Is the Church Calendar Biblical?

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, Is the church year (or liturgical calendar) biblical? Pondering El Paso, TX The Answer… Dear Pondering, The answer to this question depends on what is meant by “liturgical calendar” and what is meant by “biblical.” Let us deal with the latter question first. If by biblical one means, “Does God’s … [Read more…]

Question on Infant Baptism

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, I have two questions for you. First, what made you change from Judaism to Christian Reformed? Why not Pentecostal? Secondly, how can I explain infant baptism from Scripture. I myself believe in infant baptism but have a hard time explaining it to others. They always respond with the verse, Whoever … [Read more…]

Who Should Catechize?

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, I belong to a Reformed church in the western United States. A friend of mine in the church has decided to homeschool his children, as my wife and I also do. Homeschooling has become more common in Reformed churches, as you probably know. Perhaps this has occasioned the difficulty I … [Read more…]

What Is the Christian Position Regarding Civil Disobedience?

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, What is the Christian position regarding civil disobedience? Is there ever justification to engage in civil disobedience? My question arose while thinking of Hitler’s extermination of Jews and others during WWII. For the most part, the German people seemed to acquiesce in Hitler’s atrocities. Only a few dared to show … [Read more…]

What Is the Status of Israel?

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, In this day of death, tension, and increased trouble in the Middle East, it seems appropriate to ask for your take on Acts 3:23, especially as it relates to: widespread international support of Israel retaining its “own land”, the Palestinian demand that they become caretakers of Jerusalem (if not all … [Read more…]

Should Single Women Adopt?

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, I’m a Christian woman in my 40’s and have yet to be married. Do you think it is biblical for single women to adopt? After telling fellow-Christians of my desire to adopt a child, I’ve met with different responses than I had anticipated. I thought adoption was a great mercy. … [Read more…]

Television, the Internet, and Christians

The Question… Dear Rev. Schlissel, In what way has our television culture changed the church (the Christian community; Christians)? And, secondly, what do you perceive to be the Internet’s long-range impact on the Christian community since it is seemingly becoming (has become?) the communications tool du jure of our culture today and for the foreseeable … [Read more…]