Christianity
Q&A for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more
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Is 1 Samuel 16:7 why some denominations choose to worship in dark or dimly lit environs?
I've observed that some modern Christian denominations, such as Hillsong and others influenced by contemporary worship culture, often conduct services in dark or dimly lit environments, sometimes using stage lighting, fog machines, and concert-like atmospheres. This seems to contrast with more tradi...
I've observed that some modern Christian denominations, such as Hillsong and others influenced by contemporary worship culture, often conduct services in dark or dimly lit environments, sometimes using stage lighting, fog machines, and concert-like atmospheres. This seems to contrast with more traditional worship settings, which tend to be well-lit and minimalistic.
A possible justification might come from 1 Samuel 16:7, which says:
>*“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)*
My question is:
Do denominations that worship in darker environments use 1 Samuel 16:7 to justify this style, emphasizing internal sincerity over external aesthetics?
So Few Against So Many
(4829 rep)
Jun 27, 2025, 03:13 PM
• Last activity: Jul 25, 2025, 10:55 PM
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What is the connection between Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, etc?
Coming from a Protestant tradition, I grew up hearing about Lent but never having any practice associated with it. In the years since, I've gathered that there's some sort of connection between Easter, Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Fat Tuesday. Would someone please explain how it all fits together?
Coming from a Protestant tradition, I grew up hearing about Lent but never having any practice associated with it. In the years since, I've gathered that there's some sort of connection between Easter, Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Fat Tuesday.
Would someone please explain how it all fits together?
jimreed
(2562 rep)
Feb 22, 2012, 06:58 PM
• Last activity: Mar 9, 2025, 02:51 AM
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Which churches regularly give altar call (like "raise your hand if you accept Jesus") in their service?
I have seen testimonies of converts from America describing they raised their hands when the preacher asked "who wants to accept Jesus as their Lord?" or something like that. Which churches have this practice on a regular Sunday service? If so, do these churches always have new visitors, or some of...
I have seen testimonies of converts from America describing they raised their hands when the preacher asked "who wants to accept Jesus as their Lord?" or something like that. Which churches have this practice on a regular Sunday service? If so, do these churches always have new visitors, or some of the regular members themselves raise hands in these altar calls?
Michael16
(2248 rep)
Mar 18, 2024, 04:45 PM
• Last activity: Mar 27, 2024, 08:21 PM
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Why do Christians stand when we sing?
In my experience, every church I've either been in or seen recorded ask the congregation to stand when they sing. Without having done a scientific study, it seems this is a near-universal practice among Christians (and please correct me if this is wrong). Is there a biblical basis for this, or is it...
In my experience, every church I've either been in or seen recorded ask the congregation to stand when they sing. Without having done a scientific study, it seems this is a near-universal practice among Christians (and please correct me if this is wrong).
Is there a biblical basis for this, or is it merely a wide-reaching convention? If so, is there anything to suggest when or how this practice may have begun?
*I recognise this question may be at the border of what's on-topic. I've tried to keep in on-topic by not asking why we sing, but for the biblical basis and history of this specific Christian practice. Given this practice seems to be the same amongst many denominations, I hope it's ok not to specify a particular group.*
Korosia
(1298 rep)
Jul 8, 2020, 09:18 AM
• Last activity: Nov 21, 2022, 07:07 PM
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Why did the Jansenists practice such harsh penances?
If [the Jansenists did not deny the gratuity of grace, thinking grace cannot be earned or merited][1], why did they practice penances sometimes considered harsh? [1]: https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/83057/1787
If the Jansenists did not deny the gratuity of grace, thinking grace cannot be earned or merited , why did they practice penances sometimes considered harsh?
Geremia
(42439 rep)
May 2, 2021, 11:20 PM
• Last activity: May 3, 2021, 05:55 PM
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In Christianity is food recommended to be consumed using left hand?
While reading "Robertsoner Ruby", one of the Bengali detective stories from the [Feluda Series][1], I found out that the investigator there finds out a character to be a Christian (which the character himself never disclosed till that point) when he observes that the character is consuming food usin...
While reading "Robertsoner Ruby", one of the Bengali detective stories from the Feluda Series , I found out that the investigator there finds out a character to be a Christian (which the character himself never disclosed till that point) when he observes that the character is consuming food using his left hand on three separate occasions. Now, this observation turns out to be correct too and eventually it also proves decisive in solving the case.
But I was surprised the way the detective has concluded and hence this question here.
