Christianity
Q&A for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more
Latest Questions
0
votes
0
answers
117
views
What is a Protestant understanding of Jesus' fasting in the wilderness?
According to mainline Protestantism (Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed, Methodist) what is the reason why Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11): > Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] > by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he wa...
According to mainline Protestantism (Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed, Methodist) what is the reason why Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11):
> Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a]
> by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was
> hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of
> God, tell these stones to become bread. [...]
Does Jesus teach us here that we should fast as a discipline? Why did Jesus do this?
Dan
(2194 rep)
Aug 11, 2023, 04:58 PM
2
votes
2
answers
264
views
Do any of the Church Fathers or any Orthodox theologian state that you should not call spiritual leaders “father” or “teacher?”
Did any of the Church Fathers or any other significant theologian in Eastern Orthodoxy state that we should not call spiritual leaders “father” or “teacher?”
Did any of the Church Fathers or any other significant theologian in Eastern Orthodoxy state that we should not call spiritual leaders “father” or “teacher?”
David
(21 rep)
Aug 10, 2023, 07:12 AM
• Last activity: Aug 11, 2023, 02:57 PM
2
votes
2
answers
266
views
What does paragraph 915 in the Catholic Catechism mean?
I was recently reading the Catechism and came across paragraph 915, which has left me with some questions. It is the first sentence of 915 that's bothering me. It says: "Christ proposes the evangelical counsels, in their great variety, to every disciple." What exactly does that mean? I know we are a...
I was recently reading the Catechism and came across paragraph 915, which has left me with some questions.
It is the first sentence of 915 that's bothering me. It says: "Christ proposes the evangelical counsels, in their great variety, to every disciple."
What exactly does that mean?
I know we are all meant to live in the spirit of the evangelical counsels, but I thought the evangelical counsels proper were for those in the consecrated life.
Furthermore, 915 doesn't say Christ proposes the *spirit* of the evangelical counsels, it says Christ proposes **THE** evangelical counsels.
Any information would be appreciated!
AlphabatSoop
(53 rep)
Aug 5, 2023, 11:13 PM
• Last activity: Aug 11, 2023, 12:42 PM
4
votes
1
answers
134
views
The Holy Spirit and Revelation 14:1
Revelation 14:1 states ([ESV translation](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2014%3A1&version=ESV)): > Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. Now, the non-trinitarians I kno...
Revelation 14:1 states ([ESV translation](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2014%3A1&version=ESV)) :
> Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Now, the non-trinitarians I know (binitarians) use this verse as evidence that the Spirit is not a distinct person to be worshipped, apart from the Father and Son. They say that if the Spirit were God, then His name would also be on the forehead of the believer (I don't exactly have sources for this since it is coming from people I know personally). This is one of the best arguments they have, and I have not encountered a good answer to it, however I still think the weight of evidence leans in favor of the Trinity.
**My question**, to put it simply, according to Trinitarians why isn't the Spirit's name on the believer's forehead in Revelation 14:1?
Daniel Waters
(143 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 01:24 AM
• Last activity: Aug 11, 2023, 11:10 AM
4
votes
1
answers
2437
views
Can a Catholic funeral include a personal tribute?
My grandmother-in-law had requested a funeral the same as her twin sister, who died 24 years ago. This had included a personal tribute read by a family member. We're being told by the priest for my grandmother-in-law's funeral that the personal tribute is not allowed at the funeral, and needs to be...
My grandmother-in-law had requested a funeral the same as her twin sister, who died 24 years ago. This had included a personal tribute read by a family member.
We're being told by the priest for my grandmother-in-law's funeral that the personal tribute is not allowed at the funeral, and needs to be read at the wake. Only a homily read by the priest is permitted. This has upset many members of the family. Is he correct? Or was the previous interpretation correct?
James Pickett
(41 rep)
Aug 10, 2023, 09:26 PM
• Last activity: Aug 10, 2023, 11:31 PM
-1
votes
2
answers
7406
views
What was Jesus' blood type , by official pronouncement of Catholic Church?
A write-up in cherishrecatholic.org states that Jesus belonged to AB type of blood group, as per official announcement of Catholic Church. The article cites a eucharistic miracle that happened in Lanciano City, Italy in the 8th century. The Holy Eucharist, preserved since then, was examined by scien...
