http://www.answerbag.com/profile/177720 New Answerbag answers from ImaCatholic2 Tue, 29 May 2012 14:27:51 -0700 Tue, 29 May 2012 14:27:51 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8656320 Is it possible to practice Christianity without going to church?<br /><br />Yes, if you are stranded on a desert island. We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near (Hebrews 10:25). Christianity is not a spectator sport. Christianity (among other things)... Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:27:47 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8656320 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8656162 "Then God said, 'Let [us] make man in our own image, according to our likeness...'" (Genesis 1:26) Who's God talking to? Who's "US"?<br /><br />Christians say this is God, a Holy Trinity of three equal persons in perfect relationship conversing. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity states there is one true God who is made up of three separate but equal persons, the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The Bible does not... Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:02:10 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8656162 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8517902 Christians: Should churches reimburse its volunteers for expenses related to their service?<br /><br />It depends. Most volunteers do not want any reimbursement. Their expenses are part of their ministry. A few volunteers cannot afford any expenses and these should be reimbursed if the church can. All of this should be discussed and agreed to beforehand. With love in Christ. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:40:28 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8517902 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8506172 What religious belief are you?<br /><br />I am a Catholic Christian. With love in Christ. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:55:18 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8506172 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8498793 Does anyone else find it ironic that most Athiests seem to know more about the bible than some Christians?<br /><br />No. Knowledge is important and should be sought by those who have been given that gift. But faith is more important than book learning. It was the heresy of Gnosticism, which taught that Salvation comes from knowledge (gnosis means knowledge). Christianity teaches salvation comes from... Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:36:44 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8498793 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8481043 What is the Bible's view of the use of Alchohol?<br /><br />Jesus told them, &quot;Fill the jars with water.&quot; So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, &quot;Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.&quot; So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, ... (John 2:7-9) Wine is used throughout both... Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:59:36 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8481043 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8481034 Can you sum up the bible in two words?<br /><br />God loves. Here is the Bible in 50 words: God made. Adam bit. Noah arked. Abraham split. Joseph ruled. Jacob fooled. Bush talked. Moses balked. Pharaoh plagued. People walked. Sea divided. Tablets guided. Promise landed. Saul freaked. David peeked. Prophets warned. Jesus... Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:57:55 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8481034 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8454110 Was Jesus (1) a liar (2) a lunatic or (3) who he said he was?<br /><br />The closest would be (3) but Jesus is much more than He said He was. Christians believe that Jesus was completely God and completely Man. The incarnation, God and man, is one of the wonderful Christian paradoxes. The Church thus confesses that Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He... Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:32:49 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8454110 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8435156 Do you think infinite punishment for a finite crime is immoral?<br /><br />Human Law: It takes about one minute to murder a person but society will punish the guilty with life in prison. Is this immoral? I do not think so. Not only does society has a responsibility to protect all human beings, the killing of one human being has reprecussions that can last forever. ... Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:11:55 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8435156 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8435005 How many religions/Gods did you try out before you settled for your current religion/God?<br /><br />I grew up in a normal Catholic family. When I was old enough to think for myself, I looked around at all of my spiritual options and then realized that Catholicism: + Answered all my questions + Satisfied both my faith and reason + Inspired both great learning and great spirituality ... Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:40:39 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8435005 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8434992 Do you consider atheism a belief system, just like religions?<br /><br />The English word cult comes from the Latin cultus meaning worship. In one definition, any religion can be considered a cult. However the most common current definition of cult is a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in... Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:38:40 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8434992 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8417732 Why do Christians have such a hard time admitting that they REALLY don't know if there is a God/Heaven?<br /><br />Does your mother love you? I could ask, &quot;Why do you have such a hard time admitting that you REALLY don&#039;t know if your mother loves you?&quot; but I won&#039;t. I know that you have faith that your mother loves you and if that faith is enough for you then it is enough for me. ... Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:03:02 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8417732 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8416914 Why would someone find it offensive when I say Fuck People? It just goes to show how close minded we are as well...