Where was man supposed to draw the line? It seems that many of the things that man is attempting to achieve, or is acutally doing, are unethical. For instance, who gave man the right to determine if someone should live or die? Who gave man the authority to decide who should be born and who shouldn’t? Here is a list of 10 ways that man tries to play the role of God:

10. Predicting Armageddon

The Bible says that only the creator knows when the end of the world will take place. However, man insists on trying to induce worldwide chaos with constant predictions of when they believe the world is going to end. Most of the predictions are usually based on some form of science or archeological find. There have been predictions by lost civilizations and numerologists.

Many people with foundations in religion find it easy to ignore the maniacal rants of those who swear they know when the world is ending. However, there are also those who feel the need to have underground bunkers and stashes of food and other goods, in an effort to be prepared. What they are preparing for is unknown.  The end of the world isn’t something that can be predicted. It’s something that is just going to happen…

9. Life Support System

No one likes to be faced with the loss of a loved one. However, what happens when you know there is no chance of them coming back. Life support systems were designed to keep people alive; who would surely die without them. Basically, it’s sustaining something that is already gone.

There have been instances where someone was on a life support system for years and recovered. There are also the instances where a family has waited prolonged amounts of time, only to have to decide to turn the machines off. Of course, by not using the system, you never know if they would have come back or not. Yet, isn’t it God who decides when someone is born and when someone dies.

The use of life support systems is another example of man stepping in to God’s shoes. By artificially sustaining a life that God has already taken back, man is attempting to override the decision as a creator of life.

8. Slavery

Slavery isn’t used in terms of just the enslavement of African American people for approximately 400 hundred years. African Americans weren’t the first people to be enslaved. There were slaves in the Bible. Native Americans were enslaved. Jewish people were enslaved. There are still nations across the world that believes another race of people was meant to be enslaved.

Slavery has been justified by oppressors, in so many ways. Many use their religious books as a means of proving that slavery isn’t wrong. This was especially so in the instance of the enslavement of African American in the Americas. White Christians used the Bible to try to persuade others to believe that God said these people of dark skin were nothing but animals; uncivilized, they were meant to serve.

Who is to determine master from slave? Who is to determine civilized from uncivilized? Who is to determine which race of man is to oppress another race of man?

7. Genocide

Genocide is the purposeful annihilation of an ethnic group or nation. There are other methods used to commit genocide; like taking away the capability to reproduce. Any step taken to rid the planet of a particular group is considered genocide.

What makes it right for any one person or group to decide that an entire race of people aren’t deserving of life. Unfortunately, this scenario has replayed itself throughout the world’s history. The largest example of genocide is present in the Holocaust. Hitler caused the death of millions of people; the majority of them were Jewish. African militant leader, Idi Amin, wiped out more hundreds of thousands of people; based on their ethnic groups.

If God made these people, should anyone have the right to say they are worthless? The killing of any man based on ethnicity is wrong. Think of it this way… if God decided that only animals were worthy of living on Earth and allowed man to know. How would it feel knowing that you were about to die because you were human?

6. Genetic Engineering

Also referred to as genetic modification, genetic engineering is man’s manipulation of an organism’s genetic content through the use of technology. It is centered on the introducing DNA that isn’t natural to the genome or artificial genes into the organism. Once a host gene has been isolated, new DNA material is inserted to it. This type of technology is used in research, for industrial purposes and for agriculture.

The problem that genetic engineering poses is that it alters the natural state of an organism. It has been argued that through this technology, people can pick and choose the types of physical characteristics they want their children to have. For example, they can now choose the color of their child’s eyes and the color of their hair. Instead of being happy with what God has blessed them with, parents can now create the child of their dreams. Research has proven that with the use of genetic engineering, man can control the genetic make-up of any organism. Science may be headed in a direction that may offer some benefits but may also bring about something that they lose control over.

At the time of conception, biology makes decisions. Is it alright for man to make changes in what has naturally occurred?

5. Stem Cell Harvesting

The stem cell controversy is the moral debate that addresses the conception, conduct and annihilation of human embryos in order to conduct research involving embryonic stem cells. There are other forms of stem cell research that don’t include any of the aforementioned steps. For instance, stem cells that are taken from adults, amniotic fluid or induced pluripotent stem cells have nothing to do with the use of human embryos at all.

The position taken in regards to stem cell harvesting is that technology requires the destruction of human embryos in order to obtain the stem cells. This causes an issue for pro-life activists who believe that at the moment of fertilization, an embryo becomes a life. In their eyes, stem cell harvesting is the same as committing murder. Creating a life only to destroy it is considered inhumane.

