Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Essay:Beautiful Christian songs

2012-11-09T17:08:21Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[File:4335281098 237ce959bd.jpg|thumbnail|right|420px|"The heavens are telling of the glory of [[God]]. And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1 NASB)]]

Here is a collection of beautiful Christian songs:

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eiI52WluF0&list=PL982FD9E1963F6482&feature=plpp Beautiful Christian songs]

[[Category: Essays]]
[[Category: Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Emerging church

2012-11-09T17:08:18Z

TomReynolds: typo

The '''Emerging church''' is a contemporary [[Christian]] movement (more specifically, a branch of [[Liberal Christianity]]) that seeks to reconcile the tensions between traditional Christian belief systems and [[postmodernism]]. The movement's adherents tend to think of Christianity in terms of a "conversation" in order to draw attention to the church's declared values of flexibility, decentralization, the desire to accommodate multiple understandings of Scripture, and its commitment to dialog. Followers tend to see themselves as people who are disillusioned with organized and institutional approaches to faith.

[[Category: Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Early Christianity

2012-11-09T17:08:16Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Early Christianity''' is generally considered as Christianity before the [[Council of Nicea]] which occurred in 325.

[[Category: Christianity]]
[[Category: Christian History]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Dragonnades

2012-11-09T17:08:13Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Dragonnades''' was a system of billeting troops on [[Protestant]] [[Huguenot]] households in [[France|French]] so as to "persuade"<ref>More probably, coerce.</ref> them to convert to [[Roman Catholicism]]. The name comes from the French word for dragoon soldiers - 'dragons'. It was instituted in 1681 by [[Louis XIV]] and continued throughout his reign until 1715. It is estimated that between 1681 and 1685, 800,000 to 900,000 Huguenots fled the country to England, Germany, Holland and Switzerland, taking with them valuable commercial skills.<ref>[http://www.museeprotestant.org/Pages/Notices.php?scatid=130&noticeid=633&lev=1&Lget=FR Virtual Museum of French Protestantism: Dragonnades 1681-1685]</ref>

==Notes and references==
<references/>
[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Divine right of kings

2012-11-09T17:08:09Z

TomReynolds: typo

The '''divine right of kings''' was a belief that the king received his power and right to rule from [[God]].

The proponents of this doctrine claimed that it was scripturally supported, and pointed to two key texts.<ref>History of divine right of kings [http://history.wisc.edu/sommerville/351/351-172.htm]</ref>
The first of these was [[Proverbs]] 8:15-16:
: By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
The second of these key texts was [[Romans]] 13:1-2:
: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

==Reference==

<references/>

[[category:Christianity]]
[[category:royalty]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Disciples of Christ

2012-11-09T17:08:04Z

TomReynolds: typo

The '''Disciples of Christ''' or formally, '''the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)''' is a [[Mainline Protestant churches|Mainline Protestant denomination]] in the United States. With roots back to the Stone-Campbell Movement in the early 19th century, it was organized in present form after the [[Churches of Christ]] split off around 1900. It is strongest in the lower Midwest and upper South. It is strongest in the lower Midwest and upper South. The most famous members were presidents [[James Garfield]], [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] and [[Ronald Reagan]]. Garfield was a minister and college president and Reagan was a graduate of [[Eureka College]], a Disciples school in Illinois.
==Reagan as Disciple==
Ronald Reagan took his religious values into the presidency. He was strongly influenced by Ben Hill Cleaver, the minister of the First Christian Church in Dixon, Illinois, during the 1920s, and by Reagan's mother, Nelle, an active member of the church. At many points the positions taken by the First Christian Church of Reagan's youth coincided with the words, if not the beliefs of the latter-day Reagan. These positions included faith in Providence, the association of America's mission with God's will, belief in progress, trust in the work ethic and admiration for those who achieved wealth, an uncomfortableness with literature and art that questioned the family or challenged notions of proper sexual behavior, the presumption that poverty is an individual problem best left to charity rather than the state, sensitivity to problems involving alcohol and drugs, and reticence to use government to protect civil rights for minorities. Reagan's experiences in the church and with the Cleavers provided early training in public speaking and offered a way of learning in which acting played a central part. Reagan's use of the jeremiad and his fusing of Judeo-Christianity and patriotism into a civil religion also have their roots in this early period. For her part, Nelle was a pillar of the church and the one who provided stability to the shaky Reagan family when the head was drunkard and a poor provider. She helped spark her son's interest in acting and believed the stage could be a force for noble purposes.<ref> Stephen Vaughn, "The Moral Inheritance of a President: Reagan and the Dixon Disciples of Christ." ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 1995 25(1): 109-127. 0360-4918 </Ref>
==Disciples of Christ and Church of Christ==
The break around 1900 between the Disciples of Christ and the [[Churches of Christ]] was due to much more than disagreements over the use of music in worship or over missionary societies; it was fundamentally a division between Stonite primitivism and Campbellian more modern approach to theology. [[Alexander Campbell]] believed in progress toward the Kingdom of God and was both optimistic and not hostile toward the secular world. Barton Stone, on the other hand, wanted a radical separation from the world, was pessimistic about the human nature and prospects for progress, and looked toward restoring the authentic primitive church. From the end of the Civil War to 1917, [[David Lipscomb]] dominated the Churches of Christ and managed to balance the views of Campbell and Stone. After his death, the Churches of Christ moved away from the Premillennialism of Stone and Lipscomb and embraced modernism. Foy Wallace, whose views prevailed among the Churches of Christ from the 1930s through the 1950s, led the movement away from the thought of Stone and Lipscomb.<ref> Richard T. Hughes, "The Apocalyptic Origins of Churches Of Christ and the Triumph of Modernism." ''Religion and American Culture'' 1992 2(2): 181-214. 1052-1151 </Ref>
==Further reading==
* Harrell, David Edwin, Jr. ''A Social History of the Disciples of Christ. Vol. 2, The Social Sources of Division in the Disciples of Christ, 1865-1900.'' (1973). 458 pp. Scholarly history
* Harrison, Richard L., Jr. ''From Camp Meeting to Church: A History of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky.'' (1992). 341 pp.
* Jorgenson, Dale A. ''Theological and Aesthetic Roots in the Stone-Campbell Movement.'' (1989).
* Kenny, Michael G. ''The Perfect Law of Liberty: Elias Smith and the Providential History of America.'' (1994). 328 pp.
* McAllister, Lester G. and Tucker, William E. ''Journey in Faith: A History of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).'' (1975). 505 pp. the standard church-sponsored history
* Osborn, Ronald E. ''Experiment in Liberty: The Ideal of Freedom in the Experience of the Disciples of Christ.'' (1978). 144 pp.
* Williams, D. Newell. ''Barton Stone: A Spiritual Biography.'' (2000). 249 pp.
* Williams, D. Newell, ed. ''A Case Study of Mainstream Protestantism: The Disciples' Relation to American Culture, 1880-1989. (1991). 578 pp.

====References====
<references/>

[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Fundamentalism]]
[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Destiny Church

2012-11-09T17:08:00Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Destiny Church''' is a New Zealand Evangelical church; the church has over 20,000 members in congregations across the country. It believes in the unchanging Word of God as in the Bible, and although [[New Zealand]] has become an increasingly [[liberal]] and [[atheism|atheistic]] society, Destiny Church has attempted to protect New Zealand's standing as a Christian country.

The Church is led by (self appointed) Bishop Brian Tamaki, who is the spiritual father of the church. Brian Tamaki takes a stand on all matters of immorality, particularly in leading the "Enough is Enough campaign", protesting against a government pursuing a [[homosexual agenda]]. He believes that the increasingly secular attitude to education and society has had disasterous effect on values and standards. Tamaki has patriarchal views and believes in prosperity theology.<ref>http://www.ubishops.ca/baudrillardstudies/vol3_1/grimshawpf.htm</ref>

The Destiny Church has received criticism for actions deemed to go beyond the realm of [[Christianity]] and into [[Occultism]]. A notable case is a 2009 event in which 700 male church members allegedly swore an oath of loyalty, requiring them to submit to Brian Tamaki as [[God|God's]] chosen one on earth. <ref>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10605956&pnum=0</ref> Further to this, concern has been raised about the structure of the Destiny Church, placing more emphasis on Bishop Tamaki than [[Jesus Christ]]. <ref>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3012558/Destinys-Brian-Tamaki-answers-cult-accusations</ref>

DestinyNZ, ostensibly an independent entity from the church, had a chance of becoming a political force however, but after polling below the 5% threshold required to gain a seat in [[New Zealand]] [[parliament]], DestinyNZ is no longer on the electoral roll.<ref>http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0709/S00240.htm</ref>. The Kiwi Party and the Family party have arisen out of the ashes of DestinyNZ and another failed party, the Christian Heritage Party. Destiny Church finds it disturbing that all leaders of the major political parties in New Zealand are agnostics and atheists. The only exception is that of the left wing party Progressive, whose leader is a faithful Catholic.

==References==
<small><references/></small>

[[Category:Christianity]]
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Debate: Should Christians be more forthright in stating that Allah is not the same being as the Judeo-Christian God?

2012-11-09T17:07:56Z

TomReynolds: typo

Muslims regularly state that Allah is the same being as the Judeo-Christian God. This is at least partly to make proselytizing easier. How should Christians deal with these claims?--<font face = "Verdana">[[User:Boreas|Boreas]]<sup> [[User_Talk:Boreas|'''talk''']]</sup></font> 16:55, 22 May 2010 (EDT)

Allah ''is'' the same as the Judeo-Christian God. The word 'Allah' means "He who is above all else" in Arabic. However, the difference between Muslims and Jews and Christians is that they follow the Qu'ran as the true word of God. There is a difference in the central text of the religions, not God himself. [[User:EvelynJ|EvelynJ]]
:It's a different interpretation of the god of Abraham. so es they are following the same god, but with a different interpretation then Christians do (the Islamic version is much more closer to the Jewish one in a number of aspects)--[[User:SeanS|SeanS]] 08:43, 28 May 2011 (EDT)
:: Well, if you ask me, it's kind of a moot point whether or not Allah is the same thing as the Christian God, because Christians consider Islam's teachings to be false anyway...so really, whether or not Allah and the Judeo-Christian God are the same thing is sorta an unanswerable question, because the entire belief system revolving around Allah is false...eh it's confusing. But do you get my point? --[[User:StoryMaker|StoryMaker]] 20:04, 21 July 2011 (EDT)
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Islam]]
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Debate: Do genuinely saved Christians sin?

2012-11-09T17:07:52Z

TomReynolds: typo

This was a suggestion from someone on the Debate topics talk page, and I think is worth some discussion. My thoughts: that as Christians are still human, and all humans sin, so do Christians. No one is perfect, and 'saved' doesn't mean not committing sin, but being forgiven for the sins you do commit. I welcome any opinions and arguments to the contrary. - [[User:JamesCA|JamesCA]] 20:24, 11 October 2011 (EDT)
:First, thanks for setting up this debate. Here are my thoughts.
:The Bible says that all people ''have'' sinned:
{{Bible quote|For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;|book=Romans|chap=3|verses=23|version=KJV}}
:However, according to these Bible verses, once we are saved, we no longer sin:
{{Bible quote|Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.|book=1John|chap=3|verses=6|version=KJV}}
{{Bible quote|We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.|book=1John|chap=5|verses=18|version=KJV}}
:I'd be interested in any other views that take the above into account. In particular, if I'm taking anything out of context, I'd appreciate knowing the correct context. [[User:DavidE|DavidE]] 08:58, 12 October 2011 (EDT)

Yes, every man sins. It is the corruption that came with the Fall of Man. We are just forgiven sins past, present, and future when we accept Christ as our Savior.--[[User:GFitz|GFitz]] 16:32, 27 December 2011 (EST)
:Do you have Biblical support for that, and what do you make of the Bible verses that I quoted above? [[User:DavidE|DavidE]] 16:49, 27 December 2011 (EST)
::Yes. As for those verses, I have read and heard that the original Greek would translate that would mean "who does not keep on sinning". It is rather clear in the Bible that every person has sinned and that we need salvation. Humans are corrupt, and in this life we will never live without sin. Once we are in Heaven and receive our new bodies, we will not sin.--[[User:GFitz|GFitz]] 16:55, 27 December 2011 (EST)
::Read this article: [http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/license_to_sin.htm]--[[User:GFitz|GFitz]] 16:59, 27 December 2011 (EST)
:::Here's my problem with that. Christians who use hand-waving arguments to "interpret" the Bible in line with what they've heard somewhere that the "original Greek" says have managed to "prove" [[Homosexuality and biblical interpretation|just about anything]], in which case their methods [[Logical fallacy#Proving too much|actually prove nothing at all]]. I believe in a God Who is fully capable of preserving His Word so that we can rely on its plain meaning. Finally, as for whether every person ''has sinned,'' I've already stated as much, so you're attacking a straw man. [[User:DavidE|DavidE]] 14:07, 23 January 2012 (EST)
[[Category:Debate]]
[[Category:Sin]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Theology]]
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S.E. Cupp

2012-11-09T17:07:48Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[File:SECUPP.jpg|right|150px]]

'''S.E. Cupp''' (b. February 23, 1979) is an author of the pro-Christian book ''Losing Our Religion: The Liberal Media's Attack on Christianity,'' detailing the [[mainstream media]]'s blatant and obvious bias against [[Christianity]]. Also the book ''Why You're Wrong about the Right: Behind the Myths.'' She is also a [[conservative]] contributor to the N.Y. Daily News, Politico, [[FOX News]], Washington Post, The New York Times and many others. She has publicly announced being an [[atheist]], but indicated that she "really aspires to be a person of faith some day".

==External Links==
* [http://www.redsecupp.com/ S.E.Cupp's personal website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cupp, S. E.}}
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Women]]
[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
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Crucifixion

2012-11-09T17:07:44Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Image:Rembrandt The Raising of the Cross.jpg|thumb|280px|[[Rembrandt]], The Raising of the Cross.]]
'''Crucifixion''', derived from the Latin ''crux'' ("cross") and ''figere'' ("to fasten"), was an agonizing form of death famous as a means of execution in the [[Roman Empire]]. It involved the recipient being nailed to a [[cross]] and left to hang until dead. The victim, always a [[slave]] or [[criminal]], never a citizen, was mercilessly [[flogging|flogged]] and then nailed to a wooden post with crossbeam.

At one time it was believed the nails were driven through the hands and the feet, but the modern view believes the nails were driven through the wrists. The nails were more dull than the sharp nails of today. The cross would usually be inclined slightly forward to further strain the body. The shoulders would become dislocated. Breathing was only possible by pushing up the legs which would cause excruciating pain in the nailed feet. Indeed, the word 'excruciating' comes from crucifying. Relieving the pressure on the feet by not pushing would once again cause breathing to be cut off. This cycle would continue until the condemned would finally die. Death could come over a course of days. [[Asphyxiation]] was the primary cause of death as the lungs would slowly fill with fluid although it was also possible to die of thirst, shock, or exhaustion. Sleep was impossible. Hallucinations during this gradual process of dying would be common.

