The BIG Picture (Q&A)

QUESTION: Who decides what is morally right—God or people (like: Thomas Aquinas)—and why do Christians sometimes disagree about what is moral, especially when reading passages like Judges 11? ANSWER: When people ask whether morality is defined by man or by God, they often assume that morality is a universal system that applies the same way in every age, covenant, and dispensation. But Scripture shows something far more precise. God Himself defines what is right, but He does so within the framework of His revealed will for each people and each program. What was moral for Israel under the law is not the same as what governs the Body of Christ under grace. This is why trying to force all morality into one timeless category leads to confusion, disagreement, and contradictions. The word “moral” simply refers to what is right or wrong according to a standard. The real question is not what the word means, but whose standard applies. Thomas Aquinas and other theologians tried to build universa...

Knowledge:  Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, information, and data. It's the starting point, the raw material of learning. Whether it's general knowledge or deep expertise in a subject, knowledge equips us with the "what." However, knowledge on its own can be superficial. A person may recite endless facts yet lack the ability to grasp their deeper implications or applications. Think of knowledge as the bricks with which you intend to build a house—necessary, but not the complete structure. Understanding:  Understanding connects the dots and takes knowledge a step further. It is the process of organizing and interpreting information, uncovering relationships between facts, and seeing patterns and connections. Understanding is the "how" and "why" behind the "what." It brings clarity and coherence, transforming isolated bits of information into a meaningful tapestry. For example, knowing the symptoms of a disease is knowledge; underst...