The unofficial ask a Christian thread

[D7M]

Ok, so we had the "Ask a Jew thread" and the ever-popular "ask a Muslim thread", so without further adieu, I present the ask a Christian thread.

This was originally to be titled 'ask a Catholic' but I'm quite capable of answering any questions on almost any Christian denomination. But Catholicism is certainly my specialty.

So, anything you ever wondered, heard conflicting accounts of, or whatever.

Fire away....

[alex18]

was jesus a virgin? or was mary secretly his wife? - serious question, not trying to make a joke of it but some people have different views on it

[D7M]

was jesus a virgin? or was mary secretly his wife?

According to the Christian tradition Jesus was a virgin (But ppl make a lot of money of books and movies that say he wasn't).

There really isn't much historical evidence to prove one side or the other. Where "historical evidence" means non-biased accounts. So, if we didn't include the Gospels (as they are obviously biased), the only other reliable historical data we have is from Josephus. He says nothing about Christ's marital status, but only confirms that he was a real person.

[amcon]

According to the Christian tradition Jesus was a virgin (But ppl make a lot of money of books and movies that say he wasn't).

There really isn't much historical evidence to prove one side or the other. Where "historical evidence" means non-biased accounts. So, if we didn't include the Gospels (as they are obviously biased), the only other reliable historical data we have is from Josephus. He says nothing about Christ's marital status, but only confirms that he was a real person.

derek in regaurds to the above ^^^ if the bible is perfect, and we know it is, where in the bible would you note that it even hints that Jesus had any sort of sexually relations with a woman? yet it records every other action he did? and the bible states that Jesus will be wed to "the church"... never says to a woman?

[D7M]

derek in regaurds to the above ^^^ if the bible is perfect, and we know it is, where in the bible would you note that it even hints that Jesus had any sort of sexually relations with a woman? yet it records every other action he did? and the bible states that Jesus will be wed to "the church"... never says to a woman?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Maybe my other post was confusing.

Of course, the bible no where says that Jesus had sexual relations with any woman.

i was trying to say that even outside the bible, there is no historical data for saying that Jesus had any sexual relations with women.

[amcon]

I'm not sure what you're asking. Maybe my other post was confusing.

Of course, the bible no where says that Jesus had sexual relations with any woman.

i was trying to say that even outside the bible, there is no historical data for saying that Jesus had any sexual relations with women.

agreed - it looked like (too me) that the answer was left open to interpertation

[BuffedGuy]

Peace be unto you, Derek.

You have majored in theology at a very prestigious Christian university. As such, you are not a layperson. My question is, do you agree with the quote below:

derek in regaurds to the above ^^^ if the bible is perfect, and we know it is,

I've seen a lot of Christian laypersons saying this, but I've also seen Christian laypersons denying it and saying that although the Bible is not perfect, it's still excellent (just not without error). I've also read from Dr. Bart Ehrman that no credible Christian scholar actually holds the belief that the Bible is 100% without error, as we have it today; he says it's just a misconception held by some from the Christian masses.

What is your take on this? Also, what is your view of Dr. Bart Ehrman? Fair and balanced? Or sensationalist and biased?

Thanks.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

[D7M]

Peace be unto you, Derek.

You have majored in theology at a very prestigious Christian university. As such, you are not a layperson. My question is, do you agree with the quote below:



I've seen a lot of Christian laypersons saying this, but I've also seen Christian laypersons denying it and saying that although the Bible is not perfect, it's still excellent (just not without error). I've also read from Dr. Bart Ehrman that no credible Christian scholar actually holds the belief that the Bible is 100% without error, as we have it today; he says it's just a misconception held by some from the Christian masses.

What is your take on this? Also, what is your view of Dr. Bart Ehrman? Fair and balanced? Or sensationalist and biased?

Thanks.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

Well, first I would say I *am* a lay person, since I'm not a cleric or priest.

Good call on that. I'd say it is infallible in terms of faith and morals. Which is what is should be. It's not a necessarily a historical document or a scientific one.

[amcon]

Peace be unto you, Derek.

