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Biblical Faith
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Halloween
It is based on a pagan festival of the dead. Since the seventh century AD, an Irish-Celtic festival known as "Samhain" has existed, traditionally observed on November 1st. This rite was intended to facilitate access to beings from another world. In Roman mythology, the gateway to the underworld was said to open on this day; blood sacrifices were offered in honor of the "god of the underworld." Halloween is considered one of the most significant days for "Satanists" (devil worshippers). At the same time, statistically speaking, this is the day when the highest number of Satanic-occult ritual crimes are committed. In Catholicism, the feast of "All Saints' Day" exists alongside this. The word "Halloween" is derived from "All Hallows’ Eve" (the evening before All Saints' Day). On this day, the deceased "saints" (i.e., individuals canonized by popes) are ceremonially commemorated. This practice amounts to a cult of the dead, which the Bible strictly forbids ( Leviticus 19,31 / Leviticus 20,27 / Deuteronomy 18,10-12 / Isaiah 8,19 ). One common Halloween custom involves hollowing out and decorating pumpkins. This pagan custom traces back to a mythological figure named Jack O’Lantern—a blacksmith who, according to legend, received a piece of coal from the Devil and placed it inside a hollowed-out turnip to provide light and warmth for his undead existence. Another custom involves dressing up as witches, ghosts, or the devil, even though GOD forbids any contact with the occult and anything associated with it. Consequently, from a Christian perspective, Halloween is to be rejected.
Happiness
is the state of deep inner peace that arises from a person's relationship with GOD and extends far beyond a fleeting feeling ( Psalm 16,2 + 11 / Psalm 33,12 / Psalm 34,9 / Psalm 63,4 / Psalm 73,25 + 28 ). True happiness is not a matter of chance but a gift springing from trust in GOD, the forgiveness of one's own guilt, and the assurance of redemption from death through faith in Jesus Christ ( Psalm 32,1 f. / Luke 10,20 / Revelation 20,6 ). The Bible calls those happy who obey GOD’s word, make peace, do good, and show mercy ( Psalm 1,1-6 / Psalm 34,12-15 / Psalm 112,1 / Psalm 119,1 f. + 165 / Proverbs 16,20 / Matthew 5,1-12 / Luke 11,28 / James 1,25 ). All good gifts—such as food and drink, health, family, prosperity, or success—come from GOD, as does the gift of enjoying life. In this sense, GOD is the source of all happiness. Those connected to GOD can be happy regardless of external circumstances and even during challenging times ( 2nd Corinthians 6,10 / Philippians 4,4 / Colossians 1,24 ).
Heaven
The Bible distinguishes between three heavens: 1. the visible sky / 2. the cosmos (outer space)/ 3. a place imperceptible to humans where GOD is enthroned and reigns with His heavenly angels, even though GOD Himself is greater than the heavens ( Jeremiah 23,24 / Amos 9,6 / Matthew 11,25 ). The New Testament speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is another term for the Kingdom of GOD ( Matthew 5,3 / Matthew 19,14 ). It describes the realm where GOD’s will prevails—or where people serve GOD. GOD’s Kingdom stands for love, justice, and peace. Through Jesus Christ, God’s Kingdom became visible on earth. The Bible states that all wisdom and all good gifts come down from above—that is, from heaven, or from GOD ( James 1,17 / James 3,17 f. ). In this figurative sense, Jesus, the Son of GOD, also comes from heaven, since GOD Himself begot Him as a new human being ( John 6,38 ). Furthermore, it is said that the true home of believers is in heaven—that is, where GOD reigns ( 2nd Corinthians 5,1 / Philippians 3,20 / Hebrews 13,14 ) —and that their names are recorded in heaven, meaning they are registered with GOD for eternal life ( Luke 10,20 ). At the same time, every Christian is called upon to store up treasures in heaven—that is, to do good—and to strive for what is above, meaning what pleases GOD ( Matthew 6,19-21 / Matthew 18,21 / Colossians 3,1 f. ). After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to GOD in heaven ( Mark 16,19 / John 3,13 / Acts 1,9 ). Alongside this exists the kingdom of Satan, which stands for selfishness, injustice, and death. In the Bible, the world is synonymous with Satan's kingdom. The two kingdoms are at enmity with one another. Whoever is unwilling to serve GOD and live according to His commandments automatically places themselves under the dominion of the Devil. For this reason, godless people are described as children of Satan or slaves to sin ( John 8,23 + 34 + 44 / Romans 6,16 / 1st John 3,8 ). Through faith in Jesus and a decisive turning of the heart, every person can be liberated from Satan's domain and become a child of GOD ( John 8,31 f. + 36 / Acts 26,18 ). The Bible prophesies that heaven and earth will pass away and that GOD will create a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells ( 2nd Peter 3,13 / Revelation 21,1-8 ). On this new earth, which GOD bestows upon His children, GOD's kingdom will encompass the entire world, while nothing will remain of Satan and all who follow him.
