Most people are afraid of the unknown. Those things we have never seen or experienced can seem overwhelming.

On the old maps, back before the world was understood in modern terms, cartographers, map makers, would put down what they knew, but at the edges of the map, beyond which they had no knowledge or understanding, they would often write, "Beyond here, there be dragons."

Eight years ago, Lebanon-born Ali Elhajj came to faith in Christ while living in America. As he encountered evangelical culture, he became troubled by how deeply American Christians misunderstood Islam as well as Christianity in the Middle East.

"It really came to a head in 2006, when the Hezbollah-Israeli war happened, and there was a lot being talked about in the media and churches," Elhajj told ...

In the summer of my 11th year of life, I learned the power and joy of surrender. It happened in Minnesota at the Edina community swimming pool high dive. For five summers I had watched—in admiration and terror—the big kids climb 35 steps into thin air, walk a long concrete diving board, and then jump into the cool water below. For a few agonizing seconds they disappeared in the deep end ...

In August of 2006, Fox News featured a television special titled, "Can Rick Warren Change the World?" Throughout the show, reporters interviewed Warren concerning The Purpose Driven Life, his ministry at Saddleback Church, and his leadership in the church growth movement.

They also spotlighted his attempts to move beyond the boundaries of this country and use a global network of churches to revolutionize ...

Why do sheep have shepherds? Because it is the nature of sheep to stray and get in harm's way, whether that be from hungry wolves or steep canyons. For centuries, shepherds have used various methods—from staff to dog—to keep sheep from straying from the safety of their care.

In recent times, shepherds have turned to other, more sophisticated, methods. One method is a metal, hoof-proof grid ...

Do pop personalities and movie stars have that much influence on the lives of children and teens? Consider the remarks made by Pink, a popular recording artist, in an interview for Rolling Stone:

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Pop singer Elton John told the German magazine Amica:

I am gay and wouldn't want to be heterosexual for all the money in the world….I've got enough money, don't have to follow any rules, don't have to be in the office from nine to five and take the kids to school in the morning. It is simply a fantastic life when you don't have any parameters. It's brilliant.

Not a single church father can be found who did not assume that Christians should remain chaste before marriage.

In the early second century, the Roman governor Pliny questioned some ex-Christians, who reported that Christians met before dawn for a secret ritual that included an oath to refrain from moral no-nos, including sexual sins. The ritual so described is generally considered to have been baptism, ...

Until a few years ago, there were no laws about child safety seats and automobile restraint systems. Tragically, many young children were not safely belted in their seats, and they died in car accidents. Today, though, laws prohibit children from riding in a car without a child seat facing the right direction and properly installed. Even new mothers need to have the seat installed before talking a ...

The Easter vigil gives us a sense of urgency as people hurry to and from an empty tomb.

We must shake off our comas and stupors and lazy sleeping. We must arise and go with the risen Lord toward the fullness of light and peace. Time and eternity intersect, finitude and infinity lose their boundaries. All creation is gathered to a great oneness--now!