texts: Which denominations believe in eternal marriage?

texts: Which Christian denominations believe that marriage can be eternal, i.e. can continue in the next life?


texts: What is the biblical basis against baptismal regeneration?

texts: Several different denominations teach that water baptism is a prerequisite for (or is essential for) salvation. What is the biblical basis against this teaching?


texts: What is Martin Luther's approach to liturgical services in light of Paul Tillich?

texts:
This article has a line that reads:

  We would call Luther's approach an evangelical-catholic one.

It cites Paul Tillich's use of "catholic substance" or "protestant principle". Can someone briefly summarize this concept in regards to Luther's approach to conducting liturgies or ceremonial worship? In what ways did Luther criticize the Roman Mass?

Is it trying to talk about Luther's protestant principle in regards to the catholic substance of the Catholic church during Luther's time?

I realize that the following resource may be helpful.

  Obedient Rebels: Catholic Substance and Protestant Principle in Luther's Reformation. By Jaroslav Pelikan.

  Dr. Pelikan both deepens our understanding of the Lutheran Reformation
  and contributes greatly to modern ecumenical dialogue. He describes
  "Catholic substance" as ". . . the body of tradition, liturgy, dogma,
  and churchmanship developed chiefly by the ancient church and embodied
  (but not exhausted) for Luther in the Roman Catholic Church of his
  day." "Protestant Principle" is understood as "the criticism and
  reconstruction of this Catholic substance . . . carried out in the
  name of the Christian gospel and with the authority of the Bible." For
  this union of "Catholic Substance" and "Protestant Principle" resulted
  the Protestant Reformation.


texts: Is the Mass seen as a sacrifice in the Lutheran Church?

texts:
Acording to Wikipedia the Mass is seen as a sacrifice in the Lutheran Chruch, just like it is in the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

However, I think this is wrong, I'm pretty sure from Luther's "On The Babylonian captivity of the Church", that Luther did not view the mass as a sacrifice.


texts: At the second coming, will Jesus descend in the same body or will he be reborn again?

texts:
All of us know that Jesus had ascended to God the father after he had resurrected, we know that he will come again at the end of time to judge the people and found the kingdom of God on earth.

The question is, will he descend as an adult man as he ascended to God the father, or will he be reborn again as an infant in a new incarnation?.

Note: there are many who claimed to be incarnations or reincarnations of Jesus, some of them belong to new Christian denominations, look: Wikipedia List of people claimed to be Jesus

Esoteric Christianity like Liberal Catholic Church adopts reincarnation and oneness of god who is both transcendent and immanent and accept Tritheism as three persons in that one God,i.e: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are manifestations of that one transcendental immanent God. Look: The Liberal Catholic Church and  Liberal Catholic Church (Wikipedia)

I would like answers to be biblically based, it's preferred to be by scholars of Christianity, especially of orthodox Christianity.


texts: Is the "sinner's prayer" important for salvation and why?

texts:
In evangelical churches the sinner's prayer is a very much emphasized aspect for someone to become or convert to being a Christian. In fact, most church services I attended growing up ended with the pastor inviting anyone in the congregation who wanted to be saved to pray it.

Now, when I was very young, my parents actually compelled me to pray the prayer, thereby  defeating the purpose of the prayer. For years I struggled with the question of whether or not I was actually 'saved' or not, since I had not actually prayed it under my own volition.

What is the meaning or purpose of this prayer in the context of becoming or being a Christian?
Should I (or those in a similar situation) pray it again?
What about people that pray it earnestly, then reject their faith and then come back to it again?


texts: Did the early church teach the person of God the Word changed in the incarnation?

texts: According to early Christianity did the person of God the Word change in the incarnation? Is it considered mutability in the person that change?


texts: Does God forgive those who take his name in vain?

texts:
Christianity teaches the forgiveness of sins by God, but Exodus 20:7, one of the Ten Commandments, says:

  "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the
  LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain."

Does this mean that breaking the commandment should be taken as unforgivable by God?

If this sin is unforgivable what implications does that have at the time of judgement?


texts: Slavery verses on the bible (1 Peter 2:18-20)

texts:
Is it ok to have slavery according to bible?

  Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the
  good and gentle, but also to the froward.

  For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
  grief, suffering wrongfully.

  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye
  shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,
  ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.


texts: Is there a New Testament parallel to cities of refuge?

texts:
Many things in the Old Testament have a New Testament parallel. For example, the OT has animal sacrifices. In the NT, Jesus is described as the Lamb of God, sacrificed for sins.

My question: I find cities of refuge mentioned in Numbers 35. Have published commentators found any NT spiritual parallel to this idea?


texts: How does the Catholic Church reconcile the holy Catholic Church with (the) Pope(s) asking for forgiveness?

texts:
In the Creed, the profession of Christian Faith, an article of Faith is I believe in [...], the holy catholic Church/We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

How does the Catholic Church reconcile the holiness of the Church, with the Pope apologising and the clerical sex abuse scandal?

  cf. Ephesians 5:27
  (RSVCE)
  27 that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without
  spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without
  blemish.

Note: An article of Faith is not optional. It is belongs to the deposit of Faith that one must believe in order to be saved.

'[The Church] is a Mother, through whom we are born to a new life in God. A mother should be loved. She is holy with regard to her Founder, her works and her doctrine, but she is, nevertheless, composed of sinful men. It is our duty to make a positive contribution to the life of the Church, to help her progress along the way of faithful renewal. This is not accomplished by negative criticisms.' - Pope St. John Paul II [the Great], Homily in Barcelona, 7 November 1982.

'If we love the Church, there will never arise in us a morbid interest in airing, as faults of the Mother, the weaknesses of some of her children. The Church, the spouse of Christ, does not have to intone any 'mea culpa'. But we do: 'mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa'. The only true 'mea culpa' is a personal one, not the one which attacks the Church, pointing out and exaggerating the human defects which, in this holy mother, result from the presence in her men whose actions can go far astray, but which can never destroy - nor even touch - that which we call the original and constitutive holiness of the Church' - St. Josemaría Escrivá, In Love with the Church, quoted in In Conversations with God, 4/37.2 | Francis Fernandez


texts: What was it about the death of Jesus that allows God to forgive us?

texts:
I've heard many people state that it was the punishment inflicted by the Romans that allows God to forgive us. This just doesn't make any sense to me.

How can a man suffer for a short while here on earth in order that a divine being have the right to forgive sin?

What is the framework of substitutionary atonement that makes Christ's death effective?


texts: Need help remembering CS Lewis Quote about Joy and Chemical Reactions

texts:
I know that there is a line by CS Lewis where he is talking about secular atheists have to try to forget their philosophy in order to find joy in life. The line goes something like...

"But insofar as... you go from having a good time to having a great time... you must remember that love is merely a chemical reaction."

There might also be a part about his wife, and how his love for her was nothing but a chemicial reaction if we presume that the secularist worldview is correct.

If someone could give me the quote along with perhaps a reference to where it came from I would be very grateful.


texts: Does Joyce Meyer preach salvation by faith in Jesus alone (ie not works)?

texts:
A non-Christian colleague is really interested in Joyce Meyer and is watching a lot of her talks. I don't know much about her (I only saw one talk and it was soundly Biblical).
Does she preach the basic Christian message of salvation by faith in Jesus alone, as described in John 14:6

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

and Ephesians 2:8-9?

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;
Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]

Quoting from the Amplified version which seems to be her preference, also.


texts:
Wikipedia's article on crucifixion says

  While a crucifixion was an execution, it was also a humiliation, by
  making the condemned as vulnerable as possible. Although artists have
  traditionally depicted the figure on a cross with a loin cloth or a
  covering of the genitals, the person being crucified was usually
  stripped naked.

Is there a scholarly consensus that Jesus was also crucified naked?

How have Christian traditions and scholars explained this?


texts:
From what I understand, by Catholics, everyone who believes in Jesus goes to Heaven, but most people go to purgatory first. When they leave purgatory, everyone is worthy of some level of Heaven. Everyone who does not believe in Jesus goes to Hell and there is a pretty nice section at the top of Hell for righteous heathens.

Protestants tend not to believe in Purgatory. There is only Heaven and Hell. It seems to me that you can get people who are really rotten but, since they believe all the requisite things, go to Heaven.

1) Do we say that if they had REALLY believed in Jesus they wouldn't have been bad and these people are actually in Hell?

OR

2) Is there a "bad" part of heaven for these souls?

If so, is this bad part good, but not as nice as the other parts of heaven and the soul experiences some torment knowing they are in the bad section

Is this bad place actively bad, but not as bad as Hell (sort of like a prison on the outskirts of heaven?)

I am interested in the types of Protestantism that flourish in America.

Related, but does not address the hell issue:

Are all humans in Heaven equal or is there also a kind of hierarchy? (Roman Catholic perspective)


texts: Non-movable feasts in the Lent and Easter seasons

texts:
The latest possible date for Ash Wednesday is March 10th and the earliest possible date for Pentecost is May 10th.  Besides the movable feasts, is there any indication that the Catholic Church places those feasts inside of these seasons for specific reasons?

