The body of beliefs or teachings on a given topic, established or supported by a given group of people
5
votes
3answers
378 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 ...
7
votes
3answers
179 views
Does Christianity give a reason for life experiences, such as in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, there is a concept of past life karma.
Meaning if someone is born into an unfortunate situation (in a slum, for example) it is because they are paying for sin from a past life.
Does ...
-1
votes
1answer
117 views
Are High School Pride Pep Rallies anti-Christian? [closed]
In America, High Schools have pep rallies for sport events usually labeld "X's Pride Pep Rally!"(X = the High School name)
During the ceremony the sports players are built up by the other students in ...
2
votes
1answer
106 views
What was the debate at the Reformation concerning “non extra carnem” vs. “extra calvinisticum”?
In the debate concerning the "hypostatic union" and the "kenosis" the Lutheran church stood opposed to the majority position. I can not seem to find a good resource to explain the distinctives of the ...
4
votes
4answers
255 views
How should a Christian feel inside? [closed]
What does the Bible say about how a Christian should feel inside?
Should it be:
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ...
5
votes
5answers
910 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 ...
8
votes
6answers
457 views
Is it wrong that Jesus is usually portrayed as European looking?
Is it wrong that Jesus is usually portrayed as European looking, having certain facial and bodily features (muscular)?
Would most people follow Him if he did not look white or was heavy set?
It ...
3
votes
2answers
178 views
What is the biblical basis against Sola Fide (salvation by faith alone, apart from works)
One of the key points of the Reformation was the doctrine of Sola Fide, that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works. This was a contrast from the doctrine of the Catholic church.
What, then, ...
3
votes
4answers
129 views
Does following Christian spiritual law extremely, cause one to sin more?
Let me start with this:
Galatians 5:19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature,
the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful
pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, ...
2
votes
1answer
126 views
Does believing in Christ activate God's word or just make us think and act different?
I am confused about what it really means to activate God's power in my life, which I heard my pastor say.
“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord,
and with justice ...
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
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 ...
1
vote
7answers
296 views
Religious justification for creating a large angry scene with the ostensible purpose of making people not gay
Yesterday, as I imagine happens at many places, a person came to my university, and for 6 hours or so, talked about "thousands of ex-homosexuals experiencing the love of Jesus Christ" and about how ...
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" ...
4
votes
1answer
143 views
Will we experience heaven (or hell) with our consciousness?
In Christianity, is heaven something we will comprehend with the consciousness we have now? Will we be the same consciousness, brain and memories of this world, or is it just the energy of our soul ...
4
votes
3answers
141 views
What differences will being a Christian make in this life?
What are the differences being a Christian will make in this life (on earth not entrance into heaven or hell)?
Or is it just a group identity of a hopeful passage into Heaven upon the next life and ...
-1
votes
2answers
187 views
How is it that sinful people who do not believe, still get the blessings of the Lord?
Why do great things happen to unbelievers and even bad people?
In Church there is talk about blessings of the Lord for those who love Him, etc.
But what about those that are blessed that don't love ...
3
votes
3answers
396 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 ...
-5
votes
3answers
212 views
Are Christians socialists because they are commanded to share their wealth?
Someone told me that wealthy Mormons are supposed to give their money to poor ones. Is that true? What is the biblical basis for this?
Do they really do that? Is it mandated by certain denominations ...
2
votes
1answer
250 views
How can we apply relying on Jesus in situations where it appears we have to rely on ourselves?
I ask the question for a real reason. I would like to make more money to support my family and live in better conditions. I feel I have to rely on myself to go back to school, work hard and then get a ...
4
votes
4answers
264 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 ...
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 ...
8
votes
2answers
681 views
What specific foods and drinks are forbidden by the LDS (Mormon) Church?
I understand that members of the LDS (Mormon) Church are prohibited from drinking coffee and perhaps some other drinks and possibly food, much like the Jewish people in the Old Testament were ...
2
votes
2answers
255 views
What does the LDS (Mormon) church teach about who Jesus is and where He came from?
From the answer to another question, someone suggested that the LDS (Mormon) church teaches that Jesus is distinct from God--that though He is a part of the Godhead, the Godhead is not a Trinity ...
10
votes
4answers
561 views
What is the biblical basis for salvation by faith alone (sola fide)?
One of the key issues in the Reformation was the doctrine of Sola Fide, that is, that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works.