Hell
The concept of so-called "Hell" (Germanic: halja = underworld) evolved over millennia through the blending of biblical statements with pagan myths. In Norse mythology, "Hel" is the name of both the ruler of the realm of the dead and the realm itself. The idea of immortal souls suffering endless torment in the afterlife stems from the Greek philosophy of Plato (428/427–348/347 BC). The images and paintings—still widespread today—depicting people being tortured alive by mystical creatures were heavily influenced by medieval literature, most notably "Dante’s Inferno", a 14th-century work. The "Church Father" Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) shaped the doctrine of "Hell" as a place of eternal punishment—a teaching still upheld in many churches today. The word "Hell" does not appear in the Bible. Instead, there are four distinct terms that are erroneously translated as "Hell", even though they actually describe different things:
Scheol / Hades:
Describes the realm of the dead. Unlike in Greek mythology, the Bible does not use this term to denote a physical location but refers instead to the state of being dead. The dead—both the righteous and the wicked—enter Sheol without conscious existence, remaining there until their bones decompose and crumble into dust. The Bible teaches that the dead possess no consciousness ( Psalm 6,6 / Psalm 16,10 / Ecclesiastes 9,5 + 10 / Amos 9,5 / Hosea 13,14 ).
Tartarus:
Refers to the deepest abyss or a dark prison to which fallen angels (= demons) were banished because of their sin, there to remain bound until the Last Judgment. The Bible provides no specific details regarding the location of this place ( 2nd Peter 2,4 / Revelation 20,1-3 ).
Gehenna:
Derived from Ben-Hinnom (= Valley of Hinnom), this is a historical valley southwest of Jerusalem's Old City. In the Old Testament, it refers to a place where pagan child sacrifices were offered by fire to the Phoenician deity Moloch. In New Testament times, it served as a landfill and an incineration site for refuse and corpses. Jesus uses the word in several passages as a symbol for the fire of judgment that will destroy the wicked ( Isaiah 66,24 / Matthew 23,33 / Mark 9,43 ).
Feuersee:
Appears only in the Book of Revelation and is defined as the "second death." Unlike the first (natural) death, there is no resurrection from the second death. In Scripture, fire is associated with GOD's judgment, describing the destruction of the wicked or the purging of evil. Sometimes it is to be understood as literal fire, though often in a figurative sense. GOD Himself is described in the Bible as a consuming fire. Satan and his demons, as well as all people whose names are not written in the Book of Life, will end up in the lake of fire burning with sulfur and meet their end there. The word sulfur intensifies the destructive effect of the judgment. Death and Hades will also be cast into the lake of fire—that is, eliminated ( Matthew 25,41 / Hebrews 10,27 / Hebrews 12,29 / Revelation 20,7-15 / Revelation 21,8 ).