For instance, the Solemnity of St. Joseph is March 19th, this date is always in Lent (although the feast may be transferred to Easter), yet it is a Holy Day of Obligation in many places, (generally means it is equivalent with a Sunday in saying "you need to go to Church today").  Is it, and other feasts, placed inside Lent or Easter to further the purposes that their respective seasons seek to celebrate?


texts: Is there a biblical basis for God's omnipotence or have we mistaken 'symbolism'?

texts:
'Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."'

There are many quotes of this kind in the Bible- but how do we know the above (and others like it) aren't just hyperbole and descriptive? He might mean a 'great many' things. How do these quotes justify a belief that god truly can do anything He wishes?
Or does a belief in this version of God arise from elsewhere?

Answers will of necessity be in regard to the Translation quoted.


texts: Are there any documented instances of anyone moving a mountain in faith?

texts:
Jesus said we could tell mountains to move (Matthew 17:20), if only we had faith as small as the size of a mustard seed. Has this ever happened? If so, has it been documented or is there any evidence?

I'm thinking of a genuine supernatural miracle.


texts:
The Catholic Church considers the Pope infallible, but only in limited circumstances. The Pope is a human being like the rest of us, and capable of sinning. However, when the Pope speaks ex cathedra, i.e. with papal authority, he is infallible.

How do Catholics know when the Pope speaks ex cathedra?


texts: What is the biblical basis for ascribing theological worth to "human dignity"?

texts:
I was reading an interesting article suggesting that "Christians" should embrace economic freedom, and was rather taken by the following paragraph:

Full article at http://tifwe.org/research/five-reasons-christians-should-embrace-economic-freedom/

  We are told in Scripture that the righteous care about justice for the poor.14 Christians believe that poverty is an affront to human dignity. Justice means enabling the poor to elevate their dignity by helping them escape the trappings of poverty. There is no other way of organizing society that has lifted more people out of poverty than global markets which are supported by economic freedom. - See more at: http://tifwe.org/research/five-reasons-christians-should-embrace-economic-freedom/#sthash.EHH8yf5d.dpuf

I left the footnote (14) in there specifically, because I am aware of the Scripture that would support that claim.  The sentence right after it -

  Christians believe that poverty is an affront to human dignity.

however, doesn't have a footnote.  I agree about justice - but dignity is not necessarily justice. They are different ideas. And, to be clear, it is a both widely accepted (you really can't go through seminary without hearing it, especially from the more liberal side of the campus), and frankly, it seems pretty obvious.

That said, I'm not sure I could make that case from Scripture.  Pastorally? Yes.  Psychologically? Sure.  Spiritually? Sounds good to me.  But, scripturally, I'm trying to understand where "we" got the idea that human dignity is inherently part of the Gospel message.

Indeed, you might even say (and I can't possibly comment on that) that total depravity and the universality of sin would, in practice contradict it.

Again, please do not read into what I'm saying - I'm not arguing it's not.  I'm just trying to understand the basis behind it.

So, what am I missing?


texts:
God says thou shall not kill as one of the Ten Commandments but he actually instructs his chosen people to kill numerous times throughout the Old Testament. Then there is tons of killing, persecution, and even torture performed under the authority of the Catholic Church under the New Testament. Specifically I would like to sight the story of Saul when he is instructed to kill everyone of the Amalekites men, women, and children. Saul failed to do so and he was actually punished for it and would eventually lose his annionted kingship. So in short my question is:

Why does God condone or order so much killing when it is against the Commandments?


texts: If you do not believe the Holy Spirit is a person, then what is it? What do Bible verses that reference the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of God mean?

texts:
Question: If you do not believe the Holy Spirit is a person, then what is it?
The Bible includes over 100 verses that mention the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God or just the Spirit. Here are four examples:
Genesis 1:1-2 NIV:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth
was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and
the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

John 14:26 NIV:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my
name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I
have said to you.

Matthew 12:32 NIV:

Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but
anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either
in this age or in the age to come.

John 16:7-15 NIV:

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all
the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he
hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me
because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to
you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the
Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”


texts: Why are we given details about what the descendants of Cain did? Is there special significance to these details?

texts:
Genesis 4 discusses the descendants of Cain:

  "Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah." Genesis 4:17-22

Why are we given details about what the descendants of Cain did? Is there some special significance to these details?


texts: Doctrinal significance of the tense and subject of "Adored and Glorified" in the Nicene Creed

texts:
So, I was working out a UML diagram to expose holes in every attempt to analogize the Trinity, and I came to:

  adored and glorified

 (formerly, worshiped and glorified)

everything else in the Creed are things that "I believe" what is the difference between saying, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified and saying who with the Father and the Son I adore and glorify?

I'm pretty much asking, who is the subject of the predicate of sentence, is it still me, or us, or the Church Triumphant?  To put it another way, complete this sentence, "who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified by ..."

I'd prefer a Catholic answer, and not one that challenges my premises either!


texts: Does any church believe in Sola Scriptura, but without allowing private interpretation?

texts: Is there a protestant church which adheres to Sola Scriptura, but considers rightful interpretation to be made by the church only (or elders, synod, etc.)?


texts: What is the difference between "belong fully to God" and "belong to God"?

texts:
"Saints are people who belong fully to God," Pope Francis said, thus introducing a degree of belonging to God, fully or less fully or, even, not fully.

Can anyone explain, in the light of Gospel, what "belong fully to God" means and how it is different  from "belong to God", even if not fully.

Thank you and peace be with you.


texts: What is the Difference Between ROCOR-MP and ROCOR-A (ROCA)

texts:
What differentiates the various synods within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia aka ROCOR?
I met someone who stated that their particular synod was in communion with ROCOR-A (ROCA), but not ROCOR-MP, because the latter was in communion with Moscow and Constantinople.
A quick google search told me that there were in fact multiple ROCOR groups that are distinct from ROCOR-A (ROCA) and who are not in communion with ROCOR-MP. Comments on those groups would be appreciated but not necessary to answer the question.
ROCOR merged with the Moscow Patriarch (MP) in the last decade and is now referred to as either ROCOR or ROCOR-MP.
I think that ROCOR-A is identical to ROCA, which is the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, which broke with ROCOR when the latter merged with MP. ROCA and ROCOR used the refer to the same thing, but now they refer to two distinct groups, the differences of which I would like answered in this question.
Edit - From Wikipedia:

Critics of the reunification [of ROCOR and MP] argue that "the hierarchy in Moscow still has not properly addressed the issue of KGB infiltration of the church hierarchy during the Soviet period." It has also been noted that "some parishes and priests of the ROCOR have always rejected the idea of a reunification with the ROC [MP] and said they would leave the ROCOR if this happened. The communion in Moscow may accelerate their departure."
The signing of the act led to yet another small schism from the ROCOR, this time taking with it Bishop Agafangel (Pashkovsky) of Odessa and Tauria, and with him some of ROCOR's parishes in the Ukraine, which refused to enter the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Agafangel was subsequently suspended by the ROCOR synod for disobedience. Despite censure, Agafangel persisted with the support of ROCOR parishes inside and outside of the Ukraine which had also refused to submit to the Act of Canonical Communion. Agafangel subsequently ordained Bishop Andronik (Kotliaroff) with the assistance of Greek bishops from the Holy Synod in Resistance; these ordinations signified the breach between ROCOR and those who would refused communion with Moscow. At a Fifth All-Diaspora Council (composed of clergy who did not accept the Act of Canonical Communion), Bishop Agafangel was elevated to the rank of metropolitan; he now heads the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad - Provisional Supreme Church Authority (ROCA-PSCA) as Metropolitan Agafangel of New York and Eastern America.


texts: Do any Early Church Fathers ever argue that the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2:9) is the Law/ Torah?

texts: Did any early Church fathers ever reason that the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2:9) either is or symbolizes the Torah/ Law?


texts: Are there any conditions at all that allow a married Catholic couple to use contraceptives?

texts:
Don't laugh at me, but I heard that some conditions are as follows:

Soldier coming back from years of serving has only one night to spend with spouse
Couple has at least a certain number of children and cannot afford anymore.
Couple would not be able to conceive even if they did not use contraceptives for example, woman's time of month, infertility or such situations. not that there's any good reason to do it other than hypothetical inquiry

Really Catholic. I heard those from people who are either Catholic or know people who are.


texts: Resources in Helping Choose an Orthodox Patron Saint

texts:
I'm currently a catechumen in the Orthodox Church and am trying to decide on a Patron Saint.  I've done some research in regards to Saints on or close to my birthday however I am curious as to whether there are any suggested resources, books or otherwise to assist me in this process.

Thanks.


texts: Why when all are separated by mans sin was Noah chosen?

texts: Why, if all are separated from God because of Adam's sin, did God choose Noah?  Why be merciful to Noah's descendants if all are separated by sin?


texts: Has a pope ever been corrected publicly by a non-cleric in the presence of cardinals because of his immoral conduct?

texts:
Has a pope ever been corrected publicly by a non-cleric in the presence of cardinals because of his immoral behavior?

As we all know, popes are not immune to living sinful lives. In fact, several have lived in serious sin for many years. The Church has had many holy popes, but there have been some very bad and sinful popes also.