If research being conducted through the use of harvested stem cells can help man find cured for deadly diseases or prevent deformities, should it be allowed? If a person can be saved through the creation and destruction of another living organism, should it not be done? Or, are those the decisions that should be left to God.

4. Artificial Insemination

Often referred to as AI, Artificial insemination is the unnatural process of introducing sperm into the reproductive system of a woman to induce pregnancy by means other than the natural act of sex. For human beings, this process is completed using the sperm of a woman’s male partner or the sperm of a male donor. It is commonly used by couples who cannot reproduce on their own or by women who want children but are not interested in becoming impregnated the natural way. Ironically, artificial insemination was a technique that was widely used on animals such as dairy cattle and pigs and modified to be used by humans.

Many in society feel as though this is an example of man playing a role in a part of life in which he has no business. There are those who believe that all lives that are intended to be in existence will be; if it’s the will of God. It is also argued that artificial insemination is used by parents who want to make choices in reference to their child’s physical characteristics.

Is it right to prevent a woman or couple from giving birth, simply because she cannot conceive naturally? Was it not God’s intention for women to bring forth life? Yet, if he created a particular woman without the ability to do so, is it man’s place to change the life that God had intended for her?

3. Human Cloning

Science truly overstepped its boundaries with this one. The biological technique that is used to create like populations of genetically duplicated persons that naturally occurs when natural bacteria, florae or bugs are duplicates asexually is called cloning. There are two familiar types of human cloning, therapeutic and reproductive. Therapeutic cloning uses adult cells for medicine and research. Reproductive cloning is the process of replicating human beings.

There is another type of cloning that is possible. It would be a combination of the other two. Replacement cloning would be used to replace damaged body parts and to conduct whole or partial brain transplants.

All human cloning is controversial and demands to put a stop to it are widespread. Believe it or not, there are even scientific organizations that are against human cloning. Some believe that there are issues with safety, while others feel as though it’s a violation of ethics.

What happens in the instance that identical cells are needed in an effort to save another life? Is it then okay to reproduce an exact replica of the organism that is already in existence? Or should man make the decision to just let nature takes its course?

2. Capital Punishment

Also known as the death penalty, capital punishment is the sentence of death that is handed down to a person as a penalty for a criminal act; these criminal acts are usually referred to as capital crimes. The word capital is derived from the Latin term, “capitalis”. Ironically, it translates to ‘regarding the head”. Before the invention of the electric chair and prior to lethal injection, capital crimes were punished by the severing of the head.

Only 58 nations practice the death penalty and it has been outlawed in 96 countries. Countries that still have it on their books haven’t used it in decades and preserve it for special circumstances; like wartime.

The stance that is taken in regards to the death penalty is the same as any other that has to do with  man deciding who is worthy of living and who isn’t. Many feel that the government oversteps its boundaries when it begins ending lives, for whatever reason it may be done. Those who take a religious stance say that it’s murder. However, some say that the Bible also says an “eye for an eye”.

So, which stance is the right stance? If a man kills a man, does the judicial system have the right to take the murders life? Is it right to spare his life, if he took another life in order to save his own. Murder is murder, right? When is it justified?

1. Abortion

An abortion is a medical process by which a pregnancy is intentionally terminated via the removal or expulsion of the fetus or embryo before it can survive on its own. Spontaneous abortions, which occur naturally, are called a miscarriage. When the term abortion is used, it’s usually in reference to a miscarriage that has been induced on purpose.

From the time of its legalization, induced abortion has been the center of controversy, debate and activism. Many times the position that one takes on the topic is based on a moral or ethical viewpoint. It can even be political when it comes to women’s rights groups. Religiously, abortion is man playing God, once again.

There are many arguments made when it comes to this. Some will say a woman knows that one of the risks of having unprotected sex is pregnancy. If God deemed her ready to be a mother, who is she to change that. Many stand firm on the belief that all life is ordered by God. God decides who is born and when; he also decided who dies and when. If you look at it that way, with man making decisions about when to terminate a life, they are essentially messing with what God has willed to be.

As you can see, many of the things on this list deal directly with human life. Whether it should be spared…whether it should be terminated….whether it should be destroyed for advancement in science. When and where did man lose sight of the fact that there is a creator of all things; and that the creator of them should decide what happens to them?

With the direction that man is headed at the present time, this same list will have a few different things on it in approximately five years. Man doesn’t seem to understand that there are times when nature should be left alone to do what it’s intended to do naturally. Is man setting himself up for disaster?

