 |
Read Me: Topics and Guidelines Christianity 201
February 7th 2007
Replies: x
| Views: 1,586
|
|
Thread
|
Thread Starter
|
Last Post
|
Rating
|
|
Kelp
|
Posted: November 3rd 2009
@ 04:45 PM
|
|
I'll be getting these from here and expanding or commenting on their definition where apropriate.
NOTE: Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, the primary sponsor of The Theological Word of the Day, is experiencing financial difficulties. If you benefit from and believe in what the ministry is doing, please consider donating.
Regeneration
(Latin regenerare, “to reproduce”)
|
|
Bill the Cat
|
Posted: October 16th 2009
@ 09:51 AM
|
|
This thread is Moderator only participation. The purpose is to lay bare some of the unorthodox views taught in pop culture Christianity, such as radio and television.
This is not a thread to debate divergent but otherwise orthodox views of the topics involved. Posts fostering such debate will be deleted.
Each post must encompass a quote from a popular figure in Christianity and citation that is as complete as possible (i.e. quotes from TV shows et al must include the name of the program,...
|
|
|
Bill the Cat
|
Posted: September 6th 2009
@ 12:10 AM
|
|
Christians become 'useful idiots' when faith is politicized, group says
DALLAS - A group of U.S. evangelical leaders called on Wednesday for a pullback from party politics so that followers would not become "useful idiots" exploited for partisan gain.
One in four U.S. adults count themselves as evangelical Protestants, giving them serious clout in a country where religion and politics often mix. Conservative evangelicals have become a key support base for the Republican Party.
But the...
|
| |
|
|
TyRockwell
|
Posted: Today
@ 11:51 PM
|
|
I starteded the other thread to talk about how God is using His sons and daughters in these last days to act in the anointed power of the Holy Spirit. That thread was taken way off track. I want this thread to stay on topic.
The issue going forward will be understanding our place in Christ, seated with him at God's right hand.
God put an end to the Old Covenant religious system by which religious leaders held the people under their control. But the Man, Jesus, the son of God, freed us from...
|
|
|
Eru Ilúvatar
|
Posted: Today
@ 10:07 PM
|
|
So I've been wondering....what does theology say about music? Is it, as Martin Luther believed, a gift from God? Is it purely something natural selection chose to help us develop communication skills? (<--- I believe that's the consensus of the scientific community). Does it have anything at all to say about music?
As a layman, I believe it IS a gift from God to bring joy. What do you think?
|
|
|
Messor Mortis
|
Posted: Today
@ 10:43 AM
|
|
What do people think of the theological implications of mankind merging with technology and the possibility of concious machines. Im a student of computers and ive read some books on AI and personally im not optimistic about the technology becoming reality but im sure that its likely that eventually we will get to the point of creating machines that can at least mimic thought and behavior. I am almost certain that cybernetics and medical technology will allow some kind of merger between humans...
|
|
|
RyanS
|
Posted: November 19th 2009
@ 08:24 PM
|
|
A lot of morals are cut-and-dry but a lot of it seems ambiguous. I'll give a couple examples.
1. This is kind of a strange example but I'll say it anyway. On a road, it's not uncommon to find people traveling a little over the limit, like 5 miles, give or take. In fact it's so common, many times, police don't even do anything about it or else they'd be ticketing every other person. My question is, because virtually everyone does this, and because the Bible tells us to obey the laws of man as...
|
|
|
Shadowboy
|
Posted: November 19th 2009
@ 05:48 PM
|
|
Here's the deal. I've recently read Fabricating Jesus by Craig A Evans. A very enjoyable book in my opinion. I came across this section in the book which discusses a saying by Jesus which has parallels with another writing.
Mar 3:23 And he called them , and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
Mar 3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Mar 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Mar 3:26 And...
|
|
|
Broseph
|
Posted: November 19th 2009
@ 02:31 PM
|
|
Is baptism by water necessary for salvation? Roamns 10:9 doesnt say so.
"the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
If this is true, then how can Catholics even think infant baptism is ok, since they can't do either.
This area reserved for orthodox Christianity
|
|
|
Shadow Gaze
|
Posted: November 18th 2009
@ 09:23 PM
|
|
I go to a Pentecostal Church. It is pretty good, but once when I was at a youth convention some woman said that if you can't speak in tongues then you're not a "spirit-filled born-again Christian" and one or two people pushed me whilst praying for me (you know, so that I would fall over backward 'in the spirit') as if I "had" to fall over in order for prayer to work. It then struck me, is this notion Biblical?