<br /><br />God gave humans the gift of language. Language should build relationships with others, and enable people to share their lives intimately with each other. We also hear people use four letter words like f*** to speak profanely about the goodness of human sexuality and the holiness of marital... Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:52:43 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8416914 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8416728 Have you ever seen a angel?<br /><br />Not to the best of my knowledge. St. Augustine says: &quot;&#039;Angel&#039; is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is &lsquo;spirit&#039;; if you seek the name of their office, it is &lsquo;angel&#039;: from what they are,... Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:20:13 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8416728 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8416304 If Jesus appears right before you what will be your first reaction?<br /><br />I would probably blurt out, &quot;Oh, my God!&quot; but not in vain. With love in Christ. Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:26:00 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8416304 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8409296 Religion is bullshit, agree or disagree and why?<br /><br />I disagree. The desire for God is written in the human heart, because each person is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw each person to himself. In response to this desire, most religions are humanity sincerely reaching out for God. In Judaism and Christianity, God... Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:15:06 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8409296 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8409270 If all religious differences were reconciled or if there were no such thing as religion, what impact would that have on the wars that engulf our world?<br /><br />Very few wars are really about religion. Most wars are about power, greed, ambition, fear, hate. and ignorance. &quot;If all religious differences were reconciled&quot; then there would hopefully be less lust for power, greed, ambition, fear, hate. and ignorance in the world and, in... Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:12:21 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8409270 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8408834 Should the people who ask questions in the Catholic beliefs and customs section just buy the Catechism of the Catholic Church since it describes in detail every belief about the Catholic Church?<br /><br />No. Anyone can read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online for free at: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.shtml Or: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM With love in Christ Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:16:26 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8408834 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8401167 How do you define a 'miracle'? Have you ever seen one?<br /><br />A miracle is a sign or wonder, such as a healing or the control of nature, which can only be attributed to divine power. I witness miracles all the time. I participate in Mass where bread and wine is changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Then I consume Him and become one with... Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:37:27 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8401167 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8401136 What's a miracle to you?<br /><br />A miracle is a sign or wonder, such as a healing or the control of nature, which can only be attributed to divine power. http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/glossary.shtml#m With love in Christ. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:30:26 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8401136 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8400966 What is a miracle? Which is the greatest miracle you have witnessed?<br /><br />A miracle is a sign or wonder, such as a healing or the control of nature, which can only be attributed to divine power. I witness miracles all the time. I participate in Mass where bread and wine is changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Then I consume Him and become one with... Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:55:16 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8400966 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8400820 What is your view of this quote of this favorite Eckhart quotation? The eye with which I see God is exactly the same eye with which God sees me. My eye and God’s eye are one eye, one seeing, one knowledge and one love.<br /><br />I am not as spiritually mature as Meister Eckhart and although my spiritual journey is continuing, at ths point in my life I believe that: + God sees me with better eyes than I see Him + God knows me better than I know Him + God loves me better than I love Him With love in Christ. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:27:29 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8400820 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8393486 Why do people put dogs and other animals out of their respective miseries but let humans live through tortures of unimaginable pain?<br /><br />Modern medicine provides effective treatments for pain so there is no reason why people have to &quot;live through tortures of unimaginable pain.&quot; As Christians, we believe that human life is a sacred gift from God to be cherished and respected because every human being is created in the... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:38:20 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8393486 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8393462 What is the best way to start the road to Christ?<br /><br />Talk to Christ (pray). Talk to people who are already on the road. Join a faith community (a church). Read the Bible. With love in Christ. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:31:40 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8393462 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8385702 What comes to mind when i say "The Pope"<br /><br />A gift from Jesus Christ. John 21:15-17 states: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, &quot;Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?&quot; He said to him, &quot;Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.&quot; He said to him, &quot;Feed my lambs.&quot; He... Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:17:14 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8385702 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8385544 Am I breaking one of the Ten Commandments when I download music without paying for it?