You have majored in theology at a very prestigious Christian university. As such, you are not a layperson. My question is, do you agree with the quote below:



I've seen a lot of Christian laypersons saying this, but I've also seen Christian laypersons denying it and saying that although the Bible is not perfect, it's still excellent (just not without error). I've also read from Dr. Bart Ehrman that no credible Christian scholar actually holds the belief that the Bible is 100% without error, as we have it today; he says it's just a misconception held by some from the Christian masses.

What is your take on this? Also, what is your view of Dr. Bart Ehrman? Fair and balanced? Or sensationalist and biased?

Thanks.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

in all due respect - learning the bible from a college or from a priest or a pastor is not what God calls us to do... some of the highest regaurded theologens held no formal education or acclimations. i will quote the reason for perfect Word in just a few

[DSM4Life]

Is the "body of Christ" (Eucharist) made out of cardboard ? (it taste like it)
If yes, how many simple carbs does it contain ?

[D7M]

Is the "body of Christ" (Eucharist) made out of cardboard ? (it taste like it)
If yes, how many simple carbs does it contain ?

In the Roman Catholic Church, the wafer is made from unleavened bread.

Primarily manufactured by contemplative nuns.

I've heard of some recipes that include a touch of olive oil, as well.

But the GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) only specifies that it must be made with unleavened flour and water to be licit.

I'd image it has very few simple carbs.

[DSM4Life]

In the Roman Catholic Church, the wafer is made from unleavened bread.

Primarily manufactured by contemplative nuns.

I've heard of some recipes that include a touch of olive oil, as well.

But the GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) only specifies that it must be made with unleavened flour and water to be licit.

I'd image it has very few simple carbs.

Thank you.

[D7M]

Thank you.

no prob

[Matt]

Is the "body of Christ" (Eucharist) made out of cardboard ? (it taste like it)
If yes, how many simple carbs does it contain ?

Good question..

[D7M]

Oh, and I do hope this stays civil and respectable

For the most part the ask the Muslim thread was, no reason this can't be as well...

[Matt]

Oh, and I do hope this stays civil and respectable

For the most part the ask the Muslim thread was, no reason this can't be as well...

In that case lol, with all due respect i shall stay out of this one..

[DSM4Life]

In that case lol, with all due respect i shall stay out of this one..

Is my question appropriate ?

[T_Own]

In that case lol, with all due respect i shall stay out of this one..

same. and i was cooking while the other religion thread blew up and was then locked

[D7M]

Oh, and I should say this....

While I don't really identify myself as a Catholic, or even as religious anymore, this just happens to be a subject a know something about, and is in fact how I make my living (teaching it).

So, I prob won't be offended by anything you say, but would still like it to be a worthwhile thread.

[RuhlFreak55]

why does the catholic church use the money it takes from people to hire assasins and kill people?

Why do christians believe ABSURD things like there were no dinosaurs?

If your "God" created the earth, then by definition your god is an extra terrestrial no?

Why is it the christians preach things like tolerance and such when they tried to kill off mnay different groups of people over the years? (the druids and celts come to mind)

Isn't one of the precepts thou shalt not judge? If so, then why do a great, GREAT number of christians judge me and mine for my non belief in their retarded concepts?

Why did the christians take most holidays and many many symbols from the Pagans? (power hungry....wanted to subvert everyone)

[*RAGE*]

why does the catholic church use the money it takes from people to hire assasins and kill people?

Why do christians believe ABSURD things like there were no dinosaurs?

If your "God" created the earth, then by definition your god is an extra terrestrial no?

Why is it the christians preach things like tolerance and such when they tried to kill off mnay different groups of people over the years? (the druids and celts come to mind)

Isn't one of the precepts thou shalt not judge? If so, then why do a great, GREAT number of christians judge me and mine for my non belief in their retarded concepts?

Why did the christians take most holidays and many many symbols from the Pagans? (power hungry....wanted to subvert everyone)

wow....

[spywizard]

why does the catholic church use the money it takes from people to hire assasins and kill people?

Why do christians believe ABSURD things like there were no dinosaurs?

