Posted in theology

Recognizing Rebellion Behind the Pulpit

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: This article examines the question of persistent, public disobedience among self-professing Christian women who preach and teach in defiance of biblical commands. It urges discernment, humility, and repentance, arguing that ongoing rebellion against Scripture raises serious concerns about genuine faith.

Continue reading “Recognizing Rebellion Behind the Pulpit”
Posted in theology

Does a movie about discovery of alien life threaten Christianity? A Response to Disclosure Day

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: Using Steven Spielberg’s anticipated film Disclosure Day as a springboard, this article examines claims about extraterrestrial life through a biblical lens, arguing that Christian faith remains secure amid speculation, government disclosures, and Hollywood’s exploration of humanity’s place in the universe.

Continue reading “Does a movie about discovery of alien life threaten Christianity? A Response to Disclosure Day”
Posted in theology

Southern Baptists Confront the Question of Women Who Preach

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: As the Southern Baptist Convention meets in Orlando, debate continues over women serving in pastoral and preaching roles. Focusing on Al Mohler’s Truth & Unity Amendment, this article examines efforts to uphold biblical qualifications for church leadership and resist doctrinal compromise.

Continue reading “Southern Baptists Confront the Question of Women Who Preach”
Posted in Uncategorized

Anita Bryant, American heroine (and she was right)

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: This article examines the rise of the homosexual rights movement in the 1970s and highlights Anita Bryant’s opposition through her Save Our Children campaign. It argues that Bryant’s biblical convictions shaped her activism, influenced conservative politics, and came at significant personal cost.

Continue reading “Anita Bryant, American heroine (and she was right)”
Posted in theology

Exploring Identity part 3: Who We Are in Christ

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: Concluding a 3-part series on identity, I explore the Christian’s true identity in Christ, (briefly mentioning the challenges of aging). Drawing from Spurgeon, Ferguson, & Lloyd-Jones, I emphasize union with Christ, eternal purpose, and living out the reality of who believers are.

In part 1 I examined women’s search for identity and meaning coming of age in the confusing turbulence of second wave feminism.

In part 2 I looked at my own testimony of the search for identity prior to salvation in that unsettled period.

In this final part 3, I am exploring who we are as Christians, our identity in Christ.

Continue reading “Exploring Identity part 3: Who We Are in Christ”
Posted in theology

Exploring Identity part 2-Chasing the Wind

By Elizabeth Prata

Part 1 here

Part 3 here

SYNOPSIS: Raised amid the cultural upheavals of second-wave feminism, I pursued both traditional and modern ideals—marriage, career success, education, travel, and achievement—yet found them empty. After years of searching for identity and purpose, I discovered lasting peace, joy, and fulfillment when Christ saved me.

Continue reading “Exploring Identity part 2-Chasing the Wind”
Posted in theology

Exploring Identity, part 1: The Feminine Mystique/Mistake

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: This reflection traces the rise of second-wave feminism and its search for identity apart from God, arguing that worldly pursuits cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Contrasting secular self-definition with biblical teaching, it presents union with Christ as the Christian’s true, eternal source of identity and purpose.

Continue reading “Exploring Identity, part 1: The Feminine Mystique/Mistake”
Posted in theology

When “She Helped Me” Isn’t a Valid Defense

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS: Many defend false teachers by claiming, “Their teachings helped me.” This essay examines what true biblical help looks like—conviction of sin, growth in holiness, and exaltation of Christ—and argues that spiritual benefit must be measured by Scripture, not personal feelings.

Continue reading “When “She Helped Me” Isn’t a Valid Defense”
Posted in theology, word of the week

Be Kind: The Fruit That Meets Needs

By Elizabeth Prata

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

kindness here in Greek (xrēstótēs) means a useful kindness, referring to meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing (fashion). Hence 5544 (xrēstótēs) is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). With the believer, 5544 /xrēstótēs (“divine kindness”) is the Spirit-produced goodness which meets the need and avoids human harshness (cruelty). Strong’s.

Continue reading “Be Kind: The Fruit That Meets Needs”