Question Bombardment

[JustinHesychast]

Hey there! :wave:I am a new Christian, and thus am experiencing massive amounts of questions and indecision on denomination. So I was given the idea that I should compose a list of questions and post them in each denominational subforum. Some of them have to do with the beliefs of the denomination, others are just questions of Christianity in general. I tried this in the General Theology, but I received bickering and varying sides.

So... thanks if you answer my questions. It is much appreciated. Please indicate whether your answer is your personal belief or your overall doctrinal belief. Please support answers with Scripture appropriately if possible. Again, MANY thanks!:hug:


- Dinosaurs. They did exist, and that's fact. Unless God put them on here to fool us into unbelief, since it doesn't mention them in the Bible, but I don't think He'd do that. So... how is that explained? Relating to this question is primitive humans, or cavemen. We know they exist from fossils. What do you think about that?

- Regarding the last question, what about the whole young Earth vs. old Earth thing? Any biblical proof for either side?

- The "super natural", particularly creatures. Nessie, for one. I mean, Nessie is speculated to be a dinosaur. I believe in Nessie. Big Foot and Yeti I'm not entirely sure, and the same goes for El Chubacabras. But I am also a firm believer in intelligent aliens, which is perhaps one of my biggest questions regarding Christianity and the Bible. I've heard theories as to aliens being some sort of fallen angel, and the reason for God flooding the Earth (speaking of, why isn't Earth ever capitalized in the Bible?) is because Noah and his family were the only "pure" humans left. Others had mix of alien/fallen angle blood in them, because they would abduct women and deposit their sperm into them. I used to could find where those odd verses that were quoted are, but I've lost them. I never examined the verses fully because the context they were used in were obscure. I've also been told that aliens perhaps exist, but that we do not know because God does not want us to. Aliens do not affect our salvation, so he may have created them but left it out of our Bible.

- Science. Lots of things can be explained through science, and there is tons of proof of a million-billion, maybe even trillion, year old Earth. Dragonflies have been around longer than us, etc. How is that explained when you believe in God and the Bible but these things have legit proof? Another thing is the moon effecting Earth. It moves away 1.5" a year, and eventually will throw the environment terribly off whack. There are so many questions regarding Science and Christianity. I mean, how would one argue the Big Bang Theory? I've been told that God can't (well, He can, but...) just poof stuff into existence, he has to use the laws of science and nature to make things work. And... regarding Pangaea... could the Earth have split so rapidly in the time frame of God's creation? It seems kind of illogical, because many of the continents fit together quite nicely.

- And there is proof, unless my memory is misleading me, that the first humans were in Africa. Is this true regarding the Bible?

- Is there any denomination that is 100% right regarding the Bible? Why so many Christian denominations? Do you think yours is THE ONE denomination? Do you think those of others will go to Hell? I mean, various interpretations I can understand... but around 30,000+ Protestant denominations alone?? Why?

- Animals have done nothing. They fell when humans fell - thus carnivores etc. (since Adam and Eve were vegetarians before the Fall, and while skin was used for clothing, meat wasn't permitted until after the Flood). So, because of humans, animals don't go to heaven? They were perfect before, too. And, if looking at actions alone and not Grace, most animals deserve to go to heaven moreso than most humans do. I just DO NOT see how God cannot allow His creation from Earth into heaven minus humans. What does your denomination feel regarding this?

- Leading into that is this: I don't want my memory of my Earthly existence to be erased. If 2 of my best friends and a family member don't go to heaven, I don't want to forget them for all eternity! The same goes for my sisters (remember: 3 dogs, not humans) - I want to remember them forever and ever! And wives. There will not be marriage in heaven. What's the point of having a wife on Earth then? So you're deep, deep love for her will become equal to everyone else when in Heaven? Well, all of this is depressing. It's basically like saying what you do on Earth is pointless other than helping guide people to the Lord, and praising Him. But even the praise is short, for our life is like the blink of an eye to God. Oh, and as a sidenote, my new body on the new Earth, that's a weird though, isn't it?