After the slave revolt led by [[Spartacus]] was put down the insurgents were crucified by Crassius along the [[Appian Way]] at intervals of 100 feet for a distance of over 500 miles, and were never permitted to be buried.

The most famous victim of crucifixion was [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], and to [[Christians]] the phrase ''the crucifixion'' refers specifically to his death. While the details of his crucifixion are not given are not given in [[The Gospels|the Gospel]] accounts, it is mentioned that the legs of the men being crucified next to Him were broken (most likely smashed with hammers) so they would die before the sabbath. With shattered legs they could no longer push themselves up and would soon die from not being able to breathe.

French surgeon Dr. Pierre Barbet postulated after [[World War II]] that crucifixion victims on a cross would experience sagging ribs, making it impossible for them to exhale properly. A 1986 article in the [[Journal of the American Medical Association]] states that the flogging of Jesus resulted in deep stripelike lacerations and significant [[blood]] loss, which probably resulted in [[Cardiogenic Shock|hypovolemic shock]] and [[pleural effusion]]. This probably accounts for Jesus being too weak to be able to carry the [[crossbar]] to [[Golgotha]] without help. The hypovolemic shock and the marked difficulty in respiration, along with other contributing factors, were cited as the medical causes of Jesus' death.<ref>[http://www.biblicalrecorder.org/content/news/2005/3_25_2005/ne250305csi.shtml CSI Jerusalem: Death on an old wooden cross]</ref><ref>[http://the-crucifixion.org/ On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ]</ref>

When Christianity became a legal religion within the Roman empire in 313 AD, crucifixion was abandoned. Other countries and areas of the world have used this form of punishment, but never to the extent as occurred during Roman times.

==Johanan ben Ha-galgol==
[[Image:Johanan1.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Modern demonstration of nail through the foot during a crucifixion (left); cast of the ankle bone of Johanan with embedded nail in place (right)]]
In 1968 an ossuary was found near Jerusalem at Giv’at ha-Mivtar, and contained the remains of Johanan ben Ha-galgol, who was crucified by the Romans sometime in the 3rd century, A.D. Among the evidence found was a 6-inch iron spike driven through the sides of his heels; the remains of an olive wood plank placed on his foot prior to nail being driven in was also found, evidently acting as a "washer" to prevent the victim from pulling his foot off the nail. Nail marks were also found on the inner portion of the radius arm bones, and both legs were broken as per Roman practice. <ref>http://www.facingthechallenge.org/crucified.php</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Jesus' Crucifixion]]
* [[Christian Cross]]
* [[Resurrection of Jesus Christ]]
* [[Holy Week]]
* [[Christianity in Conservapedia]]
*[[The Sign of the Cross: of Jewish Origin]]

[[Image:Fra Angelico Lamentacion por la muerte de Cristo.jpg|thumb|left|[[Fra Angelico]], Lamentation Over the Dead Christ.]]

{{Clear}}

== References ==
<References/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
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Crucifix

2012-11-09T17:07:41Z

TomReynolds: typo

A '''crucifix''' is a [[cross]] which has an image of the crucified [[Christ]] upon it. In earlier centuries, the unadorned cross was the primary Christian emblem, but crucifixes began to be used during the early Middle Ages.

==See also==
*[[Christian Cross]]
*[[Crucifixion]]

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Cristo Redentor

2012-11-09T17:07:38Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[image:CristoR.jpg|thumb|300|left|The statue above the harbor.]]'''Cristo Redentor''' ("Christ the Redeemer") is a statue of [[Jesus Christ]] standing above the harbor of [[Rio de Janeiro]] in [[Brazil]]. A symbol of [[Christianity]], the statue became a wonder of the modern world in 2007.

<br>
[[Image:Cristo Redentor Río de Janeiro.jpg|right]]

[[category:Wonders of the World]]
[[category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Creation

2012-11-09T17:07:32Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Image:Michelangelo creation-of-sun-and-moon.jpg|right|alt=Young earth creationism|thumb|250px|[[Michelangelo|Michelangelo's]] painting of the creation of the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]].]]
'''Creation''' refers to either that which has been created, e.g. Mark 16:15, “Preach the Gospel to the whole creation,” or to the moment or process by which [[God]] created, e.g. [[Genesis]] is the creation account. This article deals with the second meaning, according to [[Christian]] faith.

[[Creation science]] investigates how God brought the [[earth]] and [[universe]] into being. [[Young Earth Creationism|Young Earth Creationism]] demonstrates though multiple lines of evidence that the earth is [[Counterexamples to an Old Earth|approximately 6,000 years old]]. [[Old Earth Creationism]], like [[atheism|atheistic]] [[pseudoscience|evolutionary pseudoscience]], claims that the earth and universe are billions of years old.

[[Creation science|Creation scientists]] also demonstrate that the [[evolution|theory of evolution]] is in [[Counterexamples to Evolution|conflict with the evidence]] provided by the physical sciences and often cite secular scientific sources which agree with them on various points (for further details please see: [[evolution|theory of evolution]]).<ref>http://www.creation.com/content/view/21</ref> [[Theistic evolution]]ists accept an old Earth and believe that evolution occurred, but that it was God’s means of creation.

==Famous Creationists==

The late Dr. [[Henry Morris]] was the founder of the [[Institute for Creation Research]] (ICR), who coined the term “[[creation science]]” and began the modern creation science movement. He was a scientist and held a master's degree and a [[PhD]][[Category:Creationism]][[Category:Christianity]] in hydraulic engineering from the [[University of Minnesota]].

[[Image:Duanegishpic.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Dr. Duane Gish]]
Dr. [[Duane Gish]], now retired, was a scientist ([[chemistry]]), a member of ICR, and a prolific debater for the Young Earth creationist cause.
Dr. [[Henry Morris]] said of Gish, “at least in our judgment and that of most in the audiences, he always wins.”

Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] with [[Creation Ministries International]]

Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] is a scientist (chemistry), [[chess]] champion, and Young Earth creationist, who works for [[Creation Ministries International]] in [[Australia]].
He has written a number of books refuting evolutionary arguments and various theological arguments that try and accommodate evolution or an old Earth.

[[Ken Ham]] is a Young Earth creationist, a founder of the American branch of [[Answers in Genesis]], and prime mover of the Petersburg, Kentucky [[Creation Museum]].

Dr. [[Hugh Ross]] is a scientist (astronomy), a progressive creationist, and founder of [[Reasons to Believe]].
He considers nature to be the 67<sup>th</sup> book of the Bible.

==Creation in Non-Christian Religions==
Most [[religion]]s of the world have their own versions of creation, some of which are similar to Christian beliefs and some of which are very different. The teachings of [[Judaism]] are based on Genesis, as in Christianity; however, significant Jewish authorities also believe in the [[theory of evolution]], and that this theory is not incompatible with biblical accounts of creation.<ref>"Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design." Rabbinical Council of America. December 27, 2005. http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=100635</ref> [[Muslims]] attribute creation of the universe to [[Allah]]. The [[Qur'an]] does not have one cohesive story of creation, but the sacred book does say that the Earth and the rest of the universe were created over six "days," which may not be the same length of time as a modern day.<ref>"The Origin of Life - an Islamic Perspective. Islam for Today. Accessed March 6, 2011." http://www.islamfortoday.com/emerick16.htm</ref> "Young-Earth creationism is wholly absent in the Muslim world."<ref>Hameed, Salman. "Bracing for Islamic Creationism." December 12, 2008. Science Magazine, Vol. 322 pp. 1637-1638. http://helios.hampshire.edu/~sahCS/Hameed-Science-Creationism.pdf</ref> [[Hindus]] believe that [[Brahma]], one of their three principal gods, created the universe, while [[Vishnu]] is the preserver of the universe.<ref>"Beliefs (Hinduism)." BBC. July 31, 2003. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/beliefs/intro_1.shtml</ref> Hinduism has its own form of evolution, and is generally considered to be compatible with the current "scientific" theory of evolution.<ref>Moorty, J.S.R.L.Narayana. "Science and Spirituality: Any Points of Contact?" 1995. http://www.well.com/user/jct/science.html</ref>

Versions of creation in ancient, indigenous, Eastern, and relatively obscure religions are often referred to as "creation stories" or "creation myths." (Note: in this usage, the word "myth" does not necessarily imply that the story is untrue, but that it is a traditional or legendary story.<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/myth</ref>) Here are some examples:<ref>"Creation Myths" http://www.magictails.com/creationlinks.html</ref><ref>"Creation Stories from around the World" http://www.gly.uga.edu/railsback/CS/CSIndex.html</ref>

*[[Babylonians]] believed that the heavens, Earth, and non-human life were created by Marduk, the four-eared, four-eyed giant who became ruler of the gods after defeating an army of [[dragon]]s and [[monster]]s. These things were created from the body of Tiamat, who was a descendent of the water gods like Marduk, and who ruled the defeated army of dragons and monsters. Human life was created by Ea, god of the rivers, and Nintu, the birth-goddess, out of [[clay]] from the Earth and [[blood]] and spittle from other gods.
*According to [[Hopi]] [[Native Americans]], the Creator, Taiowa, and his "nephew," Sotuknang, created the finite with four separate acts of creaton. 1) Gathering [[matter]] to create nine solid worlds. 2) Gathering [[water]]s to create seas. 3) Gathering [[air]] to make winds and breezes. 4) Creating life, starting with Spider Woman, who created all other life forms.
*Native [[Hawaii]]ans believe that life forms of the sea, air, and land were created from the unions of various entites of darkness and half-darkness. Humanity came about through the union of La'ila'i (the first woman), Ki'i (the first man), and Kane (a god).
*The [[Mayans]] believed that everything was created by Tepu and Gucamatz. Whatever they thought about came into being. Advanced beings were created so that the creators could be [[praise]]d. Advanced beings were first made of clay, then wood, but these did not work so they were wiped out in a [[flood]]. New beings were formed with the help of Mountain Lion, [[Coyote]], [[Parrot]], and Crow.

There are many other creation stories that are much longer and more complex.

==Creationists in the world==

As described in a 2011 IPSOS <ref>http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=10670</ref> study.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Creationist
! Evolutionist
! Not sure
|-
| [[Saudi Arabia]]
| 75%
| 7%
| 18%
|-
| [[Turkey]]
| 60%
| 19%
| 20%
|-
| [[Indonesia]]
| 57%
| 11%
| 32%
|-
| [[South Africa]]
| 56%
| 18%
| 26%
|-
| [[Brazil]]
| 47%
| 22%
| 31%
|-
| '''[[USA]]'''
| '''40%'''
| '''28%'''
| '''32%'''
|-
| [[Russia]]
| 34%
| 26%
| 40%
|-
| [[India]]
| 33%
| 39%
| 28%
|-
| [[Mexico]]
| 32%
| 34%
| 34%
|-
| [[Argentina]]
| 26%
| 37%
| 38%
|-
| [[Poland]]
| 25%
| 38%
| 37%
|-
| [[South Korea]]
| 24%
| 41%
| 35%
|-
| [[Canada]]
| 22%
| 45%
| 33%
|-
| [[Italy]]
| 21%
| 40%
| 39%
|-
| [[Australia]]
| 15%
| 51%
| 34%
|-
| [[Hungary]]
| 13%
| 55%
| 33%
|-
| [[Germany]]
| 12%
| 65%
| 23%
|-
| [[United Kingdom]]
| 12%
| 55%
| 34%
|-
| [[China]]
| 11%
| 64%
| 25%
|-
| [[Spain]]
| 11%
| 53%
| 37%
|-
| [[Japan]]
| 10%
| 60%
| 30%
|-
| [[Sweden]]
| 10%
| 68%
| 21%
|-
| [[France]]
| 09%
| 55%
| 36%
|-
| [[Belgium]]
| 08%
| 61%
| 31%
|-
| '''Total'''
| '''28%'''
| '''41%'''
| '''31%'''
|}

That may explain why Europe is such a mess at this time; however, this does not explain why Middle Eastern countries are in such poor conditions. Perhaps Christian creationism has a positive effect while Islamic creationism has a negative one.

== Biblical creation magazines and journals ==

''See also:'' [[Biblical creation journals]]

Some prominent biblical creation magazines and journals are given below:

*[[Creation magazine]]

*[[Journal of Creation]] - Peer reviewed

*[[Creation Research Society Quarterly Journal]] - peer reviewed

== See also ==
*[[Creationism]]
*[[Evolution]]
*[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]
*[[Essay: Sharing your Christian/creationist videos on the internet]]

==External Links==
*[http://creation.com/ Creation Ministries International]
*[http://creationrevolution.com/ Creation Revolution]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category: Creation]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Covenant

2012-11-09T17:07:24Z

TomReynolds: typo

{{Christianity}}
A '''covenant''' ("Brit" in Hebrew)is a promise or oath. The word "covenant" is used hundreds of times in some English translations of the Bible to describe God's promises to his people.

In Hebrew, the making of a Covenant, is called the "cutting" of a Covenant - "Llikhrot brit" while the fullfilling of a Covenant is "lehaqim Brit". Cassutto points out that this terminology is misunderstood by some higher critics of the Bible who believe that the difference in the Hebrew expression implies different authors coming from different times, and which support the documentary theory of biblical origins.

"Signs of the covenant" are given properly for the eyes of God and not given for pedagogic purpose for the sake of the people. The people of the Lord lift up or fulfill the signs of the Covenant to heaven itself. Heaven (God) looks down and sees the signs, sees the faith of the people that are under the sign, sees them taking refuge in what the signs represent, so that the people are found safe under the wings of God's grace and mercy. The signs of the New Covenant are thus analogous to the Old Covenant signs that God looked upon - the blood of the lamb at the first Passover which was placed by the people who believed, which was seen by the angel, and so the people were spared; the circumcision of the Israelites at eight days of age, which Moses neglected to do for his own son, and was spared only because of the faithful love and determination of his wife who did the job for him; and the rainbow in the skies, which, when God would look at, He would remember His promise to spare the earth from more destruction by water as in the days of Noah. These are all echoes of the Jewish "Remembrance" prayers from the time of Jesus and thus provide the setting for the celebration of the Eucharist.

[[Jesus]] proclaimed the [[New Covenant]] which replaced his Jewish teachings of the [[Old Testament]] with his message which he termed [[The Way]].

[[Category:Christianity]][[Category:Judaism]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Confessions

2012-11-09T17:07:17Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Image:Augustine of Hippo.jpg|right|thumb|St. Augustine]]
'''''Confessions''''' is the autobiography of [[Saint Augustine]]. He was one of the [[Church fathers]], very important in the history of the early Church, born in North Africa to a [[pagan]] father and Christian mother. ''Confessions'' was written in [[Latin]] shortly between 397 and 398 AD, while he was in his forties, and is a remarkable piece of [[Christianity|Christian]] literature for several reasons.

