CQQ #27: Cultural Influence and Pressure...?

Does culture shape your beliefs?

❦

Thank you, ohtacosforotakus, for suggesting this topic!

In some form or another, culture does seem to shape the way people think and approach life, whether we know it or not. Behavior, speech, eating habits, holidays, traditions, what is considered acceptable, what is considered profane... Even the way people perceive modesty may especially be influenced by culture (an older CQQ blog post that you can also check out here).

How much more does culture even influence the way we view bible scripture or perceive Christianity? It's much more common than we may think.

CQQ #26: To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo...?

A mark of faith?

❦

Thank you, Paul Ahnert and HonnieBunnie007, for suggesting this topic!

WARNING: This topic may be controversial. For all who read, please be civil and considerate of each others' thoughts and opinions. Thank you.

I believe that a number of people take scripture out of context when it comes to the subject of tattoos, a common passage to quote being Leviticus 19:28. We must be careful not to misinterpret scripture (a much, much historically older text) under our modern day lens. To avoid potential legalism, bear in mind that context is key.

CQQ #25 Supplementary Thoughts

Once saved always saved? (An extended commentary)

❦

This is my extended commentary on Curious Quill Question #25, which is on the topic of losing salvation. The following thoughts were shared on my Twitter page, but I decided to also make them available to read here:

"I wonder how many readers understood the point I was trying to make as I was sharing my personal thoughts in that blog article? It might not have been immediately obvious or made clear enough, but there was a reason why I referenced that Parable and how God looks at the heart...

CQQ #25: Lose Salvation...?

Once saved always saved?

❦

Thank you, Helen, for suggesting this topic!

As stated by Aslan (a literal depiction of the Lion of Judah) from C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series: "Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia."

Do we also apply this logic to our salvation in Christ? Can those who've accepted Christ as Lord and Savior ever lose their salvation?

CQQ #24: Thanks in Times of Trouble...?

Are troubles keeping you from being thankful?

❦

Thanksgiving week is here. But to not let it become overshadowed by Black Friday (a time when gratitude can often be replaced with greed and entitlement), it's a good time as any to remind ourselves what we're thankful for, and let that motivate our attitudes and choices.

It's okay to admit when you're feeling down. It's okay to acknowledge that things are not okay. We don't have to pretend. Being thankful is not about masking our pain but rather clinging onto hope despite our pain.

CQQ #23: Gossip and Rumors...?

When is it really our business to speak about others?

❦

Thank you, HonnieBunnie007, for suggesting this topic!

Many people have a fascination with mystery, from "juicy" secrets to unconfirmed theories. Many like to fantasize about the what-ifs and all the possibilities of the unknown. Some even find it exciting.

And then there's talking about other people...behind their backs. That's where there's great potential for pain and misunderstandings and broken trust.

CQQ #22: A White Lie...?

Would a white lie stain a white knight's armor?

❦

Many can agree that lying is bad. No one likes to be deliberately misled or have one's trust come into question. But what happens when a lie is told to better a situation in the long run? What if lying could save a life or keep the innocent from suffering? (Think superheroes, who keep their identities a secret, even if it means lying, to protect not only their personal lives but especially their loved ones from the danger of becoming a villain's targets.)

Some call this the "white lie", a lie that is supposedly minor, harmless, or possibly beneficial for the greater good.

But is it okay to lie for a good cause?

FFT #9: Separating Fact From Fiction (Halloween)

[Link Reading Time: ~30-50 minutes]

Where does the controversy behind Halloween come from?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

❦

So much controversy and many strong feelings tend to arise during the month of October, especially concerning the topic of Halloween. But where do those beliefs about the holiday come from? Is there any merit to joining the crowd that regards the month to be a "time of evil"?

If you have the time, check out this article by John Sanidopoulos, from the blog Daimonologia. You don't have to be an Orthodox Christian to take consideration of its analysis on the history behind Halloween. Brace yourself, it's a long read but worth it for the strong points made!

(Article is approx. 30-50 minutes long.)
http://www.daimonologia.org/2014/10/orthodoxy-and-halloween-separating-fact.html

CQQ #21: Ouija Board...?

A not-so-innocent pastime for ages 8 and up?

❦

Since we're in the month of "all things spooky", I figured this topic would probably be expected at some point.

Some may find it baffling that, of all places, such a controversial device is being sold in today's world by Hasbro, a company known for selling children's toy products, including popular franchises as My Little Pony, Transformers, and Power Rangers. And the recommended age to use this "toy" is 8 and up. Cue the snarky comments and jokes comparing such to the legal drinking age of 21.