Many things can result in religious persecution, especially in lands where the State imposes its views on citizens. Anyone bold enough to publicize their opposing views is often criticized, shunned and even viewed as a threat to that States security. Socially, demeaning the religious view of any group can lead to violent uprisings, at the least. Unfortunately, the violence that religious persecution has led to in many lands has become so bad that it can be referred to as a human rights issue.

10. Africa’s Cry for Religious Freedom

Even today, religious persecution exists. Over the span of more than 10 years, starting in the late 1990’s, more than 12,000 Nigerians died in the violent war between Christians and Muslims. Nigeria is located on the nation’s fault line. To the north, the population is mostly Muslim. To the south of the fault line, the population is mostly of the Christian faith. To date, no one has been charged, convicted or sentenced in the deaths. This is merely a small stain left by religious persecution in today’s day and age.

In Eritrea, another African nation, those citizens that follow the Catholic, Muslim, Orthodox or Evangelical faiths are safe. Often people who have beliefs outside of the four are persecuted. A registration system was formed that made it mandatory for groups, outside of the aforementioned faiths, to provide information about themselves in order for them to worship. In addition, aside from the four faiths that have been listed, none other is recognized. Human rights groups often complain to practitioners about the many people throughout the African states that are being harassed and persecuted because of their religious beliefs.

Religious groups are forced to meet in secret. They have to meet in small groups to avoid the chance of someone going to the authorities. There have been beatings and arrests. Force and intimidation is even used to convert members of other faiths to those faiths that are accepted by the Eritrean leaders. Otherwise, they are declared as enemies of the state.

9. American Outcry

Not only is religious persecution still a problem on the western hemisphere, it can still be found in the United States as well. Although less likely to be heard of and often non-violent, instances of religious difference can be found throughout the country. Many people who live in the country may not agree with some beliefs, yet they have learned to be more tolerant. Still, there are some beliefs which are misunderstood, resulting in scrutiny.

Since the events of September 11^th, 2001, it is believed that the Muslim faith is the most persecuted. Ignorance to the faiths true meaning, Muslim followers find themselves clumped with the maniacal sector responsible for terrorist attacks around the world. Ignorance has given way to fear. Fear has given way to insecurity. Insecurity has given way to anger. And anger has given way to retaliation.

8. Falun Gong

Falun Gong translates to “Law Wheel Practice”. It is also known as Falun Dafa. This spiritual system first came to China in 1992 and was introduced by Li Hongzhi through his many public speeches. This spiritual discipline is a combination of meditation and qigong movements, which focus on moral viewpoints. Truthfulness, compassion and forbearance are all virtues that are stressed.

One of the most recognizable differences in Falun Gong is that it lacks many of the other aspects of spiritual systems common to China. For example, there are no fees associated with membership, no daily worship rituals to follow and it’s primarily focuses on moral teachings, in addition to teachings of theological nature. Many western brains have referred to Falun Gong as a movement that is based on the spiritual teachings of its founding leader.

In the beginning, the practice was supported by Chinese officials. However, in July of 1999, the Communist Party of China imposed a ban on Falun Gong. Three months later, the Party declared the practice a heretical and banned internet access to any website that so much as mentioned the practice. Groups that focus on human rights have since admitted to the abuse and imprisonment of practitioners. Those imprisoned have been forced into labor and suffered abuse of various natures.

7. Martin Luther

This German priest is an icon in the Protestant Church. A theology professor, he openly opposed the idea that one can escape God’s punishment with money. In 1517, his written work, Ninety-Five Theses; he called out the salesman responsible for the spreading the ridiculous thought. Pope Leo X ordered the author to withdraw his statements, in 1520. A year later, at the Diet of Worms, the same was done by the Holy Emperor Charles V. His refusal on both occasions led to his excommunication from the Catholic Church and being titled and outlaw by the Roman Emperor.

Martin Luther translated the Bible into the people’s language, Latin. He also spoke of salvation as being a gift from God and not something that can be purchased with money or good acts. His teachings were a direct challenge to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and sacerdotalism; by declaring all who are baptized as a part of a priesthood of holiness. Those who followed the teachings of Martin Luther are referred to as Lutherans.

In his last years, Martin Luther was anti-Semitic. He called for the destruction of Jewish homes and synagogues and the seizure of their monetary resources. This led to many of the controversial debates that are still held about him today.