- Is it really true that in Christianity food is recommended to be consumed using the left hand?
Please cite some verses from scriptures in support of your answers, either to prove or disprove the claim.
Rickross
(191 rep)
Oct 21, 2018, 06:50 AM
• Last activity: Feb 8, 2021, 06:14 AM
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Would an actual Christian (in the 1920s or today) actually make a "prayer sign" like this in this context?
In the Charlie Chaplin film "The Kid" (1921), there is a scene where his character, who is apparently supposed to be Christian, is being threatened with violence by a thug. As he walks backwards, dodging the swings from the thug, they appear under a sign that says "BEDS 10 CENTS". When the thug swin...
In the Charlie Chaplin film "The Kid" (1921), there is a scene where his character, who is apparently supposed to be Christian, is being threatened with violence by a thug. As he walks backwards, dodging the swings from the thug, they appear under a sign that says "BEDS 10 CENTS".
When the thug swings at Charlie's character underneath the sign, it starts swinging back and forth from its hinges. Charlie's character notices this and makes the Christian "prayer hands" sign while looking up at the sign.
Here is the YouTube video clip showing it: [**The Kid, Charlie Chaplin fight scene one of the funniest scenes in kid**](https://youtu.be/B2rAv7wOP_8?t=161) .
Can this be explained somehow, other than simply being a fun visual gag? I mean, is it based on something? Would a Christian make such a prayer sign at a sign because it swings? Because the thug missed him? As if God saved him from the punch hitting him?
Is that "prayer sign" with the hands against each other something that Christians do/did to basically say: "Thanks for saving me from that danger, God!"?
Ze N.
(21 rep)
Dec 7, 2020, 03:57 PM
• Last activity: Dec 10, 2020, 09:59 PM
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Is it generally acceptable to attend a bible study as a non Christian?
I am a bit curious about seeking out a bible study. There are several reasons for this: A friend of mine (in another country) says she finds such a study group enjoyable, and it seems to be a good way to meet new people. (I myself just moved to a new country, where Christianity seems to have a large...
I am a bit curious about seeking out a bible study. There are several reasons for this:
A friend of mine (in another country) says she finds such a study group enjoyable, and it seems to be a good way to meet new people. (I myself just moved to a new country, where Christianity seems to have a larger place in society than I am used to).
It will help me understand Christianity better.
However, I do not really consider myself a Christian. Will I be out of place in such a study group, or even, will people be offended?
I do like to question things, and ask if something is unclear (I have a strong background in science). Is this something that might make people uneasy?
BibleCurious
(131 rep)
Jan 31, 2014, 09:57 PM
• Last activity: Jul 13, 2020, 05:42 PM
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When did the Orthodox and Catholic Churches distinguish the manner in which the Sign of the Cross was to be made?
From a comment on [What is the role of “Sign of the cross” gesture in Catholicism?][1], it was noted that Catholics make the Sign of the Cross by starting at the top, going to the left and then right, while Orthodox go from right to left (after starting at the top). What is the origin and reason for...
From a comment on What is the role of “Sign of the cross” gesture in Catholicism? , it was noted that Catholics make the Sign of the Cross by starting at the top, going to the left and then right, while Orthodox go from right to left (after starting at the top).
What is the origin and reason for this distinction? I'm also wondering if this distinction is universal in each church or if it differs to some degree inside each branch.
Narnian
(64586 rep)
Jul 24, 2013, 04:56 PM
• Last activity: Jan 8, 2018, 07:44 AM
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How was circumcision practiced in Jesus' time?
Both John the Baptist and Jesus were circumcised on the 8th day, according to Old Testament laws. Luke 1:57-60 English Standard Version (ESV) >Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they...
Both John the Baptist and Jesus were circumcised on the 8th day, according to Old Testament laws.
Luke 1:57-60 English Standard Version (ESV)
>Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.”
Luke 2:21-39 English Standard Version (ESV)
>And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Did a priest come to the home to perform the circumcision? Were there formal traditions or prayers recited, and if so, what do we know about them and how do we know about them?
MutluAnne
(533 rep)
Oct 24, 2017, 09:31 PM
• Last activity: Oct 31, 2017, 01:09 AM
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Is there a Christian basis for using garlic, crosses, and holy water against evil?
In popular culture, it is believed that holy objects, such as garlic, crosses, and holy water, can protect against evil, like vampires. Also, [Caleb's response to this question][1] inspired me to ask whether or not using those things (garlic, crosses, and holy water) have any legitimate basis in Chr...