Also, a lot of past critics of this sort of thing who attended my Church (my dad,...
|
|
|
Eru Ilúvatar
|
Posted: November 17th 2009
@ 11:37 PM
|
|
I do. Mostly thanks to my stay at TWeb and encounters with JPH. To name a few:
1) Preterism - I can't think of another person that I know "in real life" that is a preterist. While it wouldn't be as "embarrassing" as other things on this list, they just wouldn't understand. Quickly, anyway.
2) Our Client-Patron relationship with God - Western Christianity is so saturated with "God is our buddy", I know they definitely wouldn't understand. But I can't really blame them. This belief was...
|
|
|
Heartablaze
|
Posted: November 17th 2009
@ 04:38 PM
|
|
I was doing a Bible study with a friend today, and I casually asked her a question that's bugged me off and on- though not enough to get me to go one way or the other- and definitely not enough for me to doubt my faith. And come to find out, she had a completely different idea from what I've been taught. For a reference point, I'm Southern Baptist and she's in a kind of Anglican church.
The question: If we go to heaven when we die, then why is there judgment at the end of time- why the...
|
|
|
MattPalumbo
|
Posted: November 17th 2009
@ 02:08 PM
|
|
When did it occur and what was the effects of it? I'm a theistic evolutionist and am greatly troubled by it, it seems like the world was already corrupted before Adam and Eve, help please :blush:
|
|
|
RBerman
|
Posted: November 17th 2009
@ 02:01 PM
|
|
What do you mean when you say that the Bible is "Divinely inspired"? What process do you envision, and what specific implications does it have for the reliability, or lack thereof, of the product?
|
|
|
luv1another
|
Posted: November 17th 2009
@ 11:00 AM
|
|
I have seen topics on sex before marriage and I can see very valid view points in these arguments and I agree with a lot of what people have said for the view of not having sex before marriage.
however...
As a divorced mother of 3 children and having been in only one sexual relationship I was wondering how this would apply.
My fiance has been married twice (both ex's have had another relationship whilst married to him) .
to me since we are engaged and plan to marry and both have already had...
|
|
|
D. Medvedev Fan
|
Posted: November 17th 2009
@ 01:44 AM
|
|
In a Paltalk convo last night, SJayce mentioned that if I am a member of a church, I would be putting myself under a church's authority, or something to that effect. What does it mean to do that? What is the role of the church as an authority in that way? What does it look like to follow their authority since we should not just blindly agree and obey everything they say.
|
|
|
TheologicalDisc
|
Posted: November 16th 2009
@ 08:40 PM
|
|
I don't know if this is in the appropriate forum or not.
We all know 'the idiots,' whether they be the people that make stupid arguments, the people that get behind the wheel of a car and drive under intoxication, the people make our lives miserable by doing stupid things, etc. etc. we even might be 'that idiot' to someone else. The thing all of these instances have in common is it is a person or group of people doing something stupid. Our first instance is to reason with them, to show them...
|
|
|
Teluog
|
Posted: November 13th 2009
@ 06:31 PM
|
|
Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet, but top scholars are working on yet another new English translation: http://www.commonenglish.com/forms/home.aspx
|
|
|
Jin-Roh
|
Posted: November 13th 2009
@ 01:52 AM
|
|
I may be late to the party, but I recently grabbed an iPod and have been listening to random pod casts.
Since I have an interest in Christian Masculinity.
Then I listened to a bunch of sermons by Mark Driscolls.
I have since learned that:
1. I am not worthy of respect.
2. Godly authority screams at you.
|
|
|
harmonmsp
|
Posted: November 12th 2009
@ 12:23 AM
|
|
Mm-hmm. I'm asking. No justifying it--that's unnecessary here; though I'm always curious about why people choose what they do.
This idea came to me after discussing "tricky theological terms" with a friend in another sub-department. So, I'm curious about what people think when it comes to the translation philosophies they like, and why.
Have at it, ye! :yes:
|
|
|
disciple100
|
Posted: November 11th 2009
@ 05:26 PM
|
|
Hiya! :hi:
My mother and I have made some recent lifestyle changes (as far as diet is concerned) and as a result have also been taking at a look at alternative medicines. Right now we are even taking a 'Holistic Approach to Wellness' college class.
:storico:
I do agree with some of the aspects of the 'Holistic Approach' like when diagnosing a person it is important to take into consideration their emotional, behavioral, spiritual, psychological, and physical state.