A write-up in cherishrecatholic.org states that Jesus belonged to AB type of blood group, as per official announcement of Catholic Church. The article cites a eucharistic miracle that happened in Lanciano City, Italy in the 8th century. The Holy Eucharist, preserved since then, was examined by scientists in 1971 who determined the blood type to be AB.
My question therefore is: **Has the Catholic Church officially pronounced that Jesus, in his human body, belonged to certain type of blood group?**
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan
(13820 rep)
Aug 10, 2023, 02:16 AM
• Last activity: Aug 10, 2023, 02:24 PM
2
votes
3
answers
209
views
According to Trinitarians, what is the Biblical basis that some doctrine is a mystery?
Trinitarians, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, will describe the doctrine of the Trinity as being a "mystery", meaning that in some way it is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. What is the biblical basis that we cannot entirely understand at least some theological truths?
Trinitarians, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, will describe the doctrine of the Trinity as being a "mystery", meaning that in some way it is beyond our ability to fully comprehend.
What is the biblical basis that we cannot entirely understand at least some theological truths?
eques
(3767 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 08:31 PM
• Last activity: Aug 10, 2023, 02:14 PM
9
votes
2
answers
4053
views
Why does a priest say "The Lord Be With You” and a bishop say "Peace Be With You" as a liturgical greeting?
One [option](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/23290/why-are-there-differences-in-the-greeting-of-the-mass?rq=1) for the liturgical greeting at the beginning of the Mass is: >Priest: The Lord be with you. > >[or Bishop: Peace be with you.] > >All: And with your spirit. The phrase "The...
One [option](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/23290/why-are-there-differences-in-the-greeting-of-the-mass?rq=1) for the liturgical greeting at the beginning of the Mass is:
>Priest: The Lord be with you.
>
>[or Bishop: Peace be with you.]
>
>All: And with your spirit.
The phrase "The Lord be with you / And with your spirit." is used in other parts of the Mass too without that difference.
- Where does this difference between bishop and "ordinary" priest come from?
- Are there theological and/or historical reasons?
K-HB
(1953 rep)
Mar 26, 2019, 01:44 PM
• Last activity: Aug 10, 2023, 01:29 AM
2
votes
1
answers
800
views
Can a Catholic mass be said for a deceased Protestant?
Can a [Catholic mass intention](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/65537/10672) be requested by a Catholic family member for a deceased Protestant relative? If yes, will his/her name be spoken during the Universal Prayer along with other Catholic names? Variations: - can the request for the de...
Can a [Catholic mass intention](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/65537/10672) be requested by a Catholic family member for a deceased Protestant relative? If yes, will his/her name be spoken during the Universal Prayer along with other Catholic names?
Variations:
- can the request for the deceased Protestant be made by an ecumenically-minded Protestant who understands the right meaning of the mass for Catholics (i.e. mass as a sacrifice)?
- what if the deceased is a lapsed Catholic?
(the point of mentioning the variations is to help an answer focus on the essence of how mass intention works)
GratefulDisciple
(27935 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 02:21 PM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2023, 10:16 PM
1
votes
1
answers
134
views
How can God (Jesus) have a secret identity? (Protestant view, including Messianic Jewish, if possible)
I love this passage, but especially the part that I have emphasized: > **The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast** 11 I saw heaven standing open > and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful > and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like > blazing fir...
I love this passage, but especially the part that I have emphasized:
> **The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast** 11 I saw heaven standing open
> and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful
> and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like
> blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. **He has a name written
> on him that no one knows but he himself.** 13 He is dressed in a robe
> dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. Revelation 19:11-13
> (NIV)
So how can God (Jesus) have a secret identity, as indicated in this scripture? Is there support for this, or anything like it, elsewhere in scripture?
I am interested in the Protestant answer to this question, especially also the Messianic Jewish answer, if possible.
Although a Catholic answer will (probably) not be accepted, I would still appreciate a good answer.
MicroservicesOnDDD
(318 rep)
Aug 9, 2023, 02:07 AM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2023, 01:04 PM
2
votes
2
answers
401
views
God’s View on Incorrect Theology
While there is a ton of material on correct theology, I’m curious to find out God’s view on bad theology. In Paul’s letters, he seems to acknowledge the churches he addresses as brothers and sisters, while at the same time correcting some beliefs that we would consider heretical. Are there any other...
While there is a ton of material on correct theology, I’m curious to find out God’s view on bad theology.