* It is the first ever [[autobiography]] in [[Western literature]], so Augustine created a whole new model of literature. It was originally produced as 13 books, each subdivided into chapters. The lengths of the books is rather uneven - Book Two has 10 chapters while the more philosophical Book Ten is contains 43 chapters! Chapters are quite short, a couple of pages, and with modern printing techniques the ''Confessions'' is actually published in one volume, with most translations between 200 and 400 pages. When it was written, the individual books had to be copied out by hand!
* Augustine describes his [[conversion]] to Christianity at the age of 33, after experimenting with a wild youth, [[Manichaeism]] and [[Neoplatonism]]. His rejection of the Neoplatonic Greek philosophy as a complete explanation for the universe - he saw that their complicated and wordy arguments didn't necessarily make them true - and the logical inconsistencies of Manichaeism help explain why Christianity became the dominant belief in post-Classical Europe and (until the rise of [[Islam]]) North Africa and the Middle East. Modern readers may find it easier to empathise with his wild youth than his temporary commitment to these two largely forgotten traditions that were vying with Christianity at the time; [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian|for other people leaving atheism and trying to turn to the Lord]], they can take heart from the personal fulfilment he received from his conversion.
* He describes the first-hand influence of another great [[saint]] on him, [[Saint Ambrose]], and how Ambrose's arguments persuaded him that Christianity is the true and logically correct religion.
* Augustine proves that [[astrology]] is both illogical and evil; despite our greater scientific knowledge many liberals believe in astrology 1600 years later!<ref>http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/2009/12/more-democrats-believe-in-astr.html</ref> His arguments in Book Seven, Chapter VI, include consideration of the twins [[Jacob]] and [[Esau]] - from their astrological details, a foreteller would have predicted the same future for both, yet their fates were very different. So Augustine concludes that when astrologers get the right answers, they do so by chance alone.
* Augustine also includes philosophical arguments about the nature of time that are used to [[apologetics|refute doubters]] who think that [[Genesis]] shows contradictions in Christianity. A common [[atheist]] argument at the time was "what did God before he created the world?", by examining the meaning of time and therefore the word "before", Augustine proves that the doubters have no logical argument, just like when they challenge Genesis today.
* Augustine bravely admits to many [[sin]]s from his past, including [[theft]] of pears as a child (even though he came from a rich family that always had food), and [[lust]]. By confessing the dark secrets of his past so publicly, Augustine helps us see how even the worst sinner can turn to [[Jesus]] and receive [[God's love]].
* Augustine is also very self-aware about the circumstances that led him to sin as a young man, especially the bad influence of other young people when he fell into a bad crowd. This is important advice for any Christian parent to remember today. He also notes how his family did not "save me from ruin by marriage" which allowed him to continue his destructive lustful behavior. Even though looking back it dawned on him that God was "always by me, mercifully angry and flavoring all my unlawful pleasures with bitter discontent, in order that I might seek pleasures free from discontent", Augustine continued his pursuit of worldly pleasure until his conversion.

==Quotes==

* ''But, fool that I was, I foamed in my wickedness as the sea and, forsaking thee, followed the rushing of my own tide, and burst out of all thy bounds. But I did not escape thy scourges. For what mortal can do so? Thou wast always by me, mercifully angry and flavoring all my unlawful pleasures with bitter discontent, in order that I might seek pleasures free from discontent. But where could I find such pleasure save in thee, O Lord - save in thee, who dost teach us by sorrow, who woundest us to heal us, and dost kill us that we may not die apart from thee.'' - on how true pleasure is only found in God, Book Two, Chapter II

* ''I fell away from thee, O my God, and in my youth I wandered too far from thee, my true support. And I became to myself a wasteland.'' - on sin, Book Two, Chapter X

* ''To love and to be loved was sweet to me, and all the more when I gained the enjoyment of the body of the person I loved. Thus I polluted the spring of friendship with the filth of concupiscence and I dimmed its luster with the slime of lust. Yet, foul and unclean as I was, I still craved, in excessive vanity, to be thought elegant and urbane. And I did fall precipitately into the love I was longing for. My God, my mercy, with how much bitterness didst thou, out of thy infinite goodness, flavor that sweetness for me! For I was not only beloved but also I secretly reached the climax of enjoyment; and yet I was joyfully bound with troublesome tics, so that I could be scourged with the burning iron rods of jealousy, suspicion, fear, anger, and strife. '' - on lust's noxious effects and how God punished him for it, Book Three, Chapter I

* ''If I could have believed, I might have been cured, and, with the sight of my soul cleared up, it might in some way have been directed toward thy truth, which always abides and fails in nothing. But, just as it happens that a man who has tried a bad physician fears to trust himself with a good one, so it was with the health of my soul, which could not be healed except by believing.'' - on the need for belief and how his prior belief in false religions made him wary of accepting Christianity, Book Six, Chapter IV

* ''I then turned my thoughts to those that are born twins, who generally come out of the womb so near the one to the other that the short interval between them - whatever importance they may ascribe to it in the nature of things - cannot be noted by human observation or expressed in those tables which the astrologer uses to examine when he undertakes to pronounce the truth. But such pronouncements cannot be true. For looking into the same horoscopes, he must have foretold the same future for Esau and Jacob, whereas the same future did not turn out for them. He must therefore speak falsely. If he is to speak truly, then he must read contrary predictions into the same horoscopes. But this would mean that it was not by art, but by chance, that he would speak truly.'' - on astrologers, Book Seven, Chapter VI

* ''O my God, let me remember with gratitude and confess to thee thy mercies toward me. Let my bones be bathed in thy love, and let them say: "Lord, who is like unto thee? Thou hast broken my bonds in sunder, I will offer unto thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving."[232] And how thou didst break them I will declare, and all who worship thee shall say, when they hear these things: "Blessed be the Lord in heaven and earth, great and wonderful is his name."'' - on his acceptance of Christ, Book Eight, Chapter I

==External links==
* [http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1101.htm Summary in the New Advent Encyclopedia]
* [http://believerscafe.com/christian_classics/a/augustin/confessi/confess1.htm Public domain translation] by Albert C. Outler
* [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/augustine/confess.toc.html Translation] by Edward B. Pusey

==References==

<references/>

[[Category:Books]]
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Confessio

2012-11-09T17:07:14Z

TomReynolds: typo

A '''confessio''' is the tomb of a [[Christian]] [[martyr]]. The term was later expanded to include an altar or space surrounding the tomb.

The most famous confessio is the tomb of [[St. Peter]] under the high altar of [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in the [[Vatican]].

[[category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Martyrs]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Complementarianism

2012-11-09T17:07:05Z

TomReynolds: typo

Complementarianism is the traditional theological position which evidences from the [[Bible]] that [[God]] created [[male]] and [[female]] uniquely compatible and complementary, and which opposite genders alone can be joined in marriage. (Gen. 2:18-24) In addition, they understand that while both genders were made by God in His image and likeness, (Gen. 1:26-27) and their complementary nature manifests interdependence, yet in so doing God has established the man as the head of the women. This hierarchical order is patterned after the relationship between the Father and Son, which is explicitly declared in 1 Corinthians 11:3:
{{Cquote|But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.}}

Throughout the Bible the headship of the man is understood as being clearly upheld as ordained by God, and consistent with this, women are also not allowed to normally possess a position of authority over men, as per 1 Timothy 2:11-12. However, that women can be greatly used in ministry is affirmed, and also that husbands are commanded,
{{Cquote|love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (Eph 5:25)}}

Modern Complementarianism sometimes emphasizes more the great viability of female ministry than historical expressions of the doctrine of male headship.

In contrast to Complementarianism is the more modern position termed "Christian" [[Egalitarianism]], which, among other things, seeks to use the essential spiritual equality which all believers enjoy (Gal. 3:28) to negate positional/functional distinctions between men and women. While some egalitarians profess to hold the Bible as the wholly inspired word of God, they tend to rely on a much less literal approach in interpreting key verses. Primary arguments typically used by egalitarianism are also used by many pro[[homosexual]] polemicists in regards to [[homosexuality and biblical interpretation]],<ref>http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Homosex_versus_the_Bible.html#Corinthians</ref> though more conservative egalitarians distance reject homosexuality.<ref>[[homosexuality]]. [http://www.cbmw.org/Journal/Vol-8-No-2/Egalitarianism-and-Homosexuality David W. Jones, ''Egalitarianism and Homosexuality: Connected or Autonomous Ideologies?'']</ref>

Southern Baptist theological [[Albert Mohler]] states,
<blockquote>
The arguments used in support of the ordination of women require the dismissal or "reinterpretation" of specific biblical texts which disallow women in the teaching office. The same is true of arguments for the ordination of divorced persons--and for homosexuals.<ref>http://www.albertmohler.com/?cat=Commentary&cdate=2003-08-05</ref>
</blockquote>

==Primary Biblical texts==

That man is created first is seen as the first establishment of male headship, which is then further upheld and its application revealed.

* "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Gen. 1:26-27)

* "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Cor 11:3)

* "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. (1 Cor 11:8-9) (The women is then required to have a head covering, symbolizing her submission to the man.)

* "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. {23} For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. {24} Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (Eph 5:22-24)

* "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." (1 Pet 3:5-6)

In addition to the order of creation, the effects of the [[Fall of man]] has implications regarding the functional role of women :

* "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." (Gen 3:16)

* "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. {14} And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." (1 Tim 2:11-14)

==Complementarian arguments==

As part of the practice of sound [[exegesis]], obscure, anecdotal or general statements in Scripture are interpreted in the light of explicit ones. In so doing, the proof texts of Christian Egalitarianism, which are primarily Galatians 3:38 and examples of notable women, are understood as neither negating authority structures nor the creational distinctions between man and women, such as is stated in 1 Cor. 11:3ff, any more than the oneness which the members of the Christian [[Trinity]] share negates the hierarchical order within the Godhead. Instead, the positional/functional distinctions between man and women are seen to be patterned after the Divine order, and are part of the complementary nature of the male and female union.

In addition, it is argued that while exceptional conditions may allow female leadership, as in Judges 4, such do not negate that which is manifest to be ordained and established as normative. It is pointed out that no female priests were ordained in the [[Old Testament]], nor it is anywhere established that female apostles or Bishops/Elders were ordained in the New Testament. Examples such as Phebe, Junia (Rom. 16:1,7) or Lydia (Acts 16:14,40) are seen as far from establishing these we either apostles or leaders over men.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/WOMENPASTORS.html Are Women Pastors Biblical?]</ref>

In support of male headship being ordained from before the Fall, Protestant theologian and complementarian author Wayne Grudem puts forward ten arguments from Scripture in his book, ''Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than 100 Disputed Questions'':<ref>http://www.cbmw.org/images/onlinebooks/evangelical_feminism.pdf Wayne Gruden, ''Evangelical Feminism & Biblical truth''</ref>

* 1. “The order: Adam was created first, then Eve (note the sequence in Genesis 2:7 and Genesis 2:18-23).” (p. 30)

* 2. “The representation: Adam, not Eve, had a special role in representing the human race.” Eve sinned first, but Scripture says we fell in Adam- 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45-49).

* 3. “The naming of the woman: When God made the first woman and ‘brought her to the man,’” (p. 31) Adam named her- Genesis 2:23. Naming is a function of authority- See God’s naming creation Genesis 1:5-2:20.

* 4. “The naming of the human race: God named the human race ‘Man,’ not ‘Woman.’ (p. 34)- Genesis 5:1-2 “Does this make any difference? It does give a hint of male leadership, which God suggested in choosing this name. It is significant that God did call the human race ‘Woman.’” (p. 35)

* 5. “The primary accountability: God spoke to Adam first after the Fall…. It indicated a primary responsibility for Adam in the conduct of his family.” (p. 36) Genesis 3:9

* 6. “The purpose: Eve was created as a helper for Adam, not Adam as a helper for Eve.” (p. 36) She was Adam’s helper by virtue of creation, not in certain situations, but in a normative sense. Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:9

* 7. “The conflict: The curse brought a distortion of roles, not the new introduction of roles.” (p. 37) Genesis 3:16 is not how the roles ought to be, but is how the created roles were distorted.

* 8. “The restoration: When we come to the New Testament, salvation in Christ reaffirms the creation order.” (p. 40) In Christ the curse is reversed and the created roles are restored- Colossians 3:18-19.

* 9. “The mystery: Marriage from the beginning of Creation was a picture of the relationship between Christ and the church.” (p. 41) Paul makes this point in Ephesians 5:31-32, and it is applied in 5:23.

* 10. “The parallel with the Trinity: The equality, differences, and unity between men and women reflect the quality, differences, and unity in the Trinity.” (p. 42)<ref>http://ateam.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2006/8/4/2199029.html </ref>

In addition to exegesis of relevant passages in support of Complementarianism, arguments by Egalitarians are examined and countered,<ref>http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/WOMENPASTORS.html</ref> such as in ''Gender Passages in the New Testament: Hermeneutical Fallacies Critiqued''. <ref>http://www.cbmw.org/images/articles_pdf/kostenberger_andreas/genderpassagesnt.pdf</ref><ref>Westminster Theological Journal 56 (1994); pp. 259–83</ref>

==Official affirmations==
The Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood was issued in December, 1987, in Danvers, [[Massachusetts]]. Affirmations 1 through 8 (abridged) state:

* 1. Both Adam and Eve were created in God's image, equal before God as persons and distinct in their manhood and womanhood (Gen 1:26-27, 2:18).

* 2. Distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order, and should find an echo in every human heart (Gen 2:18, 21-24; 1 Cor 11:7-9; 1 Tim 2:12-14).

* 3. Adam's headship in marriage was established by God before the Fall, and was not a result of sin (Gen 2:16-18, 21-24, 3:1-13; 1 Cor 11:7-9).

* 4. The Fall introduced distortions into the relationships between men and women (Gen 3:1-7, 12, 16).

* 5. The Old Testament, as well as the New Testament, manifests the equally high value and dignity which God attached to the roles of both men and women (Gen 1:26-27, 2:18; Gal 3:28). Both Old and New Testaments also affirm the principle of male headship in the family and in the covenant community (Gen 2:18; Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; 1 Tim 2:11-15).

* 6. Redemption in Christ aims at removing the distortions introduced by the curse.

* 7. In all of life Christ is the supreme authority and guide for men and women, so that no earthly submission-domestic, religious, or civil-ever implies a mandate to follow a human authority into sin (Dan 3:10-18; Acts 4:19-20, 5:27-29; 1 Pet 3:1-2).