<br /><br />Yes. You shall not steal. You are stealing from more than just the main artist who may already be very rich. There are hundreds of people whose efforts go into publishing a song. All of these people have families to raise and bills to pay. Surely you can go to iTunes or elsewhere and... Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:02:14 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8385544 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8385099 Do Christian’s memorize the holy bible?<br /><br />Some memorize more than others. I don&#039;t know anyone who has memorized the whole thing. Some Christian denominations emphasize memorization more than others. The Catholic Church emphasizes knowing what the Holy Bible says and means over rote memorization. All Catholics are encouraged... Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:06:59 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8385099 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8376483 If religion and reality differ, which of the two is right?<br /><br />It is a fact (reality) that most people are religious, therefore religion and reality do not differ. Denying that religion is real is denying reality. With love in Christ. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:24:42 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8376483 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8367242 Is theory of evolution against God or not, and why<br /><br />No. Small groups of Atheists and Creationists are trying to make us believe that we have to choose between God and Science. This is not true. Most Christians do not take the stories of creation in the Bible literally. Catholics believe the book of Genesis tells religious truth and not... Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:09:04 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8367242 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8367061 I have heard many people claim that the bible contains many contradictions. Can you name any for me? Please cite chapter and verse so I can look up your reference. Thank you.<br /><br />God did not change between the Old and New Testaments but our understanding of who and what God has developed dramatically over the centuries. Even a close look between the early and later writings of the Old Testament show a growth in our understanding of God. For example: 2 Samuel 24:1:... Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:45:30 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8367061 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8366940 Do you consider poverty something to strive for? The more abject the better?<br /><br />No. Poverty is something to fight against. If, as Jesus taught, we truly loved our neighbor as much as we loved ourselves then there would be no poverty in the world. With love in Christ. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:27:32 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8366940 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8366827 Has God corrupted thy seed and spread dung upon thy face?<br /><br />You quote Malachi 2:3. Read the rest of the second chapter of Malachi to find out why: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/malachi/malachi2.htm With love in Christ. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:11:40 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8366827 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8357595 What is God/What is Awareness?<br /><br />God is: &bull; The infinite divine being &bull; One in being yet three Persons: . &bull; Father . &bull; Son . &bull; Holy Spirit God has revealed himself as: &bull; The &quot;One who is&quot; &bull; Truth &bull; Creator of all that is &bull; The author of divine... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:22:24 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8357595 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8356349 Which is the holiest place in the world?<br /><br />In the heart, mind, and soul of any Christian. The Bible states that anyone who possesses the Holy Spirit is holy. The Bible speaks of a holy man of God, holy ones, a holy people, a holy nation, and holy brothers. That is why Mary is blessed (holy). The angel Gabriel called her, &quot;Full... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:33:07 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8356349 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8348193 Has any atheist ever converted to a theist?<br /><br />Yes. Here is a nice list of former atheists and agnostics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_former_atheists_and_agnostics With love in Christ. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:31:54 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8348193 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8347996 Are you a member of the same religion as when you were brought up?<br /><br />Yes. I grew up in a normal Catholic family. When I was old enough to think for myself, I looked around at all of my spiritual options and then realized that Catholicism: + Answered all my questions + Satisfied both my faith and reason + Inspired both great learning and great... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:56:31 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8347996 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8347915 Does God love us all equally, or does he have his favourite chosen few?<br /><br />Both. God loves all equally but approves of the actions of some more than others. God loves all people unconditionally. This means there are no conditions needed to be met to merit His love. God loves the worst sinner just as much as He loves the best saint. Being Love, God can do... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:45:31 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8347915 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8347615 It seems that religion is a guessing game, none have evidence, how do I guess which one is true?<br /><br />Do not guess. Study the main religions to get to know what each one believes. Listen to the testimonies of a few believers. Find which one best answers your questions and satisfies both your faith and your reason. With love in Christ. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:57:58 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8347615 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8342797 I'm a divorcee and I've taken a vow of chastity until marriage (or at least definite commitment). Is this a normal or even healthy thing? sidenote: Certainly it has helped with my emotional state, but men are men.