In Paul’s letters, he seems to acknowledge the churches he addresses as brothers and sisters, while at the same time correcting some beliefs that we would consider heretical.
Are there any other insights on how God handles sincere believers having questionable theology?
Eric Phillips
(21 rep)
Apr 6, 2023, 09:05 PM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2023, 01:00 PM
0
votes
3
answers
332
views
Have there been explanations offered for why Christianity is so food centric?
I know this question is quite odd - but I would like to know of possible explanations for why the old and new covenants are so centered around food? The last supper, the bread of the presence, the manna and quail, etc. it seems like it bears a lot of significance and I want to know if there have bee...
I know this question is quite odd - but I would like to know of possible explanations for why the old and new covenants are so centered around food? The last supper, the bread of the presence, the manna and quail, etc. it seems like it bears a lot of significance and I want to know if there have been any reasons offered as why.
Luke
(5585 rep)
Aug 6, 2023, 11:15 PM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2023, 11:54 AM
6
votes
1
answers
259
views
According to Augustine, what's the difference between regenerate life and that before the fall?
In Augustine's four stages of the Christian life, is the Reborn Man in the same state as the Pre-Fall Man? In which state was Christ the man while on earth? [Editor's note: OP refers to the 4 stages mentioned in Augustine's [*Enchiridion*, Ch. 118](https://biblehub.com/library/augustine/the_enchirid...
In Augustine's four stages of the Christian life, is the Reborn Man in the same state as the Pre-Fall Man?
In which state was Christ the man while on earth?
[Editor's note: OP refers to the 4 stages mentioned in Augustine's [*Enchiridion*, Ch. 118](https://biblehub.com/library/augustine/the_enchiridion/chapter_118_the_four_stages_of.htm) .
[From OP's comment:]
The first question is on what Augustine really meant, because both have the same
able to sin and able to not sin. The second is an application of the fourfold state. My information and knowledge is based on [this]( http://monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/four-fold.html) .
u936293
(167 rep)
Nov 6, 2016, 11:06 AM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2023, 05:00 AM
0
votes
1
answers
982
views
Proof that Cyril of Alexandria is a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church?
If one checks the *Wikipedia* entry on [Cyril of Alexandria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Alexandria), there is no indication that he is venerated as a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church. But, although it is not indicated there, I am under the impression that (somehow) he is venerated as a...
If one checks the *Wikipedia* entry on [Cyril of Alexandria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Alexandria) , there is no indication that he is venerated as a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church. But, although it is not indicated there, I am under the impression that (somehow) he is venerated as a Saint in the Byzantine Catholic Church, one of the 23 Eastern rites in full communion with Rome.
But, of course, (Saint) Cyril of Alexandria has been declared one of the thirty-six doctors of the Roman Catholic Church. See, for instance, the [chronological list of the doctors of the church](https://uscatholic.org/articles/200807/chronological-list-of-the-doctors-of-the-church/) .
QUESTION: Has (Saint) Cyril of Alexandria ever been canonized (or officially recognized as a Saint) by the *Roman Catholic Church?* If not, how is it possible that he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1882?
DDS
(3418 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 11:22 PM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2023, 12:54 AM
3
votes
1
answers
634
views
Catholicism - Is the TULIP Formula more or less true? (Semantics)
Catholic convert here. It is of my understanding that the differences between the Calvinist and Catholic predestination theology is mostly a game of semantics, and I was curious to see other opinions on this, and hope for correction if I am gravely incorrect. I read this a while ago - http://www.cin...
Catholic convert here. It is of my understanding that the differences between the Calvinist and Catholic predestination theology is mostly a game of semantics, and I was curious to see other opinions on this, and hope for correction if I am gravely incorrect.
I read this a while ago - http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/tulip.htm
Putting aside Catholic distinctions of mortal/venial sin (which the Eastern Catholics reject the distinction between mortal and venial sin while not contradicting "latin" theology, and is thus also a valid position in Catholicism) and losing your state of grace and getting back into a state of grace, is TULIP not more or less true? If the grace of final perseverance for the elect is a grace we cannot merit and is given freely by God to the elect and God predestines us based on the foreknowledge of our acceptance of Christ and there is nothing we can do to merit this gift of faith either, is this not just double predestination?
This is what I mean by it being a game of semantics. Different vocab and formula to arrive at the same conclusion. Thoughts appreciated.
wannabeagustine
(31 rep)
Jul 11, 2022, 09:48 PM
• Last activity: Aug 8, 2023, 08:10 PM
4
votes
0
answers
430
views
Which Bible translations did Aquinas use when writing his commentaries and citing them in his theological works?