- Which Bible version is used and why? And if we have, in the Bible, the "exact Word of God", then why are things so often mistranslated in English? The same can be said for Spanish, Japanese, etc.

- What about the Apocrypha in your church? Why do you believe (insert belief here regarding Apocrypha)?

- The whole yolk thing means a believer and a non believer marrying, right? Not white, black, etc.? Or does your denomination feel differently?

- Regarding that, it says in the Bible that Jesus has hair like wool. Well... that's a black person’s hair description. He'd have to be at least fairly dark coming from the Middle East. Why is he always white in pictures?? (This is just kind of a random question. Hehe.)

- Veganism and Environmentalism. I'm a vegan (no animals or animal byproducts other than honey), and a pretty heavy environmentalist and animal rights activist (hence I don't want a leather Bible). What do you think of Christianity and veganism? Secondly, should I be an environmentalist? It kind of seems useless when there will be a new Earth anyways.

- Global warming. Is it God's plan? How do I argue those who say the hurricanes, etc. are not a sign of the times but from global warming (which it is from global warming, but... maybe a sign of the times also?)?

- Very important here. Does God even HAVE A PLAN? If so, He planned for lots of people to go to Hell eternally and for Adam and Eve to sin. OR, did He just know these things would happen? If so, why didn't He stop them?

- How does your denomination view salvation?

- How you feel of the people who have never even HEARD of Christ?

- Is it true that Satan is still in Heaven and that he won't be cast down until later? I read that in a book.

- Views on life after death? Do Christians go to Heaven immediately, but those who aren't are conscious and in torment in Hades (I think it is called) until there is an actual Hell since Satan isn't ruler of Hell until he is cast down?

- What about those before Christ? How are they in Heaven, or are they? And why wasn't Christianity widespread in BC, or was it even called Christianity?

- I've heard controversy on Jesus' real birthday. Like that it isn't in December, but June. Is this true, and how do we know other than the shepherd tending their flock evidence? If it is, why do we celebrate Dec. 25 as his birthday?

- Holidays. I've heard most of Christian holidays (also the major holidays) are based of paganism and have no real significant dates. This true? Which holidays do you celebrate?

- When is the Sabbath according to your doctrine? I've heard arguments that it isn't on Sunday.

- How could God, an all loving and caring God, command others to kill others through battles, etc.? It even says so in the Bible. I can understand the eternal hell thing, since it is OUR choice and we send ourselves there, but commanding the killing of others? AND THE STONING OF OTHERS in the Old Testament when certain laws were broken?! How [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth]' cruel! It's hard to imagine the loving God I had grown up knowing commanding that.

- Is the snake thing in Genesis real or metaphorical?

[Torah613]

I won't tackle the rest of your questions. However I am a vegan as well, and feel that it is perfectly compatible with Christianity. I also don't consume honey, and refer to those who do as "Favus Vegetarians" from teh latin for honeycomb, but that is a distinction for another time and place.

Joe Zollars

[PaladinValer]

Dinosaurs. They did exist, and that's fact. Unless God put them on here to fool us into unbelief, since it doesn't mention them in the Bible, but I don't think He'd do that. So... how is that explained? Relating to this question is primitive humans, or cavemen. We know they exist from fossils. What do you think about that?

What does the theory of evolution say? There's a very well-evidenced and truthful answer.

- Regarding the last question, what about the whole young Earth vs. old Earth thing? Any biblical proof for either side?

The Bible isn't a science textbook. Its a book on faith, doctrine, and salvation.

- The "super natural", particularly creatures. Nessie, for one. I mean, Nessie is speculated to be a dinosaur. I believe in Nessie. Big Foot and Yeti I'm not entirely sure, and the same goes for El Chubacabras.

They're all either mislabeled, hoaxes, or real. This has nothing to do with religion however.

