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At what point did Judaism and Christianity diverge?
At what point did Judaism and Christianity diverge? Christianity and Judaism share the Old Testament (The Hebrew Bible), so it should be safe to assume they are the same people at least during the Old Testament period. Since when did they disagree?
CuriousMind
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What specific scholarship is there behind the New World Translation?
The New World Translation of the Bible was produced by the Jehovah's Witnesses. I'm wondering what specific scholarship is behind the translation.
Who were the translators? What Greek Manuscripts were used? What were the credentials of the…
Narnian
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Why does God command the Israelites not to boil a goat in its mother's milk?
Some of the laws I can directly see why they were given, however I do not understand the last part of the verse below regarding not boiling a kid in its mothers milk.
Deuteronomy 14:21 NIV Do not eat anything you find already dead. You
may give…
Paddington
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When does the bread and wine become Body and Blood?
Exactly when during the Mass does transubstantiation occur? I am aware that it occurs during the Eucharistic Prayer, but at exactly what moment? Would this change if a priest were to consecrate outside of the Eucharistic Prayer? Why does the Church…
Alypius
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C.S. Lewis's petitionary prayer paradox
The problem I am submitting to you arises not about prayer in general but only about that kind of prayer which consists of request or petition.... I have no answer to my problem, though I have taken it to about every Christian I know... ~ C.S…
Thomas Kemper
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Why did Jesus say, "Do not touch me"?
John 20:17:
Jesus said, "Do not touch me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
Why did Jesus not want Mary to touch him,…
Paddington
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What is "faith?"
The Bible and Christians talk about faith a lot. Matthew 12:32 talks about "faith as a mustard seed" for instance.
I've heard many Christians say things like "I don't have enough faith," or "I want more faith," or "If I only had more faith." These…
Flimzy
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Why were both criminals that were crucified with Jesus abusing him in Mark, and not in Luke?
Two thing stick out to me in the gospel accounts of Jesus on the Cross:
Mark 15:27-32
They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who…
aceinthehole
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Are there unforgivable sins?
Jesus came and died for our sins so that we may be forgiven and have salvation.
But Matthew 12:32 (NIV) says there is at least one thing to prevent being forgiven.
32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who…
Derek Downey
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Why do some Christians think it's not a sin to charge interest?
This article presents the view that Christians should not charge interest on loans. As evidence, it cites Nehemiah 5:9-10:
9 Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen…
TRiG
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Does God hate Sinners like he hates Sin?
I've heard it a thousand times, God loves the sinner but hates the sin. Recently I came across a verse in Psalms 5:5
Psalm 5:5 (KJV) The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Is this a proper translation?
capitalaudience.com
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How long did it take to form the Biblical canon?
How long did it take to collect all of the writings that eventually formed the first version of the Bible? In other words, starting with when the first writing was created (I'll say when it was completed rather than started) to when it was first…
DForck42
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Is it possible to be a Christian by birth?
My parents are both Christians. When we were kids they always took us to church. Does that make me a Christian?
Caleb
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For how long did the early Christians share all their possessions?
According to Acts 4:32-37, the early Christians pooled all their possessions and had no private ownership. Is there any record of how long this lasted, and why it ended?
Bruce Alderman
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Do I have to attend church every Sunday?
I used to be an avid church-goer, but as of late I haven't had the chance. This is primarily because of my scouting activities, which take place Sunday mornings (the same time the church service takes place).
I know it's been stated in the bible…
user92