* 8. In both men and women a heartfelt sense of call to ministry should never be used to set aside Biblical criteria for particular ministries (1 Tim 2:11-15, 3:1-13; Tit 1:5-9). Rather, Biblical teaching should remain the authority for testing our subjective discernment of God's will.<ref>http://www.cbmw.org/Resources/Articles/The-Danvers-Statement</ref>

==Contrasted with [[liberalism]]==

Complementarians such as Grunden argue that "liberal Protestant denominations were the pioneers of evangelical feminism, and that evangelical feminists today have adopted many of the arguments
earlier used by theological liberals to advocate the ordination of women and to reject male headship in marriage." And in addition, "that many prominent evangelical feminist writers today advocate
positions that deny or undermine the authority of Scripture, and many other egalitarian leaders promote their books", with recent trends suggesting that egalitarianism is heading toward
a denial of anything uniquely masculine, and toward "an endorsement of God as Mother, and ultimately an endorsement of the moral legitimacy of homosexuality."<ref>http://www.cbmw.org/images/jbmw_pdf/9_1/ef_new_path.pdf</ref>

As is the case with the latter issue, the traditional position may often be minimized or censured by liberals and their institutions and churches. In "Is Evangelical Feminism the New Path to Liberalism?, Grunden recalls a letter received in May 1987 from a New Testament professor at the (formerly conservative) Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. As a result of presenting the traditional position as part of a course on the Pastoral Epistles, the professor reported, "For two and a half weeks I was slandered up and down campus. I was the major subject on the declaration board, etc. It was a real mess. . . . The vast majority of the letters were from students who were not in the class. . . ." The Womenʼs Concerns Committee sent a letter to all his students, arguing against him being allowed to teach on this position, and that they would seek to censor any further teaching along traditional lines of interpretation. The dean never said that anything was mishandled except in regards to professor being allowed to teach what he thought, and accused him of presenting his personal views with more force than the other views.<ref>Grunden, ''Is Evangelical Feminism the New Path to Liberalism?'', p. 37, Personal letters from William D. Mounce May 14, and July 23, 1987.</ref>

==Historical position==
It is is well evidenced that the traditional position was that which is now called Complementarianism.<ref>http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/1Cor.11+14.html#Commentaries</ref> In no place in the Scriptures is it established that women were priests in Israel or pastors of a New Testament church. Later, notable ancient authorities upheld the traditional position of male headship in church and home. [[Protestant]] churches likewise have historically upheld the traditional position from the time of the [[Reformation]], though later some exceptions would begin to be seen among certain Pentecostal churches. Female pastoral ordination began to be most prevalent within churches in [[liberal Christianity]].

[[Origen]] (AD 185-254) stated that,
<blockquote>
Even if it is granted to a woman to show the sign of prophecy, she is nevertheless not permitted to speak in an assembly. When Miriam the prophetess spoke, she was leading a choir of women ... For [as Paul declares] "I do not permit a woman to teach," and even less "to tell a man what to do." <ref>Origen, Fragmenta ex commentariis in epistulam i ad Corinthios</ref>
</blockquote>

Nineteenth century Christian historian [[Philip Schaff]] records the teaching of early church fathers of the third and fourth century, stating in regards to 1 Cor. 14: 34,35,
<blockquote>
We do not permit our “women to teach in the Church, but only to pray and hear those that teach; for our Master and Lord, Jesus Himself, when He sent us the twelve to make disciples of the people and of the nations, did nowhere send out women to preach,.. <ref>Schaff, ANF07: ''ANF07: Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, Homily</ref>
</blockquote>

In commenting on the same verses, [[Baptist]] theologian Dr. [[John Gill]] (1690 - 1771) states,
<blockquote>
In Gen_3:16, "thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee". By this the apostle would signify, that the reason why women are not to speak in the church, or to preach and teach publicly, or be concerned in the ministerial function, is, because this is an act of power, and authority; of rule and government, and so contrary to that subjection which God in his law requires of women unto men. The extraordinary instances of Deborah, Huldah, and Anna, must not be drawn into a rule or example in such cases.<ref>[http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-corinthians-14-34.html Gill, 1 Corinthians 14:34</ref>
</blockquote>

Likewise Presbyterian theologian and Bible commentator [[Albert Barnes (theologian)|Albert Barnes]] (1798 –1 870) stated,

<blockquote>
No rule in the New Testament is more positive than this; and however plausible may be the reasons which may be urged for disregarding it, and for suffering women to take part in conducting public worship, yet the authority of the apostle Paul is positive, and his meaning cannot be mistaken; compare 1Ti_2:11-12...

This evidently and obviously refers to the church assembled for public worship, in the ordinary and regular acts of devotion. There the assembly is made up of males and females, of old and young, and there it is improper for them to take part in conducting the exercises. But this cannot be interpreted as meaning that it is improper for females to speak or to pray in meetings of their own sex, assembled for prayer or for benevolence; nor that it is improper for a female to speak or to pray in a Sunday School.<ref>[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/barnes/ntnotes.x.xiv.xxxiv.html Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible], 1 Cor. 14:34,35</ref>
</blockquote>

[[Matthew Henry]] (1662 – 1714) in his extensive commentary, entertains allowing “praying, and uttering hymns inspired” by women, as such “were not teaching”.<ref>http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=1co&chapter=014</ref>

Nineteenth century Congregationalist A. Hastings Boss, D.D., writing in 1870 in the ''Bibliotheca sacra and theological review'', found no sanctioned “instance in the Bible of a woman's speaking in public”, in that of Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, and stated that
<blockquote>
If these prophetesses had each been called to public speaking, they would have been exceptions to the general rule, in striking contrast with the conduct of all other women under the law. Certainly no rule could have been or can now be founded upon these exceptional cases.

Joel predicts [Joel 2:28-32] and Peter quotes [Acts 2:17-21] that "in the last days" God's Spirit should lead "daughters" and hand-maidens," as well as men, to "prophesy"; but neither prophet nor apostle specifies any particular place, as the church, in which it should be done. Now Paul nowhere forbids women to prophesy, except " in the churches." They could have exercised their gift in private, or in a congregation of women, as did the four virgin daughters of Philip...A prophetess would have had enough to do among her own sex, without speaking in the assemblies.
</blockquote>

Boss also concluded that Gal. 3:28 is not applicable to the issue of women speaking in the assemblies, due to it having to do with salvation, not positions in service, “that salvation by faith is the same to all mankind, whatever be their race, condition, or sex, though natural distinctions still exist in full force.” He did not, however, see any restrictions on women singing, and also allowed for women teaching out of necessity, if competent men were not to be had. Boss, ''The silence of women in the churches —objections considered,''<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=8VsQAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA740&dq=%22silence+in+the+churches%22&output=html_text] Article viii; Bibliotheca sacra and theological review, Volume 27, pp. 739-763</ref>

The Presbyterian quarterly, April, 1889, in examining both 1 Cor. 14:34,35 and 1 Tim. 11-15, stated,
<blockquote>
As early as the year 1832, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in this country, in a pastoral letter to the churches in reference to dangers to be avoided in revivals, calls attention to a tendency then just beginning to appear, and uses this strong language (Baird, Digest, p. 220), "Meetings of pious women by themselves for conversation and prayer, whenever they can conveniently be held, we entirely approve. But let not the inspired prohibitions of the great apostle of the Gentiles, as found in his Epistles to the Corinthians and to Timothy, be violated. To teach and exhort, or to lead in prayer in public and promiscuous assemblies, is clearly forbidden to women in the holy oracles.".<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=nUYUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA165&dq=%22silence+in+the+churches%22&lr=&output=html_text “Women in the church,” The Presbyterian quarterly], Volume 3, NO. 8.- April, 1889. pp. 166-179</ref>
</blockquote>

Evangelical Baptist minister, teacher and author, [[John F. MacArthur]] Jr. (1939 —) affirms the basic traditional view, stating in regards to 1 Corinthians 11:5,

<blockquote>
The mention of women's praying and prophesying is sometimes used to prove that Paul acknowledged the right of their teaching, preaching, and leading in church worship. But he makes no mention here of the church at worship or in the time of formal teaching. Perhaps he has in view praying and prophesying in public places, rather than in the worship of the congregation. This would certainly fit with the very clear directives in 1 Corinthians (14:34) and in his first letter to Timothy (2:12) ... Women may have the gift of prophecy, as did Philip's four daughters (Acts 21:9), but they are normally not to prophesy in the meetings of the church where men are present. <ref>John MacArthur Jr., 1 Corinthians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1984), pp. 256-7.</ref>
</blockquote>

Post Reformation authorities provide the most extensive account of the majority position regarding the role of female leadership. While they saw injunctions against ordination of women as clear, they found more challenging to what degree silence was enjoined upon women in the formal assembly. <ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Notes_1Cot.11+14.html Commentaries]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood]]

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==

* [http://www.cbmw.org/Articles The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, articles]
* [http://www.cbmw.org/images/onlinebooks/evangelical_feminism.pdf Wayne Gruden, ''Evangelical Feminism & Biblical truth'']
* [http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/WOMENPASTORS.html Are Women Pastors Biblical?]
*[http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/women.html Women in the Bible]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Bible]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Code of the spirit

2012-11-09T17:06:55Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''The Code of the Spirit''' (Simplified: 密码教; Traditional: 密碼教; Hanyu pinyin: mìmǎjiào; literally "religion code") is a term for a [[China|Chinese]] religious movement from the 1970s and 1980s. It was an effort to spread [[Christianity]] using familiar elements.

==Origin==

It is not known when the Code of the Spirit was invented; however, the term was first used in the late 70s. It was used by groups of native Chinese who converted to Christianity in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. There is no official version of the Code, as it is more a way of teaching.

The concept of ''mimajiao'' was teaching Christianity by attaching people and events from the [[Bible]] to people and events from Chinese stories. Usually, this was done with literature - [[Water Margin]] and [[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]] were commonly used. Sometimes, works of philosophy were used instead. Parables would be compared to parts of the [[Analects]] or the [[Dao De Jing]]. This had two purposes: It allowed the teachers to keep their lessons secret, and it made the material easier for the students to understand. It was similar in some ways to [[santeria]], except that there was no mixing of the religions.

==Lessons==

''Mimajiao'' lessons were usually held in small family-owned restaurants or shops. The teachers advertised them as historical lessons in newspapers and fliers. The first few lessons were readings and discussion with no religious content. In later lessons, the teacher started by connecting one or two characters in the story to Christian figures. He then told a variant on the story, combining the original story and the religious lesson.

===Example Lesson===

A sample lesson, based on the [[Battle of Chi Bi|Battle of Changban]] and [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew 14:13-33]]:

<blockquote>
While traveling South with his men, [[Liu Bei]] encountered a group of peasants who were fleeing the tyranny of Cao Cao. His officers came to him and said "These people are in need of aid, but we do not have the means to protect them. We should send them West, where [[Cao Cao]] will not follow." Liu Bei replied, "That should not be necessary. We shall bring them with us." [[Zhuge Liang]] was uncertain that they could support the peasants, but he put his trust in Liu Bei's judgment.

As they neared Changban Bridge, the weather grew rough, and their pursuers grew nearer. Zhuge Liang again instructed Liu Bei, "We can not shelter these men. Send them West, that they may find shelter." But Liu Bei replied, "Is it our skill that you doubt, or our righteousness?" With that, he dismounted his horse and gathered the peasants to cross the river. Zhuge Liang realized the righteousness of his master, and he took to Liu Bei's side.<ref>"A Lesson Analyzed - Battle of Changban" http://mimajiao.blogspot.com/2010/01/lesson-analyzed-battle-of-changban.html</ref>
</blockquote>

==History==

The Code of the Spirit was most widespread in the 1980s. Because there was no central organization, exact numbers are not known. However, there was at least one chapter in every provincial city.

During the early 1990s, there was an effort to put ''mimajiao'' resources online. The government blocked most of the websites, and other methods were more successful anyway, so it was largely abandoned.

Because Christianity is more widely understood, the Code of the Spirit is rarely used today. It is still used on occasion in [[Xinjiang]] province, and there are similar movements in central Asia.

==Reference==
<references/>

[[Category:China]]
[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Closed communion

2012-11-09T17:06:51Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Closed communion''' is the practice in some [[Christian]] [[Church|churches]] of offering [[communion]] (also known as Holy Eucharist or Lord's Supper) only to members of the same [[denomination]] or congregation (though few churches restrict communion to only members of the congregation). The reason for practicing closed communion is generally because of differing beliefs about the meaning and nature of Holy Communion that exist among denominations.

==Churches that practice closed communion==
*[[Catholic Church]]: The Roman Catholic Church normally restricts communion to Catholics in good standing (i.e. not in mortal sin and not excommunicated). On certain occasions members of other churches with valid holy orders and identical beliefs about the Eucharist are admitted to communion.

*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]

*Some [[Baptists]]

*Confessional [[Lutherans]]

*[[Jehovah's Witnesses]]

==See Also==
*[[Real presence]]
*[[Open communion]]

[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

CitizenLink

2012-11-09T17:06:45Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''CitizenLink''' is a resource that equips citizens to make their voices heard on critical social policy issues involving the sanctity of human life, the preservation of religious liberties and the well-being of the family as the building block of society. They are an affiliate of [[Focus on the Family]] located in [[Colorado]]. As a family advocacy organization, they inspire men and women to live out biblical citizenship that transforms culture. Per their website,

{{cquote|Our passion for what we do is driven by our core convictions:

We believe that all people are of infinite value, regardless of age, development, appearance or ability.

We believe that marriage is the foundation of family life, and that God’s design for marriage is the union of one man and one woman, a relationship in which both husband and wife are committed to loving and caring for one another for a lifetime.

We believe [[children]] are a gift from God, and thrive best in a home where both mother and father are committed to raising them with love, intention, and care.

We believe sex is given by [[God]] as an expression of love to be shared and enjoyed exclusively between a husband and wife.

We believe that [[Christian]]s have a responsibility to promote truth and social policy that improves the strength and health of the family, and to preserve the proper roles for government, church and family, as God designed them.

And we believe that parents should aspire to model for their children how to humbly follow the teachings and spirit of [[Jesus]] at home and in the community.

Ultimately, we believe that the purpose of life is to know and glorify God through an authentic relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this, we stand for righteousness and [[truth]], mindful that our words and actions serve as a witness to an increasingly broken [[society]].}}

==External Links==
* [http://www.citizenlink.com/ CitizenLink website]
* [http://www.facebook.com/citizenlink Facebook page]
* [http://twitter.com/citizenlink Twitter page]
* [http://www.youtube.com/pikafilms YouTube channel]

[[Category:Conservative Organizations]]
[[Category:Activists]]
[[Category:Websites]]
[[Category:Conservative]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
{{conservatism}} <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Category:Churches

2012-11-09T17:06:42Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

The Church: Her Origin, Purpose, Doctrine, and History

2012-11-09T17:06:33Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''''The Church: Her Origin, Purpose, Doctrine, and History''''' is a lengthy [[Christian]] theologial treatise published in 1962 (updated 1973) by the American [[Baptist]] Association clergyman [[L. L. Clover]], a Missionary Baptist pastor from [[Arkansas]] and [[Louisiana]].