The words eternal, eternity, and unquenchable—frequently associated in the Bible with the fire of judgment—convey that no one can avert GOD’s judgment until all of GOD’s enemies have been destroyed. It is not the fire or the judgment itself that is eternal, but rather the consequences of the judgment—namely, the destruction of the ungodly ( Jeremiah 7,20 / Amos 5,6 ). The biblical parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus is not a factual account but a fictional story conveying a spiritual lesson ( Luke 16,19-31 ). Equally unbiblical is the Catholic doctrine of "Purgatory," in which the souls of the deceased are purified to gain access to heaven. The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is death ( Romans 6,23 ). Because Adam and Eve transgressed GOD’s command, they became mortal ( Genesis 2,17 ). Yet GOD desires to deliver mortal humanity from impermanence. Therefore, GOD sent us His Son, Jesus Christ, so that everyone who believes in Him might be redeemed from death and receive eternal life. Those who reject GOD’s salvation will rise for judgment and subsequently die the second, eternal death ( John 5,28 f. ).
Heritage
GOD gave the earth to mankind as a possession ( Genesis 1,28 / Isaiah 45,18 / Psalm 8,4-9 ). GOD gave the land of Canaan as an inheritance to His chosen people, Israel—a land that serves as a picture of the future earth that all of GOD’s children are destined to inherit ( Acts 13,9 / Romans 4,13 / Matthew 5,5 / Revelation 21,1-7 ). Jesus warned His disciples never to be greedy for money, as greed bars the way to GOD’s Kingdom ( Luke 12,13-21 / Luke 16,13-15 / Ephesians 5,5 ). Instead, Jesus calls upon us to give without expecting anything in return ( Luke 6,35 / Acts 20,35 ). Whoever does this from the heart will receive a blessing from GOD.
Hinduism
It is considered the third-largest religion in the world and, alongside Buddhism, is classified as a religion based on experience. Although Hindu scriptures (the Vedas) convey teachings about GOD and life, unlike Judaism and Christianity, they contain no statements made by GOD Himself. Consequently, they remain merely the futile work of human hands ( Mark 7,7 ). In Hinduism, countless "gods" and "goddesses" (known as "Devas") are worshipped. Hindus believe that every single "deity" embodies the universal soul ("Brahman"), which permeates the entire cosmos; for this reason, animals, plants, rivers, and stones are also regarded as divine. The cow is considered a sacred creature that must not be killed, as it is believed to be inhabited by various "deities". Each of the millions of Hindu "deities" (such as Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Sarasvati, Ganesha, Shakti, Kali, Parvati, Durga, etc.) possesses attributes of Brahman—such as happiness, beauty, wisdom, or power—and is honored with a dedicated festival. In the Bible, the true GOD reveals Himself as the One and Only ( Deuteronomy 6,4 / Isaiah 43,10 f. / Isaiah 45,18 / Isaiah 46,9 / John 17,3 / 1st Corinthians 8,4-6 ). Since GOD is the Creator of all things, He cannot simultaneously be a created being ( Numbers 23,19 / Hosea 11,9 ). Therefore, the Bible expressly forbids the worship of humans, animals, or objects, describing such practices as folly ( Exodus 32,1-35 / Isaiah 2,8 / Romans 1,21-25 ). Hindu worship (known as "Puja") traditionally takes place either in the home or at one of the countless temples and shrines, where various offerings are presented to each "deity". In the past, even children were reportedly sacrificed—something GOD detests ( Jeremiah 7,31 ). Alongside moral guidelines for living, there are countless ritual prescriptions—such as ablutions, sacrificial rites, and various breathing exercises ("meditation")—that do not exist in the New Testament. The worship of idols and the practice of honoring them with incense cones also contradict GOD’s commandments ( Exodus 20,4-6 ). In Hinduism, deceased relatives, gurus, and even Bollywood stars are venerated as holy figures—practices strictly forbidden by Scripture. Chosen priests belonging to the highest caste of Hindu society (the Brahmins) serve as intermediaries between humans and "gods". This group includes temple priests, pilgrimage priests, and teachers (gurus), as well as astrologers, healers, and priests who officiate rites for the dead. The Bible condemns all forms of sorcery, divination, and necromancy, as these practices are linked to evil spirits ( Exodus 22,18 / Leviticus 19,31 / Deuteronomy 18,9-14 / Malachi 3,5 / Revelation 21,8 / Acts 19,19 ). Some Hindu priests live as monks, remaining motionless for years and consuming virtually no food; the Bible describes such ascetic practices as useless ( 1st Timothy 4,8 ).