So, what is an ouija board?

CQQ #20: Foul Language...?

Are some words just too "bleeping" bad?

❦

"Are some words just inherently bad? Are we really just not allowed to say them?"

As a writer (and a graduated English major), I have to be constantly aware of the power of words and the instrument that is language. Every word naturally carries meaning; it's how we communicate ideas, imagery, emotions. Our word choice, even the first few words on a page, can make all the difference in engaging a reader's interest and getting our message across.

Socializing is no different.

CQQ #19: Doctor God...?

Is God our do-it-all doctor?

❦

Thank you, Helen, for suggesting this topic!

Be it physical or emotional, I believe that God can and does provide healing in some form or another according to His will. That healing may even come in the form of a doctor or natural remedy (God created them after all). But if He so chooses, in accordance to His will, He may intervene directly.

CQQ #18: Spiritual Dreams...?

A spiritual message or something you ate...?

❦

Thank you, Rob Moore, for inspiring this topic with your suggestion!

I had experienced a few rare (and typically strange) dreams that may or may not have had some spiritual significance during my own journey of sanctification. Some of those dreams gave me comfort and reassurance of God's Fatherly love. Some included possible encounters with angels in disguise. Some involved rebuking an invisible demon. And some appeared to be metaphorical, or foreshadowing something unpleasant that was to happen in my life (which, strangely enough, eventually came true). Perhaps they were messages or spiritual encounters. Perhaps not.

(For those who are curious, I've shared at least one of those dreams—and I may consider sharing more—in the Autobiography section of this blog.)

CQQ #17: Animals in Heaven...?

Do all dogs go to heaven?

❦

"Where does my pet go when it dies? Will I see him/her again?"

Some may fall under the camp that animals "have no souls" or "stay in the ground", while others can imagine God having a petting zoo in paradise.

I would argue that yes, animals in heaven is a possibility, but perhaps not for the common reasons others may think.

CQQ #16: Modesty Dress Code...?

Oh, what to wear, what to wear...?

❦

Thank you, HonnieBunnie007, for inspiring this topic with your suggestion!

Once upon a time, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived with shameless harmony in their birthday suits. And it was good. But when they ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they became shamefully aware and afraid of their nakedness, and they hid from God to cover themselves in fig leaves. And when Adam told God this, God asked him, "Who told you that you were naked?" God knew they disobeyed. But before the couple was driven out of the garden, He clothed them with garments of skin. (Read Genesis 3 for more details.)

And this was the beginning of humankind's history with the concept of wearing clothes.


In this day and age, what we wear and how we present ourselves becomes a topic of debate and controversy especially in the church, and views on this idea of what's acceptable to wear in public may even vary from culture to culture. Some find nothing wrong or seductive about bare shoulders, while others may consider it indecent when a woman exposes even a tiny amount of skin or even a bra strap.

CQQ #15: Fasting...?

To eat or not to eat...?

❦

Thank you, FIG777, for inspiring this topic!

Fasting is the practice of abstinence from food and/or drink for some period of time. Sometimes it's required for medical reasons such as before a physical checkup or surgery. This topic in particular is about the kind of fasting done for spiritual reasons.

CQQ #14: Coping with Grief...?

When your skies are grey in the midst of sunshine...

❦

Thank you, Rob Moore, for suggesting this topic!

Grief is something many of us can relate to. It's not just something we go through when a loved one passes away; a really bad breakup, the loss of a job, moving away, and many other life-changing events can also lead to grieving.

People may process their grief differently, having their own methods to cope and requiring varying amounts of time to recover depending on the person and situation, be it an hour, a few days, or longer. Some, however, may fall into depression, draining the overall quality of their day to day lives. Such times can make one feel like they're the only one hurting inside while the rest of the world carries on without them, like they're stuck with dark clouds in the midst of sunshine. Some go searching for the right umbrella to endure the pain until the clouds pass. Some need a friend to bring that umbrella and walk with them across the puddles.

CQQ #13: Carnal Christian...?

Carnal? What an oxymoron! (No, I didn't call you a moron.)

❦

Thank you, Paul Ahnert, for inspiring this topic with your suggestion!

Ever come across people who engage in questionable behavior, putting others down and finding no fault in their spite-filled actions, then find yourself surprised when they claim to be Christian?

Sadly, this is a common occurrence in today's world.


If they really are what they claim to be, one may perhaps consider them "carnal".