We are going to be...
|
|
|
Teluog
|
Posted: November 10th 2009
@ 08:57 AM
|
|
Zondervan released their new Illustrated Bible Background commentaries recently and it looks like once a month they post one for free on Scribd.
Here's the link for Judges: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22158271/Judges-Zondervan-Illustrated-Bible-Backgrounds-Commentary
|
|
|
Jin-Roh
|
Posted: November 8th 2009
@ 10:57 AM
|
|
It turns out there is a nice Christian Alternative to the "evils" of Halloween, All Saint's Day/Day of the Dead.
I go to a Catholic school in southern California. So it made sense that there was a "Dia De Los Muetros" altar in the library. It was full of the candles and the colorful masks. It was littered with letters and pictures of the loved ones who passed on.
The altar was quite timely, since an undergraduate at the College had recently committed suicide.
I have never participating...
|
|
|
Eru Ilúvatar
|
Posted: November 7th 2009
@ 10:54 PM
|
|
I could also call this thread "What is worship?", but...
http://inspiks.com/2009/10/amazing-images-depicting-christian-worship/
My issue with it is because it seems to imply that the only valid form of worship is emotional prayer or singing. Personally, I define worship as any action that shows God that you reverence Him in such a way that you sacrifice yourself in some manner. And so I could call the late Curtmudgeon's sacrifice of his time and resources to house a stranger under his roof...
|
|
|
princesa
|
Posted: November 7th 2009
@ 09:04 PM
|
|
i found this in my old papers, when my faith was very strong and i was so young. i miss those days
There is a love that exists, to which the world has forgotten
Although we have felt it before mothers womb
As we grow, if we're lucky
We're embraced with mothers love,
A love that's second, only to One
As we mature and grow old we remember
|
|
|
Sparko
|
Posted: November 7th 2009
@ 04:28 AM
|
|
Pat what do you think a person does when he is dead?
|
|
|
Kabane52
|
Posted: November 7th 2009
@ 02:49 AM
|
|
What is up with these guys? Not the Jews for Jesus Michael Brown types, but the guys who demand Torah observance from Gentiles and refuse to identify themselves as Christians. How do they deal with Paul, where he repeatedly drives home the point that works of the law are not the badge of the New Covenant, but faith is the badge of the New Covenant, and that we are sons of Abraham through faith, not through the flesh?
|
|
|
princesa
|
Posted: November 1st 2009
@ 09:48 PM
|
|
I think intense prayer is a form of meditation. You find at least half an hour of your day where you can be uninterrupted, close your eyes, not speak aloud and just "meditate" or conjure up scripture passages in your mind so that it can penetrate into your subconscious. A sort of taking what you read from scripture, giving it your 'quiet time' and putting it into your soul with quiet meditation.
If you are a Christian who practices meditation in what manner do you practice?( I know many...
|
|
|
Eru Ilúvatar
|
Posted: November 1st 2009
@ 03:07 PM
|
|
It's funny how Christians, the people that should know better, like myself, can claim the name of Jesus and sometimes act blasé about it. Intellectually, we know God and His attributes, but in our daily lives, sometimes we don't appreciate those attributes and Him whom they describe.
Thankfully, sometimes circumstances break down that crusty barrier and I once again appreciate just what Being I'm supposed to serve.
For instance, while mindlessly surfing the Internet, I came across a section...
|
|
|
Eru Ilúvatar
|
Posted: October 31st 2009
@ 05:20 PM
|
|
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBbXtiZxcx8
"I wish I could describe him to ya!"
|
|
|
D. Medvedev Fan
|
Posted: October 28th 2009
@ 09:07 PM
|
|
How many churches is it reasonable to visit when looking for a church? How do you know if you are just being too picky about something? Should you just pick the almost arbitrarily decent enough church you find? What is normal or reasonable?
How much does style matter? Is it ok to not chose a church because the style of contemporary christian music makes it too easy to follow along with my mind 1000 miles away?
If the statement of faith holds that one practice of baptism is the proper...
|
|
|
Chaotic Void
|
Posted: October 28th 2009
@ 08:28 PM
|
|
I've heard about this group, but I have no freaking clue as to what they believe.
Would someone be able to enlighten this ignoramus as to who these guys are and what they believe (and whether or not they're a few bullets short of a full clip)?
Thanks in Advance,
CV
|
|
|
Jin-Roh
|
Posted: October 28th 2009
@ 04:54 PM
|
|
I know there are a lot of things that go on during Halloween, and it is one of those things that Christians are often concerned about.