The Hindu concept of "karma" also does not appear in the Holy Scriptures. "Karma" describes a principle whereby a spiritual connection exists between cause and effect. According to the doctrine of karma, every physical and mental action has a consequence that may manifest in this life or only in the next. In truth, it is GOD who rewards or punishes people ( Exodus 20,4-6 / Exodus 34,7 / Numbers 14,18 / Deuteronomy 5,11 / Deuteronomy 7,10 / 5. Mose 5,33 / 2nd Samuel 22,21 / Psalm 7,9 / Proverbs 22,4 / Romans 2,6 / Galatians 6,7 f. / Hebrews 11,6 ). Because GOD is gracious and patient, He does not immediately punish every transgression. Instead, GOD gives us humans the chance to turn away from wrong paths ( Exodus 34,6 / Psalm 103,8 / Psalm 145,8 ). When we repent of our evil deeds, GOD is ready to forgive us and remember our sins no more ( Proverbs 28,13 / 1st John 1,9 ). The principle of karma, on the other hand, knows neither grace nor forgiveness. Furthermore, the concept of "(re)incarnation" or the "transmigration of souls" is not found in the Bible. It is taught that a human being possesses a soul—viewed as an immortal part of the person—which, after death, takes up residence in the body of a newly conceived human or animal. Depending on whether a person has done good or evil in life, their soul can ascend or descend within this learning process (= "Samsara"). The goal is to overcome the eternal cycle of rebirth and attain a perfect state of mind (= "Nirvana") in which there are no longer any desires or evil inclinations. Yet, since no one remembers their previous existence, spiritual development is impossible. The Bible teaches that GOD has given every person a single life and that their eternal destiny is determined within that life ( Hebrews 9,27 ). There are only two possibilities: eternal life or eternal condemnation. GOD’s Word makes it clear that a person can receive eternal life solely through faith in Jesus Christ ( John 3,16 + 36 / John 11,25 / Acts 4,12 / Romans 6,23 ). In this respect, Hinduism is nothing more than a dead religion that cannot bring salvation to anyone.
Hobbies
The Bible does not forbid hobbies, yet it makes clear that Christians no longer live for themselves but for GOD ( Deuteronomy 10,12 f. / Deuteronomy 13,5 / 1st Samuel 12,24 / 2nd Corinthians 5,14 f. / Hebrews 9,14 ). The Bible calls upon believers to devote their lives to the Gospel and to their fellow believers—to whom they owe their primary allegiance—which in turn requires self-denial ( Matthew 16,24 / Luke 14,26 / 1st John 3,16 / 1st John 4,11 ). The community of the early Christians serves as a model ( Acts 2,44-47 / Acts 4,32-34 ). Believers should use their leisure time for activities that foster their relationship with GOD and benefit those around them ( 1st Corinthians 10,23 ). This includes, above all, prayer, regular Bible study, fellowship with other Christians, praise and worship, daily physical exercise, and other health-promoting activities ( Romans 12,9-21 / Galatians 6,2 + 9 f. / Philippians 2,1-5 / Colossians 3,12-17 ). Everything else—including personal pastimes—should be subordinate to this.
Holidays / Festivals
The New Testament contains neither a command nor a prohibition for believers to celebrate festivals, provided these are dedicated to GOD ( Psalm 115,1 / 1st Corinthians 10,31 ). The Old Testament mentions various festivals that GOD commanded His first chosen people, Israel, to celebrate:
Passover (Hebrew: pesach):
was celebrated to commemorate Israel’s exodus from slavery in Egypt, from which God liberated His people. The word Passover signifies passing over, referring to the time when GOD passed over the Israelites' homes and spared them, while striking down all the firstborn of the Egyptians. This was the last of ten plagues GOD inflicted upon Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, because he refused to let GOD’s people go. For this occasion, families sacrificed a lamb on the eve of the festival. At the start of the celebration, the story of the Exodus—recorded in the Bible in the Book of Exodus—was recounted. The foods served at the Passover meal each served as a reminder of a specific detail of those past events.