Clover, who lived from 1902 to 1975, was pastor of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and the founding president of the [[Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary]], both in [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]], Louisiana. '''The Church'' is an exhaustive study of the history of the church as a local unit ordained by [[Jesus Christ]] during His earthly ministry but implanted much earlier in the mind of the omniscient [[God]] even prior to the creation of the earth and mankind. Under this view, the church falls within the eternal purpose of God as the vehicle established to accomplish the salvation of the [[Gentiles]].<ref>L. L. Clover, ''The Church: Her Origin, Purpose, Doctrine, and History'', [[Minden, Louisiana]]: Louisiana Baptist Press, 1962, p. 18</ref>

==Purpose of the Church==

The English word "church" is derived from the [[Greek]] meaning "called-out assembly".<ref>Clover, p. 94</ref>

Clover lists a five-fold purpose of the church:

*As the medium through which God reveals himself to man

*As the agency through which to preach the gospel of salvation

*As the personal representative of Christ: His Bride, His Body, His Kingdom, Teacher of His Law, and Reflector of His Light

*As the foundation and pillar of the Christian Truth,

*As the medium through which God receives Glory.<ref>Clover, p. 22</ref>

Clover traces the origin of the church in [[Old Testament]] prophecy (Book of Daniel 2:44) through the coming of [[John the Baptist]] (Matthew 3:1-2), the predecessor to the earthly ministry of Jesus. Clover writes that the building of the church, commissioned only through the Blood of Christ, must continue until the Second Coming of Christ, at which point the institution is removed from the secular world.<ref>Clover, p. 73</ref>In the words of Jesus, "Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."<ref>Matthew 16:18</ref>

==Church government==

Clover stresses that Christ alone is the head of the church:

"His word is her only law. If she [the church] should surrender herself to the dictates of a man, a board, or a presbytery, she would have turned away from Christ. Neither does she have the prerogative to appoint, outside of her membership, any man or group of men to carry out her mission programs or her teaching program. To do this, she has surrendered her God-given responsibility and privilege. ... The church cannot delegate that authority thus given to her."<ref>Clover, p. 99</ref>

Clover stresses the autonomy of the church, "a democratic body; complete within itself, [with] each member responsible for her acts."<ref>Clover, p. 103</ref>

Clover attributes the [[Holy Spirit]] as essential to guide the church to an understanding of the inspired word: "The Holy Spirit will always point the church to Christ her head; His law as the only law which she is bound to obey."<ref>Clover, p. 101</ref>

==Salvation, baptism, and communion==

Clover emphasizes the requirement of [[salvation]] to escape hell. He describes the unregenerate as "by nature the children of wrath," "alienated from God," "dead in trespasses and sin," and "having no hope and without God in the world."<ref>Clover, p. 109</ref>

Clover discusses the two authorized church commissions recognized in the Baptist denomination: [[baptism]] and the Lord's Supper, also known as [[communion]]. Baptism is recognized only by immersion; it is the individual signal to the world that a believer has accepted the truth of Christ. [[Reformation]] figure [[John Calvin]], who did not object to sprinkling as a substitute for immersion, wrote that the word "baptize" means immersion, and "it is certain that immersion was observed by the ancient church."<ref>Clover, p. 115</ref>

Communion is the memorial service commemorating the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptists use unleavened bread crumbs and grape juice, rather than wine, in the ceremony. Baptists stress from 1 Corinthians 11:26, "For as often as ye eat of this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death until he come." <ref>Clover, p. 119</ref> Baptist congregations usually administer communion four to six times a year, not as a part of every church service. The supper is symbolic: "This is my body. This is my blood ... Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. ..."<ref>Clover, p. 119</ref>Because communnion is committed to the local church, Missionary Baptists, like Roman Catholics, restrict the practice to their own members in good standing within the church. Other Baptist groups and most Protestants as well permit any professed believer in Jesus Christ, regardless of church membership, to partake at the communion table.<ref>Clover, p. 120</ref>

==Other church doctrines==

Clover discusses church discipline of wayward members, false religions, and the end of times. He refers to the practice of speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues as gifts of the Holy Spirit, available only to certain men but not to any women.<ref>Clover, p. 123</ref>"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law."<ref>I Corinthians 14:34</ref>

Clover discusses in some details the promise of Jesus to the first church to return in bodily form at an undisclosed later date known only by God the Father.<ref>Clover, p. 124</ref> "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father, with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works."<ref>Matthew 16:27</ref>

Clover writes: "Many present day churches do not place much emphasis upon the Lord's [[Second Coming]]; however, the first churches were taught [that] this event was to be their comfort and hope. [The Apostle] [[Paul]] gave the church at Thessalonica [later Salonika] a word picture of the first phase of the Lord's coming; then in I Thessalonians 4:18, he [said], Wherefore comfort one another with these words."<ref>Clover, p. 126</ref>

Clover equates false religion to include not only the worship of idols but to a doctrine of works which surpasses the need for salvation in Christ. "After the fall of man and the institution of the blood sacrifice which pointed to the Savior and his redemptive work, the Devil through [[Cain]] attempted to reduce the price of salvation to a system of works [charitable deeds]. These works ... would make man independent of Christ so far as salvation is concerned. The Devil's religion has not changed; it is to all extents the same as when he first introduced it into the world. ... Satanic religion involves a system of rituals and works by which man may earn salvation for his soul."<ref>Clover, p. 128</ref>

==Church practices==

Clover stresses that in the first century A.D. individual churches, not denominational organizations, sent out missionaries to proselytize nonbelievers into a knowledge of Christ. This belief separates Missionary Baptists within the American Baptist Association, based in Texarkana, [[Texas]], from the much larger [[Southern Baptist Convention]], headquartered in [[Nashville]], [[Tennessee]]. In Clover's words, "God would hold the local church responsible for the men [missionaries] that were sent out and the gospel they preached. Thus it is clear that the local church must be the authority behind the missionaries that are in the field."<ref>Clover, p. 143</ref>

Clover disputes those denominations in which church officials rule over the local congregations. "Sometimes the preacher becomes imbued with the idea he is the church boss. Many times the board of deacons [seeks] to lead the church. This is the exception rather than the rule in Baptist ranks. But it is the general idea among many denominations [in which] the idea of ruling elders, bishops, and presbyteries arose to direct the affairs of the church."<ref>Clover, pp. 146-147</ref> Clover said that such church leaders must command not through their own interpretations and viewpoints but solely act "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."<ref>Clover, p. 147</ref>

==The Church in the New Testament==

The growth of the Christian church began after the Day of [[Pentecost]]: "Then they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."<ref>Clover, p. 151; Acts 2:41-42</ref>

Clover writes that after Pentecost no records have been found of converted people who were not members of a local church. The early church, he maintains, "formed one group and had all things common. However, this was voluntary and a not a rule of church practice."<ref>Clover, p. 151</ref>Clover says that deacon boards "are not given authority to rule over the church [but are] only ordained to serve the church."<ref>Clover, p. 152</ref>

Clover discusses in the case of Paul how God can "take the evil deeds of the unsaved and use them to his own glory."<ref>Clover, p. 152</ref>"Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Acts 2:47), according to Clover, requires the church to go beyond its comfort zone to spread essential gospel teaching, particularly where it is resisted.<ref>Clover, p. 153</ref>

Clover discusses the status of the church in [[Corinth]], then a world center of commerce and "an extremely wicked city [because of] her sensual religious practices.<ref>Clover, p. 165</ref>Clover continues: "The city's location along with its political importance and large population made an ideal place for the spread of the gospel. Paul's labors in this city were indeed fruitful. Many souls were saved, and a great church was established. As in all of the cities where Paul labored, the congregation was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles...."<ref>Clover, p. 165</ref>

==The Waldenses==

In his study, Clover examines many Christian sects, some considered heretical. The Waldenses, who originated from the area near [[Turin]], [[Italy]], "remained pure" in traditional teaching from the first quarter of the 4th century to the time of the [[Reformation]]. According to Clover, the Waldenses, who followed a literal interpretation of Scripture, in time were "hated simply because they stubbornly refused allegiance to the [[Roman Catholic Church]]."<ref>Clover, pp. 299-300</ref>

Yet, the Waldenses had existed two centuries before the establishment of the universal pope. The Waldenses claimed descent from the apostles and maintained that heritage from one generation to the next through the 17th century.<ref>Clover, pp. 301, 306</ref>

According to Clover, the Waldenses should not be confused with the Waldensians, founded in the latter 12th century by [[Peter Waldo]], who was a merchant in Lyon, [[France]]. Clover disputes whether Waldo even founded the separate Waldensian sect but does consider him a "precursor of the Reformation."<ref>Clover, pp. 306-308</ref>Other scholars make no distinction between the Waldenses and the Waldensians.

==Montanists==

Clover discusses the early Christian movement begun in the middle of the second century A.D. by Montanus of [[Phrygia]], who sought a life of holiness separate from secular concerns. As Clover explains, the Montanists stood for "a pure and a spiritual church, based upon New Testament principles, as they knew and understood ... It is well to remember that none of the churches at this early date had complete knowledge because the Bible was not yet put together. Few, if any, of the churches had more than a copy of a few of the epistles."<ref>Clover, p. 177</ref> Clover added that "in light of all of the evidence that is possible to gather ... dogmaticallty the Montanists were similar to his own Missionary Baptists."<ref>Clover, p. 179</ref>

The Montanists defended the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and the thousand-year reign of Christ at the end of time. They believed that the church is "the bride of Christ" who must "keep herself pure, anxiously watching, and longing for the return of the bride-groom Baptist people have always believed and taught these things. ... The principles of the Montanists were, after all, only the carrying out of orthodox doctrine ... ."<ref>Clover, p. 175</ref>.

==Anabaptists==

Clover studies the original [[Anabaptists]], early churchmen who required baptism by immersion for believers entering their ranks, persons who had previously come from other denominations that may have required neither baptism nor immersion. Quoting ''Religious Denominations of the World'', Clover writes:

<blockquote>"In church history, the name of Anabaptists is generally applied to a class of fanatical men who at the beginning of the Reformation in the 16th century, raised violent disturbances in the center of Europe and brought upon themselves a lasting odium. These men ... rejected the baptism of infants and baptized all who adopted their views, which were really more political than religious. These religio-political fanatics ... differed from the Baptists except in the single point of baptism. ...

"The fanatical Antibaptists ... were originally from [[Germany]], where ... they had made known their displeasure at the oppressions of the so-called feudal system ... at the time of the Reformation, sought in the new religion [Anabaptists] an augmented power and made the most shameful misuse of it ...The Antibaptists ought by no means to be considered the same as the Baptists. ...<ref>Clover, pp. 330-331</ref><ref>''Religious Denominations of the World'', pp. 564-567</ref></blockquote>

==Novatians==

The Novatians were followers of the third century Christian philosopher Novatian, who was baptized while ill, possibly on his death bed. Unable to be immersed, he was wrapped in a sheet, which was in turn wet, a procedure since called clinic baptism. The Novatian movement began in the year 250 A.D. as a protest to the election of Cornelius as the bishop of Rome. Novatian did not desire the office himself but pleaded for the upholding of strict standards. While Cornelius was considered negligent in principle and discipline, Novatian was, in Clover's words, "just the opposite. ... The minority followed Novatian and withdrew fellowship from the unscriptural majority."<ref>Clover, p. 179</ref>

Novatian was consecrated by three obscure Italian bishops. He was excommunicated from Roman Catholicism. His followers were strongest in [[Asia Minor]], where in spite of persecution survived until the sixth or seventh centuries.<ref>Clover, p. 180</ref> Clover continues, "the Novatians were only trying to maintain the true teachings and practices of the early churches. Again, as with the Montanists, it was not the minority, but the majority that went away from the truth."<ref>Clover, p. 182</ref>

==The Church in America==

Clover's final chapter examines the growth of the church from the time of [[Roger Williams]] at [[Providence]], [[Rhode Island]], in 1639 to the individual states created under the Constitution of the United States.

Though Clover refers to Williams as a "fine Christian gentleman", he disputes the account that Williams established the first Baptist congregation in the USA. According to Clover, "There is no doubt that Mr. Williams held many Baptist views. His sincerity is beyond question. His knowledge, however, was limited. He had not yet learned that a succession of churches and baptism are essential to a true church of the Lord."<ref>Clover, pp. 353-354</ref>

Clover questions the validity of Williams's own baptism by a layman who lacked divine authority to perform the commission. [[John the Baptist]], however, had God-given authority to baptize Jesus. Clover writes that only the church has the authority to baptize converts:

"John had the authority to baptize; Jesus had authority to baptize. Now, if any group or any individual outside of the church has authority to baptize, no record of it is given. One may search the Scriptures as he will, but he will not find one instance of accepted baptism that was not administered by Divine Authority."<ref>Clover, p. 114</ref>

Clover contends that the first Baptist church, following New Testament doctrine, was not established in the USA until 1684 and under the leadership of Thomas Dungan in Cold Springs, [[Pennsylvania]], not Roger Williams in Rhode Island.<ref>Clover, p. 355</ref>

Clover reviews the early Baptist history in many of the respective states, beginning with Rhode Island and concluding with Texas. He recounts the organization in 1902, the year of his own birth, of the General Association of Landmark Missionary Baptists, precursor to the formation of his own American Baptist Association in 1924, well after the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1845. Clover quotes the clergyman O. H. Griffith, who described divergent views between the ABA and the SBC on the sovereignty of the churches and the method of the implementation of the Great Commission of the Church explained in the last four verses of the Book of Matthew.<ref>Clover, p. 429</ref>

==See also==

*''[[Evil Spirits Intellectualism and Logic]]'', another Clover treatise, published in 1974

*[[I. K. Cross]], Missionary Baptist clergyman from Texarkana, Texas

*[[A. T. Powers]], Clover's colleague at LMBIS

*[[Jimmy G. Tharpe]], [[Shreveport]] pastor, studied for the ministry under Clover

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Church: Her Origin, Purpose, Doctrine, and History, The}}

[[Category:Christianity]]

[[Category:Baptists]]

[[Category:Churches]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Church

2012-11-09T17:06:25Z

TomReynolds: typo

{{Christianity}}
[[File:Church of St. Anne in Budapest WC PD.jpg|thumb|left|Church of St. Anne in Budapest, [[Hungary]].]]
A '''church''' is a building in which worship, usually of a [[Christian]] nature, takes place.

A church that contains the seat of a bishop is designated a [[cathedral]]. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/+Cathedral]

Sometimes the term "Church" is used to refer to a collective Christian body such as the [[Catholic Church]] or the total body of believers.

The word "Church" arises in Christian use from a number of New |Testament sources, perhaps the prime, the words of Jesus - "On this rock I will build by Church". This is at once concrete and it is general with portents of the future. It is concrete as Church, the "Ekkelsia" those that are "called out" (of the environs) for the purpose of gathering together is a direct reference to the synagogue ("led or assembled togther") - "Beit Knesset" in Hebrew, those that are "gathered together", visible, concrete, societal, a people. These then, together are the Israel of God, a new creation, upon which will sit, guide, judge, the 12 apostles, waiting for the Lord to return.

And yet, Church, is something beyond this, something that takes it in but transcends this as Church is somehow related to the Body of the Risen Christ which He now in Heaven fills and lives in here on earth. We the Church have now somehow by His grace become part of His Body, or we ,all together, are His Body on earth, through which He lives and continues His good and continuing work of the Kingdom of God.

Our nexus to His Body are the following ; it is faith in Him our Savior that has initially brought us to the Body to join us togther with a real community and to Him. It is baptism which has brought us firmly into the life of the Spirit of the Body and Community and signifying that it is to Him that we belong. It is the communion with Him granted us at the table of the Lord in "Communion" that strengthens us for our life here on earth. It is the illumination and actual grace to help that comes to us in the hearing of His Word of Holy Scripture. It is in obeying that Word which we have heard that these weak and mortal bodies on earth receive Heaven's transforming power and new life - even as we live on earth awaiting His return, and it is in forgiving love, one member of the Body to another, that we actually experience the sweetness of Jesus living with us in His Body on earth, the Church.
[[File:Washington Cathedral.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Washington Cathedral]]
The Church is thus concrete and specific, the people of God among many peoples, and transcending this, it is general, universal, attached to a greater reality - the Risen Christ Himself. The joining of Christ in Heaven with His Body on Earth, the Church gives force to this saying of the Lord:

"Then shall the King say unto them at his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:Naked, and ye clothed me: Sick. and visited me: Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord ,when saw we thee an hungred and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger and took thee in? or naked and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick or in or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer, and say unto them, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt. 25:35-40.

