Theology and Culture
Chuck Crisco
The Garden of Eden Mythology

Is it true or myth? Literal or not? This is an important question as it still affects us thousands of years later in culture wars over science, history and religion. It figures into patriarchal society and the reduced status of women. It is the affirmation that all humans are sinful and need a savior. So this is no unimportant question.

The Garden of Eden Mythology
Grace, Interpreting Revelation
Chuck Crisco
Now Series: Religion Can't Wipe Away Your Tears

Are we to think that God wipes away tears once we get to heaven, but we have to die to experience it? 

Actually, the teaching that God will wipe away our tears isn't a promise about heaven. It is a promise for now, that extends into the afterlife.

Now Series: Religion Can't Wipe Away Your Tears
Destiny
Chuck Crisco
Releasing Your Inner Awesome: Believe in Your ...

What do beliefs have to do with our dreams? The truth is that our hearts believe tens of thousands of things about innumerable subjects. Beliefs are the fabric of our experiences, and the filter for the glorious desires within you. 

Releasing Your Inner Awesome: Believe in Your Dream
Destiny
Chuck Crisco
Love: The Secret to Dreams Coming True

I believe that God has given us the power to access, activate and achieve our dreams. Of course there are lots of methods and programs to help us reach those goals, but I wondered if it was less complicated. 

And I found that it was. 

Yes, we do need to learn how to steward our hearts into those dreams. But I wanted to know what the common denominator was in getting our heart's desires. Was it prayer? Was it having enough faith? Was it being smart enough? Was it just luck? Or was it an arbitrary God who blessed some but not others?

Love: The Secret to Dreams Coming True
Grace, Hell?, Destiny
Chuck Crisco
Does God Give Second Chances After Death?

Does God give "second chances" after death? Without understanding the resurrection and the judgment, one can't give a definitive answer.

Does God Give Second Chances After Death?

eternal life

Eternal Life Does Not Mean Going to Heaven

Eternal Life Does Not Mean Going to Heaven

There are a number of things that we are taught that aren't actually in the Bible. Feel free to look these up, but you won't find them in a scripture anywhere. For instance:

  • Pray this sinners prayer so you can be saved.
  • Believe in Jesus SO THAT you can go to heaven.
  • Get forgiven SO THAT you can go to heaven.
  • Confess and admit your sins SO THAT you can go to heaven. 
  • Ask Jesus into your heart. 

Of course heaven is real, but the things we supposedly believe come from the Bible, aren't always there.

Whether you grew up in church or not, there is a good chance you can quote John 3:16 from memory. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him will not perish, but will have everlasting life." (John 3:16)  Like most of us, you probably think that this "eternal life" is a synonym for "going to heaven when we die." But that would not be the truth. 

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Men Who Stare at (Sheep) and Goats: Is This Judgment Past?

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Men Who Stare at (Sheep) and Goats: Is This Judgment Past?

Sheep and goats are apparently in vogue again, if movie titles are any indication. Whether it is Shaun the Sheep in his debut CG movie, or the horror movie, "Black Sheep: There are 40 Million Sheep in New Zealand and They're Pissed Off!" sheep and goats are becoming center stage. Let's not forget George Clooney's not-so-break-away hit, "Men Who Stare at Goats." Clooney's character is a psychic working for the government who can causes goats to pass out by using his powers.