Michael Huffman

Though biblical law forbids it, human sacrifice occurs in several places in the Hebrew Bible. Sometimes the narrator condemns it; other times it escapes judgment.

Christians have assessed the morality of violence in various ways. One view—perhaps Christianity’s oldest—is that violence is prohibited for Christians.

As its name implies, the Reformation was a movement aimed at changing the established church. But some believed it did not go far enough.

Of the Jewish holidays prescribed in the Bible, most originated during the days of Moses. But Purim celebrates Jewish survival during the Exile.

At age seven Joash became the youngest king to rule in ancient Israel. Manasseh and Josiah also took on the same role as children.

The ancient kingdoms of Judah and Israel were racked by frequent violence and political instability. Assassinations of kings and other royalty were frequent.

Jesus is the most famous person in history. But his association with Christianity can overwhelm his place in other traditions, perhaps most significantly in Islam.

Sunni Muslims identify five practices as the foundation of their religious life. These are known commonly as the Five Pillars of Islam.