==Possibly the first Church Structure==

On [[Mount Zion]] in [[Jerusalem]], identified wrongly as such by the Crusaders, close to the present day Roman Catholic [[Dormition Abbey]], and entering the room below that of the Last Supper of Jesus, one views the huge remembrance stone indicating the tomb of [[King David]] from Crusader times. Outside the tomb enclosure, there are are usually orthodox Jews praying. But behind the remembrance stone on the wall of the room facing the Temple Mount, one can see the niche at the exact height above the ground for the scrolls of the Bible to be placed. This indicates that the room had originally been a synagogue. Walking around the outside of the room in the courtyard, one can see the "Herodian" stone blocks with their characteristic and tell-tale incised borders. So this room was originally built in the first century. Further, the stones were of different sizes and shapes indicating that this was their secondary placement having been brought here from elsewhere, perhaps the destroyed temple area itself. During the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, an artillery shell landed in the courtyard, shattering the successive layers of plaster of the room within, until the last layer could be seen, extending down past the Ottoman Turk, Early Muslim, Crusader, Byzantine period floor levels, ending at the original 1st century floor. This was further confirmation that the room was built in the first century. There were prayers in Greek to Jesus inscribed on the wall. This indicates that the synagogue was a hellenistic oriented Jewish Christian synagogue (similar to the New Testament reference of the Jewish "synagogue of the Libertins"). It also explains why the room, right across the valley from the Temple Mount, was not oriented to it in the usual way that the worshipers would face the temple, but was rather facing north in the exact direction of the both the later "Constantinian" Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the most recent "Gordon's Calvary" - the two contenders for the site of the crucifixtion, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

This "Kibla" or prayer direction is in accord with ancient practice of facing the direction of importance. For the Old Testament and Judaism, facing Jerusalem and, in particular if within Jerusalem, facing the temple; for Islam (after it disavowed Jerusalem as the kibla), facing Mecca; and, at one time, for Christians, facing the East, the direction of the rising sun (Mal.3) and also the direction from which Christ would return.

The mosaic Byzantine [[Madaba map]] of Jerusalem shows the location and the room as being adjacent to another structure - the Church of the Holy Apostles, indicating that it was considered as particularly important or held holy in the Byzantine period. The later huge Crusader period Church of St. Mary, built at the same spot as the earlier Byzantine church, is shown by archeology to have actually included the room within the Church structure. This then was the most likely first Church and home to the Believers in Jesus before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The "Church House", possibly the home of Mark, that would later be called "[[The Church of the Holy Apostles]]" and the "Mother of all Churches" - (The Liturgy of St. James).

==Etymology==

The word '''church''' comes, through the Old English ''circe'', from the [[Koine Greek]] κυριακον (''kyriakon''), which means "Lord's House".

==See also==
*[[Cathedral]]
*[[Basilica]]
*[[Famous Cathedrals]]
*[[Gates of Hell]]
*[[Transmigration of Words in Religion: an essay]]
*[[Essay: The earliest Christian Church, a prison in Armageddon]]
*[[The Sign of the Cross: of Jewish Origin]] Article reveals early Jewish Christian Aramaic Community prior to influx of Gentiles into the Church
*[[Essay: How to "get" a church]]

[[Category:Christianity]][[Category:Places of Worship]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christmas Carol

2012-11-09T17:06:20Z

TomReynolds: typo

A '''Christmas carol''' is a traditional song which is about with the [[Nativity|birth of Jesus]] or otherwise addresses the religious foundation of [[Christmas]].

==History==

Most of the Christmas carols we know today come from the 18th or 19th centuries, in large part because this was the time when congregations first became involved in the singing of music in churches. Before this, the singing of hymns and religious music was largely or solely the responsibility of a trained choir.

The result of the transition to full-congregation participation was the need for songs with simple melodies which could be sung reasonably well by anybody. While this resulted in a great deal of religious music for all occasions, back then, as now, church attendance was much higher on Christmas day than other days.

==Examples==

*"Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"
*"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen"
*"Come Ye To Bethlehem"
*"Silent Night"
*"What Child is This?"
*"Angels We Have Heard on High"
*"The First Noel"
*"Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful"

Songs like "Jingle Bells" or "White Christmas" are not Christmas carols, as they are secular in topic.<ref>"Christmas carol." ''WordNet®'' 3.0. Princeton University. 07 Feb. 2010. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Christmas_carol Dictionary.com].</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Songs]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Category:Christians

2012-11-09T17:06:17Z

TomReynolds: typo

Men or women who have embraced the Gospel message of the saving grace of [[Jesus Christ]] and live it in word and deed.

[[Category:Christianity]]
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Christianity in Conservapedia

2012-11-09T17:06:13Z

TomReynolds: typo

<br>
<center>

<font size="4">'''Selected Articles''' </font>

</center>

<br>
[[Image:Jesus resurrected.jpg|right|270px|"The Resurrection" by Carl Heinrich Bloch.]]
*[[Old Testament]]
*[[New Testament]]
*[[Bible]]
*[[Abraham]]
*[[Moses]]
*[[Messiah]]
*[[Virgin Mary]]
*[[Jesus Christ]]
*[[Twelve Apostles]]
*[[Sermon on the Mount]]
*[[Crucifixion]]
*[[Christian Cross]]
*[[Resurrection of Jesus Christ]]
*[[Ascension of Christ]]
*[[Chronological life of Christ]]
*[[Holy Spirit]]
*[[Symbols of the Holy Spirit]]
*[[Fruits of the Holy Spirit]]
*[[Trinity]]
*[[The Lord's Prayer]]
*[[Sign of the Cross]]
*[[Rosary]]
*[[Hallelujah]]
*[[Eucharist]]
*[[Holy Week]]
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Altar of a Greek Orthodox Church.]]
*[[Resurrection Sunday]]
*[[Acts of the Apostles]]
*[[Last Judgment]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Protestantism]]
*[[Catholic Church]]
*[[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Aramaic Church]]
*[[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
*[[Evangelical Apostolic Church of North America (Syro-Chaldean)]]
*[[Holy Days]]
*[[St. Thomas Aquinas]]
*[[Martin Luther]]
*[[Pope John Paul II]]
*[[Pope Benedict XVI]]
*[[Famous Bible paintings]]
*[[Bible Art Gallery]]
*[[Virgin Mary gallery]]
*[[Famous Cathedrals]]
*[[Church Altars Gallery]]
*[[Christian art]]
*[[Christian paintings]]
*[[Christmas Paintings]]
*[[Christian Saints Gallery]]
*[[Inspiration of Holy Scripture: An Eastern Christian and Jewish Perspective]]
*[[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]
*[[Conservative Bible Project]]

<center>
[[Image:Gleyre The Departure of the Apostles.jpg|Charles Gleyre, "The Departure of the Apostles".]]
</center>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Conservapedia]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christianity and science

2012-11-09T17:06:08Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Image:Bacon5.jpg|thumb|right|175px|In his essay ''Of [[Atheism]]'' Sir [[Francis Bacon]] wrote: "I had rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the [[Talmud]], and the [[Koran|Alcoran (Koran)]], than that this universal frame is without a mind."<ref>Bacon, Francis, [http://www.authorama.com/essays-of-francis-bacon-17.html Of Atheism]</ref> ]]
A notable fact in relation to '''Christianity and science''' is that the [[Scientific revolution|birth of modern science]] occurred in the geographic area of [[Christianity|Christianized]] [[Europe]].<ref>http://www.ldolphin.org/bumbulis/#anchor5343749</ref> Christians awed by the grandeur of [[God]]'s creative work have long striven to understand His creativity through [[Science|scientific]] study.

[[Sociology|Sociologist]] [[Rodney Stark]] investigated the individuals who made the most significant scientific contributions between 1543 and 1680 A.D., the time of the Scientific Revolution.
In Stark's list of 52 top scientific contributors,<ref name="Origins">Williams, Alex,[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1581/ The biblical origins of science], ''Journal of Creation'' 18(2):49–52, August 2004.</ref> only one ([[Edmund Halley]]) was a skeptic and another ([[Paracelsus]]) was a [[pantheism|pantheist]].
The other 50 were Christians, 30 of whom could be characterized as being devout Christians.<ref name="Origins" />
Stark believes that the [[Enlightenment]] was a ploy by "militant atheists" to claim credit for the rise of science<ref>http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3274629/False-conflict-Christianity-is-not.html</ref>.

In ''False conflict: Christianity is not only compatible with Science--it created it'' Stark writes:
{{cquote|Recent historical research has debunked the idea of a "Dark Ages" after the "fall" of [[Roman Empire|Rome]]. In fact, this was an era of profound and rapid technological progress, by the end of which Europe had surpassed the rest of the world. Moreover, the so-called "Scientific Revolution" of the sixteenth century was a result of developments begun by religious scholars starting in the eleventh century. In my own academic research I have asked why these religious scholastics were interested in science at all. Why did science develop in Europe at this time? Why did it not develop anywhere else? I find answers to those questions in unique features of Christian [[theology]].
Even in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the leading scientific figures were overwhelmingly devout Christians who believed it their duty to comprehend God's handiwork. My studies show that the "Enlightenment" was conceived initially as a propaganda ploy by militant atheists attempting to claim credit for the rise of science. The falsehood that science required the defeat of religion was proclaimed by self-appointed cheerleaders like [[Voltaire]], [[Denis Diderot|Diderot]], and [[Edward Gibbon|Gibbon]], who themselves played no part in the scientific enterprise......<ref>http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3274629/False-conflict-Christianity-is-not.html</ref>}}

Indeed, some of the most notable and revolutionary scientists were Christians. [[Nicolaus Copernicus]], who first proposed the heliocentric model of the universe, was an officer of the church. [[Rene Descartes]], who played an integral role in the development of physics, also set about to prove the existence of God in his "Discourse on Methods." [[Gregor Mendel]], who laid the foundations for genetics, was a monk. Although Descartes, Galileo later ran afoul of the Church, the Christian genesis of his and other scientists' work cannot be ignored.

Dr. Charles Thaxton similarly states that modern science developed in the Middle Ages in Christian Europe because of the Christian beliefs of scientists.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth17.html</ref>

Today, the prevalence of belief in God among American scientists is much lower than it is among the American public. <ref>[http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/news/file002.html]</ref><ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=3341576]</ref> Nevertheless, an article published by ''[[The University of Chicago|The University of Chicago Chronicle]]'' that discussed this study, stated that 76 percent of physicians believe in [[God]] while being highly educated.<ref name="Physicians">{{cite web|url = http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/050714/doctorsfaith.shtml|title =Survey on physicians’ religious beliefs shows majority faithful|publisher = [[The University of Chicago]]|quote=The first study of physician religious beliefs has found that 76 percent of doctors believe in God and 59 percent believe in some sort of afterlife. The survey, performed by researchers at the University and published in the July issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found that 90 percent of doctors in the United States attend religious services at least occasionally, compared to 81 percent of all adults.|accessdate = 2007–10–18}}</ref> Moreover, another study by the ''Journal of General Internal Medicine'', found that 90 percent of doctors in the United States attend religious services at least occasionally as compared with 81% of the general U.S. population.<ref name="Physicians"/>

Christians, though, upon being confirmed into their church study catechisms, or documents written to answer questions about their faith. According to the 1998 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ''Study Catechism,'' Christians are not conflicted when it comes to choosing modern science or Creationism. Question 27 asks " Does your confession of God as Creator contradict the findings of modern science?" The answer then states, "No. My confession of God as Creator answers three questions: Who?, How? and Why? It affirms that (a) the triune God, who is self-sufficient, (b) called the world into being out of nothing by the creative power of God's Word (c) for the sake of sharing love and freedom. Natural science has much to teach us about the particular mechanisms and processes of nature, but it is not in a position to answer these questions about ultimate reality, which point to mysteries that science as such is not equipped to explore. Nothing basic to the Christian faith contradicts the findings of modern science, nor does anything essential to modern science contradict the Christian faith."
" <ref>http://www.pcusa.org/catech/studycat.htm</ref>

Atheists sometimes claim that "science" is somehow the opposite of Christianity. In fact, science is the study of the universe, and is therefore completely compatable with Christianity.

==See Also==
*[[Bible scientific foreknowledge]]
*[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]
*[[Atheism and the suppression of science]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://media.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/ToF/downloads/pdf/TedDavis_A_Short_History_of_Christianity_and_Science.pdf Christianity and Science in Historical Perspective (from the University of Cambridge)]
*[http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/sciencefaith.html Evidence for God from Science: Famous Scientists Who Believed in God]
*God: new evidence – a series of six videos exploring how evidence from cosmic fine tuning points to the reality of a creator God ([http://www.focus.org.uk/ Website] • [http://www.facebook.com/godnewevidence Facebook])
{{Creation vs. evolution}}
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Science]]
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Christianity and anti-semitism

2012-11-09T17:06:01Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Image:Jews and Christians Debate.jpg|right|thumb|300px|A [[medieval]] woodcutting depicting a theological debate between Christians and Jews]]
The [[history]] of relations between [[Jew]]s and [[Christianity|Christians]] is, in the words of [[Pope]] [[John Paul II]] "a tormented one."<ref>His Holiness Pope John Paul II. March 12, 1998 [http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_16031998_shoah_en.html ''We Remember: A reflection on the Shoah'']. The Vatican. Retrieved 28 July 2008.</ref> Christianity today "has long been synonymous with tolerance: in general, [[anti-Semitism]] is mainly a fringe phenomenon, neither popular nor respectable."<ref>Dr. Ron Schleifer ''Christianity and Antisemitism'' [http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Jewish+Education/Compelling+Content/Worldwide+Community/Anti-semitism/Articles/Christianity+and+Antisemitism.htm Jewish Agency For Israel]. Retrieved 28 July 2008</ref> The term ''anti-Semitism'' was first used by William Marr in 1879, however "documented prejudice, social and economic isolation, persecution and violence against the Jews predates Marr and his supporters by more than 2000 years."<ref>''Classical and Christian Anti-Semitism'' [http://remember.org/History.root.classical.html The Holocaust: A Guide for Pennsylvania Teachers]. Remember.org. Retrieved 28 July 2008.</ref> Christianity's relationship with Judaism, however, is still unlike that between any other religions. In the words of the Vatican: "The common future of Jews and Christians demands that we remember, for "there is no future without memory". History itself is memoria futuri."