What I mean by a non-cleric is a Catholic faithful who is not a deacon, priest, bishop or cardinal, but may be a layperson, nun or religious brother (not ordained).


texts:
My Question: Which Church Fathers thought of Mary as a Queen?

The Church Fathers can be both early and late(max 500AD).


texts: Why do so many Christians call Paul "teacher", when Jesus said it was forbidden?

texts:
I personally try to base everything I believe on the words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.  I also take the Old Testament as truth because Jesus also did.  I see Paul like I do CS Lewis, I happen to agree with most of what he wrote, but not all.

In other words I may or may not agree with what Paul (or CS Lewis) wrote based on my own personal interpretation of what Jesus said in the Gospels.


texts: What is the origin of this triplet: Time, Talents, and Treasure?

texts:
I am 50 years old, and I just became aware of widespread usage of "Time, Talents, and Treasure" in religious circles, maybe especially Catholicism. My own religion, Mormonism, has a temple covenant about consecrating time, talents, and "everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you" to the LDS church. And I was not aware until recently that it might be a conscious deviation from an old triplet.

Does anybody know from where the pithier version originates? My completely uniformed guess would be that it might have originated in some sort of Catholic catechism or papal pronouncement.


texts: Does Eastern Orthodoxy teach that there are other Apostles?

texts: Does Eastern Orthodoxy teach that there are other Apostles besides the first twelve Apostles, Apostle Paul and the Seventy Apostles?


texts: Why did John the Baptist preach repentance through water baptism and specifically how is that different than repentance through ashes and sackcloth?

texts:
Are there any records that explain why baptism was used for repentance when the Jews already had a method of repentance by putting ashes on them and wearing sackcloth?  This seemingly worked as noted in various parts of the bible (e.g. Ninevites in book of Jonah)

What made repentance through baptism unique?


texts: According to Lutherans, what is the Kingdom of God?

texts:
In a conversation with a United States veteran, I was intrigued when his response to Luke 4:5, 6 was that the United States is not included among the "kingdoms of the inhabited earth" because the USA is of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, the Devil has no authority over the United States.

Is this consistent with Lutheran theology? What do Lutherans believe is the Kingdom of God, and what effect does the Kingdom of God have on today's governments?


texts: What's the main point of supplication prayers?

texts: What's the point of supplication prayers when the living believers are asking the other living ones to pray for them? I mean apostle Paul asked other believers to pray for him. Why did he do that while he himself could pray for himself?


texts: How often do missionaries report encounters with demonic activity while deployed to countries belonging to the 10/40 Window?

texts:
According to Wikipedia:

The 10/40 Window is a term coined by Christian missionary strategist and Partners International CEO Luis Bush in 1990 to refer to those regions of the eastern hemisphere, plus the European and African part of the western hemisphere, located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator, a general area that was purported to have the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the Christian message and Christian resources on the planet.

Recently someone told me about the prevalence of the belief in demons and ghosts in countries pertaining to this troublesome region. I did a quick search and indeed was able to find several anecdotal reports suggesting that this appears to be the case. Two examples below:
1) Defining Missions – A Tibetan Testimony (Illustrating the 10/40 Window):

[...] By the string of Hollywood movies in recent decades focusing on Tibetan culture one would get the impression that they have much wisdom and light to offer the West in terms of spirituality. This is a satanically inspired fabrication, and couldn’t be further from the truth. Tibet is a dark place filled with demon possession, witchcraft, poverty, brutality and fearful superstition. Over every mountain pass you will find prayer flags waving in the wind. With each gust of wind it is believed that one more prayer has ascended to the demonic forces of fear that control their lives. And with every prayer it is hoped, more than believed, that somehow the brutal spirits ruling their land will be, to some small degree, appeased with this fruitless tradition.

2) 4 Reasons to Evangelize the 10/40 Window Before Anywhere Else:

In the 10/40 Window, most people live in deep fear of evil spirits (a
few atheistic nations excepted). They offer daily sacrifices to
appease their ancestors, avoiding retribution, and seeking blessing.
Statues of demons and spirits adorn almost every street. Reports of
ghost encounters abound. Many cultures regularly seek out witch
doctors, psychics, spiritists, blessings, spells, and potions, and
fear curses and omens.
The 10/40 Window’s demonic fears aren’t baseless. Inhabitants of the
10/40 Window fear evil spirits because they’ve lived under evil’s
vicious taunt. Demonic forces work out in the open there, spreading
torment, confusion, rage, and addiction. Our partners regularly tell
us stories of the most shocking demonic attacks.
I’ll only give one example.
A 19-year old Burmese man lived under severe demonization since age
15. Demonic illness, madness, and rage constantly plagued him and often drove him running into the jungle. He soon became so violent
that his teachers had to remove him from school, and his own parents
locked him in his room and chained him to his bed. They sought every
cure possible, but neither medicine nor monks nor mysticism could turn
the tide. Soon, the parents met our partner, Pastor J, and asked him
to pray for their son.
What happened next should blow us away. Our partner prayed for the
young man in the name of Jesus, and the tormenting spirit left
immediately. In a matter of seconds, Jesus had delivered the young man
from insanity which four years of Asia’s best cures could not heal!
Can you imagine the joy and relief His family experienced? He soon
received Christ, and today he would rather die than reject Jesus. Who
could blame him?
Our partners tell us similar testimonies regularly. Jesus is setting
the 10/40 Window free, person by person, soul by soul. He longs to
liberate every unreached captive, for He is “not willing that any
should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9
NKJV). What keeps this great deliverance from the pages of history?
“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2
NKJV).

Question: Can someone more knowledgeable on the topic confirm whether this is true? Does demonic activity abound in many of the countries belonging to the 10/40 Window and how often do Christian missionaries encounter demonic activity while on duty in these countries?


texts: Did St. Anthony of Padua write the "Be Satisfied with Me" prayer?

texts:
There is a prayer floating around online called "Be Satisfied with Me" that starts off as follows:

  Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
  To have a deep soul relationship with another,
  To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

  But to a Christian, God says, “No, not until you are satisfied,
  Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone,
  With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.
  With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

The earliest version I can find online is from 2004 where it doesn't have an author listed. But since at least 2007, it has been attributed to St. Anthony of Padua (and on many more sites since like here, here, here, and here).

I'm a bit suspicious of St. Anthony's authorship for a number of reasons given that it mostly seems to be floating around on blogs, and I find it odd for 13th Century monk to be writing a prayer about finding a spouse (and at a time when arranged marriages were more common).

Is there any reason to believe that St. Anthony of Padua actually wrote this?


texts: How trained are the elders in the Jehovah's Witness denomination?

texts:
Jehovah's Witnesses are known to have no pastors or priests, because having pastors or priests would go against their theology. Instead, they have "elders". From an outsider's perspective, elders appear to function in the same way as the priests or pastors from other Christian denominations, namely because these elders do not include women. Women, however, are allowed and encouraged to become ministers and preach the gospel door to door.

What are the requirements for a person to become an elder? What type of training do elders have? And have elders ever been formally trained in Christian history, biblical studies, or theology? A related question: are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to read a mainstream, scholarly bible?


texts: After answering a recent question, it occurred to me to ask: Is there any biblical evidence regarding whether Adam and Eve have been redeemed in some fashion (and are thus going to Heaven/the New Earth)? (Someone to tweak the tags to fit better would be welcome!)


texts: At what point is a person considered to be married to someone else?

texts:
What is an overview of scripture based Christian belief statements that have been made on at what point a person would be considered to be married to someone else?

Some applicable and interesting marriages from scripture:

Adam and Eve were "married" yet there were no witnesses, no ceremony, and no other options!
Isaac "married" a girl he just met by taking her into his tent and sleeping with her.
Jacob intended to marry Rachel, but was tricked into marrying Leah. However he was stuck in his marriage with Leah because they had had sex.

Statements should directly or indirectly answer the question "At what point does marriage truly begin?"

Related: Does the act of sex constitute marriage in God's eyes?


texts: In Common Priesthood, what will be our sacrifice?

texts: In Catholicism, we believe every baptized Christian participates in the common priesthood (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1547). A priest offers sacrifice to God. In that case what will be the sacrifice in common priesthood?


texts: What is mortal sin? Is agression a mortal sin?

texts:
What is a mortal sin? Is physical or verbal agression to a family member, father, brother, sister, mother, uncle, cousin, aunt or friend a mortal sin. What are the effects and can it be forgiven and in what way?

Thanks.


texts: What symbols have represented Christianity through the years?

texts: Today the cross is the primary icon of Christianity, but I'm aware of a few others, such as the Ichthys.  What symbols have represented the faith through the centuries?


texts:
I have recently read in a book about some debate around the fact that God is considered a masculine figure (He/His) and that we should find gender neutral of expressing the same ideas.

In my native language it is very hard to do this (God is a masculine noun and it is also derived from Domine Deus which also sounds masculine).

However, English has the advantage of having "it". According to Wordnick, "it" usage guide is also:

  Used of a nonhuman entity; an animate being whose sex is unspecified (..)

It sounds like a good fit, but I am wondering if this is ever appropriate or even offensive.