Being carnal means living "in the flesh", or living according to our own sinfully self-gratifying ways. This is considered the opposite of living in the Spirit—honoring God in how we live, act, and treat one another, taking account of biblical wisdom.

"Carnal Christian" sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it?

I've had former friends who were supposedly raised in "Christian" families, their homes even decorated with "Christian"-themed items like crucifixes, angel ornaments, and paintings like da Vinci's The Last Supper, and rosaries hanging from the front-view mirror in their car (a number of them were particularly Catholic)... Things that would imply their awareness of their supposed beliefs. Some of them even wore cross necklaces and attended church on Easter Sunday or Christmas evening, some even saying "God bless you" and participating in communion. Yet such beliefs played no real part in their day to day lives, and everything about them still resembled the typical fleshly behavior of the world.

Many supposed believing families have a dysfunctional and tense relationship, leading their kids to follow their own desired path as if God didn't matter or didn't exist to them, even if they still claimed to believe. And those in such questionable upbringing who still believe may walk in such a way that their approach to their supposed beliefs are carnal, even appearing as harsh and self-righteous as Pharisees toward others; they care more about being correct than being kind to others.

CQQ #12: Thorn in the Flesh...?

How do you stand and walk among thorns?

❦

The phrase "thorn in the flesh" can be defined as a chronic struggle, burden, annoyance, or source of trouble in one's own life.

For many it's an injury, illness, disorder, or medical condition contracted from birth or later in life. For a number of you, it's the struggle to overcome addiction, anxiety, or personal fears and phobias. For others, it's depression, loneliness, insomnia, intrusive thoughts...

Perhaps your thorn is situational, or something that too often interferes with your quality of life or ability to work. Perhaps it's your enemies, bullies, or difficult people who make your life more chaotic. Or perhaps it's a personal flaw of yours, like pride or impatience, that holds you back.

CQQ #11: Fandom as Religion...?

Fandom, a rising church in today's world?

❦

A fandom (fan club or fanbase) is a community of enthusiasts of a particular shared interest, be it a sports team, a work of fiction (and often a certain character or romantic pair), a singer or music band, a celebrity or popular YouTuber or content creator... Anyone and anything with an enthusiastic, loyal following can become the center of a fandom.

The people who engage in said fandom (the fans) may don a creative label to represent their fanhood; for instance, 'Trekkie' for those who love Star Trek, 'Whovian' for Doctor Who fans, 'Brony' (or 'Pegasister') for My Little Pony fans, etc.

Some may perhaps enjoy their interest(s) casually and harmlessly, while others may treat it as a way of life with undying loyalty, expressing their "love" by craving endless merchandise (and anything that reminds them of that interest), and becoming easily offended and hostile when someone disagrees about anything regarding their interest, any "insult" perceived as blasphemy no matter how small.

Others may take their "love" for their interest so extreme that actual riots ensue for whatever reason, be it their favorite sports team lost a game, or McDonalds didn't make enough Szechuan sauce to satisfy those diehard Rick and Morty fans.

CQQ #10: The Apocrypha...?

Is there anything to pull from non-canonical texts?

❦

Thank you, Paul Ahnert and HonnieBunnie007, for inspiring this topic!

During my college years, I once attended a class titled "The Bible As Literature", the required "textbook" being The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha (NRSV). I still have that very thick, heavy, red study bible on my shelf today.

I've yet to go through the rest of that book; we were only required to read parts of the New Testament for the class. But thinking about it recently has peaked some curiosity.

CQQ #9: Guardian Angels...?

Is there a guardian angel watching over you?

❦

Angels. A topic that may fascinate many and has its popularity in media and merchandising, yet we know so little about them.

Some bible verses have been quoted by others to speculate on or suggest the idea of guardian angels, angels that supposedly watch over a child or person they're assigned to watch, with one in particular from the words of Christ Himself...

CQQ #8: Accountability Partners...?

Hey friend, how's your prayer life?

❦

Thank you, Rob Moore, for suggesting this topic!

Having done a lot of growing alone with God on my spiritual journey, I can't really say a whole lot about the topic of accountability partners and their effectiveness. But perhaps some of you readers can.

I can say, however, that it is certainly a healthy thing to give yourself time away from your busy life to reflect on your spiritual walk. I often do so in the mornings (while reading daily devotionals) and pretty much anytime I talk to/connect with God during my alone time. Whether alone or with a friend/partner, I encourage spiritual checkups, not as a means to harshly criticize yourself in your failures, but rather as a means to look at your life honestly, learn and grow, develop healthy spiritual habits, bring to light any struggles you're dealing with, and connect deeper.