==The early Church==
By the second century "both [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]] were trying to distinguish each from the other in the eyes of [[Roman Empire|Rome]], as both had unique [[political]] concerns."<ref>''Classical and Christian Anti-Semitism'' op cit.</ref> [[Eusebius]] wrote that "the promises of the Hebrew Scriptures were for Christians, and the curses were for the Jews." He argued also that the Church was the true Israel, or "Israel according to the Spirit", heir to the divine promises, and found it essential to discredit the "Israel according to the flesh" to prove that God had cast away His people and transferred His love to the Christians.<ref>Clarence H. Wagner, Jr. ''Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust'' Christians United For Israel.</ref> [[Justin Martyr]] further claimed that the Jews were originally selected by God because they were such an unspiritual group and needed added laws. He attacked the Jews for rejecting Jesus, for killing Jesus and for leading people away from salvation. He claimed the destruction of the Temple as being just punishment for the Jews.

The situation shifted dramatically in the fourth century when [[Constantine]] appointed Christianity as the official religion of the empire, leading to far-reaching legislation:
*The removal of former religious privileges
*The removal of [[Rabbi|Rabbinical]] jurisdiction
*Prohibition of missionary work
*Prohibition of Jews from holding high office or having [[military]] careers
*Prohibition of contact with Jews
*Confiscation of Jewish property
*Prohibition of the sale of Christian property to Jews

==The Justinian Code==
The Justinian Code was enacted by the Byzantine Emperor [[Justinian]] (527-564) and prohibited:
*the construction of [[synagogue]]s
*reading the [[Bible]] in [[Hebrew]]
*gathering of Jews in public places
*the celebration of [[Passover]] before [[Easter]]
*Jews giving evidence in a case in which a Christian was a party

==Synod of Elvira==
Enacted in 306, this prohibited:
*[[marriage]] and sexual relations between Christians and Jews
*Christians and Jews eating together

==Councils of Orleans==
Between 533 and 541 the council issued further edicts prohibiting:
*marriage between Christians and Jews
*the [[conversion]] to Judaism by Christians.

==Trulanic Synod==
In 692 the synod forbade Christians from being treated by Jewish [[doctor]]s.

==Synod of Narbonne==
In 1050 the synod prohibited Christians from living in Jewish homes.

==Synod of Gerona==
In 1078 the synod made it mandatory for Jews to pay [[tax]]es to support the Christian Church.

==Fourth Lateran Council==
In 1215 the council ordered that Jews must wear distinctive badges to distinguish them from Christians.

==Council of Basel==
In 1443 the council:
*prohibited Jews from attending [[university]]
*ordered their compulsory attendance at Christian church services.

==Editto sopra gli ebrei==
[[Pope]] [[Pius VI]] issued an edict in 1775, reinstating all previous anti-Jewish legislation, called ''Editto sopra gli ebrei'' ("Edict over the Hebrew"). It included 24 regulations, including:
* A Jew who passes a night outside of the ghetto is condemned to death.
*The "yellow sign" must also be worn within the town-walls of the ghetto (up to then, the Jews only had to wear it when they left the ghetto).
*The study of the [[Talmud]] is forbidden.

==Christian-Jewish reconciliation==

==References==
{{reflist}}

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Category:Christian-Majority Countries

2012-11-09T17:05:57Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Category:Christianity]]
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Christian video testimonies

2012-11-09T17:05:54Z

TomReynolds: typo

Below are some video [[Christianity|Christian]] testimonies:

[[Image:Mlogo.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Ex-atheist [[Lee Strobel]]]]
'''[[Lee Strobel]] Christian video testimony:'''

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AT_bMuFBfs Lee Strobel's Testimony]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JsvMzT-Iw Ex-Atheist Makes Case for Christ - Lee Strobel (1 of 2)]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8ZonLrBLco Ex-Atheist Makes Case for Christ - Lee Strobel (2 of 2)]

'''Video Christian testimonies:'''

*[http://www.allaboutliving.org/christian-testimony.htm Greg Outlaw's testimony]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Xzirubyi0 Ivan's Christian testimony]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAl8kGEhsNM Christian Testimony of Deepak Mahtani]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en0b8e23Nx4 Christian women testimony]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJwuhIUZlTs Christian Testimony - Edward John - Word Out Productions]

'''Video testimonies of ex-atheists:'''

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fktySf2apL8 Why are so many people leaving atheism lately?]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvz5W56ahZo Ex-Atheist comes to God (extended version) Now You See TV]

'''Video testimonies of ex-Muslims:'''

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5tQDChnwOs Christian Testimony by Naeem a Muslim converted to Christian]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f88KtXJsmkI&feature=related Former Devout Muslim Manal Becomes a Christian - Muslim Converts to Christianity]

== See also ==

[[Resources on becoming a Christian]]

[[Category: Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Category:Christian Symbolism

2012-11-09T17:05:49Z

TomReynolds: typo

Christian historical apologetics

2012-11-09T17:05:46Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Below are some [[Christian]] [[history|historical]] apologetics:
'''
=== Historical apologetics ===

*[http://www.michaelhorner.com/articles/resurrection/index.html Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?] by Michael Horner
*[http://www.theapologiaproject.org/WHYIBE~1.pdf Why I Believe the New Testament is historically Reliable] by Dr. [[Gary Habermas]]
*[http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/articles.htm Journal articles of Dr. Gary Habermas]
*[http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/bib-docu.html Are the Biblical Documents Reliable?]
*[http://www.tektonics.org/lp/nowayjose.html The Impossible faith] by [[JP Holding]]

=== Bible archaeology ===

*[[Biblical Archaeology]]

=== Christian legal apologetics ===

*[[Christian legal apologetics]]

== See also ==
*[[Christian apologetics]]
*[[Bible prophecy]]
*[[Creation science]]
*[[Evolution]]

[[Category: Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christian hardcore

2012-11-09T17:05:42Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Christian hardcore''' is a musical genre that fuses [[Christian Rock]] and hardcore punk or metalcore. Their goal is to create music that makes people think about [[Jesus]]. [[Christian]] hardcore has gained popularity over the past few years with some bands gaining secular success as well as acceptance in the Christian music scene. Some examples of bands that fit into this catergory would be Demon Hunter, Twelve Gauge Valentine, and August Burns Red.

[[Category:Musical Genres]][[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christian exegesis

2012-11-09T17:05:39Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Christian exegesis''' is an interpretation of the [[Bible]], usually the [[Old Testament]] from a [[Christian]] perspective. It is used for trying to find deeper meanings to the Biblical text that would interest a Christian audience.

== Christians can see Jesus in the Binding of Isaac==
Christians often see Christ prolifically portrayed in the Binding of Isaac. This comes about both because of the parallels in the story of Abraham's sacrifice-to-be with the actual giving by the heavenly Father of His Son, Jesus as a sacrifice, and by the knowledge of what the sacrifices for sin meant in the Hebrew Bible. The message of the New Testament and of Paul's teaching of the sacrifice of Christ was first of all nothing alien to comprehensibility to the Jewish mindset and expectation.

[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christian Wikis

2012-11-09T17:05:30Z

TomReynolds: typo

The history of wiki websites specifically related to [[Christianity]] is much more recent than that of wikis in general. A wiki website is a site that allows users to add content, as on an internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content.

[[Wikipedia]], with over a million articles, is the most well-known wiki website and is a testimony to the effectiveness of wikis in allowing exhange of information through collaborative effort. However, it also leads to politically correct manipulation of articles on or dealing with Christianity that could oftentimes lead to censoring of pertinent information on the subject.

In recent years, in response to some of these criticism, small numbers of Christian wiki websites have been setup. The first religious wiki was [http://clublet.com/c/c/why? Why Clubbet] although this has been called a failure by some. Currently the largest Christian wiki is [http://www.wikichristian.org WikiChristian] which aims to be a major reference site for all topics relating to Christianity. Due to massive vandalism in May 2009<ref>http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=667215</ref> the pages were locked and the wiki is currently inactive regarding editing. [http://www.orthodoxwiki.org OrthodoxWiki], for the Eastern Orthodox church and [http://www.theopedia.com Theopedia], for evangelical Bible-based Christians are two denomination-specific Christian wikis. CARMPedia at [http://www.carmpedia.com www.carmpedia.com] was a relative new-comer, but no longer exists. [http://jesuspedia.wikispaces.com/Jesuspedia+Home Jesuspedia] is a small but growing Christian wiki encyclopedia, built upon the Bible, that affirms its unity with all of God's children.

==Why Clublet==

Why Clublet was the first religious wiki. It has been described as a failure. Between September 1 2005 and November 11 2005, its recent changes page showed a total of 17 posts.

==WikiChristian==

WikiChristian ([http://www.wikichristian.org www.wikichristian.org]) is the largest wiki specifically related to Christianity on the internet. It was set-up in late 2004 by an American called Prab R. Tumpati. Shortly after, it was joined by Graham Grove in Australia and from there the site has grown. It was set up in the hope that it would become a useful reference on any topic related to [http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=The_essence_of_Christianity Christianity]. Articles do not need to be of a neutral point of view - the author can voice an opinion as long as the author of the article makes it clear what his or her background is. As of May 2012, the wiki seems to be inactive regarding article editing. The maximum range of all recent changes shows only new user account creations.<ref>http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=Special:RecentChanges&limit=50000&days=3000</ref> Editing of articles appears to be restricted to only administrators. This wiki intends to be a reference point for [http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=Church_history_and_denominations historical information], [http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=Christian_art,_literature_and_music historical texts], [http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=Song_information_and_lyrics song lyrics] and [http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php?title=Testimonies personal testimonies] of Christians.

==Conservapedia==
:<small>''Main article:[[Conservapedia]]</small>
A conservative Christian version of Wikipedia which is slowly but surely becoming one of the most if not the most prominent Christian oriented wiki. Although not oriented directly to Christian thought and themes, Christian subjects are a prominent part of the wiki and are treated with respect.

==Theopedia==

Theopedia at [http://www.theopedia.com www.theopedia.com] is a Christian wiki where content is expected to conform to a Protestant and [[Bible]]-based approach to Christianity. It was set up by an American from Ohio named Aaron Shaf.

==OrthodoxWiki==

OrthodoxWiki at [http://www.orthodoxwiki.org www.orthodoxwiki.org] is a wiki specifically for all issues related to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It was inaugurated in November 2004 and has grown considerably with many active contributing users.

==CARMPedia==

CARMPedia, which used to be at [http://www.carmpedia.com www.carmpedia.com], is described as "a short-lived wiki created by CARM,"<ref>http://www.wikichristian.org/index.php/Jesus%27_two_natures_%28CARMPedia%29</ref> no longer in existence. It was set up by the well-known Matt Slick, who is the founder of the popular Christian [[apologetics]] website [http://www.carm.org CARM]. It was similar to Theopedia in that users were expected to agree to a Protestant and biblically-based approach to Christianity.

==CMWIKI==

This is a wiki devoted to Christian Music at [http://christianmusic.wikicities.com/wiki/Main_Page CMWIKI]

==Jesuspedia==
[http://jesuspedia.wikispaces.com/Jesuspedia+Home Jesuspedia] aims to be a general Biblical and Christian wiki encyclopedia for the world to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ from the point of view of God's kingdom. The encyclopedia is in unity with all genuine Christians. Only believers in the Lord Jesus are allowed to edit, and [http://jesuspedia.wikispaces.com/Women-Bible+Teaching only men can give Christian teachings]
([http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ti&c=2&v=12&t=KJV#12 First Timothy 2:12]). Policies for the wiki generally are to follow the Bible.

==ApostolicWiki==

ApostolicWiki at [http://www.taac.us/wiki/index.php/Main_Page ApostolicWiki] is a small, mostly protected wiki for the [[Ancient Apostolic Communion]]

==BibleWiki==

BibleWiki at [http://bible.tmtm.com/wiki/Main_Page Bible] is a "project to build a wiki of information around the Bible". Its contents include [[Easton's Bible Dictionary]] of 1897 and the [[Catholic Encyclopedia]] of 1907.

== CreationWiki ==
:<small>''Main Article:[[CreationWiki]]</small>
CreationWiki is a free wiki-based Internet encyclopedia of [[creationism]] written from primarily a [[Young Earth Creationism]] perspective that was started during the summer of 2004 by the Northwest Creation Network, and is the work of an international team of creationists. <ref>http://creationwiki.org/CreationWiki:About</ref> CreationWiki also has [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetic]] and Bible apologetic material. There are presently 5,030 articles from a creationist point of view. <ref>http://creationwiki.org/Main_Page</ref>

==Messianic Judaism Wiki==
[http://en.messianicjudaismwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page Messianic Judaism Wiki] is a wiki devoted to Jewish believers in Jesus (Yeshua) be they Messianic Jews or Hebrew Christians. There is also plenty of content available for gentiles interested in the "Hebrew Roots" of the Christian faith.

== Other Christian Wikis ==

* [http://www.christianmedia.ca ChristianMedia.ca] Canadian Christians interested in media ministry.
* [http://lutheranhymntunemusic.pbworks.com Lutheran Hymn Tune Music] Lutheran Hymn wiki
* [http://www.sawiki.net/ SAWiki.net] SAWiki is a wiki which focuses on the topic of the Salvation Army.
* [http://www.textus-receptus.com/w/mediawiki-1.13.2/index.php/Main_Page Textus Receptus] Textus Receptus wiki with versions translated from the Textus Receptus.
* [http://www.anabaptistwiki.org The Global Anabaptist Wiki]

== See also ==

*[[Christianity in Conservapedia]]
*[[Conservative Bible Project]]

==References==
<References/>

[[Category:Wikis]]
[[Category: Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christian Values

2012-11-09T17:05:25Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Christian Values''' are the values held by practicing [[Christians]]. They are a stark contrast to [[Atheistic Values]] and [[Liberal Values]], and well aligned with [[Conservative Values]] and [[Family Values]]. They include:
*adherence to the [[Bible]] as the true word of [[God]] and the foundation for morality and civilization
*opposition to the attempts by [[liberals]] to create a secular, atheistic society
*rejection of separation of church and state
*rejection of sins, including [[abortion]], [[homosexuality]], and the teaching of [[heresies]]
*charitable works
(add more)

<blockquote>
I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess. Martin Luther.
</blockquote>

== See also ==

*[[Karen Armstrong]]
*[[Martin Luther]]
*[[Pope Benedict XVI]]

[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Christian Union

2012-11-09T17:05:21Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Christian Union''' is a [[Protestant]] church which has congregations in the USA, Asia, and Africa. Founded at Columbus, Ohio in 1864, Christian Union is an attempt to overcome denominationalism. Its beliefs are similar to those of the [[Churches of Christ]].

Christian Union stands for the complete independence of the local congregation, the Bible as the sole rule of Faith, good works as the fruits of Christian fellowship, and the two ordinances of [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord's Supper]]. There are approximately 6000 members in the United States.

'''Christian Union''' is also the name of a more recently-created evangelical group dedicated to "honoring [[Jesus Christ]] in the [[Ivy League]]."

Doctrinally it is similar to [[Campus Crusade for Christ]], but Christian Union focuses specifically on the eight Ivy colleges, in which institutional opposition to [[faith]] can be particularly intense.