If your "God" created the earth, then by definition your god is an extra terrestrial no?

Why is it the christians preach things like tolerance and such when they tried to kill off mnay different groups of people over the years? (the druids and celts come to mind)

Isn't one of the precepts thou shalt not judge? If so, then why do a great, GREAT number of christians judge me and mine for my non belief in their retarded concepts?

Why did the christians take most holidays and many many symbols from the Pagans? (power hungry....wanted to subvert everyone)

if he doesn't answer you .. i will..

[D7M]

why does the catholic church use the money it takes from people to hire assasins and kill people?

Why do christians believe ABSURD things like there were no dinosaurs?

If your "God" created the earth, then by definition your god is an extra terrestrial no?

Why is it the christians preach things like tolerance and such when they tried to kill off mnay different groups of people over the years? (the druids and celts come to mind)

Isn't one of the precepts thou shalt not judge? If so, then why do a great, GREAT number of christians judge me and mine for my non belief in their retarded concepts?

Why did the christians take most holidays and many many symbols from the Pagans? (power hungry....wanted to subvert everyone)

good questions, Ruhl.

1. Is this from a Dan Brown book? seriously, though, this sounds more like something from a conspiracy theory website than fact. The RCC (Roman Catholic Church) is not a secret society.

2. I can't speak for all Christians on the dinosaur thing, but Catholics do recognize that dinosaurs did in fact exist. The theory of evolution is an other issue, but I'm sure that will come up later.

3. Right, the druids, celts, the cruisades. I answered something about this in another thread not too long ago. This was clearly an aberration from the original gospel message. There is no excuse for it, as these types of actions are certainly not in any sense of the word "Christian".

4. I actually agree with you on this one, which is *one* of the reasons I'm not really religious anymore. No offense to anyone, but you see this type of sht more Protestant fundamentalists. I'm not biased at all, but from my experience, most Catholics are much less judgmental. I grew up in a fundamentalist Protestant tradition, and it was terribly hypocritical, but it is something I've come to see as a part of the internal logical inconsistencies of their belief system (ie, sola gratia claims...)

5. I don't really see the Christianization of certain cultural practices as power hunger, but more of the inculturation of social groups with their own practices into a religion. Even to this day, when new societies are converted (to Christianity), they are allowed to keep some native practices of their culture. It was more of a mesh of the matrix of culture and religion that prompted the practices we still see today.

[MuscleScience]

good questions, Ruhl.


4. I actually agree with you on this one, which is *one* of the reasons I'm not really religious anymore. No offense to anyone, but you see this type of sht more Protestant fundamentalists. I'm not biased at all, but from my experience, most Catholics are much less judgmental. I grew up in a fundamentalist Protestant tradition, and it was terribly hypocritical, but it is something I've come to see as a part of the internal logical inconsistencies of their belief system (ie, sola gratia claims...)

In my experience it has been the complete opposite.

[D7M]

In my experience it has been the complete opposite.

That's fair. But, care to expand?

That was just my experience, so I'm not generalizing. I guess I was refering more to the puritanical codes of morality that most Protestant denominations subscribe to. Like, don't drink, smoke, etc. In general, these things aren't healthy, but they are not "intrinsically evil" and most of my experience was that if you did drink (even socially) you were automatically branded as a terrible person.

I guess what it comes down to is every religion (even every social group) has its hypocrites, but that is not what defines the group.

[Rugger02]

That's fair. But, care to expand?

That was just my experience, so I'm not generalizing. I guess I was refering more to the puritanical codes of morality that most Protestant denominations subscribe to. Like, don't drink, smoke, etc. In general, these things aren't healthy, but they are not "intrinsically evil" and most of my experience was that if you did drink (even socially) you were automatically branded as a terrible person.

I guess what it comes down to is every religion (even every social group) has its hypocrites, but that is not what defines the group.

Very true, I think a lot of people forget this sometimes.

[MuscleScience]

That's fair. But, care to expand?

That was just my experience, so I'm not generalizing. I guess I was refering more to the puritanical codes of morality that most Protestant denominations subscribe to. Like, don't drink, smoke, etc. In general, these things aren't healthy, but they are not "intrinsically evil" and most of my experience was that if you did drink (even socially) you were automatically branded as a terrible person.