6. Charlemagne’s Pagan Persecution

Charles the Great served as the King of Franks from 768 and the Emperor of the Romans from 800, until he died in 814. Known as Charlemagne, he was astonished when Pope Leo III crowned him. He spent many years, using military force to expand his Kingdom. Eventually, it would include a large portion of Western Europe. Those who were conquered were forced into Christianity.

Between 774 and 804, the Emperor was continuously at war with the Saxons. He made it a point to make them aware of the fact that he would kill any of them, who did not convert to Christianity. By the end of wartime, Charlemagne had achieved his goal. Missionaries were sent to teach the Saxons the laws of their new religious faith.

5. Stalin’s Deadly Rule

Sadam Hussein’s idol was no stranger to committing religious persecution during is horrific rule. Iosif Vissarionovich Dzugashvili, commonly known as Joseph Stalin, became the Premier of the Soviet Union on May 6th 1941 and served until March 1953, when he died. He supported the religious view of his predecessor, Lenin; believing that religion had no place in an ideal communist society. The government that he ran promoted atheism in an effort to make that perfect society, a reality. Atheism was taught in school and there was a horrid campaign against any religious belief and its followers. By the time the end of the 1930’ had come around, being associated with any form of religion was deadly.

The Russian Orthodox Church was almost obliterated as a result of Stalin’s ongoing revolution against religion. Congregations began to dwindle, churches were torn town and tens of thousands of religious works were killed; more than 100,000 were shot in a one year period. Just before he died, Stalin outlawed the following religions like Baptist, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and many more. Monks and nuns persecuted; while religious monuments, temples and other artifacts were burned to the ground.

4. Hitler’s Horrendous Hatred

Adolf Hitler once supported positive Christianity, a strict, non-denominational sect of Christianity. In this form of the religion, Christ was am organized preacher that opposed Judaism. All Jewish aspects of Christianity were removed from the religion and replaced with more radical, anti-Semitism. Unbelievably, the terrorist never aimed his hate attacks on Jesus Christ. It may be because he viewed the religious figure as an Aryan that was against the Jews. Hitler considered the traditional form of Christianity as an exploitation of Jesus’ original intentions, as passed on by his apostle, Paul. By 1940, Hitler’s support of positive Christianity no longer existed.

The world is all too familiar with Hitler’s heinous crimes against people for their religious beliefs and affiliations. He single handedly orchestrated the deaths of more than 6 million Jewish people as a result of his anti-Semitism. Although he was also responsible for deaths based on racial discriminations; it’s his hatred for Judaism that lands Adolf Hitler on this list.

3. Constantine

Christianity was the dominating faith when Constantine became ruler of the Roman Empire. After the Battle of Milvia Bridge, he had a life changing experience. No one has ever found concrete reason for his dedication to the Christian faith. In addition, no one has ever been absolute as to which form of the religion he converted to. However, he is still considered a saint and Christian Monarch in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodox Church.

In 313, Constantine legalized Christian worship by issuing the Edict of Milan. His actions and beliefs led later Emperors to deem themselves spiritually responsible for the people they led. Their jobs were to enforce doctrine that was handed down from bishop, alleviate heresy and keep the church unified.  Constantine’s view points on religion evolved during his time as Emperor. In the beginning, he banned any new temples from being built and refused to tolerate the practice of traditional sacrifices. However, by the time his reign was nearly over he had given instruction to destroy Roman Temples.

With the construction of his new capital, Constantinople, the Emperor began to reject all things that were not of the Christian faith. Ironically, he plundered the treasures and statues of pagan temples to decorate it. Many Hellenites were arrested and executed. He even ordered the death of anyone caught worshipping idols.

2. Bloody Mary (Mary Tudor)

Many would think that this Queen of England and Ireland would be most remembered for her work to restore the Roman Catholic Church after its stint with the Protestant faith. However, it’s the acts that she committed while enforcing the reform that earned her the nickname, Bloody Mary. In the five years that she reigned, Mary was responsible for more nearly 300 religious rebels being burned at the stake, these deaths are known as the Marian Persecutions. Although she was successful in re-establishing the Roman Catholic Church, her half-sister reversed the decision when she ascended the throne upon Mary’s death.

1. Jesus of Nazareth

Often referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus or Christ; this is the man at the center of the Christian faith. A result of Immaculate Conception, he is believed to be the incarnation of the son of God. Three days after his crucifixion, he is believed to have risen from the dead.

Jesus spent is life teaching and preaching the ways of the “one true God”, his father who resided in Heaven. The word and works that Jesus was spreading, with Pontus Pilate or any of the high priests. However, it was the accusation that he had proclaimed himself the King of Jews that led him to be tried. Due to his place of birth, Pilate had no jurisdiction and handed Christ over to King Herod.