But I am also a firm believer in intelligent aliens, which is perhaps one of my biggest questions regarding Christianity and the Bible. I've heard theories as to aliens being some sort of fallen angel, and the reason for God flooding the Earth (speaking of, why isn't Earth ever capitalized in the Bible?)

This idea is commonly believed in by sects and actual cults like Heaven's Gate. Avoid such "theology" like the Black Death.

is because Noah and his family were the only "pure" humans left. Others had mix of alien/fallen angle blood in them, because they would abduct women and deposit their sperm into them.

The Nephilim? A story.

I used to could find where those odd verses that were quoted are, but I've lost them. I never examined the verses fully because the context they were used in were obscure. I've also been told that aliens perhaps exist, but that we do not know because God does not want us to. Aliens do not affect our salvation, so he may have created them but left it out of our Bible.

Me thinks you're rationalizing too much. Again, the Bible isn't a science textbook. Don't treat it as such.

- Science. Lots of things can be explained through science, and there is tons of proof of a million-billion, maybe even trillion, year old Earth. Dragonflies have been around longer than us, etc. How is that explained when you believe in God and the Bible but these things have legit proof? Another thing is the moon effecting Earth. It moves away 1.5" a year, and eventually will throw the environment terribly off whack. There are so many questions regarding Science and Christianity. I mean, how would one argue the Big Bang Theory? I've been told that God can't (well, He can, but...) just poof stuff into existence, he has to use the laws of science and nature to make things work. And... regarding Pangaea... could the Earth have split so rapidly in the time frame of God's creation? It seems kind of illogical, because many of the continents fit together quite nicely.

and

- And there is proof, unless my memory is misleading me, that the first humans were in Africa. Is this true regarding the Bible?

Last time: The Bible isn't a science textbook.

- Is there any denomination that is 100% right regarding the Bible? Why so many Christian denominations? Do you think yours is THE ONE denomination? Do you think those of others will go to Hell? I mean, various interpretations I can understand... but around 30,000+ Protestant denominations alone?? Why?

There is one true church. The reason for so many denominations is due to disbelief in what the Holy Spirit has already revealed. Anglicans believe they are a part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Only God knows the final fate of everyone, and anyone who claims they do to should be ignored and rejected.

- Animals have done nothing. They fell when humans fell - thus carnivores etc. (since Adam and Eve were vegetarians before the Fall, and while skin was used for clothing, meat wasn't permitted until after the Flood). So, because of humans, animals don't go to heaven? They were perfect before, too. And, if looking at actions alone and not Grace, most animals deserve to go to heaven moreso than most humans do. I just DO NOT see how God cannot allow His creation from Earth into heaven minus humans. What does your denomination feel regarding this?

Animals have souls. And the notion that Christ came to reconcile the entire world is believed in by many who hold to the Apostolic Traditions, most notably the EOs.

- Leading into that is this: I don't want my memory of my Earthly existence to be erased. If 2 of my best friends and a family member don't go to heaven, I don't want to forget them for all eternity! The same goes for my sisters (remember: 3 dogs, not humans) - I want to remember them forever and ever!

No one has come back to say, so that's a Holy Mystery.

And wives. There will not be marriage in heaven. What's the point of having a wife on Earth then? So you're deep, deep love for her will become equal to everyone else when in Heaven?

The Sacrament of Marriage is about theosis.

- Which Bible version is used and why? And if we have, in the Bible, the "exact Word of God", then why are things so often mistranslated in English? The same can be said for Spanish, Japanese, etc.

Only Jesus is the Word of God. The Bible is Revelation based on a human-God relationship.

- What about the Apocrypha in your church? Why do you believe (insert belief here regarding Apocrypha)?

Scripture.

- The whole yolk thing means a believer and a non believer marrying, right? Not white, black, etc.? Or does your denomination feel differently?

Not necessarily. I know many couples of Christians with non-Christians that work very well. One of my cousins is in fact married to a Jew.