Question: Is it appropriate to refer to God as "It"?


texts: Why wouldn't a practicing Catholic joke about the Sacraments and what would happen if they did?

texts:
Stephen Colbert is a high profile entertainer and an out-an-proud Roman Catholic.

As reported by the Daily Beast, prior to taking on his new role as host of the The Late Show, he sat down in an interview with Father Thomas Rosica, "media attaché to the Holy See Press Office and CEO of Salt and Light Television based in Toronto, Canada", and amongst other things:

  When Rosica asked him about making fun of the church, Colbert said he wouldn’t stop just because he has a bigger platform. “I mean I’ll still make jokes about the church, I’ll make jokes about anything… as long as you’re not being malicious, I don’t think you can leave anything off the table,” Colbert told Rosica, but he would stop short of making jokes about the sacraments. “It wouldn’t feel right for me, it wouldn’t feel good for me, it wouldn’t be obeying my own conscience, I suppose, to make jokes about the sacraments, or specifically the Eucharist… a nacho cheese Eucharist joke… not. I mean, the church is an important part of my life, I would be crazy if I didn’t make jokes about it.”

The first part of this question is not about probing Colbert's (or anyone else's) conscience, but to ask: are there any official teachings of the Catholic Church that would discourage Catholics from making jokes about the sacraments?

Colbert has been including in some of his more recent shows a segment called "Stephen Colbert's Midnight Confessions", which contains a series of running jokes using a mock confessional with Stephen in the role of penitent and the audience in the role of confessor. In show 149, which originally aired May 24th 2016, after Colbert's stint in the confessional, the segment featured a cartoonish representation of God putting himself behind a confessional screen and confessing his own sins to the audience.

Putting aside any issue of whether Colbert has acted against his own conscience in this matter (by making jokes about the sacrament of Penance), is there anything in this behaviour that would be transgressive of Church doctrine? If so, would it just be a matter to be dealt with privately between Colbert (or any other practicing Catholic in the same position) and his priest at his next (real) confession? Or given the public nature of such an offense, would his priest or bishop have grounds to bring discipline in a more proactive manner (eg, by withholding the sacrament of the Eucharist)?


texts: Is William Barclay a respected theologian in mainstream Christianity?

texts:
William Barclay
A prolific author of 70 books, including commentaries on each New Testament books, is a well known and often quoted scholar.
However some have written articles about him and challenge his Christianity based on the facts that he did not accept the miracles of Jesus, did not believe in the preexistence of Jesus, was a universalist and as can be seen in the quote below did not hold to classic views on the trinity.

Nowhere does the New Testament identify Jesus as God. Jesus did not say, "He who has seen me has seen God." He said, "He who has seen me has seen the Father." There are attributes of God I do not see in Jesus. I do not see God's omnipotence in Jesus, for there are things which Jesus did not know. I do not see God's omnipotence in Jesus for there are things which Jesus could not do (William Barclay, A Spiritual Biography, 1977 Edition, p. 56).

Is William Barclay an esteemed scholar recognized by main stream Christianity, or are his views considered heretical in many ways?


texts: Are things commonly blessed by priests at certain times of the year appropriate to bring to a priest for a special blessing?

texts: Is it appropriate to ask priests to bless things like oil, salt and water that you bring to them for a blessing? I was reading this answer and was wondering if it made sense for a layperson to bring things like salt and oil for a blessing.  Would a priest be responsible for making sure that the thing they're blessing really is salt, oil and water?


texts: Why (and when) did the Apostles stop requiring exactly twelve apostles? Why was James not replaced?

texts:
In Acts 1:12-26 we read the story of how Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. This kept the number of apostles at Twelve.

Sometime later, James, the brother of John was murdered (Acts 12:2). James was also one of the original twelve (Matthew 4:21) but unlike Judas, there is no record of him being replaced.

Why was this? Did the policy change?

Alternatively, if he was replaced but it was not recorded in the New Testament, when did the  "Twelve Apostle" policy end?


texts: How do reformed theologians reconcile John 15:2 with “once saved always saved"?

texts:
Every branch in me (εν έμοι ) that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he [the Father, v1] cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2, ASV)

Some reformed  like James White say that once someone is “in Christ” [1] they are eternally saved.   But Jesus said that some branches in him that don't bear fruit will be removed from him and burned. (15:5)

How do reformed theologians reconcile John 15:2 with the doctrine of “once saved always saved"?

[1] 3) the phrase en Christo (in Christ) or its equivalent in Him, is central to Paul’s thought. All of salvation takes place only “in Christ.” (https://reformedspirit.blogspot.com/2015/08/god-is-redeeming-for-himself-people-and.html?m=1)


texts: What is the Biblical basis for the idea that spiritual gifts are no longer relevant?

texts: There is a verse that some denominations use to say that the gifts are not operative since the days of the Apostles. Where is that verse?


texts: To what extent did Isaiah understand his own prophecies?

texts:
Consider Isaiah 53:4-6 (NIV), which is commonly interpreted as a prophecy that the Messiah would die for the sins of the world:

  4Surely he took up our pain
     and bore our suffering,
  yet we considered him punished by God,
     stricken by him, and afflicted.
  5But he was pierced for our transgressions,
     he was crushed for our iniquities;
  the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
     and by his wounds we are healed.
  6We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
     each of us has turned to our own way;
  and the LORD has laid on him
     the iniquity of us all.

It seems apparent that the majority of Jews at the time, did not interpret this passage (and others) to mean that Jesus was the Messiah, until after Christ died.  This seems to be common with many (maybe most or all) Biblical prophecies: There is sufficient detail to identify once an event has occurred, but not sufficient detail to predict when a prophesied event will occur.

So my question:  Did Isaiah understand his own prophecies, in the sense that we do today?  Would Isaiah, for instance, have known that the Messiah would die for the sins of the world? If Isaiah had met Christ before His death, would he have realized he was the Messiah?

Or were Isaiah's own words enigmatic to him as they were to the rest of the world, prior to the fulfillment of the prophecies?


texts: What is Thomas Aquinas' perspective on salvation for baptized heretics who believe in the Trinity?

texts:
St. Thomas Aquinas is praised globally for his intellect, and such has gained him the merit of being a 'Doctor of the Church'. I am curious about several things though:

What are Aquinas's views on what is necessary for the attainment of salvation for the individual?
What are Aquinas's views on the nature of moral accountability for heretical opinion and action?
How do these views correspond to his view on heretics who are like-minded and like-spirited to the Church in more central matters, such as belief in the Trinity and the upholding of the Sacrament of Baptism? Modern heretics nowadays akin to this category would include the Roman Catholic Church's separated brethren, being Protestants and even more so Orthodox Christians. If Aquinas is silent about this matter, what would be the logical deduction one could make about his views regarding the salvation for baptized heretics who accept the Trinity taking into account his views on the two previous topics?

*Note that I am not using the word 'heretic' here in a malicious way but rather in the way that is most useful given the context. The Roman Catholic Church, along with Aquinas, considers those outside of her to be 'heretics', and that is the intended meaning here. This language was used in order to better qualify the views of he who this question is about, being Thomas Aquinas.


texts: Are there Christian Denominations or Movements who believe that Jesus didn't actually pay our sin debt?

texts:
I was wondering if there are any prominent or otherwise named group of Christians who believe that Jesus did away with our debt by legally canceling our debt instead of actually paying for the entire amount due. In other words, are there those who believe that it wasn't required that Jesus' suffering was equal to or exceeded all the suffering of punishment that each one of us is due because he dealt away with the legal requirement, period, through the cross?
This follows from passages like Col 2:14 where the consequences of our trespasses are merely set aside because of Christ's offering at the Cross:

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us [liberating us from] all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (ESV)

See also Romans 7:1-6 where our freedom from the legal obligation to be punished by law for sin is effectuated in Christ's death the same way that woman may be freed from the legal obligation to her husband through death.

Romans 7:1-6 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.
4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. (ESV)

And Ephesians which describes the law being abolished in Christ's flesh.

Ephesians 2:14-16 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. (ESV)


texts: What Conservative Catholic publication am I looking for?

texts:
Some months ago, I stumbled on an online publication, whose name I cannot remember - and I  believe they also offer a printed subscription.  In spite of multiple google and wiki searches, I have been unable to restumble on it.  What I remember about it is this: It had a rather arch, playfully academic tone. For example, in one of it own blurbs, it quoted a well known, liberal Catholic bishop, referring to the publication as a defamatory screed.  In other words, the condemnation of this person was held up as an encomium by the editors.

The other thing that comes to mind is that it used a seraphed font.


texts: Is the root of salvation correctly summed up as "Be saved and repent!" or should it be "Repent and be saved!"?

texts:
In the article below, the phrase "Be saved and repent!" was endorsed. I wish to know what a Reformed Protestant view would be on this. The context for the phrase is this:

The editor wrote an article showing how God's grace does not render his law pointless; that Calvary is not an apology for Sinai, but that Moses and Jesus are on the same team. Abraham and Moses were justified by faith and, "If you want the whole truth, you need a whole Bible." Then he explained how the Ten Commandments were not 'Ten Burdens' to the newly delivered Israelites. "They were rescued, not by meeting God's moral standards, but by God's grace and mercy - the Law would come after their deliverance, not before."