I guess what it comes down to is every religion (even every social group) has its hypocrites, but that is not what defines the group.

No not really It is my own personal observation on how I and friends and family have been treated. Its probably and most likely not representative of all Catholics and is a personal bias that I hold right or wrong. Saying anything more would be purely a biased one sided opinion not worthy of intelligent debate. Plus someone would get sore feelings and thats not what I am here for. I just wanted to point out another side of the comment you made, not to argue but to balance the argument....

[spywizard]

Expand upon this passage

Mathew 12 31:32

And given many become disillusioned with organized religion how does a person know if he is judged to have committed such as is describe in this passage..

[D7M]

Expand upon this passage

Mathew 12 31:32

And given many become disillusioned with organized religion how does a person know if he is judged to have committed such as is describe in this passage..

Wow. Good question!

The verse in question is:

"Therefore I say to you: Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit shall not be forgiven."

So you're asking how can one know if he has committed and unforgivable sin?

I think the best gloss I've seen on this was from St. Augustine. He says something to the effect that, the sin here spoken of is that blasphemy, which the Pharisees attributed the miracles of Christ, saying that He (Christ) worked not by the Spirit of God, but Beelzebub.

This kind of sin is usually accompanied with so much obstinacy, and such wilful opposition to the Spirit of God, and the known truth, that men who are guilty of it, are seldom or never converted: and therefore are never forgiven, because they will not repent.

But of course there is no sin, which God cannot or will not forgive to such as sincerely repent.

[spywizard]

Wow. Good question!

The verse in question is:

"Therefore I say to you: Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit shall not be forgiven."

So you're asking how can one know if he has committed and unforgivable sin?

I think the best gloss I've seen on this was from St. Augustine. He says something to the effect that, the sin here spoken of is that blasphemy, which the Pharisees attributed the miracles of Christ, saying that He (Christ) worked not by the Spirit of God, but Beelzebub.

This kind of sin is usually accompanied with so much obstinacy, and such wilful opposition to the Spirit of God, and the known truth, that men who are guilty of it, are seldom or never converted: and therefore are never forgiven, because they will not repent.

But of course there is no sin, which God cannot or will not forgive to such as sincerely repent.

I'd agree with that, the followup to it is in our lives when a person becomes or begins to question their own faith, or (church = body of believers) how does one know if they have committed this sin??

I'll go further or point ya in a direction, have you ever done any studies on sociopathic behavior?? Specifically when a person has no remorse and for whatever reasons (and there are many) stops valuing anything or body (meaning life) .. But then we'd have to expand upon civilizes social behavioral patterns and what not..

thanks

[D7M]

I'd agree with that, the followup to it is in our lives when a person becomes or begins to question their own faith, or (church = body of believers) how does one know if they have committed this sin??

I'll go further or point ya in a direction, have you ever done any studies on sociopathic behavior?? Specifically when a person has no remorse and for whatever reasons (and there are many) stops valuing anything or body (meaning life) .. But then we'd have to expand upon civilizes social behavioral patterns and what not..

thanks

ok, I see what you're saying.

Practically, then, I'd say that a person who begins to question their faith would know they committed an "unforgivable" sin if there is no remorse, and no desire for repentance. Now, that doesn't mean that every person out there who commits some sin and doesn't feel remorse in deep sht, it could just be that they've become sensitized to it.

The second case is more complicated. If someone has a psychological disorder than that mitigating circumstance would reduce his culpability.

Does that make any sense?

[Matt]

Why have many gosples been deleted from the bible??

[D7M]

Why have many gosples been deleted from the bible??

Technically, no Gospels have ever been deleted from the Bible.

In terms of the NT, in the first centuries of Christianity there were literally tons of different gospel accounts in circulation. Some of these were not 100% in terms of authentic Christian tradition (what we know call heretics: Gnostics, Docetics, etc).