- Regarding that, it says in the Bible that Jesus has hair like wool. Well... that's a black person’s hair description. He'd have to be at least fairly dark coming from the Middle East. Why is he always white in pictures?? (This is just kind of a random question. Hehe.)

What does it matter? In reality, it would have looked like a 1st century Palestinian Jew: darker (but not black) skin, dark hair, short, and with darker-colored eyes.

- Veganism and Environmentalism. I'm a vegan (no animals or animal byproducts other than honey), and a pretty heavy environmentalist and animal rights activist (hence I don't want a leather Bible). What do you think of Christianity and veganism? Secondly, should I be an environmentalist? It kind of seems useless when there will be a new Earth anyways.

New Earth not in that sense. The Earth will be transfigured, not destroyed and reformed: that's a heresy called chiliasm.

Veganism is optional and environmentalism is an important part of Christian theology. We are stewards of God's Creation. We are to take care of what has been given for us to manage. The Earth isn't our's, it's His.

- Global warming. Is it God's plan? How do I argue those who say the hurricanes, etc. are not a sign of the times but from global warming (which it is from global warming, but... maybe a sign of the times also?)?

Its part of natural geology and climetology combined with humankind's abuse of resources.

- Very important here. Does God even HAVE A PLAN? If so, He planned for lots of people to go to Hell eternally and for Adam and Eve to sin. OR, did He just know these things would happen? If so, why didn't He stop them?

The "Plan" is to reconcile us with Him; for us to awaken from spiritual childhood and for our broken souls to be healed. This is theosis.

- How does your denomination view salvation?

By God's Grace through Living Faith, which is belief in and works.

- How you feel of the people who have never even HEARD of Christ?

Up to God.

- Is it true that Satan is still in Heaven and that he won't be cast down until later? I read that in a book.

Nope. St. Michael the Archangel threw him down to Earth, meaning that he was ousted and we must deal with him here now.

- Views on life after death? Do Christians go to Heaven immediately, but those who aren't are conscious and in torment in Hades (I think it is called) until there is an actual Hell since Satan isn't ruler of Hell until he is cast down?

We die. We go to sheol, where the soul awaits in ever-prayer. Jesus comes again. We are Raised. We are Judged. We either experience heaven or hell. Fin.

- What about those before Christ? How are they in Heaven, or are they? And why wasn't Christianity widespread in BC, or was it even called Christianity?

Christ took the righteous dead with Him. Christianity wasn't around until ~33 ce.

- I've heard controversy on Jesus' real birthday. Like that it isn't in December, but June. Is this true, and how do we know other than the shepherd tending their flock evidence? If it is, why do we celebrate Dec. 25 as his birthday?

We have no real clue when His birthday was. We celebrate His birth on December 25 because we just do.

- Holidays. I've heard most of Christian holidays (also the major holidays) are based of paganism and have no real significant dates. This true? Which holidays do you celebrate?

Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, All Hallow's Mass, Pentecost, Pascha, Palm Sunday and Holy Week, etc, as well as Saint's Days.

- When is the Sabbath according to your doctrine? I've heard arguments that it isn't on Sunday.

They're wrong. Its Sunday.

- How could God, an all loving and caring God, command others to kill others through battles, etc.?

Stories aren't necessarily literal, my friend.

It even says so in the Bible. I can understand the eternal hell thing, since it is OUR choice and we send ourselves there, but commanding the killing of others? AND THE STONING OF OTHERS in the Old Testament when certain laws were broken?! How [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth]' cruel! It's hard to imagine the loving God I had grown up knowing commanding that.

The Jews were supposed to be a light to the world. That means no ritual impurity, which is the following of something not Jewish (ie: Gentile). If that were done, then that's a problem. However, God never meant for them to follow the letter of the Law, but the spirit of it. The Jews messed that part up.

- Is the snake thing in Genesis real or metaphorical?

Both.

[Tomoz]

Hi there! I'll try and give you a few answers...