CQQ #7: A New Society...?

An entire island inhabited by Christians? An all-Christian society?

❦

Thank you, FIG777, for inspiring this topic!

Would it be possible for Christians to move to an uninhabited island to form their own society?

...Should they?

With the displeasure many followers of Christ express over our world today, the idea would perhaps sound tempting. But there's also the mission to consider: "proclaim the gospel to all nations".

And there's the concern about division. With the numerous churches and denominations, who's to say that everyone would still be on the same page? If even our churches are divided, would it really be any different from the division we still face today?

Then there's perhaps the scenario of war or tragedy; if, say, an enemy who hated Christianity were to take the opportunity to eradicate all citizens located in one place; would this make Christians an easier target? A more frequent target?

Or perhaps I'm overthinking it. Either way, this topic could leave room for plenty of speculation.

CQQ #6: Loving a Stranger...?

Is it possible to say "I love you" to someone you don't really know?

❦

Thank you, J.K. Riki, for inspiring this topic!

Some people are quick to say "I love you" to someone they don't personally know very well. They may know some things about the person. They may have certain things in common. They may like the things that person says or does. But can they really say they know the person, and would this justify one's "love" for them?

For the record, this topic has nothing to do with romance (though it can be applied to any kind of relationship). But perhaps a good start would be to define what love really is.

Or, in this case, starting with what love isn't. Here are some common things people often confuse for love but are not actually synonymous:

Variety as Evidence for Intelligent Creation?

[Reading Time: ~9 minutes]

How does variety help support the idea of intelligent creation?

❦

[Click here to read Part 1.]

When I see the world and all that goes on in nature, I don't see randomness or nothingness; I see purpose, design, intelligence, emotion, even creativity. So many discoveries, ideas, all sorts of amazing things in this green earth that people often take for granted. So much has been put into our world that we may not even realize, even some possible answers that can arrive from close observation.

And all these things point to intelligent creation.

FFT #8: Rediscovering Worth

[Link Reading Time: ~6 minutes]

Does brokenness diminish one's worth?
[Click here to view the blog article.]

❦

Does brokenness diminish the worth of a person?

A number of people experience feelings of worthlessness due to their mistreatment and rejection by others, to no fault of their own. It's heartbreaking to see how those who ought to be loving—parents, the church, etc.—turn away those who need open arms the most: the broken, the lost, the sick, the outcasts...the very people that Christ Jesus came to rescue.

Check out this article from Paul Ahnert via his blog, The Metal Minister. It may pull at your heartstrings and get the wheels in your head turning!

(Article is approx. 6 minutes long.)
https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2017/03/rediscovering-worth-tale-of-3.html

CQQ #5: Alone in the Universe...?

Are we really alone in the universe? Could there be others?

❦

Thank you, Robert Pemberton, for suggesting this topic!

People have speculated over the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe, outside of our planet. But if such were the case, how would that possibly fit in, in God's plans? And if we are truly the only ones, then why is the universe so vast?

As far as we're concerned, God's plan of salvation was given to humankind; we were created in God's image and made for relationship with God. One could propose that God knew that humans in the future would create space programs and discover the rest of outer space—unique planets and satellite objects with properties of their own, asteroids, comets, new stars, constellations, black holes, even galaxies... So many wonders beyond our planet Earth. But the bible basically describes the history of humanity's relationship with God and His will for humankind on earth (with limited details on other elements outside of that; no one has ever reported the exact location of heaven or hell).

CQQ #4: Remember Your Victories...?

Do you remember the victories of the King of All Kings?

❦

Happy Easter/Resurrection Day!

Because of Christ's sacrifice and defeating death through His resurrection, we can have new life. So to commemorate, I remember the One who changed my life and continues to work changes for the better to this day. I call it remembering one's victories.

I can still remember how Christ changed my life way back in 2009. You could say I've been walking with my Good Shepherd for nearly a decade now (as of this post).

CQQ #3: Discipline in Public...?

How do you handle that kind of heat in public?

❦

Thank you, HonnieBunnie007, for suggesting this topic!

Discipline can be a tricky and controversial subject in itself, particularly when it comes to methods for handling misbehaving children. Add setting to the fray, and perhaps it gets trickier, sometimes even uncomfortable.

A number of parents handle discipline poorly in the privacy of their home. If handled poorly elsewhere, disciplining children in public could possibly be misinterpreted as child abuse at worse, or at the very least cause some heads to turn and stare. Embarrassment may perhaps ensue for the child or parents (or even the public).

Purpose as Evidence for Intelligent Creation?