For my part, I don't have a problem with Halloween. I never have. I expect to celebrate it like normal this year, but getting into a costume and spending time with friends who are likewise. Last year was great. This year I expect to be fun too.
I have always thought that it is a little strange when Churches will insist on holding a "harvest festival" or...
|
|
|
RyanS
|
Posted: October 28th 2009
@ 04:38 PM
|
|
Well, after months of doubt, I have finally decided to become a Christian. What do you recommend now that I've "joined the club?"
|
|
|
princesa
|
Posted: October 28th 2009
@ 03:19 PM
|
|
I grew up with a mother who loves God more than anyone I've ever known, I wont go into detail b/c I could go on and on about her "walking the walk". Anyway, she read her bible for enjoyment whenever she had the chance she'd put on her thick glasses, plop her large bible on the kitchen table and read silently. I remember running like a wild child with my brothers around the house and stopping and looking at her on occasion. She looked so peaceful. She always spoke of Jesus (and got goosebumps,...
|
|
|
Shadow Alcoth
|
Posted: October 27th 2009
@ 04:35 PM
|
|
I say this a little tongue in cheek, but on a serious note too.
I have an image of Christ in my head based on testimony from ancient letters, manuscripts, etchings, etc.
Plus, modern media portraits Christ a certain way as well.
So my question is,
If there is an image of Christ in my home and I pray before it (a crucifix for instance), since the depiction of Him is gotten through correspondences and not directly from the Bible. If the image is false, am I sinning?
|
|
|
Jin-Roh
|
Posted: October 24th 2009
@ 10:29 AM
|
|
A recent post by Internet Monk made me think about this from a different perspective.
I grew up reciting the creeds. I still recite the Apostle's creed before praying often. I think it is a beautiful thing to do for baptisms. I like how they remind us of our core doctrines and the fact that Christianity didn't start when whatever evangelical group we might be a part of started.
I remember, when studying the creeds in undergrad, one of the presenting students asked who grew up in a...
|
|
|
Cheetah
|
Posted: October 22nd 2009
@ 07:08 PM
|
|
Hi there, I know I haven't posted on here in aaaaaaages, not before I started my Divinity degree I think, and now I'm in my final year of it, eek!
Anyway, to what extent does church need to be reverent, and how do we express that reverence? For example, someone I was speaking to yesterday told a story of a minister who came in to church one Sunday in a coffin, and opened beer to make a point and she did not feel that this was very 'reverent'. If 'reverence' is showing respect to God, is...
|
|
|
RCNicholas
|
Posted: October 21st 2009
@ 12:25 PM
|
|
I want to know what you think of 1 Cor. 11, specifically verses 5-10 (though you are certainly welcome to draw on wider context if you think it's relevant):
"Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her...
|
|
|
beforHim
|
Posted: October 21st 2009
@ 11:33 AM
|
|
Getting a job is useful. it's important. It's necessary. It's good. Same with passing college classes. Another example (a little different): getting married is good, and we really want it. Companionship is really sought after, it's helpful, it's just a good thing.
So...
I've been trying to compile a list of reasons why it's, say, useful, helpful, beneficial, important, necessary, needed, etc. to pray (amongst other things). I do youth and college ministry, and when we make to much of...
|
|
|
princesa
|
Posted: October 19th 2009
@ 08:08 PM
|
|
I know many Christians who can't remember the last time they went to confession and prefer what they consider more personal and genuine repentance that surfaces when we feel guilty about something. Back in church school, ages ago, i remember being told I had to go confess every week and so I had to force myself to think of what to say. Of course it's not mandated, but wondered if someone can tell me what scripture states regarding to whom you should/can confess to and where. (I remember a...
|
|
|
Raphael
|
Posted: October 19th 2009
@ 01:16 PM
|
|
Hi guys,
I've chosen to put this in here, rather than the JW section as I want Christian input into it, but I'm happy for the mods to move it if needs be.
Anyhow, we had some JW's come for a visit, and now I've got some homework for when they visit again in two weeks.
Anyhow the chat centered around whether or not the New Heaven and the New Earth mentioned in Revelation 21 will be literal or figurative.