- Dinosaurs. They did exist, and that's fact. Unless God put them on here to fool us into unbelief, since it doesn't mention them in the Bible, but I don't think He'd do that. So... how is that explained? Relating to this question is primitive humans, or cavemen. We know they exist from fossils. What do you think about that?
I don't have any problem with dinosaurs.

- Regarding the last question, what about the whole young Earth vs. old Earth thing? Any biblical proof for either side?
No biblical prof that I know of per se...adding up the lifetimes of people from the beginning of the universe according to Genesis results in the world coming out to be a lot younger than science says it is...I personally don't take Genesis to be a literal history of the universe, but I'm sure many Anglicans do...there isn't really an 'Anglican position' on it all.

- The "super natural", particularly creatures. Nessie, for one. I mean, Nessie is speculated to be a dinosaur. I believe in Nessie. Big Foot and Yeti I'm not entirely sure, and the same goes for El Chubacabras. But I am also a firm believer in intelligent aliens, which is perhaps one of my biggest questions regarding Christianity and the Bible. I've heard theories as to aliens being some sort of fallen angel, and the reason for God flooding the Earth (speaking of, why isn't Earth ever capitalized in the Bible?) is because Noah and his family were the only "pure" humans left. Others had mix of alien/fallen angle blood in them, because they would abduct women and deposit their sperm into them. I used to could find where those odd verses that were quoted are, but I've lost them. I never examined the verses fully because the context they were used in were obscure. I've also been told that aliens perhaps exist, but that we do not know because God does not want us to. Aliens do not affect our salvation, so he may have created them but left it out of our Bible.

Well God's creation is very wide and varied...who knows? I don't think the existence of Nessie challenges the truth of the Bible...as for aliens, lets worry about that in the event they actually turn up.

- Is there any denomination that is 100% right regarding the Bible? Why so many Christian denominations? Do you think yours is THE ONE denomination? Do you think those of others will go to Hell? I mean, various interpretations I can understand... but around 30,000+ Protestant denominations alone?? Why?
No denomination is officially right regarding the Bible, in fact there is a core of belief that almost all churches will agree on. Anglicans don't believe this denomination is the only true one.


- Which Bible version is used and why? And if we have, in the Bible, the "exact Word of God", then why are things so often mistranslated in English? The same can be said for Spanish, Japanese, etc.
You can use whichever you like...my church uses NRSV but that isn't a compulsory thing.
And imperfect people are doing the translating - so we are bound to make mistakes. But its getting better all the time.

- What about the Apocrypha in your church? Why do you believe (insert belief here regarding Apocrypha)?
Some take it, some don't. I don't, because they aren't in the Jewish scriptures, and also because I believe in justification by faith and so I don't believe in purgatory

- The whole yolk thing means a believer and a non believer marrying, right? Not white, black, etc.? Or does your denomination feel differently?
The yoke thing means believers and unbelievers, not anything to do with race etc. The Anglican church doesn't tend to peer into peoples bedrooms, and so its your call according to your conscience.

- Regarding that, it says in the Bible that Jesus has hair like wool. Well... that's a black person’s hair description. He'd have to be at least fairly dark coming from the Middle East. Why is he always white in pictures?? (This is just kind of a random question. Hehe.)
I know, thats funny isn't it! I don't think He would have been fair by any stretch of the imagination!

- Veganism and Environmentalism. I'm a vegan (no animals or animal byproducts other than honey), and a pretty heavy environmentalist and animal rights activist (hence I don't want a leather Bible). What do you think of Christianity and veganism? Secondly, should I be an environmentalist? It kind of seems useless when there will be a new Earth anyways.
Christianity doesn't put any restrictions on what to or not to eat (except for blood). Being a vegan is absolutely no problem...God put us in charge of His creation, He didn't hand it over to be destroyed by us. I think we could all have more respect for the beautiful Earth that God has given us.