We know that early in his career (as *baccalaureus biblicus*, before he wrote his *Summa*) Aquinas lectured on the Bible and wrote his own commentaries in addition to using the *Catena aurea* as well as Patristic commentaries available to him. **My question**: When Aquinas did his exegesis, did he h...
We know that early in his career (as *baccalaureus biblicus*, before he wrote his *Summa*) Aquinas lectured on the Bible and wrote his own commentaries in addition to using the *Catena aurea* as well as Patristic commentaries available to him.
**My question**: When Aquinas did his exegesis, did he have access to the Hebrew/Greek source (although he couldn't read Greek)? Apart from the Latin Vulgate, did he have access to other translations?
GratefulDisciple
(27935 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 04:20 PM
2
votes
0
answers
75
views
Who said, "Heresies Survive by the Truths They Retain"?
On pg. 7 of the 1938 edition of *The Great Heresies* by Hilaire Belloc, he writes: > Wherefore it is said of heresies that ``they survive by the truths they retain.'' He does not seem to specify who said this originally. Does anyone know who first said, "Heresies survive by the truths they retain."?
On pg. 7 of the 1938 edition of *The Great Heresies* by Hilaire Belloc, he writes:
> Wherefore it is said of heresies that ``they survive by the truths they retain.''
He does not seem to specify who said this originally.
Does anyone know who first said, "Heresies survive by the truths they retain."?
DDS
(3418 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 03:41 PM
1
votes
0
answers
121
views
Looking for the Source of a Teaching on Sexual Ethics from Benedict XVI or JP2
Years ago, I recall being taught that Benedict XVI once said that it was licit for a husband to perform cunnilingus on his wife in order to help her climax if she did not during the ordinary process of the marital act. My memory could be fuzzy, and perhaps it was JP2 who said this (would make sense,...
Years ago, I recall being taught that Benedict XVI once said that it was licit for a husband to perform cunnilingus on his wife in order to help her climax if she did not during the ordinary process of the marital act. My memory could be fuzzy, and perhaps it was JP2 who said this (would make sense, given his large contribution to catholic sexual ethics), but I'm 90% certain that I was told it was Benedict XVI. I would like to know what the source is for this claim, however, and I have been unsuccesful when searching for it in the past online.
jaredad7
(5205 rep)
Aug 8, 2023, 02:15 PM
• Last activity: Aug 8, 2023, 03:17 PM
12
votes
2
answers
2505
views
Which year did Jesus die? What is the most commonly held view
Is there a commonly held year for Jesus' crucifixion? What is the basis? In particular I would like to see biblical-basis. If not which Christian denominations teach a specific year for His crucifixion? and what is the basis.
Is there a commonly held year for Jesus' crucifixion? What is the basis? In particular I would like to see biblical-basis.
If not which Christian denominations teach a specific year for His crucifixion? and what is the basis.
Beestocks
(3280 rep)
Nov 19, 2014, 07:26 PM
• Last activity: Aug 8, 2023, 10:02 AM
3
votes
1
answers
306
views
On the Etymology of the Term "Magisterium" in the Catholic Church
Regarding the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Cardinal Burke said: > The *"magisterium"* is a somewhat recent theological term, and what it refers to is the duty of the Church to teach, safeguard and promote the truths of the faith as they’ve been handed down in the Tradition. So whethe...
Regarding the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Cardinal Burke said:
> The *"magisterium"* is a somewhat recent theological term, and what it refers to is the duty of the Church to teach, safeguard and promote the truths of the faith as they’ve been handed down in the Tradition. So whether you say that it's magisterium or not, if it's not in agreement with what the Church has always taught and practiced, then it can’t be magisterium, even if you say that it is.
It is my understanding that the term *Magisterium* refers to the Teaching Authority of the Catholic Church.
Could someone, perhaps, fill in some of the details as to what Cardinal Burke means by "a somewhat recent theological term"; i.e., when, where, and why was this term introduced to be used (as a substitute?) for the "Teaching Authority"? Should the former term be be preferred over the latter?
DDS
(3418 rep)
Aug 7, 2023, 10:34 PM
• Last activity: Aug 8, 2023, 12:45 AM
Showing page 209 of 20 total questions