The body of beliefs or teachings on a given topic, established or supported by a given group of people
8
votes
1answer
84 views
What is the basis of the argument that asserts that Open Theism is heretical?
John Piper has said that open theism (i.e. the notion that God himself changes over time and can choose to be ignorant of His own future if He so chooses) "is an attack, however unwittingly, on the ...
5
votes
1answer
107 views
For Protestants who believe our dead bodies will literally be raised from the grave in the resurrection
Some Protestants believe that in the "resurrection" we will receive new bodies.
Other Protestants believe that in the resurrection, our old bodies will literally rise up out of the ground for us to ...
5
votes
2answers
85 views
To which Saints may a Catholic pray, and when can this begin?
The Catholic Church teaches, as I understand it, that a person may pray to a Saint, and this Saint will then intercede along with that person to God concerning the request (or something like that). ...
2
votes
3answers
91 views
Did God ever talk about his other creations?
I have always been a lover of all things "Science", space, other life forms, etc. I excelled in Science in School but a few years ago I started questioning things and now believe that "Science" and ...
8
votes
2answers
102 views
When did Peter become the first Pope, according to Roman Catholic doctrine?
Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that the apostle Peter was the first Pope. Exactly when did this occur?
I can imagine a few different options
When Jesus addressed Peter in Matthew:
I also ...
11
votes
3answers
177 views
When did Mary and Joseph learn that they were never supposed to have marital relations, according to Roman Catholic doctrine?
Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that Mary remained a virgin her entire life, even after marrying Joseph. It would seem that Joseph and Mary, at their betrothal, had likely expected to have, and ...
7
votes
1answer
35 views
What are the differences between hamartiology from a Nazarene to a Calvinist perspective?
Coming from a Nazarene tradition, influenced by Wesley and the Holiness Movement, my reflections upon sin are based upon the Nazarene manual's definitions (See 5.1,5.3) summarized as
5.1. Original ...
3
votes
3answers
110 views
What is the difference between Lust and Love in the heart?
How does one know the difference between Lust and Love?
For example (Hypothetically speaking, of course):•if someone has sex before marriage but they have true love it's not a sin •if someone has sex ...
9
votes
3answers
119 views
Did Mary know she was sinless, according to Roman Catholic teaching?
The Roman Catholic Church teaches the Immaculate Conception that asserts Mary was conceived without sin and remained sinless for her entire life.
Assuming this to be true, did Mary know that she ...
5
votes
2answers
63 views
What is the difference between a dogma, a doctrine, an infallible statement, an ex cathedra statement, etc.?
There are a variety of terms used in the Catholic Church to refer to particular statements or beliefs. Here are a number of some such terms:
Dogma
Doctrine
Infallible statement
Infallible papal ...
2
votes
2answers
79 views
Which Roman Catholic doctrines are infallible?
I know that the Pope can speak infallibly (ex cathedra), and that this has officially been done once, as well as three times before Papal infallibility was formally declared. I would assume that any ...
6
votes
2answers
80 views
What is the basis for the belief among some LDS/Mormons that children in their pre-mortal existence choose who their parents will be?
I saw on an LDS-releated site recently where an LDS member indicated the belief that children in their pre-mortal existence choose who their parents will be. After seeing this, I recalled hearing the ...
4
votes
1answer
41 views
What is the relationship between Gabriel and Noah in LDS/Mormon teaching?
In the summary of Noah on the lds.org site, it states that Joseph Smith taught that Noah is, in fact, the angel Gabriel. How exactly is this believed to have progressed?
Did Noah exist as an angel ...
3
votes
1answer
86 views
Why are LDS missionaries instructed to stay away from bodies of water?
I saw a post recently asserting that LDS missionaries are specifically instructed to stay away from bodies of water and are discouraged from swimming at all. I had never heard anything like this ...
6
votes
4answers
207 views
Should Christians be against the death penalty?
Christians go to great lengths to get the government to outlaw abortion--something that I personally would support. Though I see support from Christianity against abortion almost as unwavering, the ...
5
votes
1answer
56 views
When should Water Baptism be done on a candidate?
Could you please give me any biblical supports as to when should water baptism be done to a candidate? Assuming the candidate have already met the so called "requirements" before being baptize, such ...
1
vote
3answers
89 views
What is the basis for the argument that Jesus DID have the ability to give in to temptation?
I understand that some people believe that Jesus actually had the capacity to sin, that is, to give in to the temptations that He suffered. This seems to suggest that God has the power tos in.
In a ...
3
votes
1answer
81 views
What is the basis for the LDS (Mormon) teaching regarding Atonement in Gethsemane rather than at Calvary?
I recently read the the LDS Church teaches that it was in Gethsemane while Jesus was praying where the atonement occurred rather than on the Cross of Calvary.
What is the biblical basis for this ...
2
votes
3answers
70 views
Which Person(s) of the Trinity were in Jesus?
The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is one, and God is three (Father, Son, Holy Spirit.) From what I understand the Eternal Son came in human flesh, and we know that resultant man as Jesus of ...
0
votes
0answers
33 views
Do the major Churches have an official explanation for the Problem of evil [duplicate]
The argument that God is either not able to prevent evil (and so not omnipotent) or not willing to prevent evil (and so not benevolent) seems airtight, and I have never heard it comprehensively ...
-1
votes
1answer
144 views
Is there a good overview of Christian denominations/churches and their mapping between countries [closed]
There seem to be a confusingly large number of Christian churches (Catholic, Lutheran, baptists, evangelicals, Presbyterians). Could someone point me to a good overview that lists the mainstream ones, ...
7
votes
1answer
106 views
From where do Jehovah's Witnesses derive the doctrine that Jesus was and now is Michael the Archangel?
According to some Watchtower literature, it is taught that Michael the Archangel is Jesus and that Jesus, after He ascended into heaven, resumed the name of Michael.
"It proves Michael the ...
9
votes
6answers
276 views
How can Heaven exist if we know that people in Hell will suffer?
Suppose for the following scenario that both the Christian Heaven and Hell exist.
My mother is a good Christian and loves me dearly.
I am an atheist, and will therefore go to hell upon death. [If ...
2
votes
2answers
40 views
What should be included in an exposition of faith?
The "exposition of faith" (expositio fidei) or "statement of faith" is quite common. The early Church fathers often summarized an exposition of faith, and today, many Christian websites, especially ...
4
votes
1answer
72 views
Can Catholics choose to be baptized by immersion?
I understand that the most prominent manner in which Catholics are baptized is by pouring. However, I saw somewhere that baptism by immersion is not considered wrong by the Catholic Church. (If this ...
4
votes
3answers
76 views
How is a Christian supposed to fear God when “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18)?
In both the Old and New Testaments, we are commanded to "fear the Lord".
Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 10:20 ESV
Honor ...
4
votes
2answers
71 views
According to Roman Catholic orthodoxy, is Jesus Christ a human person, a divine person, both, or none?
I'll give you an example of a divine person: God the Father.
I'll give you an example of a human person: the apostle Paul.
According to Roman Catholic orthodoxy (note: cite it), is Jesus Christ a ...
2
votes
2answers
101 views
Does a Christian who commits sins against Christian doctrine and commandments still remain Christian? [duplicate]
What is the position of the Christian denominations about whether a person who commits sins and lives un-Christian lifestyle, yet believes he is Christian, still remains Christian?
This question is ...
3
votes
3answers
112 views
What is the biblical basis for considering gender to be purely physical/biological?
In my other question, I asked what the biblical basis was for considering gender to not be merely physical, but also present in a person's soul and/or spirit. However, there are some who believe that ...
8
votes
3answers
152 views
What is the biblical basis for considering gender to be not merely physical/biological?
From the perspective of the tripartite nature of man--that men and women have a body, a soul, and a spirit--is there a biblical basis for the position that gender is not merely present in the body or ...
1
vote
3answers
103 views
What does the LDS Church teach about Jesus being married, having children, and His position on polygamy?
In the Journal of Discourses, LDS apostles suggest that Jesus Himself was married, that He had children, and that He and His disciples endorsed polygamy.
It will be borne in mind that once on a ...
6
votes
2answers
110 views
Why do Catholics believe that it is a priest's blessing that transforms the elements into the body and blood of Christ?
I understand that Catholicism teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, that is, that the bread and wine of the Eucharist are transformed into the literal body and blood of Christ. This apparently ...
6
votes
2answers
207 views
What is the Biblical basis for the Catholic teaching that infant baptism cleanses from original sin?
The Catholic Church, possibly the Orthodox Churches, and even some Protestant churches practice Infant Baptism. However, I understand that Catholicism teaches that infant baptism cleanses the infant ...
6
votes
1answer
118 views
Does the LDS Church teach that murder is unforgivable?
Doctrine and Covenants 42:18 appears to teach that anyone who kills cannot ever be forgiven.
Does "killing" refer only to murder or to any killing, be it in self defense or as part of a way?
And ...
4
votes
5answers
145 views
What is the biblical argument against the claim that Jesus is just “a god”, but not “God Almighty”?
As I understand it, Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus is a god, but not God Almighty. However, this goes against the teaching of the majority of Christian denominations and certainly evangelical ...
4
votes
2answers
100 views
What is the biblical argument used by Protestants against the Catholic doctrine of Penance?
The Catholic Church holds to the doctrine of Penance. As I understand it, this refers to various deeds prescribed by a priest to the confessing person that must do to make amends for his own sin, ...
5
votes
2answers
142 views
Why was eating meat on Fridays forbidden in the Catholic Church for so many years?
I understand that the Catholic Church forbade people from eating meat on Fridays for many years. It seems that it is no longer every Friday, but just during Lent. Also, it is not all meat, but all ...
3
votes
2answers
63 views
Are some people pursued by the “enemy” relatively more than others?
My pastor made a general statement (or whole sermon;) and said something to the effect that the more the enemy knows you are in alignment with God the more he tries to knock us off course.
So, more ...
4
votes
1answer
39 views
What is the argument against the ICOC doctrine of “Disciples Baptism”?
The International Church of Christ, as I understand, teach the idea of "Disciples Baptism", which is distinct from both "Believer's Baptism" and "Infant Baptism". It teaches that people who are just ...
6
votes
2answers
116 views
Why is Infant Baptism considered to be invalid by so many Protestant denominations?
Catholics and several Protestant denominations (and maybe even Orthodox churches) practice Infant Baptism, while many other Protestant denominations do not.
This question addressed the argument for ...
4
votes
1answer
70 views
What is the basis for the Roman Catholic teaching regarding the Sin of Presumption?
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is something called the Sin of Presumption, which states that it is a sin for one to believe that he or she is assured of his or her salvation.
It seems ...
7
votes
3answers
155 views
What is the doctrine of the Trinity?
What is the doctrine of the Trinity as defined by Christianity?
Obviously there are three entities involved: God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, but is there more to the definition?
5
votes
2answers
129 views
What is the origin of the Doctrine of Trinity?
My understanding is that "Trinity" is not is not used in the Christian Bible to define the three hypostases: God, Christ, and Holy Spirit. What then is the historical origin of the Doctrine of the ...
7
votes
2answers
291 views
Why is freemasonry considered by many evangelicals to be incompatible with Christianity?
Many Protestant and Evangelical churches and Christians view freemasonry as incompatible with Christianity and teach that a Christian should not be a member of the group.
What is the basis, biblical ...
4
votes
1answer
122 views
Do Mormons still eat meat only in “winter, cold or famine?”
In the Doctrines and Covenants from which the Word of Wisdom comes (referring to abstinence from hot drinks, strong drinks/alcohol, and tobacco), it also states that meat should be used sparingly, ...
-1
votes
2answers
160 views
What is the biblical basis for the claim that abortion is morally acceptable (when there are no complicating factors)?
Several Protestant denominations take an official position on abortion that it can be acceptable under certain circumstances, and that in those circumstances the choice can be made by the woman.
...
1
vote
2answers
114 views
According to Roman Catholic teaching, did people who died in Old Testament times spend time in Purgatory?
I understand that the Roman Catholic Church teaches that people today spend time in Purgatory after they die prior to going to heaven.
However, this teaching does not appear to have been taught in ...
5
votes
1answer
85 views
According to Roman Catholic Doctrine, what things have the power to decrease a person's time in purgatory?
Roman Catholic teaching states that many people spend a certain amount of time in purgatory after they die before going to heaven. I remember hearing something to the effect that people who are still ...
3
votes
1answer
63 views
According to Roman Catholic Doctrine, does everyone spend time in purgatory?
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
103 views
In what manner does the LDS believe we may become like God? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the Mormon doctrine regarding becoming a god?
Lorenzo Snow, a prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated:
As man is, God once was; as ...