- Global warming. Is it God's plan? How do I argue those who say the hurricanes, etc. are not a sign of the times but from global warming (which it is from global warming, but... maybe a sign of the times also?)?
Again, no official church teaching. I don't really think global warming is God's plan, or God's doing - I think it is our fault for being such shoddy caretakers of creation.

- Very important here. Does God even HAVE A PLAN? If so, He planned for lots of people to go to Hell eternally and for Adam and Eve to sin. OR, did He just know these things would happen? If so, why didn't He stop them?
Yes, I believe God has a plan.
The thing is, He gave us free will. He wants a real loving relationship with us, and so for it to be real it requires a decision to love by both parties, not one making the other love. So God is waiting for us to turn to Him and love Him back. The choice is ours, and there are lots of people who don't make that choice and instead rebel against Him.
Calvinist Anglicans may tell you differently though.

- How does your denomination view salvation?
Again its a mixed bag. Some Anglo Catholics will say it is through faith through the sacraments and works. Others will say it is through faith alone.

- How you feel of the people who have never even HEARD of Christ?
I believe in a just and loving God, and so believe that He has something worked out for them that is rooted in his justice and love i.e. I don't believe they are instantly condemned.

- Is it true that Satan is still in Heaven and that he won't be cast down until later? I read that in a book.
No. Sin (and so satan) can't be in the presence of a holy God. Satan is in the world.

- Views on life after death? Do Christians go to Heaven immediately, but those who aren't are conscious and in torment in Hades (I think it is called) until there is an actual Hell since Satan isn't ruler of Hell until he is cast down?
Again, probably a mixed bag of belief and no official teaching. I don't know much about Hell, all I know is that it is eternal separation from God, thats enough to know that I don't want to go there.

- I've heard controversy on Jesus' real birthday. Like that it isn't in December, but June. Is this true, and how do we know other than the shepherd tending their flock evidence? If it is, why do we celebrate Dec. 25 as his birthday?
I think that date was chosen to override a pagan festival that was traditionally held on the 25th december. We aren't ever going to know the actual date, so I guess that these days it is as good a day to celebrate as any.

- Holidays. I've heard most of Christian holidays (also the major holidays) are based of paganism and have no real significant dates. This true? Which holidays do you celebrate?
For Christmas see above. Holy Week and Easter aren't taken from pagan holidays, they coincide with the Jewish passover.
We celebrate pretty much all the Christian holidays (the point where it differs is the assumption of Mary...some do, some don't)

- When is the Sabbath according to your doctrine? I've heard arguments that it isn't on Sunday.
Like Christmas, Sunday is as good a day as any other.

- How could God, an all loving and caring God, command others to kill others through battles, etc.? It even says so in the Bible. I can understand the eternal hell thing, since it is OUR choice and we send ourselves there, but commanding the killing of others? AND THE STONING OF OTHERS in the Old Testament when certain laws were broken?! How [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth]' cruel! It's hard to imagine the loving God I had grown up knowing commanding that.
Well that comes from the old covenant...sin requires punishment and/or sacrifice. That hasn't changed. What has changed though is that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, He took the ultimate punishment for our sins on our behalf.

- Is the snake thing in Genesis real or metaphorical?
I believe it to be metaphorical, but not every Anglican does.

Hope that helps a bit!

[ContraMundum]

- Dinosaurs. They did exist, and that's fact. Unless God put them on here to fool us into unbelief, since it doesn't mention them in the Bible, but I don't think He'd do that. So... how is that explained? Relating to this question is primitive humans, or cavemen. We know they exist from fossils. What do you think about that?

Dinosaurs existed with humans. We killed them. Science and the Bible concur.

- Regarding the last question, what about the whole young Earth vs. old Earth thing? Any biblical proof for either side?

The earth is young. Science and the Bible concur.

I've heard theories as to aliens being some sort of fallen angel

Aliens don't exist. Read "Alien Intrusion" by UFOlogist Gary Bates.

Science. Lots of things can be explained through science

Scientists don't agree on everything, and the ones that find out the majority are wrong are dis-fellowshipped. See: Galileo.