Around 150 AD there was a general consensus on the NT canon, though there was still some debate even until the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD). Though never officially codified by a council the books we now have as the NT are the ones that were accepted then (Chalcedon, 451). The final canonization came in the fourth session of the Council of Trent (1546).

So, no books were deleted, but just never accepted b/c of doctrinal errors. Actually, some of non-canonical books have some really funny sht in them. Like, the Gospel of Thomas has this line, where Peter asks Jesus what will happen to Mary (the Mother of Jesus), because only men can enter heaven. And Jesus says something like, "she will have to be made into a man first"!

So, you can see why stuff like that didn't make the cut.

[DSM4Life]

If you had a gay child would you hate him ? Or try and change him even though you knew he was happy the way he was ?

[D7M]

If you had a gay child would you hate him ? Or try and change him even though you knew he was happy the way he was ?

No way would I hate my son if he happened to be gay. I think the thing that would bother me the most (now that I think about it), would be the lack of biological grandchildren. But I wouldn't hate him, or disown him or any of that closed minded sht.

Nor would I try to change him.

I don't have kids. But I always hoped that if I do that I'll be that cool dad that he could talk to me about whatever he's going through.

One of my best friends that I did my PhD with was a very devout Catholic, and also gay. He had a really tough time coming to terms with his sexuality. So I think my experience in talking alot with him about this helped me form a deeper understanding and appreciation for this subject.

But, I'm not speaking for *all* Christiandom here, soooo....

[BuffedGuy]

Nor would I try to change him.

I don't have kids. But I always hoped that if I do that I'll be that cool dad that he could talk to me about whatever he's going through.

One of my best friends that I did my PhD with was a very devout Catholic, and also gay. He had a really tough time coming to terms with his sexuality. So I think my experience in talking alot with him about this helped me form a deeper understanding and appreciation for this subject.

But, I'm not speaking for *all* Christiandom here, soooo....

Peace be unto you, Derek.

How would a Christian rationalize this approach from a scriptural standpoint? It seems more like a personal opinion than a religiously grounded one.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

[D7M]

Peace be unto you, Derek.

How would a Christian rationalize this approach from a scriptural standpoint? It seems more like a personal opinion than a religiously grounded one.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

Spy and buff, I'll get to your questions in a sec. This one is just a quick answer.

-At least as a *Catholic* Christian one wouldn't need only a Scriptural justification, because we believe also in a living tradition.

-But the Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 2358 says that: "Men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies . . . must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."

So, even in the Catholic Church's official catechism, it states what I just said. That I'd still accept and respect my gay son.

[BuffedGuy]

Spy and buff, I'll get to your questions in a sec. This one is just a quick answer.

-At least as a *Catholic* Christian one wouldn't need only a Scriptural justification, because we believe also in a living tradition.

-But the Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 2358 says that: "Men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies . . . must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."

So, even in the Catholic Church's official catechism, it states what I just said. That I'd still accept and respect my gay son.

Peace be unto you, Derek.

I understand what you are saying that you would still accept and respect your son in such a situation. That was not what I was questioning. Rather, my issue was with when you said "I would not try to change him." What exactly do you mean by this? Wouldn't a devout Christian advise a person to stay away from "the abomination" that the people of Sodom engaged in, as mentioned in the Bible?

By the way, if you want me to cease pursuing this point, please PM me and I'll stop. I don't want to derail your thread.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

[skinnykenney]

Peace be unto you, Derek.

How would a Christian rationalize this approach from a scriptural standpoint? It seems more like a personal opinion than a religiously grounded one.

In the Care of the Lord,
-Saladin.

God loves all his children!
And a sin is a sin Bro!not one sin is worse than others!
That's in the scripture also!
Maybe that's why.

[BuffedGuy]

God loves all his children!
And a sin is a sin Bro!not one sin is worse than others!
That's in the scripture also!
Maybe that's why.

Peace be unto you, Derek.

1. Is it true that God loves all human beings, according to Christian theology? If so, why does He send the sinner--not the sin--into the eternal pit of hellfire?

2. Is it true that Christians consider all sins equal? So is rape considered equal to cheating on a math test? If so, can you explain?

Thank you.