The Festival of Unleavened Bread (Hebrew: mazzot):
served as a reminder of the time the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness. When the Israelites left Egypt, they carried only unleavened bread, as there had been no time to bake leavened bread. For this reason, Jews ate only unleavened bread during this festival week.
The Festival of Weeks or Pentecost (Hebrew: schawuot):
was considered the second most important annual Jewish festival and served as an expression of gratitude for GOD’s blessing on the harvest. It marked the conclusion of the wheat harvest and began fifty days after the offering of the first fruits. Later, it became a day commemorating the proclamation of GOD’s Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.
The Festival of Tabernacles (Hebrew: sukkott):
was the final harvest festival of the year, taking place during the autumn grape harvest. It was celebrated with a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. During this festive week, the people lived in small booths made of foliage. Later, this festival was intended to commemorate GOD’s care for the people of Israel during their journey through the wilderness.
The Day of Atonement (Hebrew: jom kippur):
It is one of the holiest Jewish festivals. No one was to work on this day, as the entire people confessed their sins before GOD and asked Him for forgiveness. It was the only day of the year when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies in the Temple, sprinkling the altar with the blood of a sacrificial animal to atone for the people's guilt. Additionally, a goat (scapegoat) was symbolically burdened with the sins of Israel and driven into the wilderness to carry away the guilt. The Day of Atonement was observed five days before the Feast of Tabernacles.
What unites all these festivals is their direct connection to GOD. GOD takes no pleasure in festivals that have nothing to do with Him or that were originally dedicated to pagan "gods" (such as Christmas, Easter, Carnival, Halloween, and New Year's Eve). The same applies to celebrations centered primarily on fun, amusement, and feasting accompanied by immoral activities—things that do not honor GOD in any way but rather dishonor Him. According to the New Testament, there are no festivals that Christians are required to observe ( Colossians 2,16 f. ). This applies to state-sanctioned church holidays as well. Due to its growing spread throughout the Roman Empire, Christianity was elevated to the status of state religion in the fourth century AD under Emperor Constantine (reigned 306–337 AD). While pagans clung to their superstitions and centuries-old traditions, the Church began embracing pagan customs at a very early stage. In an effort to maintain religious and social peace within the empire, a new religion emerged under Constantine's influence—a blend of Christian faith and pagan superstition: Catholicism. In this way, pagan symbols and customs were "Christianized".
Holy Spirit
(Also referred to as Spirit of God or Spirit of the Most High), the Holy Spirit is described in the Bible as the active power of GOD at work in the hearts of believers ( Genesis 1,1 f. / Psalm 143,10 ). In this context, the terms Spirit and power are used interchangeably. The Hebrew word ruach can be translated as spirit or breath. The Holy Spirit is a descriptive term for GOD the Father, who is Spirit. He proceeds from the Father and was poured out by Jesus upon the first Christians ( Luke 11,13 / Acts 2,33 ). Elsewhere, the Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Spirit of Jesus or the Spirit of Christ, as it is the same Spirit with which GOD anointed Jesus and in whose power Jesus performed numerous miracles. The designation Holy Spirit refers to GOD's holiness. When a person comes to faith, they receive the Holy Spirit ( Acts 2,38 ). He confirms that this person is henceforth a child of GOD ( Romans 8,16 ). God's Spirit sets us free from sin and empowers us to live a holy, godly life. Wherever the Holy Spirit is at work, we can recognize the active presence of GOD. Much like the human spirit, the Holy Spirit represents GOD's personality—that is, how GOD thinks and feels ( 1st Corinthians 2,11 ). He is referred to as the Comforter or Helper ( John 14,16 + 26 / John 15,26 / Acts 9,31 ). In some passages, the Holy Spirit is described with personal attributes: He speaks, leads, convicts, reminds, sends, and falls upon or is poured out on