The body of beliefs or teachings on a given topic, established or supported by a given group of people
7
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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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
192 views
Can someone explain Wesley's concept of Entire Sanctification?
John Wesley believed and taught the doctrine of Entire Sanctification, the idea that it is possible for a believer to achieve perfection in this life, based on Bible verses like:
Those who have ...
7
votes
3answers
110 views
Is Belief in the Historical Accuracy of Gospels a prerequisite to Christianity?
Is it a requirement of the faith that all adherents must believe in the literal flow of events as conveyed by the Bible surrounding the life of Jesus Christ? Is it possible for someone to accept his ...
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
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 ...
7
votes
2answers
80 views
Pre-Crucifixion Transubstantiation
The Roman Catholic church teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation--that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Jesus. It seems that the sacrament of taking the body and blood ...
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 ...
6
votes
2answers
237 views
What roles do faith and works play in the LDS/Mormon understanding of salvation?
A primary point in the Reformation was the issue of sola fide--the position that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works. This was to distinguish the position that works were necessary for ...
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
81 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 ...
6
votes
3answers
297 views
Arguments for prosperity gospel
Prosperity gospel, as I understand it, is the teaching that God wants to bless us with wealth and health. I can't really see this in the Bible. For example, Paul writes in 2 Cor 12:7-10 (ESV):
7 ...
6
votes
2answers
681 views
What doctrines teach that people are inherently good or bad?
Are we "basically sinful" or "basically good" (Are we born fundamentally sinful, or are we born holy but then 'fall' to temptation?).
What I really want are the names of the doctrines associated with ...
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 ...
6
votes
2answers
112 views
What must one do in order to lose his or her salvation?
Some Christian traditions believe that one can lose his or her salvation, even after a genuine conversion experience and years of faithfulness.
For those who teach this doctrine:
what ...
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 ...
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
119 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 ...
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
1answer
109 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 ...
6
votes
1answer
58 views
What is a “Pentecostal Catholic”?
One of my new neighbors is a "Pentecostal Catholic" from India. I have heard of this denomination before, during an Evangelical Missiological Society conference, but didn't have a reason to ...
6
votes
3answers
202 views
What is the Biblical basis against the Calvinist doctrine of Irresistible Grace?
The question of what the Biblical basis is in favor of Irresistible Grace has been asked here. However, the question regarding the Biblical argument against it does not seem to have been addressed ...
5
votes
3answers
377 views
Are birthday celebrations ungodly?
Friday the 20th was my birthday and as usual, I'll just have a quiet time thanking God for my life. I don't fellowship with JWs anymore but my conscience will not allow me as to why at all I should ...
5
votes
2answers
173 views
Is the biblical idea of being “born again” compatible with eastern religious ideas of reincarnation?
Just a simple question: is the biblical idea of being born again compatible with eastern religious ideas of reincarnation?
5
votes
5answers
907 views
How should a Christian put a decision in God's hands if there is no logical answer?
Lets say a Christian is in a position where he must make a hard decision (assume it has to either be a yes or no by a deadline) and each one has it's negatives (more negatives than positives) how ...
5
votes
2answers
129 views
How are devout Christians viewed by other believers, when they are not delivered from “evil”?
If a devout Christian is not "delivered" in this life, how are they viewed by other Christians?
For example, a black Christian pastor in segregated America, who truly loves the Lord, is killed by ...
5
votes
2answers
154 views
Does 2 Timothy 1:9 prove the Doctrine of Election?
2 Timothy 1:9 states:
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was
given us in Christ Jesus before ...
5
votes
2answers
197 views
What is the biblical basis for the doctrine against euthanasia?
It seems like the majority of Christian denominations oppose euthanasia, although I can't imagine it's universal.
What is the biblical basis against the euthanasia of the terminally ill and those who ...
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 ...
5
votes
4answers
472 views
Does every sin affect other people?
Clearly Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden affected everyone. And clearly if you murder someone, or commit adultery, it affects others. But are there sins which do not affect other people?
What I am ...
5
votes
2answers
218 views
What do Christians mean by “Jesus took our illnesses upon himself on the cross” and why?
Having a bit of holiday over Christmas and New Year I'm going over some notes I've made of topics I want to look at.
One such question regards the use of terminology such as "Jesus took our illnesses ...
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
1answer
135 views
In LDS (Mormon) theology, what is the Aaronic Priesthood and to whom is it conferred?
I understand that the LDS church institutes that Aaronic Priesthood. In the Old Testament, this was specifically reserved to the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron.
and you shall gird Aaron ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
5
votes
3answers
283 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
200 views
According to mainstream Christianity, what happens after one dies?
Old Belief [held for decades]
After a person dies, the person sleeps until Judgment day, and is then awakened and goes into either heaven or hell.
New Belief (realized only yesterday)
Immediately ...
5
votes
3answers
70 views
What makes a Council's conclusions authoritative?
I was just reflecting on an answer to a question I recently asked, and began to wonder... How do we know the conclusions of a given Council were true? Are all findings by Christian Councils ...
5
votes
1answer
86 views
What is Lordship Salvation?
I have heard the term "Lordship Salvation" several times now, including in an answer I read recently.
Can anyone explain to me what this is?
Is this the official position of any major churches?
Is ...
5
votes
3answers
87 views
Changes in Rome since Trent versus the Evangelicals
I am aware that there have been two wide spread movements to bring the Evangelical and Roman Catholic Churches closer together (ECT and ECT2). My question is this: What has changed in Roman Catholic ...
5
votes
2answers
199 views
What was Brigham Young's teaching regarding Adam being God?
I understand that Brigham Young, the second Prophet of the LDS Church, taught what is known as the Adam-God doctrine for much of his tenure as Prophet of the Church.
What are the specifics with ...
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 ...
5
votes
1answer
50 views
What different acts do Catholic priests require of people who go to confession?
I understand that when people go to confessional in the Catholic Church, the priest will often prescribe certain things for them to do for penance in order for their sins to be forgiven.
I have heard ...
5
votes
1answer
102 views
Does the Church in general need to revisit and revise its strategy in maintaining the faith? [closed]
Is it a high time that we need to impart the young Christians (children) a comprehensive knowledge of all the doctrines of Christianity, or do we tend to raise them as unconvinced Christians ...
5
votes
1answer
59 views
What is the SBC's stance on what/how salvation is/works?
What is the Southern Baptist Convention's stance on what salvation is and how it works?
Is there an official doctrine?
Is it challenged by prominent members?
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 ...
5
votes
3answers
158 views
Denominational adherence to “The New Perspective On Paul”
To be honest, I'd never heard about the New Perspective on Paul before today. Does anyone know of denominations that subscribe to the NPP interpretation, in part or in full?
Specifically, the ...
4
votes
4answers
263 views
What do Protestants say was the source for the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary?
Not counting Martin Luther, who appears to have believed in the doctrine of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary, what do other Protestants think is the source and reason for Catholic adherence to the ...