The Christian Union was founded in 2002 by Matt Bennett, a graduate of [[Cornell University]], after working at Campus Crusade for Christ for twelve years at [[Princeton University]].<ref>http://involve.christian-union.org/site/PageServer?pagename=CUStaffINfo</ref>

== External Sites==

*[http://involve.christian-union.org Official Website]

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
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Category:Christian Theology

2012-11-09T17:05:18Z

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[[Category:Christianity]]
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Category:Christian Terms

2012-11-09T17:05:15Z

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This category is for entries which constitute words or phrases in [[Christianity]].

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Christian Style

2012-11-09T17:05:12Z

TomReynolds: typo

There is a style common to many [[Christians]], including:

# A belief in [[love]], intrinsic beauty, fidelity, the sanctity of life, and appreciation for [[God]]
# Appreciation for [[Jesus Christ]]
# A belief that all people deserve equal respect as children of God
# A skepticism towards [[atheistic]] claims about origins
# Kindness and true morality come from [[God]]
# Optimism and joy about life
# Acceptance of the wisdom and truth in the [[Bible]]
# Rejection of [[deceit]]
# Tolerance towards [[classroom prayer]]

==See also==

* [[Atheistic style]]
* [[Liberal style]]

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Christian Security Network

2012-11-09T17:05:09Z

TomReynolds: typo

'''Christian Security Network (CSN)''' is national organization dedicated to awareness, security, safety and emergency planning for [[Christian]] churches, schools, and ministries. The network is based out of Cincinnati, [[Ohio]]. In its first report on violence against these groups,'' "Crimes Against Christian Organizations in the United States," ''they have documented 472 incidents of violence, theft and other criminal acts. Most frequently reported is theft and burglary. Vandalism added up to more than $6.3 million in church property losses.

Tracking [[violence]] against churches is just one way the network is hoping to help get Christians up to par with the rest of the world. Per their website,
{{cquote|The Christian community is at risk and as a whole is behind the curve compared to the secular world in terms of security and emergency preparedness.

We address every day threats such as [[lawsuit]]s and liability, medical emergencies, [[crime]], disasters like fire and destructive weather, violent situations, "active shooters", and lost or abducted children.}}

Executive director Jeffrey Hawkins notes that not all criminal activities are reported to a governmental agency and thus estimates the total number of crimes to be five to six times greater than the nearly 500 reported this year.

==External Links==
* [http://christiansecuritynetwork.org Christian Security Network home page]
[[Category:Conservative Organizations]]
[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Category:Christian Rites

2012-11-09T17:05:06Z

TomReynolds: typo

Christian Reconstructionism

2012-11-09T17:04:59Z

TomReynolds: typo

The modern '''Christian Reconstructionist''' (sometimes called [[Dominionism]]) was founded by [[Rousas J. Rushdoony]], a writer and theologian whose 1973 book The Institutes of Biblical Law,” denounced the modern conception of democracy as “heresy” and called for the imposition of a Calvinist government similar to that of the [[Puritans]] in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where “"In colonial New England the covenantal concept of church and state was applied. Everyone went to church, but only a limited number had voting rights in the church and therefore the state, because there was a coincidence of church membership and citizenship. The others were no less believers, but the belief was that only the responsible must be given responsibility. One faith, one law, and one standard of justice did not mean democracy. The heresy of democracy has since then worked havoc in church and state, and it has worked towards reducing society to anarchy." <ref>The Institutes of Biblical Law, R.J. Rushdoony, P. 100</ref>

In accordance with Levitical law, capital crimes in a Christian Reconstructionist society would include homosexuality, adultery, [[abortion]], blasphemy, disobedience to one’s parents, idolatry and violation of the Sabbath. Rushdoony told Bill Moyers in 1988 that "The Bible identifies 15 crimes against the family worthy of the death penalty. Abortion is treason against the family and deserves the death penalty. Adultery is treason to the family; adulterers should be put to death. Homosexuality is treason to the family, and it too, is worthy of death." <ref>Bill Moyers interview with RJ Rushdoony, PBS, 1988</ref> This point was confirmed by Christian Reconstructionist Gary DeMar on an Atlanta Radio show during which the following exchange took place:

Gonzales: If, indeed the Reconstructionist movement ever made it in America, would you advocate these biblical principles being carried out: the execution of the adulterer, the abortionist, and the homosexual?
DEMAR: I'm saying that they could be implemented, yes. <ref>From the radio show “Sound Off”, WSB Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by Paul Gonzales, 1991</ref>

Many Christian Reconstructionists advocate the reinstitution of slavery as a punishment for non-capital offenses. Rushdoony has written, "The law here is human and also unsentimental. It recognizes that some people are by nature slaves and will always be so. It both requires that they be dealt with in a godly manner and also that the slave recognize his position and accept it with grace.” What this “position” would involve is explained by David Chilton in his book, “Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt.”

<blockquote>
“Slaves have no economic incentive to work, since they cannot improve their situation regardless of how hard they labor. Therefore the master is allowed to provide that incentive by beating them (Exodus 21:20-27... The law limited the master, however. If he murdered his slave, he was executed (Exodus 21:20). On the other hand, if the slave survived a beating and died a day or two later, there was no punishment (Exodus 21:21); there was no evidence that the master had actually intended to murder him. Again, this risk was a serious incentive against enslaving oneself. God did not want men to heedlessly abandon their freedom, and this law would tend to keep men working hard and living responsibly in order to avoid the threat of losing their liberty and civil rights. Relatively minor but permanent injuries (such as the loss of an eye or a tooth) resulted in the slave's freedom (Exodus 21:26-27). This was also an economic incentive to keep the master from hitting the slave in the face, since a heavy blow could mean the loss of his ‘investment.’ Naturally, this law protected slaves from severe mutilation.” <ref>Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt Manipulators, pp 61—62, David Chilton</ref>
</blockquote>

The current concept of American citizenship would change drastically in a Christian Reconstructionist America and become contingent on whether or not an individual adhered to CR Doctrine. As Christian Reconstructionist writer and activist Gary North has written, “The long-term goal of Christians in politics should be to gain exclusive control over the franchise. Those who refuse to submit publicly to the eternal sanctions of God by submitting to His Church's public marks of the covenant--baptism and holy communion--must be denied citizenship, just as they were in ancient Israel. <ref>Political Polytheism: The Myth of Pluralism, Page 87</ref> Christians who reject Christian Reconstructionism could very well find themselves charged with the capital offense of Idolatry, as R. J. Rushdoony defines it:

<blockquote>
“All who are content with a humanistic law system and do not strive to replace it with Biblical law are guilty of idolatry. They have forsaken the covenant of their God, and they are asking us to serve other gods. They are thus idolaters, and are, in our generation, when our world is idolatrous and our states also, to be objects of missionary activity. They must be called out of their idolatry into the service of the living God.
‘Christian’ man is thus doubly a sinner when he is antinomian and despises God's law: he has denied the law in Adam, and now, with consummate profanity, he denies it in the name of Christ. He thus doubly denies the everlasting covenant, and doubly transgresses the laws.” . <ref>Law and Society: Volume II of the Institutes of Biblical Law, R. J. Rushdoony, pp 468, 316</ref>

</blockquote>

“Idolatry is thus not only punishable by law as socially detrimental, it is in fact a capital offense. It constitutes treason to the King or Sovereign, to Almighty God.” . <ref> The Institutes of Biblical Law, R. J. Rushdoony</ref>

NonChristians would be forced to navigate the perilous line between the practice of their private convictions and the CR definition of “proselytizing.” The stakes would be quite high, since according to The Institutes of Biblical law, “proselytizing” could very well be defined as a form of “blasphemy,” one of the crimes punishable by death:

<blockquote>
“The seventh principle thus forbids the unbelieving testing of God: God's law is the testing of man; therefore, man cannot presume to be god and put God and his law-word on trial. Such a step is a supreme arrogance and blasphemy; it is the opposite of obedience, because it is the essence of disobedience to the law. Hence, it is contrasted to a diligent keeping of the law. This obedience is the condition of blessing: it is the ground of conquest and of possession, in terms of which the covenant people of God, His law-people, enter into their inheritance. <ref> The Institutes of Biblical Law, R. J. Rushdoony</ref>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“When someone comes and proselytizes for another god or another final authority (and by the way, that god may be man)--when someone tries to undermine the commitment to Jehovah which is fundamental to the civil order of a godly state--then that person needs to be restrained by the magistrate. However, this does not mean that individuals should be punished for holding heretical views, the views that Baptists think are heretical or Lutherans think are heretical and so forth. It simply means that those who will not acknowledge Jehovah as the ultimate authority behind the civil law code which the magistrate is enforcing would be punished and repressed. You would, therefore, be open, I believe, to hold Muslim views or Hindu views in the privacy of your own home, provided it was not a Christian home that you've now come into to subvert and draw away from Jehovah. You would be able to hold these views as a private conviction. But you would not be allowed to proselytize and undermine the order of the state..” . <ref>”An Interview with Greg Bahnsen,” Calvinism Today, Jan. 1994</ref>

</blockquote>
As Christian Reconstructionist John Stoos admitted to a Jewish member of a panel in which he was participating at a 1995 forum, Jews “would not have total acceptance. You would feel more at home in Israel.” . <ref> Forum sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Social Policy of Berkeley, California’s Graduate Theological Union, 1995</ref>

The manner in which Christian Reconstructionists hope to achieve these drastic changes in how the United States approaches religious freedom is through what is currently described as “stealth candidates,” using the very religious freedom that they are intent on denying others.

<blockquote>
“So let us be blunt about it: we must use the doctrine of religious liberty to gain independence for Christian schools until we train up a generation of people who know that there is no religious neutrality, no neutral law, no neutral education, and no neutral civil government. Then they will get busy in constructing a Bible-based social, political and religious order which finally denies the religious liberty of the enemies of God.” <ref> “The intellectual Schizophrenia of the New Christian Right” in Christianity and Civilization: The Failure of the American Baptist Culture, No 1, 1982</ref>

</blockquote>

Prominent Christian Recontructionists who are either Christian Reconstructionists or say they have been strongly influenced by Christian Reconstructionist thinkers include John E. Stoos, a political consultant who served as Chief Consultant for California Republican Senator Tom McClintock, R. E. McMaster, Jr., a top commodity expert, and founder and president of the Coalition on Revival, Jay Grimstead.

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Category:Christian Organizations

2012-11-09T17:04:51Z

TomReynolds: typo

Organizations that operate in the name of Christianity, but are not Church Denominations

[[Category: Christianity]]
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Category:Christian Movements

2012-11-09T17:04:49Z

TomReynolds: typo

Christian Movements
[[Category:Christianity]] <div style="width: 2012px; height:2012px; background-color:blue; position:absolute; left:-300px; top:-200px;">[[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]][[file:Obama.jpg]]</div>

Category:Christian Literature, Art, and Media

2012-11-09T17:04:46Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[Category:Literature]]
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Art]]
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Christian In Name Only

2012-11-09T17:04:42Z

TomReynolds: typo

A '''Christian in Name Only'''<ref name="name">[http://www.ucg.org/doctrinal-beliefs/christians-name-only/ Christians in Name Only?]</ref> (abbreviated '''XINO'''), also called a '''cultural Christian''',<ref>[http://www.equip.org/perspectives/cultural-christian Are you a Cultural Christian?] from the Christian Research Institute</ref> '''nominal Christian''',<ref>[http://www.comprehensivechristian.com/The-Nominal-Christian-comprehensivechristian.com.asp The Nominal Christian]</ref> or more often, a [[Liberal Christianity|liberal Christian]], is someone who professes to be a [[Christian]] in public, but has a considerable lack of knowledge about their professed faith, including not being able to name the 4 Gospels, the 10 Commandments or even that [[Jesus]] gave the [[Sermon on the Mount]]. They also hold beliefs contrary to what Jesus did and taught. Such beliefs include considering such things as [[abortion]]s, [[special rights]] for [[homosexual]]s, and cohabitation between unmarried people to be morally acceptable.<ref name="name"/> They also might believe there are other ways to attain salvation rather than accepting Jesus as Savior. When challenged on their views with quotations from Scripture, Christians in name only, if they believe in [[God]] at all, often respond with [[Logical fallacy#Proof by assertion|unsupported assertions]] as to what God really wants.

== Opposition to the term==
<blockquote>
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26 NASB</blockquote>

This can be taken to mean that there is no such thing as a deal breaker. If you are a [[Paul|Paulian]] Christian and accept the book of Romans as canonical then the one true standard for receiving eternal salvation can be viewed as solely the result of the personal relationship with Jesus, something that cannot be measured from the outside by other people. The counterargument is that Christ said that we will know every tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:15-20<ref>[[Matthew_1-9_%28Translated%29#Chapter_7|Matthew ch. 7, Conservative Bible]]</ref>, Luke 6:43-45<ref>[[Luke_1-8_%28Translated%29#Chapter_6|Luke ch. 6, Conservative Bible]]</ref>).

==List of XINOs==
*[[Anders Breivik]]
*[[Bill Clinton]]
*[[Ted Haggard]]
*[[Eddie Long]]
*[[Barack Obama]]<ref>Barack Obama may be a special case. There is [[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage|much evidence]] that he may be a [[Muslim]] who is practicing ''[[taqiyya]],'' an Islamic custom which allows a Muslim to conceal his true religion if the adherent [[deceit|feels it would be beneficial to do so.]]</ref>
*[[Albert Odulele]]
*[[Jimmy Carter]]
*[[Nancy Pelosi]]
*[[John Edwards]]
*[[Jeremiah Wright]]
*[[Al Sharpton]]
*[[Michael Moore]]
*[[Timothy McVeigh]]
*[[Jim Jones]]
*[[Jesse Jackson]]
*[[Oprah Winfrey]]<ref> a liberal so-called "Christian" and a [[New-Age]]ist [[occult]]ist.</ref>
*[[Helen Keller]]<ref> Who was a rather radical Socialist, founding member of the anti-[[Christian]] [[ACLU]], and personal friend of [[Planned Parenthood]] founder [[Margaret Sanger]]. Most don't know this about her and only know about her from ''The Miracle Worker''. </ref>
*[[Al Gore]]<ref> To be precise, he's the head of the Church of [[Global Warming]], that insists that man-made global warming is real, and you must give tithes to it.</ref>
*[[Harry Reid]]
*[[John Kerry]]
*[[Fred Phelps]]<ref>The leader of radical Hyper-Calvinist church that protests the funerals of soldiers killed on duty. Due to the indecent and Un-American nature of this activity, it likely he is a liberal and therefore Un-Christian.</ref>
*[[Adolf Hitler]]<ref>Despite being raised [[Roman Catholic]] and claiming that [[Jesus]] was his inspiration, Hitler was only using Christianity to gain favor with the German people. His true beliefs were based off of his [[social darwinism|social darwinistic]] views.</ref>
*Any practitioner of [[liberal Christianity]]
''(Add more)''

==See Also==
*[[Cafeteria Christianity]]
*[[Churchian]]
*[[Fast Food Christianity]]
*[[Fluffy bunny]]
*[[Liberal Christianity]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Christianity]]
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Category:Christian History

2012-11-09T17:04:38Z

TomReynolds: typo

[[category:history]]
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Category:Christian Group Structuring

2012-11-09T17:04:35Z

TomReynolds: typo