They said that the New Earth really means the righteous, and that the New Heaven means a...
|
|
|
D. Medvedev Fan
|
Posted: October 16th 2009
@ 12:02 PM
|
|
I'm wondering why it seems like many of the younger generations are leaving the traditional style churches for some new modern style. (By traditional churches, I include reformation Christianity, where we originally had good teaching* and liturgy.) What do you think is spurring this shift? Is it good or bad? If it is because of the lack of good Biblical teaching and morals in the traditional churches, why are they not being worked on from within?
*I know Catholics and Orthodox would...
|
|
|
robin
|
Posted: October 15th 2009
@ 10:24 PM
|
|
Having a read through this thread...
how to conduct a search among good churches?
Instead of going off topic I thoguht it better to start a new thread.
I'm intereted to hear what the content of your normal church service is. Not the one-off's like baptism services or 'special' evangelistic services but your your bog standard commmoner-gardener service. Be as detailed as you like, but at the minimum, how long the worship is, how long the preach, notices etc. Also useful to know how...
|
|
|
MattPalumbo
|
Posted: October 14th 2009
@ 06:53 PM
|
|
I was reading about stigmata s in various people but noticed that they were pierced through the hands, and crucifixion victims were pierced through the wrists, can someone explain this too me?
|
|
|
disciple100
|
Posted: October 14th 2009
@ 05:09 PM
|
|
Silly question, right? :bonk:
Sometimes (like right now) I don't have the strong urge to go to church. There are some days I just feel plain anit-social....which explains why I spend so much time at the forum. :ahem:
But I was wondering if this is just a funk. I liked Beren's thread and I was kinda moved alittle.
In fact, I can't even think of anything wrong with the church I currently attend! I like the people, I like the building, I love God, so what's the problem? Beats the heck outta...
|
|
|
Matt M
|
Posted: October 13th 2009
@ 06:12 PM
|
|
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Cayce
Also:
I find his story interesting, because most christians claim these abilities are demonic, yet Cayce was said to have been a devout born again Christian most of his life and dabbled in these things frequently while maintaining a strong faith.
|
|
|
George Blaisdell
|
Posted: October 13th 2009
@ 12:56 PM
|
|
Psalm 51: "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me..."
What is the difference between the salvation of John the Baptist and Paul of Tarsus?
Did salvation in the Old Testament have the Holy Spirit?
And if yes, what is the difference between it and the New Testament?
In Hebrews 11, Paul writes of the OT holy ones of whom the world was not worthy, and yet Christ tells us that the LEAST in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John the Baptist...
|
|
|
disciple100
|
Posted: October 13th 2009
@ 12:15 AM
|
|
What do you do when you think God wants you to do something?
I have been pleading with God to give me some answers. I am at an interesting point in my life at the moment. It is hard trying to listen for God's voice when you got guys like Pat Robertson saying they can hear God clearly. Of course, it is very likely that that is because Pat is farther along in his walk with Christ than I am :teeth:. But I am trying to hear Him.
So far I'm getting obvious cues to study the Scriptures. I keep...
|
|
|
Eru Ilúvatar
|
Posted: October 12th 2009
@ 04:35 PM
|
|
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K4fveLQZZQ&feature=player_embedded#
Enjoy :smile:
|
|
|
Little Shepherd
|
Posted: October 12th 2009
@ 08:02 AM
|
|
I only want answers from other Christians, so I'm putting this here:
My dad recently found a pastor on television named Melissa Scott. He started watching her show and asked me what I thought of her since I've given him my thoughts on other television pastors(Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, etc.) in the past. My first question to him was: "Is she on TBN?" When he said no, I turned around and took down a website address and found this site: http://www.pastormelissascott.com/
It seems...
|
|
|
Jin-Roh
|
Posted: October 12th 2009
@ 01:01 AM
|
|
In a previous thread, there was a long discussion about those Christians under 30 leaving traditional and liturgical Churches.
Obviously, by the response in that thread, it is not a universal thing.
Those of you who are the young high-church goers, why do you prefer a liturgical tradition? Did you convert to it? Where you raised in it? Why did you leave your old tradition if you did? What keeps you going when your around the old folks?
|
|
|
themuzicman
|
Posted: October 11th 2009
@ 12:04 PM
|
|
This is a splinter from http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showpost.php?p=2794324&postcount=10 where RBerman said that anyone who doesn't embrace Justification by faith alone (JFBA) isn't considered a Christian.
I'd like to explore this a bit, as it has some staggering implications.
The doctrine of JBFA is a fairly recent invention beginning in the 1500s with Luther and Calvin. I do realize the reason for this doctrine, and I don't necessarily disagree with its inception as a response to the...
|