What, then, is the biblical basis for this belief?
5
votes
2answers
220 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
130 views
What did Brigham Young teach regarding Blood Atonement, and is that doctrine still held today in the LDS/Mormon Church?
Brigham Young taught the doctrine of Blood Atonement that indicated the blood of Christ was insufficient to provide forgiveness for some sins. What are the specifics regarding the doctrine of Blood ...
0
votes
4answers
162 views
Does the diversity in doctrines among Christian traditions indicate that there are multiple “truths”? [closed]
I am not familiar with the different Christian doctrines but as I've slowly come to understand it, it seems that answers differ depending on doctrine. Does this mean there are no definitive answers to ...
10
votes
7answers
599 views
How does 1 John 2:19 fit with the teaching that Christians can lose their salvation
A common belief (not my own, but fairly common) is that believers may lose or abandon their salvation. A number of Bible verses seem to contradict this teaching, but in particular, 1 John 2:19 stands ...
5
votes
1answer
136 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
198 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 ...
8
votes
2answers
125 views
Do any denominations have official doctrine regarding humans on other planets?
The recent discovery of an Earth-like planet caused me to wonder, do any Christian denominations have official doctrine regarding humans on other planets? If so, what is the doctrine?
Related: Does ...
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 ...
10
votes
4answers
240 views
What is the doctrinal or Scriptural basis for a central Church authority
As explained in a previous question, one Baptist Distinctive is the rejection of a central Church authority (whether an individual or a governing body). Instead, we hold fast to the autonomy of the ...
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 ...
8
votes
2answers
373 views
According to the LDS Church (Mormons), what role do secret handshakes and passwords play into a person's entrance into heaven?
I have heard or read that in the Mormon Temple Ceremony, each person learns certain secret handshakes and passwords that are necessary for them to enter into heaven. I've also heard that a woman has ...
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 ...
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? ...
3
votes
1answer
76 views
What is the biblical basis for the position that Embryonic Stem Cell Research is immoral/sinful?
Many churches teach the embryonic stem cell Research is strictly wrong, while adult stem cell research is alright. What is the biblical basis for this teaching and why are the two distinguished?
3
votes
1answer
121 views
What is the basis for the Catholic teaching that abortion is immoral/sinful?
What is the doctrinal basis for the Catholic teaching that abortion is immoral? I understand that these will be based on Scripture, but will likely come from official Catholic documents.
So, I'm ...
7
votes
2answers
278 views
What is the basis for the Catholic teaching that artificial birth control is immoral/sinful?
I understand that the original commandment to be fruitful and multiply involves reproduction. However, planning to wait a little bit here and there seems reasonable enough.
So, what is the reasoning ...
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?
...
10
votes
2answers
346 views
Are there any Christian groups that follow Matthew 23:9?
I was reading in Matthew and saw a fascinating command, directly from Jesus:
Matthew 23:9 (NWT)
Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One.
Are ...
8
votes
2answers
158 views
How do “Sola Fide” adherents reconcile with the three aspects of faith?
Historical Protestantism (particularly in the Lutheran and Reformed traditions) have since the Magisterial Reformation held to two doctrines relating what is required of an individual for salvation.
...
29
votes
8answers
897 views
What is unique about Christianity?
Inspired by this question: How do Christians explain to commonalities between their religion, other major faiths and obscure isolated tribal belief systems?
What is fundamentally unique about ...
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?
-7
votes
2answers
138 views
What is the position of the church regarding the “Lunar Effect” theory? [closed]
Use of lunar calendar to foresee future events is a part of astrology, and astrology is a sin against Will of God.
There is research branch of biology called "selenobiology" which investigates ...
12
votes
4answers
464 views
Since God provided for the forgiveness of sins in the Old Testament, why do we need Jesus?
I thought of this when I was researching this question.
Leviticus 4 goes into great detail about the sacrifice that must be made in order for a sin to be forgiven. However, we see here that God ...
10
votes
2answers
113 views
What test is used to determine communicability of an attribute of God
I understand that some attributes of God are said to be communicable, meaning that they can, in some measure, be attributes of men as well. For example, God's holiness is said to be communicable ...
9
votes
1answer
177 views
What is the Catholic stance on Embryo Screening?
Embryo Screening is the process of fertilizing multiple eggs, checking their DNA makeup, and then screening out the eggs that do not meet the requirements. These requirements can be anything from ...