But then came the quote that prompts this question. One of the editor's friends

  "said recently: "The root is salvation by His election and His grace. The fruit is repentance - which lasts until the day one dies. The real formula is "Be saved and repent!" "
  [Source: Sword magazine, March/April 2020 (Vol. 15 No. 2) pp 4-5, article "He ain't heavy... He's my Saviour".]

Yet given how John the Baptist was sent to the nation of Israel to get them to repent and be baptised, in order to then receive salvation in Christ (Matthew 3:1-12), I wish to examine this claimed 'real formula'. Yes, in those verses Jewish religious leaders were commanded to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, for the axe was laid at the root of the trees not bearing good fruit. Yet does that not prove that the fruit of repentance cannot come until first those Israelites did what John the Baptist commanded - to repent (confessing their sins) and to be baptised? Surely only then would they be prepared to see the kingdom of God that was at hand, and to enter into it by faith? (John 3:5) Would this not make the biblical 'formula', "Repent and be saved!"?

I'm looking for a Reformed Protestant view on this question, NOT a ‘right or wrong’ view. This is NOT a ‘truth’ question. Nor is this a question about how to be saved. It is about the correct order of two events. Are there any published articles or sermons on this from recognised Reformed Protestant theologians? [Source: Sword magazine, March/April 2020 (Vol. 15 No. 2) pp 4-5, article "He ain't heavy... He's my Saviour".] I cannot give a weblink as I received a paper copy of this magazine and, as far as I know, it is not produced on-line.


texts: Why should we pray if God knows everything?

texts: If God knows everything, then why do we pray? For example, my dad is in the hospital, and he's really sick. So I pray to God to help my dad get better. Doesn't God know he's in the hospital and in need of help? Do my prayers prompt God to action? And if I don't prompt God for action, will he help my dad anyway?


texts: Why did Jesus confront the official who had slapped Him in the presence of the High Priest?

texts:
John 18:20-23 (NIV) reads:

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.  Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”

One would be curious to know as to why Jesus confronted the official, who is not recorded to have regretted his deed. Is there any official interpretation of the said passage from the side of Catholic Church?


texts: What is the origin of closing one's eyes during prayer?

texts:
I have been a Christian since my youth, but I have never received a satisfactory answer to this question.
Why must a Christian close their eyes during prayer?
In large services in the west, (I am not familiar with other traditions) believers bow their heads and close their eyes while being led in prayer, often speaking internally to God or self reflecting. Bowing one's head, or prostrating themselves is itself a form of worship.
Personally, in moments of personal prayer I do not close my eyes because I find it more distracting. But in my family and church I grew up in this would be seen as very offensive if someone might walk in and see me praying with my eyes open.
I'm mostly interested in the scriptural basis for closing one's eyes while praying. Not so much the historical reason for the tradition developing, although I recognize it might be difficult to separate the two.


texts: What is the biblical basis against Sola Fide (salvation by faith alone, apart from works)?

texts:
One of the key points of the Reformation was the doctrine of Sola Fide: that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works. The Reformers thought this was in contrast to the doctrines of the Catholic church.

What, then, is the biblical basis against the doctrine of Sola Fide?


texts: How do deniers of the personhood of the Holy Spirit interpret Romans 8:26-27?

texts:
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV):

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

This is one of the most commonly cited passages as evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit (e.g. as in this answer), probably because of the following reasons:

The Holy Spirit is said to be able to intercede (i.e. pray) for the saints.
And not just intercede, but intercede with groanings too deep for words (indicative of emotions?)
Moreover, the Holy Spirit is explicitly said to have a mind (the mind of the Spirit, v27).

In short, the passage appears to be saying that the Holy Spirit has (1) a mind, (2) emotions and (3) the ability to pray/intercede.
Question: How do deniers of the personhood of the Holy Spirit interpret Romans 8:26-27 and make sense of all this?


texts: Why is it not a sin when God asked Moses to lie to Pharaoh?

texts:
And how does this expand on our conception of what is sin?

  (Exodus 3:18) ...and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the
  Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’
  journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our
  God.’


texts:
In Num 11:25,

  [The] LORD ... took some of the spirit that was upon him and put it
  upon the seventy elders[.]

From my understanding of Catholic philosophy, a spirit is a simple substance that cannot be apportioned.

What is the Catholic understanding and explanation regarding Num 11:25?


texts: What do JW, Evangelicals and Mormons believe about hastening the Return of Jesus?

texts:
I've found some Protestant and Catholic articles about interpreting (Peter 3:12, Revelation 22:20, Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 18:1-8) as the opportunity, for Christians, to hasten the Return of the Lord through prayers.

Are there other interpretation, according to JW, Evangelicals, and Mormons?

Some sources on the matter:

Among Protestant Etc.

http://learnbibleprophecy.blogspot.it/2010/12/come-lord-jesus-maranatha.html

http://www.versebyverseministry.org/bible-answers/pray-for-the-end-of-the-world#sthash.GiV7mAO7.7QHYMEE5.dpbs

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love-worth-finding/read/articles/can-we-hasten-the-second-coming-of-christ-15204.html

http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Timeline/Hastening.Lords.Return.html

http://christianteaching.org.uk/blog/eschatology/hastening-the-return-of-christ/#comment-32538

http://folkslisten.blogspot.it/2010/06/can-i-speed-up-return-of-jesus.html

https://nathanaelflock.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/scriptural-conviction-hastening-the-day-of-the-lord/

http://quailandmanna.com/god-justice/

Among Catholics:

From the Catechism:

2817 This petition is "Marana tha," the cry of the Spirit and the Bride: "Come, Lord Jesus."

2818 In the Lord's Prayer, "thy kingdom come" refers primarily to the final coming of the reign of God through Christ's return.88


texts: What was the explicit purpose of Jesus' question to James and John?

texts:
At Matthew 20:20-23, we read about  the request of the mother of James and John thus:

  Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him.   And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”   But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”   He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

Here,  Jesus is testing the commitment of the brothers to a life of suffering with and for Him . But, in spite of their having given a `Yes' answer, Jesus is non-committal about their place of choice in heaven . But then, what was His question to the brothers intended for?

Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?

What, if any, interpretations are offered by the Catholic Church on the explicit purpose of this question to James and John?

I think my question needs a bit of elaboration.  To me, the answer - whatever it be- given by the disciples to the  challenge posed by Jesus , would not have  in any manner, influenced His  final reply  (that it is for The Father to decide) .   So, what was the need for Jesus to pose the challenge ?   Was He just making use of the opportunity to orient them to the difficult life that lay ahead ?


texts: Are there any denominations that teach a Hell that is not a place?

texts:
To be more specific (and also more broad), are there any major groups within Christianity that consider Hell not to be a specific place, but rather a specific state of being?

I expect the list to be short, so this shouldn't be a bad list question.


texts:
Colossians 2:9

  HCSB For the entire fullness of God’s
  nature dwells bodily in Christ,

  NASB: For in Him all the fullness of Deity
  dwells in bodily form,

How did Arius interpret Colossians 2:9?

How did Arius view the Greek word Θεότητος ?


texts: Where did the ecclesiastical offices go?

texts:
In the Bible, there are three distinct titles:

Episcopai — literally administrator, these were tasked with overseeing a church/region
Presbyteros — a lesser title, still tasked with overseeing a church.
Diaconos  — Deacons (like Stephen)

In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches (and possibly the Anglicans?), these "translate" to bishop, priest, and deacon respectively (the quotes are because the English words are the product of linguistic shifts, and not an actual separate etymology), and we go off on a tangent about ecclesiastical lines and succession, yada yada yada...

According to the mainstream Protestant line of thought, what happened to these positions? They do not seem apparent in the Baptist, Congregationalist, Presbyterian, or Reformed church governments (I do not know the Lutheran church government).

As a side note: while presbyteros is the etymological ancestor of priest, the word has a fundamentally different meaning. Catholic "priests" are better understood as "presbyters" which is very different from the "priesthood of all believers" (the Latin for a "priest" as in a parish priest is "presbyteros", the Latin for "priest" as in "priesthood of all believers" is "sacerdos"). This is a deficiency of English itself as most others have the difference built in.


texts: What misconceptions about the LDS church are a product of Mark Hofmann's forgeries?

texts:
I've heard a lot of strange stories about LDS church history. What I didn't know is that many of them were created by a man who is considered by forensic experts to be the best forger yet caught.

Mark Hofmann, who made many convincing forgeries, including a fake of Oath of the Freeman–which the Library of Congress bid $1.5 million to purchase–also forged a somewhat unknown number of controversial documents and letters that he sold to the LDS church, claiming that they were written by early leaders of the church. Despite the uncertainty of their authenticity, the church agreed to purchase many of these documents based off of the judgements of the examiners that concluded they were genuine.1

It wasn't until Hofmann was arrested as a suspect for murder–after he executed a number of bombings in an attempt to cover up one of his forgery schemes–that it was discovered that he was producing forgeries.

My question is, how many persistent myths about the church's history are a result of Mark Hofmann's forgeries?

1. Recent Events Involving Church History and Forged Documents


texts: What is the difference between the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches?


texts: For the past four nights, Catholics have been doing exorcism in one of the families in my neighborhood. They would start at about 10PM and usually end early the next morning, sometimes till 3AM sharp. They would even light crackers at these hours. Demonic possession is a very serious thing, but why would they do exorcism only at night? I don't think exorcism should be taken as something that you can take a break from until its done.


texts:
I heard "Christ" isn't the last name He got from His parents. Is that true? Does He have a last name?

If He does not have a last name, then how does that work? If that wasn't His last name, and there were other people named Jesus, then how could people even know which Jesus people were talking about?

Please explain this to me in an easy to understand way, like if I am young.


texts: Does anybody teach specifically about the existence of ghosts?

texts:
Are there any Christian traditions that have specific teachings that supporting the existence of Ghosts (in the sense of being the spirits of or at least resembling dead people)?

For example, I have heard that JW's believe that ghosts are evil spirits that are made by Satan to take on the form of dead people and appear to men (who mostly fear them) in order to deceive men into thinking that the wages of sin is not death but that we become like gods. For this they cite:

  "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5).

Are there there any other similar doctrines, and if so what Biblical basis do they claim for these teachings, and among which traditions are they given?


texts: What action would Christian ethics guide this missionary to do?

texts:
Please pardon my english if you find any incongruent usage of words, grammar. A first posting by a non-english speaker

I understand that hypothetical questions are usually missing all the relevant surrounding conditions, making them inappropriate to solicit answers.

Nonetheless, I would like to put a real world decision problem on the table hoping that Christian ethic theories would help choosing an action for the following question.

  A missionary who has a mission of enlightening arrives at a primitive tribe in a jungle. The tribe has a custom of offering one of its chief's wives to its visitor and declining it is considered a great shame to the chief and the offered one.

What action would Christian ethic theories recommend the missionary to do and why?

What lines of the bible or Christian ethical philosophies can help the missionary decide whether to accept the offer?


texts: What does the Bible say about God being a different type of being than man?

texts: Most Christians believe God and man are different types of being (Mormons are a notable exception). What passages in the Bible support this? Or is it inferred by the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of only one God?


texts: Are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to marry outside the faith?

texts:
Some Christian denominations allow their members to marry whomever they please, others discourage it, and others just don't allow it (you are either disfellowshipped or the church refuses to perform the marriage).

What position do Jehovah's Witnesses hold on interfaith marriage?

If it is allowed, is the ceremony different in any way?
If it is discouraged, is it for social reasons (interfaith marriage
is hard) or doctrinal reasons (the Bible says...)?


texts: Why is there not a single date in the Bible?

texts:
The question popped into my head while I was thinking about the Jews, their exodus, and the founding of Jerusalem. I wondered why they didn't even write down the year they formed their city?

Why is there not a single date in the bible? We have no idea when anyone was born, people died, or when specific things happened.

I thought this would have been due to discrepancies in calendars or not having calendars, but when I did a little bit of research, I found they have had the Roman calendar since about 700 BC (at least).  It is completely understandable that there wouldn't be dates for things, but I would have expected some.

We know the day, month, and year that people like Alexander the Great lived and died, so humans did keep record of these things. I just read something (on how the Jews kept genealogy) that said the Jews were meticulous record keepers, so why not write down dates? Even if it were just the year in which something happened.

The only references to time are relative in days, or years (ex. Matt 1:17, Acts 28:12)


texts:
The Bible refers to people speaking in tongues--most notably at Pentecost. Is this something that legitimately happens today?

I've been in church services where speaking in tongues has happened, but it always seems weird and creepy, and those doing it seem like kooks. How can I know if this is legitimate, or if I'm right in thinking it's strange?


texts: What exactly is the falsehood that St. Paul is referring to at Roman 3: 7?

texts:
We see St. Paul, while discussing about the merits and demerits of believers getting circumcised, posing an open question at Romans 3:7 (NRSVCE):

But if through my falsehood God’s truthfulness abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner?

My question is: According to Catholic Church, what exactly is the falsehood that Paul is referring to at Roman 3:7?


texts: What is the Catholic interpretation of Romans 14:5?

texts:
Romans 14:5
  One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

All kinds of blessings are in the Catholic feast days and sabbath, but here, Paul is talking about the different days that each person holds sacred.

Why should one keep a day holy if it's useless? You don't keep shabbat just to rest, there are blessings, the feast brings spiritual blessing, so if the feasts or days can't give you that anymore, why keep them?

What is the Catholic interpretation of this verse?


texts: In the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist, is the body and blood of Christ his living body or his deceased body?

texts: The Eucharistic miracles -which tend to be gory- suggest that the Eucharist is a corpse. Also the two-fold form: body and blood, suggest this. However, Eucharistic adoration and many other forms of devotions to the Eucharist suggest the real presence is that of Jesus in his resurrected body. How do you conform these two.


texts: How should Christians discipline their children today?

texts:
Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) teaches us that:

  24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
     but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

I realize child abuse is a serious matter, and spanking is in some areas considered child abuse.

In US society and maybe others, it seems to be a real fear that if you spank your children, you could lose them to social services.

So how do Christians discipline their children as the Bible instructs in today's society?


texts: What is the place where Jesus went after death?

texts:
After Jesus died, he went to the place of the Dead.
1 Peter 8:19-20

  19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

If possible, I'd like an answer covering the following aspects:

What is this place ?
Is it Sheol/Hades?
Does it still exist now?


texts: Are there any saints and/or mystics who had vision of hell and based on that made a judgment about have many people are in hell?

texts: Are there any saints and/or mystics who had vision of hell and based on that made a judgment about have many people are in hell (the majority, minority, or some kind of judgment like that)?


texts: How far advanced was the Virgin Mary's Pregnancy when she returned to Nazareth?

texts:
According to the gospel of St. Luke, the Virgin Mary after receiving the good news from the angel Gabriel, visited her cousin Elizabeth (a week's travel away) and stayed with her for three months.
The question is:

Did Mary visit Elizabeth immediately or a few days after the angelic visitation?
Did Mary witness the birth of St. John the Baptist ?
If Mary immediately went to see Elizabeth and only stayed three months, would her pregnancy have been obvious to others when she returned to Nazareth?
How far advanced was Mary's pregnancy when she returned home from visiting Elizabeth?

A Catholic perception or another denomination maybe acceptable to answer too.


texts: What arguments have been offered as to how Christianity is incompatible with a system of forced collectivism?

texts:
Communism, as formulated by Karl Marx, incorporates several ideas including state mandated atheism, a removal of social classes, and a collective economic system.  Of these, the first is obviously incompatible with Christianity.  However, it is sometimes said that the second two are similar to Christianity.  This question focuses only on the last idea - a collective economic system where private property no longer exists in any meaningful way.

The first-century church, as described in Acts, does seem to embrace this idea in some ways.  For example, Acts 2:45:

  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (ESV)

However, this was a voluntary act.  While voluntary collectivism is thus encouraged, this is perhaps different than forced collectivism, as practiced under communism.  Even in the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) where the couple die not for failing to share their property, Peter implies that it would be morally acceptable to keep some property ("And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?") - the couple died for their deception, not their lack of complete generosity.

Among Christian theologians or denominations who view (forced) collectivism as incompatible with Christianity, what theological/moral arguments against it have been offered?


texts: Can people come back from Heaven or Hell?

texts:
Is it possible for a person to come back to earth (e.g. as a ghost) from Heaven or Hell?  We have had some weird happenings at our house, and I am trying to figure out what is going on.  Our room mate believes it is her grand father "coming back from the dead" to comfort her. However, it is my understanding from the Bible that once a person dies, they go to Heaven or Hell, based on whether or not they know Jesus as their Savior.  Is it possible they can come back in spirit form though, especially in times of crisis?  I know there are angels and demons and possibly other spirits.  I am trying to find out what this "presence" is, if it really could be her grandfather, or is it an angel / demon / other spirit.  I would be interested to hear from different denominations as well.  The following passage, and others show me there are "unclean spirits", which I am not sure if these are demons or something else:

  Matthew 12:43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

The following verses, where Paul is speaking about false apostles, leads me to believe that Satan, and I am guessing other demons, can falsely appear to be good.

  2 Corinthians 11:13-14
  13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

Edit:

This is related to, but more specific than the existing question:
Does anybody teach specifically about the existence of ghosts?

It may be loosely related to the following question as well:
Can a person lose his/her salvation?


texts: Why was having concubines not a sin like adultery?

texts:
The Old Testament records many instances of men having concubines or many wives.  Why did having concubines not fall under the sin of adultery?

2 Samuel 5:13 - "After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him."

Genesis 25:6 - "But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east." (Abraham)

I suppose the issue here must've been consent between all parties.


texts: How does Protestant Church explain Luke 2:48?

texts:
At Luke 2:48 we read of St. Mary's complaint to Jesus for `getting lost'at the Temple:

  His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

Some denominations believe that Jesus had siblings on the earth.  I am therefore, curious to know why Mary did not mention the said brothers and sisters who would have definitely joined the parents in the search for their dear brother Jesus, who  was 12 years of age at that time . How does the Protestant  Church explain the said omission ?


texts: Are people by nature good or are they inherently evil?

texts:
Inspired by the question Is a moral society more open to the gospel than an immoral one?.

Are people, by nature, good?  Or are people evil by nature?

To define these in terms of the world (as opposed to this being rephrased version of "Are people born into sin?"), a "good" person would be someone who does good things for others, considers others above themselves (or at least is considerate of other people's feelings), and generally wants to do things to benefit or help others.

Evil, by comparison would be people who are egoistical, to the point of being willing to do harm to others for their own benefit.  This covers a range of "evil" actions (from manipulative people all the way up to murderous people.)

Another way to view this:  "good" could be correlated to "love", and "evil" could be correlated to "hate".

I've heard that some humanists believe that people are, by nature, good people.  That people, in general, want to help others, support each other's causes, and do things to benefit others over themselves.

What does the Bible say about this?  Are there other extra-biblical Christian documents/doctrine to support one way or the other?


texts: How should a Christian relate to pseudoscience?

texts:
This chart from Wikipedia quite nicely explains what pseudoscience is:

I think it's quite clear from the Bible that we Christians shouldn't give room to superstitions. As pseudoscience is close to superstition, should we treat it the same? What guidelines should be used when deciding whether to believe what some call pseudoscience?

For reference, some examples of claimed pseudoscience (from Wikipedia):

  Examples of pseudoscience concepts, proposed as scientific when they are not scientific, are creation science, intelligent design, orgone energy, N-rays, ch'i, L. Ron Hubbard's engram theory, enneagram, iridology, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, New Age psychotherapies (e.g., rebirthing therapy), reflexology, applied kinesiology, astrology, biorhythms, facilitated communication, plant perception, extrasensory perception (ESP), Velikovsky's ideas, von Däniken's ideas, Sitchen's ideas, anthropometry, post-normal science, craniometry, graphology, metoposcopy, personology, physiognomy, acupuncture, alchemy, cellular memory, Lysenkoism, naturopathy, reiki, Rolfing, therapeutic touch, ayurvedic medicine, and homeopathy.

(You may assume that creation science and intelligent design are in fact protoscience, if you want to avoid focusing on them.)


texts: According to Roman Catholic Doctrine, does everyone spend time in purgatory?

texts:
As I understand it, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is place of suffering called Purgatory where people spend time being purged of the sins they committed on earth.  However, it seems that in the Confessional, a priest absolves people of their sins.

So, does Catholic teaching indicate that everyone goes to purgatory, including priests and cardinals and popes, or do some people avoid purgatory altogether?  Would someone who dies immediately after leaving the confessional avoid purgatory completely?


texts: Why is the day before Ash Wednesday sometimes called Pancake Tuesday?

texts: Everyone loves pancakes, but can anyone explain to me why or when this started? Please do not tell me it is because people like pancakes so much!


texts: On a Biblical Citation in “A Memorial to a Christian Life''

texts:
I am reading A Memorial of a Christian Life by Ven. Louis of Granada.
On page 324, it is given:
“Thou shalt not take a form contrary to thine own form” - Eccles. 14. v. 26.
However, the Book of Ecclesiastes only has twelve chapters. Moreover, I could find nothing in any of these twelve chapters that resembles this quote.
Does anyone know where in the Bible the said verse in Memorial comes from?
Thank you.


texts: When were the early Christians no longer considered a sect of Judaism?

texts:
In Acts 28:22 the group of early Christians is referred to as a sect. Presumably as a sect of the existing Jewish religion.

The question is when were the early Christians no longer considered a sect of the Jewish religion?

For etymology and meaning please see: Sect and Sects | New Advent.


texts: What is the origin of the "in sæcula sæculorum" of the «Gloria Patri» being translated as "world without end"?

texts:
The Gloria Patri or "Minor Doxology" is, in Latin:

  Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.

Who was the first to translate "in sæcula sæculorum" as "world without end"?

"Sæculum" can mean "generation, age, world, worldliness," so a more literal translation would be "into the ages of ages" or "generation after generation." To say "into worlds of words" makes little sense in this context. "World without end" makes even less sense. We Christians do not believe in an eternal world; the world will have an end.


texts: What was the basis for saying that 11th-century Greek churches were "rebaptizing" Latins?

texts:
In the run-up to the fateful excommunications of 1054, accusatory letters were exchanged between the Patriarch of Constantinople, Michael Cerularius, and Pope Leo IX.  Each had issues with the other's practices, but one in particular mentioned by Leo IX stands out to me – the "rebaptism of Latins by Greeks," in the words of Everett Ferguson (Church History, I, 19.V.A).

This claim strikes me as odd, because I don't believe that that's the current practice of the Eastern Orthodox.  Were the Greeks actually "rebaptizing" Latins at this point in history?  If so, why?  And if not, where did Leo IX get this idea?


texts: Concept and permanence of hell and the "outer darkness" according to LDS beliefs

texts:
[Edited because I first got confused from the answers about for whom should "hell" be a permanent place (I had assumed that the SE answers meant that it was not a permanent place for anyone).]

This is related to this other StackExchange question about who ends in hell according to LDS doctrine.

In this other question, the topmost of two current answers state about hell:

  Instead of a place of suffering and torment, it's a temporary
  prison where they will get a chance to learn about the Truth, and if
  they are willing, repent and embrace the Truth.

  Those who reject it are cast into outer darkness with Satan and his
  angels, and the "sons of Perdition".

The second answer states that:

  While some refer to spirit prison as 'hell' it is not actually
  referred to as that in any official church teaching. It is as @David
  said a temporary place where people have a chance to accept the
  gospel of Christ. See: 1 Peter 3: 18-20

  In all actuality no place in LDS teachings is actually called hell.
  The 'Sons of Perdition' are relegated to outer darkness, after the
  final judgment (as opposed to right when you die) So after the second
  coming of Christ.

However the page at lds.org (quoted in the first answer) says that:

  Latter-day revelations speak of hell in at least two ways. First, it
  is another name for spirit prison, a temporary place in the postmortal
  world for those who died without a knowledge of the truth or those who
  were disobedient in mortality. Second, it is the permanent location of
  Satan and his followers and the sons of perdition, who are not
  redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I am not intending to nitpick on answers, but I probably need some clarification.

On one hand the official lds.org answer refers to hell as a permanent place for Satan, his followers, and the sons of perdition.

On other hand the answers here refer to hell as a temporary place where people can learn about God.

The questions I wanted to ask about this:

Is the hell that is a spirit prison in the lds.org answer, or the
place were people learn the truth about God, the same as the hell
that is a permanent place for Satan and the sons of perdition?
What is the "outer darkness" referred to in both answers?
Is anyone tortured in hell or in the "outer darkness", by God or
because of the will of God, according to LDS beliefs?

Please indicate whether your answer is the official church answer (or if that is what you have been taught in church) or if it is your own interpretation.


texts: Is there any good book on history of the heresy of Modernism?

texts: Is there any good book on the history of the heresy of Modernism (=synthesis of all heresies)? I am interested in how modernism came to be and how it survived St. Pius X attack on it. It would be good to have a detailed account.


texts: How do Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians evangelize?

texts:
If you have been to a public university or college campus in the USA, then you may have seen a live, theatrical performance of street evangelism. Sometimes, the preacher may give his (yes, the preacher is often male, but there have been female preachers) testimony or how he became Christian. Sometimes, the preacher may start lengthy philosophical and theological discussions with the students, presumably following Jesus' example as in Mark 4:9 (New International Version). Sometimes, the evangelism can be a bit... well, too confrontational. These preachers all happen to be Protestants. Meanwhile, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses seem to prefer door-to-door evangelism, another type of conspicuous evangelism.

But what about Catholic and Orthodox Christians? How do they evangelize?

A simple Google search answers my question: read this article. It mentions that Catholics have long emphasized social justice over so-called Protestant-style door-to-door evangelism. Is there a reason to that emphasis? What is typical/normal Catholic evangelism? How should Catholics evangelize, and what has been done in the past?

In addition, a simple Google search answers my other question: read this article. It mentions that Orthodox Christians evangelize by serving other people at soup kitchens and prisons instead of preaching at street corners or handing out gospel tracts.

Above all, it seems that the Protestant way of evangelism is much more explicit and conspicuous than the Catholic or Orthodox way. Why?


texts: Requirements to be a Sponsor for a Catholic Baptism

texts:
A family member of mine honored me by asking to be his son's god parent in baptism. However, I have not yet completed all the required sacraments under Code of Canon Law. I am not yet confirmed, due to a busy school and work schedule. However, I am a Catholic who has not left the church. In this case, am I still able to be a sponsor (or witness) in this child's baptism?

An idea that has been told to me by some friends and family is that I consider an "fast" confirmation so I may be a godparent, but I feel that this is not something to take lightly.

Thank you for your helping.


texts: How did Gideon win his battle against the Midianites?

texts:
In the Old Testament, an army of some 15,000 Midianites invaded Israel for the purpose of "hijacking" their food supplies.

A judge named Gideon called the Israelis "to the colors." Some 30,000 showed up to form an army that was probably large enough to defeat the Midianites.

Gideon was told by God to "downsize" his army by telling the volunteers that anyone who was afraid or "indisposed" to fight could go home. About two-thirds, or 20,000 did so, leaving Gideon with about 10,000 men, a smaller, but more "select" army than the Midianites had, because it had "sluffed" its weakest men.

God further told Gideon to take his remaining troops to the river to drink. Most drank by burying their face in the water, but a few knelt, and used their hands to lift water to their mouths. Gideon was told to use only the latter few, some 300 in all. These were supposedly the equivalent of "special forces" picked by God.

When they went to battle, they used unusual "shock and awe" tactics, blowing trumpets, flashing torches, and throwing stones noisily, rather than standard assault tactics using sword and spear.

Were these tactics, and the selection of 300 "picked" troops (1% of the original 30,000, 2% of the 15,000 Midianites, 3% of the later 10,000) at the heart of a "faith based" military operation? Gideon won, of course, but what was God's plan in using the special methods that He did?


texts: How did Augustine of Hippo feel about Jerome's Latin translation of the Bible (the Vulgate)?

texts: Augustine and Jerome wrote several epistles to one another. In these epistles, how did Augustine feel about Jerome producing the Latin Vulgate? What were his concerns?


texts: Did Adam and Eve have children in paradise?

texts:
I was just reading the account of Adam and Eve in the NIV 84 and it doesn't really say they didn't.

The Bible does mention when Sarah had her first boy. When Mary had her first son. But not really when Eve had her first son. Does it?

I'm just wondering because I have in my mind that they had children after they got kicked out. Partly because of the common belief. What am I missing?


texts: How do the proponents of the idea that salvation once received cannot be lost explain Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-29?

texts:
How do the proponents of the idea that salvation once received cannot be lost explain the following verses:

Hebrews 6:4-6:

  For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
  tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy
  Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
  world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
  repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,
  and put [him] to an open shame.

and Hebrews 10:26-29:

  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of
  the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain
  fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
  devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy
  under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose
  ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of
  God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
  sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of
  grace?

It seems to me that both places are about Christians who had once received salvation, but later lost it due to their change in mind or in faith.


texts: Who Wrote the 1981 Introduction to The Book of Mormon?

texts:
I know that the general answer to this question can be found easily. It was added to the Book in 1981, which is when Spencer W Kimball was the president of the Church. So it could probably be said that it was written under his direction - or something like that. However, I'm interested in more information than that. Also, although he did write at least one book I can think of, at that time President Kimball was having health problems which seem to me may have stopped him from doing much more than just approving writing work.

I'm wondering if there's any specific information about who wrote the Introduction, who supervised the writing of it, or anything like that - or if it was just anonymously produced "by The Church".


texts: How do Christians reconcile Isaiah 42:4 with the death of Jesus?

texts:
My understanding of Isaiah 42:4 is that it states that the Messiah will not falter before his job is completed. How do Christians reconcile this with the fact that Jesus died?

He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.  Isaiah 42:4 NIV
“He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth;  And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”  Isaiah 42:4 NASB


texts: What are some uses of the Magnificat, Benedictus and Nunc Dimittis in the Eastern Rites?

texts:
I'm referring to Catholic Eastern rites, and possibly to Orthodox ones as well. I'd like to know their place in the Divine Office. Feel free to point the use in any rite (e.g., Byzantine, or other ones).

Information I seek is, for example, that in the X rite they are chanted at Y time of the day, together or not, maybe with some psalms in between, at the start, in the middle or at the end of the Office, before or after readings of the Scriptures... things like this.

But even very basic information is appreciated (e.g., in rite X the Magnificat is chanted in the office Y).


texts: Do clerics commit a sin if they do not recite the liturgy of the hours?

texts:
According to the Code of Canon Law 1174, priests and deacons are obliged to recite the liturgy of the hours (divine office). If they do not do so, do they commit a sin (moral law)? Or is it only a "legal transgression" (Church law)? The text of the Canon Law does not seems to specify the consequence.

  Can. 1174 §1 Clerics are obliged to recite the liturgy of the hours, in accordance with Can. 276, §2, n. 3; members of institutes of consecrated life and of societies of apostolic life are obliged in accordance with their constitutions.


texts: Is female homosexuality against the Law of Moses?

texts:
While there are a few passages in the Old Testament that are taken to condemn male homosexuality (e.g. Lev 18:22, 20:13), I am not aware of any that condemn female homosexuality. It seems to me that all the Biblical arguments against female homosexuality must either rely on:

a single NT passage, Romans 1:26-27 (is an NT passage good evidence for what the law of Moses says? - assuming this passage even is about female homosexuality), or
more indirect arguments (e.g. Adam and Eve as an ideal that all human beings are required to conform) - the very indirectness of these arguments supports doubting them
Traditional Judaism considers female homosexuality to be prohibited, but there is disagreement about whether this is a biblical or post-biblical prohibition (and if the prohibition is post-biblical, then it has little value for those outside of rabbinical Judaism)

So is it fair to say that female homosexuality is not prohibited by the Law of Moses?


texts: There seem to be many Calvary Chapel churches with no denominational affiliations, but it's unclear whether Calvary Chapel is itself a denomination.


texts: Is there a Christian basis for using garlic, crosses, and holy water against evil?

texts: In popular culture, it is believed that holy objects, such as garlic, crosses, and holy water, can protect against evil, like vampires. Also, Caleb's response to this question inspired me to ask whether or not using those things (garlic, crosses, and holy water) have any legitimate basis in Christian practice, or whether or not they are merely idols and only part of the fictional world.


texts: Severe childhood trauma and forgiveness of perpetrating parents (Swedenborgian view)

texts: What do Swedenborgian christian Psychologists say about prolonged depression, Complex PTSD due to severe childhood trauma by a malicious parent, and complicated grieving?


texts: Why did God banish Adam and Eve for eating fruit?

texts: Yes, He told them not to but if you can humour me a little, why should this punishment be regarded as fitting the crime? It’s just fruit, right? Isn’t God testing our patience with such an injunction? Would you respect me if I told you not to touch my really delicious pot of lamb stew because you will be dead if you do, especially if the children are having a really tasty dinner?


texts: Were the names Matthew, Mark, Luke and John common in the time of Jesus?

texts: Were the names Matthew, Mark, Luke and John common names in the time of Jesus? If not, what were their real names and why were they changed?


texts: Is the Wesleyan Quadrilateral present in Luther or in any other pre-Wesley theologians, Protestant or Catholic?

texts:
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral, also known as the Methodist Quadrilateral, is a method of theological reflection and of arriving at theological conclusions based on scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

According to the Wikipedia article linked above, it is attributed to John Wesley, founder of Methodism, though the term "the Wesleyan Quadrilateral" was coined by 20th century American Methodist scholar Albert C. Outler.

My question:

Is the substance of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (drawing theological conclusions based on scripture, tradition, reason, and experience) present in Martin Luther's writings, or in any other pre-Wesley theologians in the Western Christian tradition, Protestant or Catholic?

I am especially looking for clear or fairly clear formulations of this four-point system, though I would also be interested in more implicit appearances of this method in pre-Wesley Protestant or Catholic theologians.


texts: What is the Biblical basis for saying one won't be healed if they lack sufficient faith?

texts:
I've heard it said in discussion with teachers in a Pentecostal church, "If you pray and believe, God will heal you." The teaching seems especially motivated by passages like Mark 5:34 and Mark 10:52 that quote Jesus saying, "Your faith has healed you." One member of the church was even later heard saying, "I prayed for healing, but I wasn't healed because I didn't have enough faith."

What is the Biblical basis for the proposition, "If you don't have enough faith that God will heal you, then he will not heal you"?


texts: According to Catholicism, who is the Wisdom being described in Proverbs 8:22–36?

texts:
Proverbs 8:22–36 states the following:

  22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,before his deeds of old;

  23 I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

  24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water;

  25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,

  26 before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth.

  27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

  28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

  29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

  30 Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,

  31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

  32 “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

  33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.

  34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

  35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.

  36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

My question is, who is the Wisdom described here? It seems that God created this being and it was present with Him before creation time began?

I'm looking for a Catholic perspective.


texts: How does one reconcile the idea that physical disability is the result of sin with Exodus 4:11?

texts:
I believe that disability is a result of Adam and Chavva's sin.

Here's the logic behind my reasoning.

Adam and Chavva were not disabled according to scripture.
Adam and Chavva committed sin.
Disability occurred after their sin.
Therefore, disability was a result of the introduction of sin.

How does one reconcile the belief that disability is a result of sin, and sin affecting the world, with the following scripture (Exo. 4:11):

  And YHVH said to him, "Who made man's mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, YHVH?"


texts: What's the point of the second commandment?

texts:
If the first commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" means that God, and God alone is to be worshipped, why do we have the Second Commandment?

Aren't idols covered in the First Commandment? Worshiping an idol would be "having another god" before the Lord, and we don't have extra commandments covering lust (just the one general one on adultery) so why the extra commandment?

Note: I've answered this myself from a Protestant/Reformed view, but I'd love to hear what other traditions have to say and my answer is by no means an exhaustive one