[Reading Time: ~8-9 minutes]

How does purpose help support the idea of intelligent creation?

❦

When I see the world and all that goes on in nature, I don't see randomness or nothingness; I see purpose, design, intelligence, emotion, even creativity. So many discoveries, ideas, all sorts of amazing things in this green earth that people often take for granted. So much has been put into our world that we may not even realize, even some possible answers that can arrive from close observation.

And all these things point to intelligent creation.

FFT #7: Get Rid Of Your Excess Baggage

[Link Reading Time: ~3-4 minutes]

Are you going through life with baggage on your shoulders?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

❦

Some of us go through life pretending that everything's okay, when in reality we're being held back by a metaphorical backpack full of rocks that's slowing us down and making our work ineffective.

Don't deny it; are you carrying emotional baggage?

Relax those shoulder muscles and check out this article from Gladys Famoriyo, a guest columnist on The Christian Post. It may encourage you to loosen that grip!

(Article is approx. 3-4 minutes long.)
https://www.christianpost.com/news/get-rid-of-your-excess-baggage.html

FFT #6: Impatience

[Link Reading Time: ~2 minutes]

How much are you rushing through life?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

❦

In this fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves rushing through life, even relying on shortcuts like fast food to get by as we rush through our daily schedule.

How often do we slow down to live life? How much of our time do we spend praying?

Slow down for a bit and check out this article from David A. Fischer via his blog. Make sure you don't rush through it!

(Article is approx. 2 minutes long.)
https://damarministries1991.wordpress.com/2019/03/30/impatience/

FFT #5: Help! Are You Listening?

[Link Reading Time: ~2-3 minutes]

How would you rate your listening skills?
[Click here to view the blog article.]

❦

It's easy to take our ears for granted. Some of us hold so tightly to the way we use our time, careful not to waste every second. In doing this we sometimes fail to reap the greater benefits of sparing some time to really listen.
 
Some of us are big talkers, but how much time do we spend listening?
 
Take some time to listen and check out this article from Brenda Ferguson via her blog, Becoming His Tapestry. It's definitely worth considering!

(Article is approx. 2-3 minutes long.)
https://becominghistapestry.com/2019/03/08/help-im-not-listening/

FFT #4: Confessions of a Skeptic

[Link Reading Time: ~12-13 minutes]

What made one skeptic turn to faith?
[Click here to view the testimony.]

❦

Some skeptics can appear so confident in their skepticism. So what made this one skeptic decide to believe and put faith in something beyond our human understanding? Is there any logic and reasoning behind the idea of faith?
 
If you yourself are a skeptic, perhaps you may be surprised.
 
Read on and reconsider in this open testimony from MichaelF via his blog, The Shepherd's Voice. Thank you for sharing your story and your thoughts regarding the Resurrection of Christ.

(Article is approx. 12-13 minutes long.)
https://the-shepherds-voice.blogspot.com/p/confessions-of-skeptic.html

FFT #3: Spiritual Goal Setting

[Video Length: ~6 minutes]

❦

Do you have some big goals? Not just big, but God-sized? Ever wonder how your goals can fit into the big picture and where to even begin?
 
Check out this thoughtful video from The Current Christian and consider these five steps for how to set those goals in a godly way. Very insightful!

(Video is approx. 6 minutes long.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmjimxnkDQQ

FFT #2: She's Always Been That Way!

[Link Reading Time: ~4-5 minutes]

How far will we go to give someone a second chance?
[Click here to view the blog article.]

❦

Ever struggle over the idea of confronting or dealing with difficult people?
 
You're not alone there. It's not always easy convincing ourselves to put in the extra effort to give others another chance. How far are we willing to go to reach out to others before we can truly call it quits?
 
Check out this powerful testimony from Paul Ahnert via his blog, The Metal Minister. It definitely got me thinking! Thank you for reminding us that nothing is impossible for God.
 
(Article is approx. 4-5 minutes long.)
https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2017/05/to-hell-with-her-shes-always-been-that.html

FFT #1: Why Does the Bible Mention Unicorns?

[Video Length: ~8 minutes]

❦

I believe in unicorns. Don't you?
 
"What? Unicorns? You mean those mythical one-horned horses that social media loves to obsess over?"
 
No, my friend. We're talking about the less-appreciated real life OG unicorns from Africa and Asia. (And no, we're not talking narwhals either, but they're real and great too!)
 
Check out this compelling video by NathanH83 and see for yourself. Great stuff!
 
(Video is approx. 8 minutes long.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BNsjsbJLaM