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On what basis do Popes choose their papal name?
Apologies if there is not a good answer to this but I was wondering how papal names are chosen. Is there a specific tendency for taking a papal name that is associated with a tradition or strain of thought? For instance does the name Benedict imply…
Reluctant_Linux_User
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What is an apostle?
Often the apostles are referred to as "the twelve apostles" - the twelve disciples called by name by Jesus. But Paul called himself and Barnabus apostles. Were Paul and Barnabus really apostles?
Waggers
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How are verses referenced?
How are Bible verses referenced? For example what is the meaning of: Revelation 21:5 (NIV)?
Are there any other methods to reference a verse?
(I am not a Christian and this should be treated like a novice question.)
B Faley
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What happened to Joseph, Jesus' father?
What happened to Joseph, the father of Jesus, given that the last time he was mentioned in the story of Jesus was "Jesus' finding in the temple" (Luke 2:41-52) after which he is never mentioned again right up to the death of Jesus Christ?
So I want…
danidee
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How should Christians participate in a democracy?
There is currently a debate in my country, Australia, about gay marriage. Amongst those who believe homosexual sex is wrong, there is a split with regards the correct approach. Some say that Christians should not seek to legislate their values onto…
Craig Schwarze
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Who was Theophilus?
Acts 1:1
"In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach"
Who was he?
Is it also possible that, since Theophilus means, "friend of God", as Richard states, that Acts is written to all believers?
Reinstate Monica - Goodbye SE
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Are there any Catholic sects which disagree with the sinlessness of Mary?
As a protestant, the concept of the sinless state of Mary is one of the hardest aspects of Catholicism to swallow. The historical account of the adoption of this doctrine doesn't lend any credibility to the view, either. It thus seems incredibly…
Flimzy
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What is so special about sitting at God's "right hand"?
This concept seems to show up in a few places:
Psalms 110:1 (NIV)
The LORD says to my lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”
Ephesians 1:19–20 (NIV)
...and his incomparably great power…
Richard
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Is there any evidence to support a preference for second-career pastors coming disproportionately from IT?
Anecdotally, I know a lot of bi-vocational and second-career pastors who came from IT. At seminary, I saw a lot of them, and 2 of the 4 pastors at my current church have this background.
I remember reading William Willimon who essentially said…
Affable Geek
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Was there doctrinal difference between Lollards and Waldenses?
Lollards and Waldenses are two historical movements that spread out of Catholic church, in England and France, respectively. I know they had similar views such as opposing the corruption of the wealthy church, advocating lay service, focusing on the…
kviiri
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What is the basis for the claim that Ezekiel 44 is about Mary the Mother of Jesus?
Upon being referred to the statements of Thomas Aquinas in Summa Theologia, I read this:
It is written (Ezekiel 44:2): "This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall pass through it; because the Lord the God of Israel hath…
mojo
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In Mormonism, how is the doctrine of Adam & Eve inability to have children prior to the Fall explained?
Inspired by this answer to a previous question, in which the answerer stated:
"For example, the Book of Mormon adds the belief that Adam and Eve could not have children before the Fall."
Supported by quoting from 2 Nephi 2:22-23:
And now, behold,…
warren
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Is God just and/or merciful?
I am told, repeatedly, with great intensity and sincerity that YHVH / the LORD is kind and merciful, forgiving of all sins.
Now, I read the Bible enough. God's main demonstrations of power seem to be, in chronological order,
Smiting the enemies of…
jamesson
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Why is the number three special?
What is the significance to the number 3 in the Bible? There is already a question about the number seven, but no one said anything about 3.
Here are a few 3's I came up with:
The Trinity (Godhead) is 3 in one
Peter denies knowing Jesus 3 times and…
styfle
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Is there any scripture or literature exploring why God chose not to annihilate Satan?
For that matter, why aren't we annihilated if we reject Jesus? Particularly if there is no posthumous "second chance?"
For the record, I resonate with C.S. Lewis' notion that, perhaps, the "doors of hell are locked from the inside," but I would…
Brandon Linton
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