And there is proof, unless my memory is misleading me, that the first humans were in Africa. Is this true regarding the Bible?

Who cares? The continents are probably not the same as they were before the flood.

Is there any denomination that is 100% right regarding the Bible?

No.

Why so many Christian denominations?

God has allowed it. He's in charge.

Do you think yours is THE ONE denomination?

No way.

Do you think those of others will go to Hell?

No. In fact, the opposite may be true. Most will get to Heaven...we may have a problem though.

I mean, various interpretations I can understand... but around 30,000+ Protestant denominations alone?? Why?

There is no such thing as "30,000" denominations. It's a myth. http://www.ntrmin.org/30000denominations.htm

Leading into that is this: I don't want my memory of my Earthly existence to be erased.

Don't format your hard drive then.

- The whole yolk thing means a believer and a non believer marrying, right? Not white, black, etc.? Or does your denomination feel differently?

Most yolks are yellow. As far as I know most Anglicans would agree with that. Maybe.

Global warming. Is it God's plan?

Everything is within God's plan.

Is the snake thing in Genesis real or metaphorical?

It was real. We have pictures.

[DeoJuvante]

[The moderators have removed the guts of this post and since what was left was irrelevant without context and the use of the delete button is denied me at this point, I have replaced it with this note.]

[Tetzel]

Contra, you seem to be feisty today.

Should I expect a "Dangers of the Brown Scapular" thread? ;)

[karen freeinchristman]

I go away for a week or two
I wondered why it was so serene around here for the past week! :D

[ContraMundum]

I wondered why it was so serene around here for the past week! :D

I'll take that in the worst way possible- just to make you feel guilty.

:D


Seriously though- I'll probably disappear for a while again so you can all go about your business in peace. I know when I'm not wanted (and when I'm too busy working).

[JustinHesychast]

Adding a question, here: "What is the correct way to pray according to your denomination?"

[JustinHesychast]

Oh... and.... what just happened in the posts above me? :P

[AngCath]

- Dinosaurs.

They undoubtedly were real and I quite enjoy what scientists tell us about them.

- Regarding the the last question...

Genesis was never meant to be read as a scientific history. Genesis 1 is a theological lesson, not a historical one.

- The "super natural"...

Most of what counts as "supernatural" is largely what I call "pseudo-science" and "techno-myths".

- Science.

I leave science to the scientists. Since I am not one, I do more listening than speaking.

- Adam and Eve and the Africa thing....

Possibly reconcilable, possibly not... not important.

- Is there any denomination that is 100% right regarding the Bible?

I believe that true interpretation of Scripture can only happen in light of Tradition. As an Anglican I believe that I belong to the Holy Catholic Apostolic Church but that Anglicanism is not the exclusive branch of the Church.

- Animals have done nothing....

the nature of animals is not attested to in Scripture. It is therefore of little concern other than that we are commanded to be "good stewards" of the earth.

- Leading into that is this...

Our heavenly existence will be such that the things you call "depressing" will not be so. What heaven is like, I can't describe.


- Which Bible version is used and why?

The Episcopal Church (ECUSA) has several translations approved for liturgical reading (such as the NRSV, REB, NIV, NAB, Jerusalem....). The Bible is not the Word of God, Christ is. Scripture was written by men inspired by God but was not written by God directly. No translation is perfect and that is ok. Scripture should be a vehicle in coming closer to God.

- What about the Apocrypha in your church?

There are a variety of beliefs concerning the Apocrypha in the Episcopal Church. Many hold the opinion held in the Articles of Religion that it should be read but as lesser than the rest of Scripture. I personally believe that the Apocrypha is part of Scripture and so usually refer to it as the Deuterocanon.

- the whole yolk thing....

At least one person must be baptized.

- Regarding that, it says in the Bible that Jesus has hair like wool. Well...

Jesus was a typical semitic male. short, dark skinned. he is portrayed in art differantly depending on the culture.

