Most Popular
1500 questions
15
votes
8 answers
Did Paul write other letters that are not in the Bible?
I've heard it said that Paul wrote other letters that didn't make it into the Bible, including at least one more letter to the church at Corinth, and a letter to the church at Laodicea. What is the source for these claims, and what might have…
Bruce Alderman
- 10,674
- 6
- 47
- 81
15
votes
1 answer
What doctrinal changes did the Westminster Confession bring to the Church of Scotland?
After the reforms of the 16th century, the Scots Confession served as the primary confession for the Church of Scotland for just over 80 years. In 1648 it was replaced by the The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines, a later revision of which is…
Caleb
- 37,337
- 24
- 150
- 289
15
votes
6 answers
Under what conditions can a "good" or "charitable" act actually be sin?
In spite of a prevalent cultural attitude towards sin that excuses misbehavior if a person had "good intentions", most Christian traditions do not seem to include the persons feelings in the matter when defining an action as sin or not. However the…
Caleb
- 37,337
- 24
- 150
- 289
15
votes
4 answers
How do Bible Literalists deal with trees older than the flood?
According to Answers in Genesis, the flood happened in approximately 2348 BC, which means it would've happened about 4360 years ago. Wikipedia has a list of the oldest individual trees known, of which three are older than 4360 years (one that was…
El'endia Starman
- 12,429
- 24
- 79
- 140
15
votes
4 answers
Why are certain non-harmful behaviors considered sins?
I would like to hear your response on this. In general, there exist a set of behaviors that Christians consider sinful, though these behaviors may not be observed to harm anybody (even the person doing the behavior.)
Why might this be?
I am…
user304
15
votes
3 answers
Why was the New Testament Written in Greek?
New Testament was written in Greek. But Jesus lived in Israel and was supposed to be the next King of Israel. I think it is probably fair to assume that he and his twelve apostles spoke Hebrew. Then why would the New Testament be written in Greek? I…
CuriousMind
- 553
- 1
- 4
- 9
15
votes
1 answer
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 because you obstinately refuse to perform your…
Peter Turner
- 34,505
- 19
- 118
- 289
15
votes
8 answers
What does Bible say about possibility of seeing/hearing people on Earth from heaven?
I mean, for example, could my dead grandmother see me from heaven?
This was bothering me as a Christian and I was frustrated not to find the answer, because this is important to me personally. For example, when I travel the first thing I ask is if…
Derfder
- 195
- 3
- 3
- 12
15
votes
4 answers
In what language was the Book of Matthew written?
I have heard it taught in several places that Matthew was originally written in Hebrew and its intended audience was the Jews (which would help explain why it seems a bit more vague on key Christian concepts). But recently I have been told that…
user3961
15
votes
5 answers
What are the Twelve Tribes of Israel?
The Bible frequently refers to the twelve tribes of Israel. Which tribes constitute this list? Jacob had twelve sons, but Joseph's two sons each got a land inheritance and Levi got none. So do the twelve tribes refer to those who had territories…
parap
- 898
- 2
- 8
- 13
15
votes
3 answers
Do angels have free will?
I believe we have free will and that God has free will. It would seem Lucifer also had free will. Do all angels have free will as we do?
a_hardin
- 9,173
- 6
- 45
- 94
15
votes
8 answers
What is the message of Matthew 9:5?
Matthew 9:1-8 (NIV)
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 At…
Pacerier
- 1,746
- 8
- 21
- 38
15
votes
4 answers
According to the Roman Catholic church, who can baptize a new believer?
As far as I remember, there is no rule in the Bible as to who can baptize a new believer. However, I'm almost certain that sometime in the early history of the Roman Catholic church, someone or some group of people decided on some rule, such as…
El'endia Starman
- 12,429
- 24
- 79
- 140
15
votes
2 answers
Can Elders of a church be young?
I am referring to 'Elders' in the sense of 1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV) :
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
As opposed to 'Respect your Elders'. Is…
Derek Downey
- 2,897
- 3
- 26
- 42
15
votes
6 answers
How did John the Baptist have the "spirit and power of Elijah"?
As the angel Gabriel said to Zechariah, whose son would be John the Baptist...
Luke 1:17 (NLT)
17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers…
El'endia Starman
- 12,429
- 24
- 79
- 140