people. People are baptized with Him, filled by Him, anointed with Him, or born of Him ( Isaiah 61,1 / Matthew 1,20 / Matthew 3,11 / Mark 13,11 / Luke 3,21 f. / John 16,8 / Acts 1,8 / Acts 4,31 / Acts 11,15 / Acts 13,2 / Titus 3,5 / 2nd Peter 1,21 ). Scripture states that Jesus was not conceived through biological means but by the Spirit of GOD ( Matthew 1,18 / Luke 1,35 ). In the New Testament, believers are referred to as temples of the Holy Spirit because GOD’s Spirit dwells within them ( 1st Corinthians 6,19 f. ). Although the Holy Spirit works in many people, He is nonetheless spoken of as one Spirit. Contrary to the doctrine of traditional churches, the Holy Spirit is not an independent divine person within a triune deity. Nowhere in the Bible do people speak or pray to the Holy Spirit. Nor do we read anywhere that the Holy Spirit sits on a throne in heaven and reigns, or that a greeting is delivered by Him. GOD’s Spirit bestows various spiritual gifts and supernatural powers upon believers ( 1st Corinthians 12,1-11 ). However, the primary task of the Holy Spirit is to teach us GOD’s will and to produce within us various fruits of the Spirit, such as love, patience, and self-control ( Jeremiah 31,31-34 / Ezekiel 36,27 / Galatians 5,22 f. ). That is why He is also called the Spirit of Truth ( John 14,17 / John 16,13 ). The Bible calls upon all believers to let GOD’s Spirit guide their actions at all times ( Galatians 5,16-26 ). This is how one recognizes a child of GOD ( Romans 8,14 f. ). At the same time, the Bible admonishes us not to grieve the Holy Spirit by resisting Him ( Matthew 12,32 / Ephesians 4,30 ). Furthermore, GOD’s Word warns against blaspheming the Holy Spirit by intentionally attributing His work to the devil, since there is no forgiveness for such an offense ( Matthew 12,32 ).
Honesty
Sincerity is a central biblical principle. GOD is truthful and faithful in every respect ( Deuteronomy 7,9 / Deuteronomy 32,4 / Psalm 37,28 / 1st Corinthians 1,9 ). He stands by His word and always judges justly, without partiality ( 2nd Chronicles 19,7 / Job 34,12 ). Therefore, we too should be sincere, just as Jesus modeled for us ( Exodus 23,7 / Psalm 32,2 / Matthew 5,8 / Romans 12,9 / 1st Timothy 1,5 / 1st Peter 2,22 ). Honesty and faithfulness encompass our words, deeds, and handling of finances. Being honest means acting without deceitful intentions, while faithfulness means being conscientious and reliable in what one does. Sincerity strengthens faith and fosters trust between people. Through honesty and faithfulness, a person can gain a good reputation—one more valuable than silver and gold ( Proverbs 22,1 ). The New Testament exhorts believers to always speak the truth, even when doing so requires courage or entails negative personal consequences. ( Ephesians 4,25 / Colossians 3,9 ). A Christian should not put on a false front, act merely for appearances, or misrepresent themselves to others—as the Pharisees did when they sought to appear outwardly righteous and pious while being godless in truth. Their sole concern was gaining honor and recognition from people. GOD finds such individuals—referred to in the Bible as hypocrites—particularly detestable. Therefore, they are placed on the same level as the godless ( Matthew 6,1 / Matthew 7,3-5 / Matthew 23,5 + 27 f. / Luke 16,15 / Romans 2,1-10 / 2nd Timothy 3,1-9 / 1st Peter 2,1 ). Scripture likewise warns against false prophets—that is, individuals who claim to be Christians while acting with deceitful intent ( Matthew 7,15-23 / Matthew 24,11 + 24 / 2nd Peter 2,1-3 ). The Old Testament mentions various people who preached lies in the name of GOD and thereby led people astray. The Bible warns that anyone who does this will not go unpunished ( Deuteronomy 13,1-6 / Isaiah 9,14 f. / Isaiah 32,6 / Ezekiel 13,1-16 ). Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes that a Christian should stand by their word and keep the promises made to others without needing to reinforce them with an oath ( Matthew 5,37-40 / James 5,12 ). At the same time, the Bible forbids slandering people, deliberately deceiving them, and giving false testimony in court, as these actions damage relationships and pervert justice ( Exodus 20,16 / Leviticus 19,16 / Proverbs 16,28 / James 4,11 f. ). For God hates and punishes deceit ( Provrbs 6,16-19 / Proverbs 12,22 / Proverbs 19,5 ), while He rewards sincerity and faithfulness ( Proverbs 2,7 / Proverbs 3,3 f. ).