- Veganism and Environmentalism....

We should be good stewards of the earth. animals were given to us to eat after the flood.

- Global warming...

an unfortunate result of our lack of care for the earth.

- Very important here. Does God even HAVE A PLAN?

Christ is the fulfillment of that plan.

- How does your denomination view salvation?

Coming to Christ is the FIRST step, salvation is a journey.

- How you feel of the people who have never even HEARD of Christ?

I love them and feel sorry for them, but don't condemn them.

- Is it true that Satan is still in Heaven and that he won't be cast down until later?

"I saw Satan thrown down like lightning" - Jesus

- Views on life after death?

look up "theosis"

- What about those before Christ?

Christ went to Sheol and testified to the spirits... (see Peter's epistle)

- I've heard controversy on Jesus' real birthday...

probably in the Spring, but we celebrate it in December by Tradition. the actual birthday is not important.

- Holidays...

for my answer, please refer to the Calendar of the Church Year.

- When is the Sabbath according to your doctrine?

Saturday is the Sabbath, Sunday is the Lord's Day.

- How could God, an all loving and caring God, command others to kill others through battles, etc.?

I don't question God's will. I faithfully obey.

- Is the snake thing in Genesis real or metaphorical?

I wasn't there.


-----------------------

[AngCath]

Adding a question, here: "What is the correct way to pray according to your denomination?"


We pray to the Father, through the Son, with the Holy Spirit as modeled in the Book of Common Prayer.
Individual prayers may vary.

[Torah613]

well put angcath.

I would note that while I myself have chosen to be Vegan--shy away from any denomination that says you must be vegan. Veganism is a personal choice (as well as all diets in Christianity). After thought, prayer, and bible study, I determined that it was the best course of action for me. But it is not for everybody.

Joe Zollars

[Naomi4Christ]

Hey there! :wave:I am a new Christian, and thus am experiencing massive amounts of questions and indecision on denomination.

Congratulations on your newly found faith.

My advice to you is not to worry about those questions. Don't look for the answers all at once. Let your faith grow, and either the answers will appear, or the importance of these questions to you will simply fall away.

Find a church where you feel welcomed and valued, not one that has a particular point of view on the Loch Ness Monster.

[karen freeinchristman]

Congratulations on your newly found faith.

My advice to you is not to worry about those questions. Don't look for the answers all at once. Let your faith grow, and either the answers will appear, or the importance of these questions to you will simply fall away.

Find a church where you feel welcomed and valued, not one that has a particular point of view on the Loch Ness Monster.

Great answer, Naomi! :)

[junegillam]

Also, you might want to look into learning "contemplative prayer" as one approach to your questions.

http://www.centeringprayer.com/frntpage.htm

[Naomi4Christ]

Adding a question, here: "What is the correct way to pray according to your denomination?"

Just do it!

Pray regularly - talk to your father in heaven.

Pray privately and secretly, pray in small groups, pray congregationally. Pray for one another and pray for the needs of the world.

Use natural words; use liturgy

Pray in your mother tongue, or in a language. And if you can't find the words, pray in tongues.

Use structured prayers or pray as the spirit leads you. Pray A.C.T.S.

Pray to the father, through the son, in the power of the holy spirit.

[Torah613]

dang it I can't rep Naomi.

Very good answers all around Naomi!

Joe Zollars

[karen freeinchristman]

dang it I can't rep Naomi.

Very good answers all around Naomi!

Joe Zollars
It's OK, I repped her for that. (she has way too much rep for any one person, anyway) :)

[karen freeinchristman]

But that is because she and other folks spoof the system and deliberately forming chains of folks that rep each other and trick the system.

I mean really Karen, you aren't that naieve are you? :) not insulting you, but you are such a kind person, I wonder if you ever can even smell it in the air when someone is decieving you. be careful when you are a Priest. :) :hug: :)

:o

I have been known to be gullible. :sorry:

Gullible isn't the same as naive, is it? :scratch: :help: