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1500 questions
17
votes
2 answers
Why isn't Lent observed across all traditions?
I had always (apparently in error) assumed that the observace of Lent was a Catholic practice, but according to Wikipedia, Lent is:
observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, as well as some Baptists and…
Seth J
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17
votes
5 answers
On which date was Christ born?
Most Christians celebrate the birth of Christ (Christmas) on December 25. But was this really the day of Christ's birth? What was the actual date of Christ's birth?
Flimzy
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17
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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 or otherwise, for this position?
Narnian
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17
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3 answers
How is the historical accuracy of the Bible defended?
Loosely tied to the idea of Biblical Inerrancy, one of the basic tenets of Christianity is that Scripture is reliable. This includes the idea of being reliable as a source of "doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"…
David Stratton
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17
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4 answers
Are chapter and verse divisions international?
If someone quotes e.g. Leviticus 6:7, will this be the correct position no matter the language or translation?
citizen
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17
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1 answer
Are there any surviving hymns from the Valdensian movement?
The Valdensians preached and celebrated the Lord's Supper in the native tongue of the people, not in Latin. However, every source I've read about their customs focus on what was spoken, while I also want to know what they sang.
Do we have any…
itpastorn
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17
votes
2 answers
Which "Church of God" believes in "God the Mother"?
I met a man in Philadelphia who was keen to tell me about his group, the "Church of God". They seem to have some unusual beliefs. From our brief conversation, these included:
In addition to God the Father, there is God the Mother. He identified her…
James T
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17
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4 answers
What is the origin of the Devil's red pointy costume and pitchfork?
So, biblically, Satan comes as "an angel of light." and yet, in the popular imagitation, he is usually wearing a red costume with a pointy tail, a sharp beard, and a pitchfork.
When and how did this characterization develop?
Affable Geek
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17
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7 answers
What is the evidence that suggests that the Apostle Paul was married?
I have heard people say over the years that it is likely that the Apostle Paul had been married at some point, perhaps prior to his conversion. However, there doesn't seem to be any biblical evidence to this end. What, then, is the evidence in…
Narnian
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17
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3 answers
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?
Narnian
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17
votes
4 answers
Why did God become angry with Balaam?
Numbers 22:20-22 NIV
That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to
summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you." Balaam got up
in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite
officials. But God…
Filipe Roberto
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17
votes
2 answers
What is Common Grace?
The term "Common Grace" is often thrown around in reformed circles. What is this concept? What is the scriptural basis for the belief?
wax eagle
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17
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3 answers
How do Jehovah Witnesses support scripturely the idea that humans will live on earth after death?
A Jehovah Witness and I spoke the other day and he explained to me that JWs believe that we'll live on earth after we die.
What scripture, if any, do they use to back this belief?
capitalaudience.com
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17
votes
6 answers
Does the Catholic Church oppose universalism?
I've been reading George MacDonald as of late and have heard in a few places that he argues for universalism. I though that had something to do with unitarianism, but in looking it up a tad more, I guess it means the idea that everyone will be…
Peter Turner
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16
votes
3 answers
Do Catholic priests have to report child abuse confessed in secret?
Is there any canon, regulation, norm or diocesan norm which requires priests to report confessions of child abuse? Are priests obliged to follow laws to this effect?
I'm not asking in regard to child sexual abuse committed by other priests as has…
Peter Turner
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