In popular culture, it is believed that holy objects, such as garlic, crosses, and holy water, can protect against evil, like vampires. Also, Caleb's response to this question inspired me to ask whether or not using those things (garlic, crosses, and holy water) have any legitimate basis in Christian practice, or whether or not they are merely idols and only part of the fictional world.
Double U
(6893 rep)
Sep 8, 2013, 12:09 AM
• Last activity: May 13, 2016, 04:57 AM
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What is the basis for "Church Shopping"?
"Church shopping" is when church goers move about from church to church to find one they like, sometimes willing to travel great distances or spend many months visiting dozens of churches. It certainly seems much more common to Christians that prefer less ecumenical churches, such as non-denominatio...
"Church shopping" is when church goers move about from church to church to find one they like, sometimes willing to travel great distances or spend many months visiting dozens of churches. It certainly seems much more common to Christians that prefer less ecumenical churches, such as non-denominational, baptists, etc.
What is the biblical basis for this practice (according to those who believe there is one)? Are there any examples you can draw from in scripture which would suggest, for example, not being fed, as a reason for going from one Church to another?
Marc
(2838 rep)
Mar 10, 2016, 02:16 PM
• Last activity: Mar 11, 2016, 11:14 PM
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Is it appropriate to capitalize pronouns referring to Jesus Christ?
Somewhere along the line I picked up the habit of capitalizing He, His, Him, etc. when they are referring to Jesus Christ as a form of respect. Likewise I always capitalize Christ, which is the title of Jesus of Nazareth. My question is if this is an appropriate or common practice among Christians?...
Somewhere along the line I picked up the habit of capitalizing He, His, Him, etc. when they are referring to Jesus Christ as a form of respect. Likewise I always capitalize Christ, which is the title of Jesus of Nazareth. My question is if this is an appropriate or common practice among Christians?
**Conclusion:**
It appears this isn't a formal requirement, but I am not the only one to do it. I intend to continue to do so for now.
Jim McKeeth
(2317 rep)
Aug 26, 2011, 06:17 PM
• Last activity: Aug 28, 2014, 01:03 AM
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Is baptism a form of exorcism, or is that just a Hollywood myth?
I never watched this film, but the synopsis alone is eerie. Read [this article][1]. > She then runs to the safety of a church, knowing that baptism is a > form of exorcism. Is this true? Can baptism be a form of protection against Satan? Is Satan really a person, or does this film carry a strong Fau...
I never watched this film, but the synopsis alone is eerie. Read this article .
> She then runs to the safety of a church, knowing that baptism is a
> form of exorcism.
Is this true? Can baptism be a form of protection against Satan? Is Satan really a person, or does this film carry a strong Faustian theme? Why would Satan be afraid of baptism and not a Jewish mikveh? Is baptism made up of holy water?
Double U
(6893 rep)
Jan 17, 2014, 09:32 PM
• Last activity: Jan 17, 2014, 11:50 PM
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Could Hell be seen as a reward?
I live in a very atheistic land. People hate religion because the main religion in my province has abused the people. Thus sometimes when I speak to friends and coworkers I present Hell as follows. We have been designed to love (worship) God and find our joy in Him. Heaven is where we get to love Hi...
I live in a very atheistic land. People hate religion because the main religion in my province has abused the people. Thus sometimes when I speak to friends and coworkers I present Hell as follows.
We have been designed to love (worship) God and find our joy in Him. Heaven is where we get to love Him perfectly and enjoy Him perfectly. But a non-believer does not want to love God or enjoy Him. The non-believer wants to be God for himself.
So if heaven is the place where God is at the center and all our attention is turned towards Him, it would go against the desire of the unbeliever's heart for God to send him to heaven. So if a person goes through life rejecting God, Hell is the place where God does not intervene (no common grace). **Then does God offer the object of desire of the rebel heart?**
**I understand that Hell is a punishment, but does this explanation of Hell fit with the biblical teaching?**
David Laberge
(2933 rep)
Jan 30, 2012, 12:37 PM
• Last activity: Jan 15, 2013, 12:11 AM
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What is an LDS general conference?
Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, the Mormon church is holding a [general conference][1], which happens twice a year, in place of regular church meetings. There's some basic stuff on their website about it, but I'd like to know more about what it is, how it started, why it is held, its significance to...
Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, the Mormon church is holding a general conference , which happens twice a year, in place of regular church meetings.
There's some basic stuff on their website about it, but I'd like to know more about what it is, how it started, why it is held, its significance to church members, etc.
For example: It's a *general* conference -- who exactly is invited: is it for members only, like the temples? Is it a collection of sermons or does the format vary? What is discussed, and are there any notable conferences which have impacted Christianity or the world?
Bonus points for scriptural references or parallels.
Matt
(12059 rep)
Oct 6, 2012, 05:21 AM
• Last activity: Oct 8, 2012, 10:35 PM
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Holy Spirit vs Own option
When we are making decisions in church group, rather charismatic people will say things like > I *feel* we should... which they sometimes connect to be input of holy guidance like the holy spirit. Because I'm not convinced most times that my thought is that of GOD's input, I'll say ``I think...`` in...
When we are making decisions in church group, rather charismatic people will say things like
> I *feel* we should...
which they sometimes connect to be input of holy guidance like the holy spirit.
Because I'm not convinced most times that my thought is that of GOD's input, I'll say `
I think...` instead because I consider it very dangerous how some people act as if God had to tell them what to do.
*The move for an own option to become a godly input seems to be quite fluent with some people. But just because we have the Holy Spirit living in us, does not mean most of our options are direct input by god, does it?*
I mention this, because they will see themselves to be guided by God in the simplest of things like how do move banks in the church....
Would God not leave such duties to ourselves?
Edit:
**How can we determine the difference between the leading of the Holy spirit and our own opinions?**
user1121
Dec 28, 2011, 09:48 PM
• Last activity: Jul 10, 2012, 09:56 PM
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How long has the church been observing Lent?
At what point in church history did the Lenten season become a significant part of the church year? Obviously Easter came first, but I don't see the biblical basis for 40 days of preparation *for Easter*. I'm sure from that arose Ash Wednesday, and then a need for a Mardi Gras - but when do we see e...
At what point in church history did the Lenten season become a significant part of the church year?
Obviously Easter came first, but I don't see the biblical basis for 40 days of preparation *for Easter*. I'm sure from that arose Ash Wednesday, and then a need for a Mardi Gras - but when do we see each of these parts of the Lenten season coming about?
Affable Geek
(64310 rep)
Feb 22, 2012, 09:05 PM
• Last activity: Feb 22, 2012, 09:37 PM
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Is Christianity just a belief system, or is it also a system for organizing and governing society?
Works like "Mere Christianity" try and address common Christian beliefs and help recognize the diversity of belief systems within Christian sects. The question is whether this is what all of Christianity is, or is there more? Do Christian religious texts provide guidance on how to organize society a...
Works like "Mere Christianity" try and address common Christian beliefs and help recognize the diversity of belief systems within Christian sects. The question is whether this is what all of Christianity is, or is there more? Do Christian religious texts provide guidance on how to organize society and govern it with justice and fairness?
Added after reviewing comments through morning of 1/13/12:
1. Is it true that the family & social laws in the Old Testament texts are to be ignored? Yes/No? (provide supporting information)
2. If OT laws are to be ignored by Christians, does God/Jesus provide substitute laws in the New Testament texts? I.e., if God thought it important to provide laws (in addition to requiring certain beliefs) to guide people prior to the New Testament, why has He not deemed it important to either re-affirm these same laws in the New Testament, or provide substitute laws?
Probe Deeper
(247 rep)
Jan 12, 2012, 09:26 PM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2012, 03:07 PM
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Is Christianity functionally polytheistic?
In principle, Christianity is monotheistic. It posits that one god exists. However, as a result of the 300k+ christian sects, there exists more than one definition of the "Christian God". With the existence of multiple *definitions* of a "Christian God" amongst different sects and doctrines this cre...
In principle, Christianity is monotheistic. It posits that one god exists. However, as a result of the 300k+ christian sects, there exists more than one definition of the "Christian God".
With the existence of multiple *definitions* of a "Christian God" amongst different sects and doctrines this creates a plurality of practices - each aimed at their respective notion of *the* "Christian God".
In other words, since these multiple definitions lead to a pluralism of practices, does this mean Christianity **functions** as a polytheistic faith?
**If not**, this would require that all 300k sects agree that they worship the same "God".
rpeg
(2245 rep)
Dec 15, 2011, 12:37 AM
• Last activity: Dec 16, 2011, 03:07 AM
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