<br /><br />Yes. This is both normal and healthy. God is concerned with how we treat each other. We have been instructed to love + Our neighbor as we love ourselves + One another as Jesus loved us When we treat each other like sex objects, when sex is taking instead of giving, we damage the... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:52:52 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8342797 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8340154 Wafer in Church in holy mass / communion! Why does it taste so plain? How about different flavours? What can you suggest? How about red hot Mexican chilli or something more interesting?<br /><br />Just like the bread Jesus used during Passover at the Last Supper, the bread used in the Eucharist is unleavened. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, section 320 states: The bread for celebrating the Eucharist must be made only from wheat, must be recently baked, and, according to... Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:27:51 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8340154 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8339800 I am doing a persuasive essay for my English class, and was wondering if someone might direct me to sites that offer support as Christianity being the most detrimental thing to happen to religion/humanity in general.<br /><br />Why do you want to support a lie? A few things where the Catholic Church has made the world a better and brighter place are: + Relief from the Barbarian invasions of the early middle ages + Rescued Christian and pre-christian literature + Spread agricultural and animal husbandry knowledge ... Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:35 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8339800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330771 Wheen was chist born<br /><br />About the year 1 CE. No one really knows what time of year. It probably was not on Christmas but most Christians celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, God the Son, on Christmas. The angel said to them, &quot;Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:54:07 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330771 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330739 If Jesus was God in the flesh, who resurrected God when he died?<br /><br />God the Father resurrected God the Son after God the Son died. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity states there is one true God who is made up of three separate but equal persons, the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The Bible does not contain the word Trinity. However, the... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:47:11 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330739 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330722 How does the pope earn money to pay for food and electric bills?<br /><br />He doesn&#039;t. The Pope is 82 years old, works long hours, earns no salary, has no personal fortune, and cannot retire. He lives alone in a small rent-free apartment in the middle of a museum. Money for his food, clothing, etc. are donated to him by the free will offerings of Catholics all... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:43:57 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330722 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330701 Carry Prejean the nice Chrisitan girl who claimed she was attacked for her views on same-sex marriage admitted to making and distributing child porn! Why isn't she being prosecuted? Hypocrites with double standards..are you sick of them yet?<br /><br />If Ms Prejean was a child when the video was taken then she was the victim of child pornography and not the perpetrator. Since when is the child in the child pornography prosecuted? If Ms Prejean was not a child when the video was taken then there was no child pornography. With love in... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:38:45 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330701 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330474 Catholics: How do you feel when other Christians claim you are not Christians?<br /><br />Mostly disappointed. Most non-Catholic Christian denominations accept Catholics as Christians. A very few do not. The World Council of Churches which brings together more than 340 churches, denominations and church fellowships in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world,... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:07:02 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8330474 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8322193 Do you know where there is a portal to the spirit realm?<br /><br />Prayer. Prayer is the elevation of the mind and heart to God: + In praise of his glory + In petition for some desired good + In thanksgiving for a good received + In intercession for others before God Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:38:34 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8322193 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8322005 Why is Halloween so bad for christian? my husband recently started going to a christian churh and he doesnt want our 2yr old son to go out trick or treating. What should i do i wanted to take my son tricker treating for his 1st time to have fun.<br /><br />It isn&#039;t. Halloween is actually like Christmas Eve. The night before a Christian holy day. It is the eve of All Saint&#039;s Day or All Hallows Eve or Halloween. Just like &quot;hallowed be Thy name.&quot; But just like Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday),... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:24 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8322005 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8313516 What is the origin of Evil in the world? Will it continue forever?<br /><br />&quot;But deliver us from evil.&quot; The last petition to our Father is also included in Jesus&#039; prayer: &quot;I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.&quot; (Jn 17:15) In this petition, evil is not an abstraction, but refers... Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:34:41 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8313516 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8304704 Why do christiyans pray to "IDOLS"?<br /><br />No Christians pray to idols. This practice would break the First Commandment. Do you have pictures of your loved ones? Have you ever looked at the picture of someone while talking on the phone to them? Statues and pictures of people we love are not idols. Statues and paintings of Jesus... Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:44:22 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8304704 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8295643 Why are Christians so scared of questions.<br /><br />I do not understand. If Christians are so scared of questions then why do we answer so many of them? With love in Christ. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:23:38 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8295643 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8295300 Is there a special place in heaven for a serial killer that repents.<br /><br />There is a place in heaven for every repentent sinner. Remember most serial killers are mentally insane and may not even be responsible for their actions. With love in Christ. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:35:51 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8295300 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8295282 If its hard for the righteous to be saved what about the ungodly and sinners?<br /><br />It is impossible for anyone to save themselves. But Jesus Christ can and will save anyone and everyone. Here is the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006): By grace alone, in faith in Christ&#039;s saving work and not... Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:33:00 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8295282 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8287130 Would you accept holy water from an electronic dispenser?<br /><br />Sure, why not? Holy water is holy water. With love in Christ. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:47:50 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8287130 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8286999 Mankind created in the image of God.. so if evolution is true does that mean God was an ape<br /><br />Then God said: &quot;Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.&quot; God created man in his image; in the divine image he... Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:26:01 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8286999 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8286123 Now that the movie '2012' is out, how long will it take for people to stop asking "is the world going to end in 2012" questions?<br /><br />Unfortunately, I think things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. If you want a bit more information on the 2012 hoax, try: http://www.2012hoax.org With love in Christ. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:41:30 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8286123 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8278995 What was your last incident that you regarded as spiritual?<br /><br />My family and I thanked God before we ate dinner. With love in Christ. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:27:03 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8278995 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8278072 Which biblical characters are also polygamists?<br /><br />Abraham had only one wife, Sarah. Abraham did have an illegitimate son by Hagar but he was not married to her. Jacob is a bit more complicated. He neither listened to nor obeyed God. Through Laban&#039;s deceit and his own selfishness, Jacob became a polygamist with two wives. Then Jacob... Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:32:50 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8278072 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8269998 Is sex a sin if you're not making a baby?<br /><br />No. Many married people have sexual relations when there is little or no probablity of pregnancy. A woman is only fertile for a few days a month. Married couples who do not want children at this time may have sexual relations on every day except those days on which the woman is fertile.... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:26:03 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8269998 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8269926 I got this as a text, and want to make some people think. Wouldn't you rather live your life as if there was a God, and die to find out there isn't than live like there wasn't and die to find out there is?<br /><br />This is another version of Pascal&#039;s wager which is an argument for skeptics: God exists or He does not exist, and we must of necessity lay odds for or against Him. If I wager for and God is -- infinite gain (heaven); If I wager for and God is not -- no loss. If I wager against and... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:17:27 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8269926 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8269417 What is the value of silence?<br /><br />Trappist monks have been practicing the discipline of silence for centuries: http://www.trappist.net/index.htm Here is a nice article on the theology of Silence: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13790a.htm And some articles on silence in prayer: ... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:04:33 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8269417 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8259761 Is enviromentalism a religion? They have gods (Mother Earth), dietary restrictions(vegetarianism), and the apocalypse(global warming).<br /><br />It can be for a few. For Christians, environmentalism is just being a good steward of God&#039;s gift of the world and nature. &quot;Long before the current ecological movement developed, Christian saints taught respect for all of God&#039;s Creation.&quot; The Catholic Church has... Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:47:12 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8259761 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8254731 Is it wrong to challenge other peoples religious believes.<br /><br />What do you want? Do you want people to reject what you have to say? Or do you want people to listen to you? I would expect that you want people to listen to what you have to say. This will not happen by insulting them or their beliefs. Debating also does not work very well. A debate is... Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:22:18 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8254731 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8254654 Who would go to heaven: an atheist who accomplishes great good, or the Christian who commits terrible crimes?<br /><br />It depends. Both or one or neither. + The Atheist + The Catholic Church believes that those who die never hearing of Christ but have sought the truth and does the will of God as they understand it will be saved. This is based on Romans chapter 3: For it is not those who hear the law... Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:13:03 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8254654 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8251755 If we're asked to believe that Jesus is God then we're entitled to ask, did he ever say "I am God"? If "yes" where, and if "no" why not?<br /><br />During Christ&#039;s trial, the chief priests asked Him point blank, &quot;Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.&quot; And He said, &quot;I am.&quot; (Mark 14:60-62) &quot;Yes, it is as you say.&quot; (Matt. 26: 63-65) &quot;You are right in saying I am.&quot; (Luke 22:67-70) ... Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:40:44 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8251755 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8251671 Are there any denominations that believe Jesus was Jehovah? If so how do they show/prove this belief scripturally?<br /><br />The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is shared by most Christian denominations including Roman and Orthodox Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Episcopalians, and the Salvation Army. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity states there is one true God who... Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:26:51 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8251671 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8242119 Please give me one word to describe your Soul?<br /><br />Immortal. Catholics believe that the soul is the spiritual part of a human. The soul is the essential nature of human consciousness and freedom. Soul and body together form one unique human being. Each human soul is individual and immortal, immediately created by God at the moment of... Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:48:37 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8242119 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8242047 Are all sins equal to god?<br /><br />No. Before the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, any one sin would keep you from heaven and everyone sinned at least once. After the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, there is no sin that can bar you from heaven. This is not, of course, automatic. Your sins are not forgiven if you have not repented... Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:37:45 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8242047 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8233464 If Mary is the mother of God and Jesus is the Son of God, wouldn't that make Mary the grandmother of Jesus?<br /><br />Is your mother the mother of your human body or your soul or both? Or is she just your mother? Even though you were ultimately created by God (both body and soul), your mother is still your mother. This is because your mother gave birth to a person, who has both a body and a soul. In the... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:51:59 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8233464 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8232702 Are the accepted creeds (Nicean Creed, Athenasian creed, Apostles Creed) considered scripture equal to the Bible in Protestant Christianity? Why or why not?<br /><br />No. The Creeds are just brief summaries of belief and doctrine. They are not considered equal to Holy Scripture. Similarly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is just a book giving a summary of the basic principles of Christianity with hundreds of references back to Holy Scripture. Here... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:10:45 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8232702 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223742 Do you believe that there is a God who created the universe? If not, why not?<br /><br />Yes. Georges Lema&icirc;tre (1894&ndash;1966), a Belgian Catholic priest and professor of physics and astronomy, proposed what became known as the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Lema%C3%AEtre Here is a nice simple explanation of the Big... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:55:36 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223742 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223616 How can people believe the Catholic faith is the true faith of God after the church has been involved in torture thru the inquisitions, pope atrocities, sale of indulgences, not allowing the people to read the bible, etc,etc,etc?<br /><br />You list quite a few &quot;charges&quot; and it will be difficult to refute each one in this small space. The Church has never prohibited anyone from reading the Bible. She has condemned a few very bad translations so that the faithful would not be led into heresy, for example, John... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:39:07 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223616 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223580 Where does the Vatican's wealth come from?<br /><br />In 1981, Pope John Paul II ordered annual financial disclosures to debunk the idea that the Vatican is rich. Here is an article on the 2008 annual financial report from the Vatican: http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul09/0,4670,VaticanFinances,00.html And 2007:... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:33:08 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223580 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223561 Have you come across people who have changed thier religion?<br /><br />Yes, quite a few. I am a part of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) team at my parish. This is the process all adults go through to join the Catholic Church. The pastor of my parish is even a convert. With love in Christ. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:30:37 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8223561 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8214688 For those who say fetuses have souls, how soon after fertilization do they have souls? I am asking from egg fertilization on up, including embryogenesis. Link to wiki on embryogenesis (I am lazy today).<br /><br />Each human soul is individual and immortal, immediately created by God at the moment of conception. Catholics believe that the soul is the spiritual part of a human. The soul is the essential nature of human consciousness and freedom. Soul and body together form one unique human being.... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:51:28 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8214688 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8204678 Is Christian a danger on society?