Several recent books address the allegation that God is dead. Can modern philosophy finally lay the God of the Bible to rest as a new millennium dawns? Or is it trying to bury the wrong god?
“Speak to Us Smooth Things”
No one wants to hear a message of doom, yet most believe that's all Bible prophecy has to offer. Have the prophets of the Bible been misjudged? Certainly their writings are among the greatest challenges faced by those seeking to understand the relevance of the Bible to our times.
The Other Prophecy
By no means is prophecy restricted to today's popular usage—that is, predicting the future.
The Origin of Evil
The “problem of evil” has frustrated philosophers for millennia. How do you reconcile the presence of evil with the existence of a loving God?
A Pulpit of Preconceived Ideas
During the past 2,000 years, various traditions have been layered over basic Christian truths. At the foundation of some of these teachings are bold and imposing forms of anti-Judaism. Modern scholars are reexamining the history of the early Christians and are finding that, along with Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul, the first followers were much more Judaic than was formerly thought. What does this mean for the future of Christianity?
Jerusalem on Fire
A rare reproduction of a lost oil painting titled The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70 by David Roberts, a member of Britain's Royal Academy.
Jesus Christ: The Myth and the Reality
Like most historical accounts, the story of Jesus Christ comes down to us surrounded with legend and inaccuracy. The 20th century saw the beginning of a new wave of scholarship determined to discover His historical identity. Why is this continuing quest important, and what does the biblical record reveal?
The Bible: Who Needs It?
Some have given their lives for it while others have tried to burn it to extinction. By any standard this is no ordinary book.
Is the Bible Trustworthy?
With a little analysis, we can prove the Scriptures to be a trustworthy document.
Is It the End of Everything?
Publisher David Hulme explores what Jesus had to say about the end of the age and when it would come.
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