Jesus didn’t answer any of the questions or respond to the accusations once he came before the King. He was mocked, and with a beautiful robe placed on him, returned to Pilate; being found innocent of any wrong doing. Pilate makes his mind up to have nothing more to do with the man from Galilee, after his wife has a horrible dream. Yet, he orders Jesus to be nailed to the cross for blasphemy to appease the desires of an angry public.

He is whipped and a thorn of crowns is place upon his head. After carrying his cross to the top of Mount Golgotha, he is nailed to it.

As you can see, religious persecution is nothing more than an oppressive act. If it were meant for all people to believe the same things…would we not have been created with the same brains? How long will it take for those in positions of power to understand that eventually the subjects of their oppression will grow tired of being victimized? How long will it take those being victimized to find a way to break free?

For so long, so many people have been robbed of so many freedoms. If one man wasn’t better than another because of the color of his skin; can he be better than him because of his faith? There are two themes that seem to be prevalent in almost every religion known to man; love and peace. How much peace can there be if one man can’t love another, simply based on which or how many God’s they serve? Is anyone’s God really happy with their behavior towards another human being? Most of all, does anyone really believe they’re guaranteeing their place in their faith’s Eden by exhibiting what can clearly be called hatred?

However, for those who believe in their hearts that the Bible is the Truth, it is the inerrant, divinely inspired Word of God, a true guidebook for life. Theological interpretations of the Bible vary wildly; some see it as allegorical, while others choose to accept it completely at face value as literal truth. Between the two points lies a virtually unending continuum of theological viewpoints, which is why there are so many diverse denominations of Christianity.

Far from being a single book, the Bible may be more easily understood when it is thought of as more of a library, a compilation of 66 separate books that tell the overarching story of God’s love for His creation. When considered from this viewpoint, it is easy to see why people get discouraged in trying to read the Bible. It is not a single linear story that you can read from the beginning to the end; rather, it is a collection of story lines that combine under a single unifying theme. Many of these books contain numerous sub-plots, each with its own unique purpose.

Given that understanding, it is easy to see why any list of Bible stories would depend upon the viewpoint of the person doing the compiling. With that in mind, here are my own personal Top 10 Touching Bible Stories.

10. The Book of Esther

As the book of Esther begins, King Xerxes of Persia summons his wife, Queen Vashti, to his presence. Apparently not in the mood to be admired, the queen refuses in a manner which really rubs the king the wrong way. Sensing that such disrespect would set a bad example for the rest of his kingdom, King Xerxes banishes Vashti from his presence forever. As a result, the search was on for a new queen.

As the young ladies of the kingdom were paraded before the king, a lovely young Jewish girl named Esther caught his eye. Esther had been orphaned and adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as his own according to Jewish custom. Since the Jews were a persecuted minority, Mordecai had forbidden her from revealing her background out of fear for their safety. Taken by Esther’s beauty, the king made her his queen.

The king’s right-hand man, Haman, had a habit of going through the kingdom and demanding that the people bow to him. Mordecai, however, refused; for a Jew, bowing to any man was considered to be disrespectful to God. Enraged, Haman manipulated the king into believing that the Jews were intent on subverting his authority and therefore needed to be eliminated.

At Mordecai’s urging, Esther eventually goes to the king and exposes Haman’s manipulation. Going before the king required great diplomacy and courage, because doing so could have dire consequences, and may have been punishable by death. Inspired by her faith, Esther proclaims, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16, NIV). Esther’s courage saved the entire Jewish people.

9. Jacob wrestles with God

Jacob, the slightly younger twin brother of Esau, had tricked his father into giving him the blessing that was supposed to have been reserved for the firstborn child. Their father, Isaac, was ill, blind, and dying. He asked Esau, the hairy brother, to go kill and animal and bring him some food, at which time Esau would receive his father’s formal blessing before he died. Jacob, egged on by his mother Rebekah, beat Esau to the punch with the meal and covered himself with an animal skin so that Isaac wouldn’t know the difference. In doing so, he effectively stole the blessing which was due to his brother. Earlier in the book of Genesis, Jacob had managed to also talk his starving brother into giving up his birthright (which would have included a double portion of the inheritance as the firstborn) to his brother for a bowl of stew. Jacob had proven himself to be a man of questionable character, to say the least.

Jacob was the grandson of Abraham, whom God had promised to make the father of a great nation. Even though Jacob had been deceitful and manipulative, God had other plans for him. Fleeing for his life from his own family, Jacob had stopped for the night. Eventually, Jacob got up and found himself wrestling with a man he didn’t know. As it turned out, this was not a man, but God himself. Jacob refused to let go until he received the man’s (actually God’s) blessing. Jacob emerged from the encounter crippled, but with a deepened faith, as well as a new name. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, and continued to honor His promise to Abraham. The take-away from this one is that God often uses remarkably imperfect people to fulfill His perfect will.

8. Rahab

Joshua became the leader of the nation of Israel after the death of Moses. Unfortunately, Israel was a nation of people without a home. Still searching for the land which God had promised to them, Joshua sent two spies to look over the land, especially in the area of Jericho. Searching for a place to hide, the spies hid in the home of a prostitute named Rahab. News of the arrival of the spies somehow made it to the king, who sent word to Rahab to turn the spies over to the king’s men. Rahab, however, fully believed that the spies were on a divine mission and hid them in her home while sending the king’s men to look for them elsewhere.

Although she was a prostitute, Rahab was also a woman of great faith who truly believed that the God of Israel is the true God. Because of her courageous protection of God’s people, God made her a part of the lineage that would later include King David and eventually Jesus. In spite of her shortcomings, God elevated her to a place of great honor. Once again, God uses whomever He decides to use to accomplish His will, usually in ways we cannot understand.

7. Hosea

Hosea was one of God’s prophets, a messenger carrying God’s message to His people. God had instructed Hosea to marry a woman named Gomer, whom God knew would be unfaithful to Hosea. And unfaithful she was, to a spectacular degree. She gives birth to three children, all of them presumably not fathered by her husband. Yet each time, God instructs Hosea to forgive her, and to love her unconditionally. While she receives punishment for her actions, Hosea continues to treat her lovingly.

Hosea’s treatment of his unfaithful wife was God’s illustration of His abiding love for His children, who had been (and continue to be) unfaithful to Him. In much the same way Hosea repeatedly and lovingly forgave his wife’s transgressions, God’s grace and mercy are repeatedly extended to us.

6. Abraham and Isaac

As mentioned earlier, God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation. The only problem was that Abraham and his wife, Sarah, had no children. God, faithful to His promise, gave them a son when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was about 80. They named this child Isaac, which means “he laughs”, because of the apparent humor in an old couple having a baby. Understandably, Isaac was the apple of his father’s eye.

However, God later instructed Abraham to take Isaac up to Mount Moriah and sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering to God. (A sacrifice was a way of showing one’s devotion to God, by giving up something of great value.) While understandably hesitant, Abraham followed God’s instructions; he took Isaac and some wood up the mountain. Isaac, knowing they were preparing for a sacrifice, had no idea that he was it. Asking Abraham where the lamb was (which is what they normally would have sacrificed), he was simply told, “God will provide the lamb.” Abraham then bound Isaac, placed him on the altar and prepared to complete his task. As he was just about to kill the child, an angel stopped him and instructed him to set the boy free. Instead, he was instructed to kill a ram, which had become tangled in a nearby thicket.

While many would deride Abraham’s willingness to kill his own child, his actions were a demonstration of his faith, trust and love for God. Again, God proved Himself to be unerringly faithful. Further, this interaction foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice God would later provide through his own son Jesus.

5. Lazarus

Among what could be considered to be Jesus’ inner circle, those closest to him, were sisters Martha and Mary, along with their brother Lazarus. While Jesus was traveling doing the work of His ministry, Lazarus became ill. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, who was several days’ travel away from them. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had died. It’s interesting here to see Jesus’ divinity and humanity at the same time. Being fully God incarnate, Jesus knew ahead of time what the outcome would be. Being fully human, He was saddened at the passing of His dear friend. Here we find the shortest verse in the whole Bible: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Demonstrating the glory of God, Jesus entered the tomb (having been warned about the smell), and emerged with Lazarus walking behind him.

4. The Lost Sheep

Jesus often taught through parables, using word pictures to illustrate a spiritual truth. Invariably, these stories used images relevant to the culture He was speaking to in order to make these truths more tangible.

In illustrating God’s love for His people, Jesus frequently used the analogy of a shepherd, which His audience would have understood from personal experience. In the 15th chapter of the book of Luke, Jesus draws the image of a shepherd who has lost one of his sheep. Out of his love for each of his sheep, he would leave 99 of them unattended so he could go in search of the one who was lost. Upon finding the wanderer, he would throw a party to celebrate.