<br /><br />Yes. Popular culture will not give up its immoral values easily and sees Christianity as a danger to society. Christianity&#039;s goal is to completely change society into a place where people love their neighbor as much as they love themselves. Popular culture is constantly bombarding... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:07:28 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8204678 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8204601 Breaking news,there was a shooting on fort Hood army base.12 Dead and 31 wounded.Christians wil you pray for those wounded and the families of those dead?<br /><br />I will pray for the dead and the wounded and all of their families. Why do you only ask Christians? With love in Christ. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:52:29 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8204601 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8191315 Are there any "signs of the end days" that you are observing that have NOT been happening since forever?<br /><br />Not that I can see. &quot;But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.&quot; (Mark 13:32-33) Jesus told us in no uncertain terms that we were not to know when the end of... Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:24:08 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8191315 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8181653 How do I evangelize people effectively? I'm trying to save people on my campus, any tips?<br /><br />Remember Catholics evangelize, we do not proselytize. Proselytism has come to mean the use of unfair and coercive methods, --that is to say, those which apply pressure--to convince a person to leave his/her religion and join another. Evangelization, on the other hand, is giving witness to... Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:36:23 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8181653 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8181597 Is it OK to be angry with God?<br /><br />Yes. Nikos Kazantzakis tells this story in his memoir, &quot;Report to Greco&quot;: As a young man, Kazantzakis spent a summer in a monastery during which he had a series of conversations with an old monk. One day he asked the old monk: &quot;Father, do you still do battle with the... Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:29:37 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8181597 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8181498 True or false, there were many messiahs wandering around Judea around 2BC and 70AD. Jesus was but one of them.<br /><br />False. There were a few false messiahs wandering around Judea but there was only one true Messiah, Jesus Christ. With love in Christ. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:13:52 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8181498 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8170813 Could the Antichrist be the Pope?<br /><br />Biblical apocalyptic literature predicts the coming of &quot;the&quot; Antichrist, the name given to the one who will be Christ&rsquo;s chief enemy. This will be just one person. It is not uncommon for fundamentalist writers or preachers to attach the label to a currently living person. By... Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:53:03 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8170813 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8160525 Would you ever change your religion to advance spiritually?<br /><br />Fortunately I do not need to. Some of the most spiritual people in all of history were Catholic Christians. One of the reasons I love the Catholic Church is that it inspires both great learning and great spirituality. With love in Christ. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:00:10 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8160525 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8160094 Today is All Saints' Day, but tomorrow is All Souls day and a day of obligation. So, do you plan to go to church tomorrow?<br /><br />All Souls&#039; Day is not a holy day of obligation in the United States. Holy Days of Obligation are feasts on which Catholics are required to assist at Mass. In the United States these are: &bull; Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus, December 25 &bull; Mary Mother of God, January 1 ... Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:40:02 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8160094 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8160029 Catholic Church in Spain, with Vatican backing, has condemned the parents who allow their kids to participate in Halloween due to it being "un-Christian" and the devil's work. What is your take?<br /><br />That is a bit of an exageration. Halloween is actually like Christmas Eve. The night before a Christian holy day. It is the eve of All Saint&#039;s Day or All Hallows Eve or Halloween. Just like &quot;hallowed be Thy name.&quot; But just like Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash... Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:27:25 -0800 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8160029 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8151539 People would say that animals were created by God to be eaten, how true is this in your opinion?<br /><br />Partly. God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them: &quot;Be fertile and multiply and fill the earth. Dread fear of you shall come upon all the animals of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon all the creatures that move about on the ground and all the fishes of the sea; into your... Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:32:02 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8151539 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8150543 Should God be more realistic? :)<br /><br />God became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. He was born as a human being, grew up as a human being, worked as a human being, and suffered and died as a human being. What could be more realistic than that? With love in Christ. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:17:40 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8150543 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8147574 Do you have any good things you can say about The Creator Grand Father of us all?<br /><br />Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy sanctuary; give praise in the mighty dome of heaven. Give praise for his mighty deeds, praise him for his great majesty. Give praise with blasts upon the horn, praise him with harp and lyre. Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise him with... Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:55:30 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8147574 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8142851 Christian: What is your preferred hermeneutic (method of Biblical interpretation)?<br /><br />The Catholic Church uses three criteria for interpreting Scripture: + Be especially attentive &quot;to the content and unity of the whole Scripture&quot; + Read the Scripture within &quot;the living Tradition of the whole Church&quot; + Be attentive to the analogy of faith In addition, the... Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:14:01 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8142851 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8142785 What exactly is the "soul"? Is the soul is immaterial and spiritual, then how can it exist? Surely it must be existing in some sort of "physics". If souls in Heaven can move around, then it's physical?<br /><br />Catholics believe that the soul is the spiritual part of a human. The soul is the essential nature of human consciousness and freedom. Soul and body together form one unique human being. Each human soul is individual and immortal, immediately created by God at the moment of conception.... Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:05:05 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8142785 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133590 Does God give a chance to repent after death?<br /><br />Not to the best of our knowledge. The Catholic Church teaches that the particular judgment is the eternal retribution received by each soul at the moment of death, in accordance with that person&#039;s faith and works. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections... Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:42:25 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133590 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133481 How did Rome become Christian?<br /><br />Through evangilization and very slowly over several centuries. Peter and Paul arrived in the late first century. Christianity was illegal and persecuted until 313. After that Christianity seemed to spread like wildfire. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Milan With love in Christ. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:27:54 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133481 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133430 Could God ever be tangible?<br /><br />Yes. Jesus was God and was tangible. Christians believe that Jesus was completely God and completely Man. The incarnation, God and man, is one of the wonderful Christian paradoxes. The Church thus confesses that Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He is truly the Son of God who,... Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:22:16 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133430 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133378 What should heaven be like, if you really were to live there for an eternity?<br /><br />No one really knows. I trust God totally and don&#039;t really give it much thought. Heaven is eternal life with God; communion of life and love with the Trinity and all the blessed. Heaven is the state of supreme and definitive happiness, the goal of the deepest longings of humanity. ... Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:14:21 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8133378 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8124269 Is there any common ground between Christianity and Science?<br /><br />Much. The Catholic Church has sponsored and supported science in the discovery of God&#039;s creation for hundreds of years. One example of this sponsorhsip and support is the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The Academy and its membership are not influenced by national, political, or... Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:19:32 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8124269 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8114897 Is there really such a thing as "sin" nowadays?<br /><br />Yes. Sin is a deliberate thought, word, deed, or omission contrary to the eternal law of God. In other words, sin is anything that hurts your relationship with God. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church:... Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:00:57 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8114897 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8114806 What action could possibly be called 'Devilish'?<br /><br />Demon possession. Catholics have been casting out demons ever since Jesus and the Apostles did it. Modern psychology says that most of the people who had demons cast out of them were probably miraculously cured from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. But their cures were still... Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:50:14 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8114806 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8095828 The origin of our world is creation, not evolution. What are your thoughts?<br /><br />Once again the small groups of Atheists and Creationists are trying to make us believe that we have to choose between God and Science. This is not true. Most Christians do not take the stories of creation in the Bible literally. Catholics believe the book of Genesis tells religious truth and... Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:41:01 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8095828 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8095606 What religion (or lack of religion) do you follow and why?<br /><br />I am a Christian who worships in the tradition of the Catholic Church. With love in Christ. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:44 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8095606 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8092652 This is for those of you who follow christ..so im 16 years old and i was really on track and close to god. but than a lot of stuff happened in my life and im really starting to lose faith and it sucks. i really need help.<br /><br />Every person of faith has occasional doubts. Some say that people with the most faith sometimes have the most doubts. Mother Teresa of Calcutta had many doubts. But Mother Teresa was not an Atheist. Atheists do not write honestly to their spiritual guides things like, &quot;In my soul, I... Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:05:36 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8092652