The body of beliefs or teachings on a given topic, established or supported by a given group of people
5
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2answers
98 views
For Protestants who believe our dead bodies will literally be raised from the grave in the resurrection
Many Protestants believe that in the resurrection, our bodies will literally rise up out of the ground for us to live in once more. The basis seems to be that Jesus rose from the dead and retained His ...
3
votes
3answers
109 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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
5answers
216 views
What is stopping Christians from having just one doctrine/interpretation?
As far as I know, there is only one God, one Jesus, and one Holy Spirit, and they are ONE. But, what we have here is dozens of different doctrines (I'm not sure if "doctrine" is the right word for ...
9
votes
6answers
275 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
3answers
90 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 ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
What is the biblical basis for restitution?
What is the New Testament Biblical basis for making restitution? I've read the story of Zacchaeus, and it's not completely set in stone as to what the structure is. The biggest question I have is if ...
8
votes
2answers
101 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 ...
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). ...
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 ...
14
votes
1answer
336 views
What is the Mormon doctrine regarding becoming a god?
Per the doctrine of the Latter Day Saints, it seems that God was once a man.
Following this out just one step further leads me to the idea that it may be possible for other men to be come a god.
...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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?
6
votes
2answers
404 views
What is meant by “God is Omnipotent”?
I'm questioning my own understanding of the term "Omnipotence" in response so a comment on one of my answers.
In the comment, the poster included a definition of Omnipotence taken from the Wikipeda ...
9
votes
5answers
3k views
What Bible verses support infant baptism?
I've studied the Bible and am a fundamental independent bible believing Baptist who believes what the scripture says about Baptism is clear.
It is an ordinance after salvation, i.e. believers ...
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 ...
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 ...
3
votes
3answers
394 views
How do I have self confidence, self esteem and work hard if I am a true Christian?
In church we learn to not lean on ourselves. We learn we can do nothing with our own power. That we must completely let go of control and let God. That everything that happens is from God and that we ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
4answers
206 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
85 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 ...
18
votes
13answers
2k views
What is a Christian's justification for a legal prohibition of homosexual marriage?
Today President Obama came out as the first U.S. president to support gay marriage. In his address, he even quoted scripture to support his change of view.
Love him or hate him, it seems clear that ...
5
votes
1answer
55 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
8
votes
3answers
869 views
In which other churches do Roman Catholics recognise apostolic succession?
The Roman Catholic Church derives much of its claim to legitimacy from the teaching of "apostolic succession". Other churches also believe that their priests derive their authority in an unbroken ...
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 ...
42
votes
4answers
1k views
What is the biblical basis for the claim that abortion is immoral?
The Catholic church, as well as many other Christians, believes that abortion is inherently immoral, based on the belief that life begins at conception.
What is the biblical basis for this position?
...
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
139 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 ...
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
75 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 ...
5
votes
3answers
281 views
Are Calvinism and Arminianism compatible?
This question may seem ridiculous at first glance, but bear with me... As I learn more about Calvinism and Arminianism I am struck with the notion that they are each based on Scripture, and each ...
2
votes
2answers
100 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 ...
29
votes
8answers
1k views
Why do Jews not accept Jesus as the Messiah?
This is something that's always bothered me. However, it's something that has deep historical roots (all the way back to Jesus himself).
I've always been told that Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies ...
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 ...
4
votes
5answers
186 views
Is Matthew 28 saying something about Baptism?
On our sister site I asked a question about what the correct grammatical interpretation of Matthew 28:19 is with relation to baptism.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing ...
5
votes
2answers
77 views
Is there such a thing as waiting too long to address personal issues?
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall
not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother ...
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
199 views
What is the theological background of the WWJD movement?
What Would Jesus Do? The question is a popular meme, and I guess you could call it a youth movement what with all the bracelets and such.
What is the theological background of the WWJD movement? ...
6
votes
2answers
108 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 ...
4
votes
5answers
144 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 ...
12
votes
9answers
5k views
What does the Bible say about life before conception?
I recently spoke with a friend of mine and he was wondering if we are alive before conception. We know that there is life after death according to the Bible, but what does the Bible say about "life" ...
