Referring to one of the four historical sources of theology (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience). Relates to questions that ask about practices that have historically been the norm, and typically looking for an origin explanation
4
votes
1answer
50 views
From where does the tradition come that Mary rode on a donkey to Bethlehem prior to the birth of Jesus?
It seems that most every movie or depiction of Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem depicts Mary as riding on a donkey. However, I don't recall any place in Scripture from which this idea could be ...
3
votes
0answers
30 views
Are there any traditions regarding the non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus' name?
Luke 9:49-50 (NLT)
49 John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.”
50 But Jesus said, “Don’t ...
12
votes
1answer
68 views
Is the marital act of consumating marriage part of Sacred Tradition in the Catholic Church?
How far back does the idea of consummating a marriage go?
Is it tied to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony? Is it like going to confession, but not fully receiving the sacrament of reconciliation ...
10
votes
2answers
185 views
Praying the Liturgy of the Hours in private; out loud
For the laity, when praying the Liturgy of the Hours in private, is it more in keeping with tradition to you pray out loud or silently or does it matter?
Also, do you change the way you repeat ...
5
votes
2answers
75 views
Is there any tradition with regards to Zechariah's prayer in Luke?
Luke 1:5-13 (NIV)
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of ...
5
votes
1answer
78 views
Is there any connection between minimum age for marriage in Catholic Church and tradition about Mary's age at Annunciation?
According to Canonic law, the minimum age for marryage to be valid for girls is fourteen (it can be and usually is higher for the marriage not to be illicit):
Can. 1083 §1. A man before he has ...
7
votes
1answer
211 views
What's the story behind the traditional haircut associated with monks?
As the title asks: What's the significance of this particular haircut. Why is it associated with monks, and what's the history behind it?
10
votes
3answers
288 views
What is the Biblical or traditional precedent or command regarding praying before meals?
A very common Christian practice is to "say grace" or to "give thanks" before each meal. What is the Biblical precedent or command for this? In other words, why do we give thanks then and not before ...
7
votes
2answers
143 views
What evidence is there that the Apostle Paul had been a member of the Sanhedrin?
I remember hearing someone make the claim that Paul had been a member of the Sanhedrin prior to his conversion to Christianity. Is there any evidence for this claim? If so, what is it?
-3
votes
2answers
125 views
How did the Catholic canon that Christians could not 'share a meal with a Jew' differ in spirit from the Pharisees traditions concerning Gentiles? [closed]
Anyone who has studied the New Testament knows that possibly the greatest offense that the Jewish leaders had against Christ was that he did not respect their traditions. Jews at that time put the ...
4
votes
1answer
101 views
Was the Apostolic Tradition of rejecting soldiers from the church ‘permanent’, or was this ‘tradition' briefly enforced?
In the Bible Jesus encounters Roman soldiers but does not tell them to 'quit their day job'. Jesus encountered a centurion with 'great faith' as recorded in Matthew 8. Peter as well baptized a ...
5
votes
1answer
326 views
What was Paul's “revelation” (mentioned in Galatians 2:2)?
Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which ...
5
votes
2answers
622 views
Can Angels die?
In Daniel, there is an angel who has to fight for nearly three weeks in order to deliver his message, and isn't able to overcome until Michael intervenes. If there was a battle this hard, it makes me ...
5
votes
2answers
211 views
Mary's painless birth
Where does the Catholic tradition that Mary's birth was painless come from?
My wife just got home from a non-denominational study about Mary and she said she thought everybody knew this, but ...
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 ...
3
votes
1answer
175 views
What is the basis for Systematic Expository Preaching?
Related: What is the basis for Topical Preaching?
Expository preaching is, in short, preaching through the Bible or a complete portion of the Bible and expounding upon the topics and applications ...
6
votes
1answer
673 views
What is the basis for Topical Preaching?
Related:
What is the basis for Systematic Expository Preaching?
Topical preaching is rather self-explanatory - the preacher picks a topic, then finds bible passages or verses related to or ...
5
votes
1answer
199 views
Why are there fourteen stations of the cross?
So, I would have expected 12 stations of the cross. I mean, lets face it, a lot of things in the Bible happen in 12. 12 disciples, 12 tribes, etc...
Seeing as the stations of the cross are not ...
6
votes
1answer
149 views
Why are the same palms used on Palm Sunday used for Ash Wednesday services the next year?
In the Episcopal church, the traditional source of ashes on Ash Wednesday comes from the burnt remains of the previous year's Palm Sunday fronds. How did this practice originate, and what is the ...
5
votes
1answer
53 views
What is the process by which Pope Shenuda (Coptic) will be replaced?
Following the death of the highest bishop of the Coptic church on March 17, 2012, what is the process by which he will be replaced?
5
votes
1answer
78 views
How does this fit in with “we are incapable of following the law”?
While reading through the Torah, the following verses caught my eye.
Deuteronomy 30:11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too
difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in ...
13
votes
2answers
312 views
Identity of Christ's Bride
I've always believed (like Christians around me) that Christ's Bride is the church. However, I recently met two guys that claimed that the Bride is actually the new Jerusalem that comes down from ...
4
votes
1answer
129 views
Does Sola Scriptura go hand in hand with personal interpretation?
I asked this question on Sola Scriptura a few months ago and got the answer that denied my premise that Sola Scriptura is about private interpretation. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good reason as to ...
5
votes
1answer
2k views
Why are people traditionally Buried facing East?
During a burial today, I noticed the coffin was buried facing East.
Where does this Christian tradition come from?
8
votes
1answer
148 views
How is spiritual progress described in eastern monastic traditions?
Catholic church has a long monastic history, and there are excellent exponents of spiritual progress whose concepts are used even today. Take Theresa of Avila's "interior castle" or Juan de la Cruz' ...
5
votes
2answers
242 views
Does Jewish tradition predate Christian tradition in any meaningful way?
Many people assume that because Judaism is the super ancient religion and Christianity relatively modern, although ancient by any standards, that if someone wants to dig up some meaningful bit of ...
11
votes
2answers
235 views
What is the origin of the Christmas tree and is it accepted in all Christian traditions?
What is the origin of the Christmas tree and is it accepted in all Christian traditions?
I'm certainly not aware of a "Christmas" tree appearing in the Christmas story, so I'm curious when it was ...
