Questions tagged [practice]

Referring to the actual order of worship by various groups

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4 answers
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Is it appropriate to capitalize pronouns referring to Jesus Christ? [closed]

Somewhere along the line I picked up the habit of capitalizing He, His, Him, etc. when they are referring to Jesus Christ as a form of respect. Likewise I always capitalize Christ, which is the title ...
Jim McKeeth's user avatar
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17 votes
6 answers
7k views

Why do Christians stand when we sing?

In my experience, every church I've either been in or seen recorded ask the congregation to stand when they sing. Without having done a scientific study, it seems this is a near-universal practice ...
Korosia's user avatar
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17 votes
3 answers
7k views

What is the connection between Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, etc?

Coming from a Protestant tradition, I grew up hearing about Lent but never having any practice associated with it. In the years since, I've gathered that there's some sort of connection between ...
jimreed's user avatar
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13 votes
1 answer
2k views

When did the Orthodox and Catholic Churches distinguish the manner in which the Sign of the Cross was to be made?

From a comment on What is the role of “Sign of the cross” gesture in Catholicism?, it was noted that Catholics make the Sign of the Cross by starting at the top, going to the left and then right, ...
Narnian's user avatar
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12 votes
3 answers
2k views

Is it generally acceptable to attend a bible study as a non Christian?

I am a bit curious about seeking out a bible study. There are several reasons for this: A friend of mine (in another country) says she finds such a study group enjoyable, and it seems to be a good ...
BibleCurious's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
339 views

How long has the church been observing Lent?

At what point in church history did the Lenten season become a significant part of the church year? Obviously Easter came first, but I don't see the biblical basis for 40 days of preparation for ...
Affable Geek's user avatar
11 votes
4 answers
7k views

Is there a Christian basis for using garlic, crosses, and holy water against evil? [closed]

In popular culture, it is believed that holy objects, such as garlic, crosses, and holy water, can protect against evil, like vampires. Also, Caleb's response to this question inspired me to ask ...
Double U's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
635 views

What is an LDS general conference?

Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, the Mormon church is holding a general conference, which happens twice a year, in place of regular church meetings. There's some basic stuff on their website about it, ...
Matt's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
200 views

Holy Spirit vs Own option

When we are making decisions in church group, rather charismatic people will say things like I feel we should... which they sometimes connect to be input of holy guidance like the holy spirit. ...
user avatar
5 votes
7 answers
700 views

Could Hell be seen as a reward? [closed]

I live in a very atheistic land. People hate religion because the main religion in my province has abused the people. Thus sometimes when I speak to friends and coworkers I present Hell as follows. ...
David Laberge's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
664 views

Is Christianity just a belief system, or is it also a system for organizing and governing society? [closed]

Works like "Mere Christianity" try and address common Christian beliefs and help recognize the diversity of belief systems within Christian sects. The question is whether this is what all of ...
Probe Deeper's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
455 views

Is baptism a form of exorcism, or is that just a Hollywood myth?

I never watched this film, but the synopsis alone is eerie. Read this article. She then runs to the safety of a church, knowing that baptism is a form of exorcism. Is this true? Can baptism be a ...
Double U's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
675 views

Is Christianity an experiential practice? [closed]

It has been stated to me that Christianity is "experiential" meaning it is experienced and not necessarily understood. Do I have that definition correct? Is this true?
rpeg's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
729 views

How was circumcision practiced in Jesus' time?

Both John the Baptist and Jesus were circumcised on the 8th day, according to Old Testament laws. Luke 1:57-60 English Standard Version (ESV) Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she ...
MutluAnne's user avatar
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2 votes
3 answers
56 views

Which churches regularly give altar call (like "raise your hand if you accept Jesus") in their service?

I have seen testimonies of converts from America describing they raised their hands when the preacher asked "who wants to accept Jesus as their Lord?" or something like that. Which churches ...
Michael16's user avatar
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2 votes
2 answers
120 views

Would an actual Christian (in the 1920s or today) actually make a "prayer sign" like this in this context?

In the Charlie Chaplin film "The Kid" (1921), there is a scene where his character, who is apparently supposed to be Christian, is being threatened with violence by a thug. As he walks ...
Ze N.'s user avatar
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1 vote
4 answers
1k views

Is Christianity functionally polytheistic? [closed]

In principle, Christianity is monotheistic. It posits that one god exists. However, as a result of the 300k+ christian sects, there exists more than one definition of the "Christian God". With the ...
rpeg's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
233 views

What is the basis for "Church Shopping"?

"Church shopping" is when church goers move about from church to church to find one they like, sometimes willing to travel great distances or spend many months visiting dozens of churches. It ...
Marc's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
80 views

Why did the Jansenists practice such harsh penances?

If the Jansenists did not deny the gratuity of grace, thinking grace cannot be earned or merited, why did they practice penances sometimes considered harsh?
Geremia's user avatar
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0 votes
2 answers
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In Christianity is food recommended to be consumed using left hand?

While reading "Robertsoner Ruby", one of the Bengali detective stories from the Feluda Series, I found out that the investigator there finds out a character to be a Christian (which the ...
Rickross's user avatar
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