Drawing the story to a close, Jesus goes on to explain that there is more rejoicing in heaven at the repentance of a single sinner than over 99 righteous people who do not need to repent. How comforting it is to know that He watches over us, and cares for us in ways we cannot understand.

3. Mary, Mother of Jesus

The Jewish people had been told for centuries that a king was coming who would truly set them free. While they were expecting a might warrior who would overthrow Rome, imagine how surprising it was for a young unmarried girl named Mary to find that she would be the one to bring this King into the world.

Likely no older than 15, Mary was engaged to a young man named Joseph when an angel brought her the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. Since Mary was a virgin, she struggled to understand how this could happen. The angel reassured her that she had found favor with God, and would be the earthly mother of the One and Only divinely conceived Son of the Most High.

In the society in which she lived, an unmarried pregnant teenager would have been beyond scandalous. Joseph was tempted to abandon her, until an angel explained the situation to him and he came to understand the importance of allowing God’s plan to be carried out. Courageously, and together, Mary and Joseph endured what must have been a tough pregnancy, surrounded by a world that didn’t understand just how their tiny baby would change absolutely everything. Their humility and obedience give us all something to aspire to.

2. The Woman at the Well

In the culture of the time, a history of prejudice existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Also, women were considered to be second-class citizens in general. At a site known as Jacob’s well, Jesus ignores societal norms and asks a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Using the water as an illustration, He goes on to tell her about Living Water, a metaphor for the unquenchable refreshment of the soul which can be found in God. He goes on to explain to her that He understands the depths of her moral problems (she has had five husbands, and is living with another man out of wedlock), eventually revealing himself to be the Son of God. Interestingly, while He identifies her sinfulness, He passes no judgment; His words are kind and loving. He goes on to tell her about the Kingdom of God. Through this encounter with the Living God, she is changed and untold numbers of Samaritans hear the message of Christ.

1. The Prodigal Son

Again, Jesus is teaching through a parable. He tells the story of a young man who goes to his father and insists on receiving his inheritance early. (In essence he was saying, “I don’t want to wait for you to die; give it to me now!”) Upon receiving it, he leaves and goes out to live the high life. Having squandered his entire fortune, he finds himself in a land which has fallen on hard economic times. Out of desperation, he hires himself out to tend pigs. To fully appreciate the magnitude oh the young man’s desperation, it should be pointed out that Jews of the time were not even allowed to touch pigs, much less tend them. The realization that both the pigs and his father’s servants are eating better than he is, the young man decides to return to his home. Fully aware of the disgrace he has brought his father, he decides to offer to be his father’s servant. As the young man is returning home, his father sees him coming and rushes out to meet him. The celebration begins immediately, and the father is overcome with joy. He places a ring and a robe on the young man, signifying the restoration of his full status as a member of the family. The lad’s brother is less than thrilled, but the father’s explanation at least softens him a bit. A gigantic, festive feast ensues, all in celebration of the boy’s return.

This story beautifully illustrates God’s love for us, His children. How often do many of us get tired of waiting for our Heavenly reward and seek out the pleasures this world has to offer. Similarly, we almost invariably find ourselves knee-deep in slop, appalled at how far we have fallen and remorseful for the disrespect we’ve shown to our loving Heavenly Father. Like the father in the parable, He is waiting for us to return, eagerly anticipating a joyous celebration when we come back to Him.

Conclusion
Depending on where any of us is in our spiritual walk, we are all going to have a different Top 10 list of Bible stories. That’s a given. Furthermore, as we grow spiritually our Top 10 will grow with us. That’s the beauty of faith; it grows over time. These are mine right now, based on where I am in my walk, imperfect as I am.

10. Candomble

Candomble is the most African religion in Brazil and the oldest. It identifies Yoruba spirits with Catholic saints. Originally, the leaders of Brazilian faiths have been women, called mothers of the saint. They perform rituals such as animal sacrifice. They also watch over people who are possessed by various spirits.

9.Sikhsm

Sikhism is an Indian religion, Sikhs call the faith” The way of the Guru” All 10 human gurus that led the Sikhs inhibited one spirit. After the death of the 10^th guru the spirit transferred itself into sacred scripture of Sikhism. Sikhs practice their worship in a building called gurdwara. In the gurdwara a statue of Guru Granth is on an elevated platform with flowers and fanned. The Sikhs listen to and participate in singing from the Guru Granth. They observe the “five k’s”: They do not cut their hair, they carry combs, they wear special steel bracelets, they carry swords, and the wear a special kind of pants. Male Sikhs for the most part wear turbans over their hair. Since September 11, 2001, attacks Sikhs in the United States experienced discriminatory treatment and violence because some people wrongly associated their distinctive appearance with Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.

8. Umbanda

Umbanda has elements from Christianity, African and native religions and believes in reincarnation. Umbanda believes in only one creator God and the cult of saints. They have adopted the creed in psychics as a way to contact spirits of deceased people. Also, the Umbanda religion rejects the witchcraft of Macumba and Quimbanda rituals such as animal sacrifice. Since mid-2004 381,000 Europeans study this religion.

7. Jainism

Jainism is a religious movement of the Jains and follows the religious path of Vardhamana Mahavira a prophet also known as the Jina, or “Victor”. Jina lived in the same time as Buddha. After Mahavira the Jains had numerous rulers. One ruler of the Jainism was Candragupta Maurya who fasted to death on a small hill overlooking a village. The monks and nuns take the five “great vows” pledging to stay away from injuring life, false speech, taking what is not given, unchastity, and appropriation. Although there is a sixth vow not taking food and drink at night. Today the Jains are small but influential prosperous group of 2,604,837 people (1981 census).

6. Zoroastrians

Zoroastrians is one of the most ancient living religions. The founder of Zoroastrian is Zarathushtra who historians think lived around the beginning of the first millennium BCE. It was the religion of Iran under the rule of the Iranian–speaking Aryan populations. The roots of Zoroastrianism can be found in eastern Iranian, tribal, and basically pastoral society. The religion originated around 1000 BCE and developed further under the first Persian Empire.

5. Quimbanda

In recent years, despite gaining a greater following among some middle class whites, it has begun to assert itself as a separate tradition from Umbanda. Rituals are concerned with necromancy,divination or preparation of amulets, potions or other devices intended to bring supernatural aid, to obtaining resources or to deal with other areas of life. Additionally, the spirit-entities of this cult provide advice to their followers to aid in resolving life’s problems.Since mid-2004 104,352,000 Asian peoples follow this religion.

4. The Dreaming

Aboriginal religion turns not on worship but on identification. The participation in and acting out of archetypal paradigms. One of the religious beliefs was that before animals and humans and plants were created, there were souls and they knew that they would become physical, but not when. They then knew the time was right and they all one by one all said “we will do our very best to try to help the one that takes care of us all. They all became animals and the plants. Then the last soul became the human. That is why Aboriginal people respect the environment and want to be with the nature because they are their friends.

3. Turtles and Tortoises

Now your probably saying to yourself isn’t a turtle the same as a tortoise, but it is not true. A turtle lives near water and can breath underwater on the other hand a tortoise stores their own water and walks on sand. Nevertheless, the religions that have the turtle and tortoise belief system do not distinguish from the two. The earth rests on the back of a turtle or tortoise is what some believe. North American Indians and South as well as Inner Asia have turtle Symbols. North American Indians believe that a turtle dived to the bottom of the ocean and got a little soil underneath its nails; when the turtle came to the surface, God scraped its nails and made a ball like small pebble. The ball of soil from the dirt underneath the turtles nails grew and became as large as the universe itself. In some versions of Inner Asia stories Mandishire (the bodhisattva Manjusri) transforms himself into a great turtle and supports the earth he has made on the surface of the waters. China has a symbol of the turtle as the entire universe; the dome shaped back represents the sky, and the belly stands for the earth.

2. Pentecostalism

Pentecostalism is a popular religion; a soccer stadium with 100,000 people came to here a priest named Marcelo Rossi speak about the Pentecostalism in November 1997. Pentecostal churches look down on other religions in Brazil because they think the violence and drugs are due to these other “evil” religions. The largest Pentecostal church in Brazil is the Igreja Universal do Reino de Dues, the Universal Church of God’s Kingdom. This new form of Catholicism may not count as a lesser known religion, although together with Afro-Brazilian religions and New Pentecostal movements, it helps make for religious life and diversity in Brazil. Since mid-2004 107 different countries follow Pentecostalism.

1.Spiritism

Spiritism is a religion that is not seen as a religion at all to its followers. Spiritism does not support formal adoration, require regular frequency or formal membership and says that they are not opposed to science, instead trying to harmonize with it. Mainly Christianity and Western traditions are the roots of Spiritism. Spiritists pray to God, who is seen as the ultimate cause, or source, of all things and beings Spiritism is based on a philosophical doctrine written by Léon Denizard Rivail. L`eon observed a series of phenomena that could be only attributed to incorporeal intelligence (spirits). A very popular movie Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze was moderately similar to the teachings of Spiritism depicting an after life.