Human Rights
encompass fundamental rights and individual human rights. Although human rights are generally derived from human dignity, they can never apply independently of GOD. There is no natural law that bestows dignity upon human beings or guarantees a right to life. Nor is there a natural right to health, prosperity, security, or anything else that people strive for. All these things are gifts from God that we may accept with gratitude and humility from GOD’s hand. Everything GOD gives us, He can also take back at any time, without owing us an account for doing so. In this respect, we humans can only claim those rights for ourselves that GOD grants us. These include personal freedoms, the right to physical integrity, the protection of marriage and property, and protection against discrimination. Some of these are also reflected in the UN Convention on Human Rights. On the other hand, we humans also have obligations toward GOD. GOD expects us to abide by His commandments. As Creator, GOD is not bound by earthly conventions or legal systems. Rather, GOD’s commandments fundamentally stand above any laws made by humans. Consequently, human rights must not contradict the will of GOD but must be legitimized by GOD. Otherwise, they have no validity before GOD and must be regarded as null and void ( Matthew 15,9 / Acts 5,29 ).
Humor
Laughter is a human expression that can manifest positively (out of joy) or negatively (out of arrogance). GOD bestows joy and is Himself capable of experiencing joy ( Zephaniah 3,17 / Psalm 16,11 / Luke 15,7 ). Humor, on the other hand, is not among GOD’s attributes. GOD is faithful and reliable. He does not joke, nor does He mock anyone who trusts in Him ( Psalm 34,9 / Psalm 91,4 / Proverbs 3,34 / Isaiah 25,1 / 1st Corinthians 1,9 ). On the other hand, GOD laughs at the arrogance of the powerful and scoffs at those who rebel against Him ( Psalm 2,4 / Psalm 37,12 f. ). The Bible condemns scoffers—that is, arrogant individuals who speak contemptuously of GOD and other people ( Psalm 1,1 / Proverbs 21,11 / Proverbs 24,9 / Proverbs 19,29 ). From a Christian perspective, cynicism, irony, sarcasm, or satire directed against GOD and other people are likewise to be rejected. Jesus calls upon every believer to stand by their words so that they may be taken seriously by others ( Matthew 5,37 / James 5,12 ). The Bible warns that no corrupt word should proceed from a believer's mouth and that GOD will hold all people accountable for every careless word they speak ( Matthew 12,36 / Ephesians 4,29 ). In principle, a Christian should say only those things that edify others and draw them closer to GOD. It is better to remain silent than to speak thoughtless words that might incur guilt. The Bible calls upon believers to rejoice and be glad at all times ( Luke 6,21 / Philippians 4,4 )—though never at the expense of others, as this would violate the commandment of love ( Romans 13,9 f. / 1st Corinthians 16,14 ). Personal jokes—even those not intended maliciously—can hurt people’s feelings and damage relationships. Foolish talk, as well as shameless and dirty jokes, are likewise inappropriate for a Christian. This includes remarks that demean or degrade others or promote sexual immorality ( Ephesians 5,4 ). Those who mock others reveal a lack of love and spiritual maturity. This applies above all to preachers and leaders, who have a special role as a role model within the church and disqualify themselves through such behavior. Instead of joking, Christians should take one another seriously and give thanks to GOD ( 1st Thessalonians 5,18 ).