Religion & Spirituality - 15 August 2007

I read an article some years back that stated that the Catholic Church was facing a decline in membership due to secular attitudes, the competition from other growing religions, and scandals within the church. It claimed--and I make no defense of the validity of this claim; I am merely relating what the article said--that there were discussions underway in the Vatican to proclaim the divinity of Mary and elevate her to an equal status within the Godhead as a means to attract new followers. The supposition was that this would make for a more egalitarian, less patriarchal church, and also capitalize on the already great popularity of Mary in many cultures.

As an Atheist, I don't consider the factuality of these claims as important, but rather am interested in whether anyone thinks such a scheme would be feasible. Would proclaiming Mary an equal to Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit open up new possibilities for the Church? If you're Catholic, would this affect your faith?

2007-08-15 11:42:53 · 11 answers · asked by Jack B, sinistral 5

If the four books of the gospel really had been altered to make Jesus devine or whatever other claims there are, don't you think they would have made these books indifferent in all of the aspects of Jesus' life? I believe that since the gospels have minor differences, this add authenticity to the writings and shows that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all had different perspectives. Two people who witness the same things often don't witness the same things - if you know what I mean. I have read in a book called "Letters from a Skeptic" that when archaeologists look at the four gospels as ancient text format (not as the Word of God), it's authenticity and reliability is far better than any other writings in those days. Read the book I've mentioned or look up the subject! And please let your answers be respectful for the sake of others.

2007-08-15 11:40:42 · 12 answers · asked by Adam 2

If the "theory" of evolution can be taught, and atheists think the Christian religion is untrue, and therefore the equivalent of a theory, shouldn't the Bible be taught there too? And, some people will say, "Oh, it's all about opinions, and some familys have different beliefs." True, but a majority of the world is Christians, and more people are hurt that the big bang is being taught than if it weren't taught, where only few will be hurt that if the bible were taught. Or, we could teach both, and let the students decide!!??? Sounds fair to me.

2007-08-15 11:39:37 · 70 answers · asked by Anonymous

And if it did lend a helping hand, would it try to convert the person it was helping?

I honestly don't know the answer to this but I was thinking about it because of the faith-based initiatives that are funneling government money to religious organizations.

2007-08-15 11:38:41 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous

a chatloic bishope want us to call GOD alla? he says we use a name just to argure .

2007-08-15 11:38:23 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous

I am happy to discuss my own belief with people of all beliefs or lack therof. Just a question, which is generalizing, so maybe the ones it applies to could shed some light on this. It seems that alot of times with SOME atheists, I am told that us Christians shove religion down their throat. Now, on the same token those same atheists sometimes like to come on this section and tell us our beliefs are stupid, wrong, etc. and convince us otherwise. It seems to be a contradiction, I am curious why this happens...

Again, this isnt ALL of the atheist mentality mind you, please keep that in mind

2007-08-15 11:37:09 · 8 answers · asked by Loosid 6

Ok here's the deal, I'm getting married next year and I'm getting married at a Winery following the reception. Now obviously there will be wine, and champaign. And I'm debating if I should do beer.... What are your thoughts on that.
Another thing, I'm debating if I should have a DJ. U know cause usually christian's don't listen to "worldly Music" Do you guys think it would be ok to have a DJ, and have him play tastefull music, with no sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.
Or does anyone know a good Christian DJ for the California Area?? ♥
Please help me. I feel that it would be ok. I mean It's just music, and little wine...

2007-08-15 11:36:34 · 7 answers · asked by ♥ inkythecutie ♥ 2

I was recently reading some verses in the beginning of the Bible, and it tells about these ancient men living for hundreds of years each. Why is that? I'm confused. Please help me sort this out.

2007-08-15 11:35:51 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-08-15 11:33:37 · 31 answers · asked by scorpus23 6

2007-08-15 11:32:38 · 24 answers · asked by Patrick the Carpathian, CaFO 7

I don't believe in organized religion but have my own beliefs. My beliefs are kind of a mixture of Taoism and science with life experience. And I'm accepting of others beliefs but am margialized by society. I have a hard time making friends and can't find a girlfriend to save my life. The religious friends I have or have had eventually distance themselves from me. We are supposed to live in a free country so why is it like this you think?

2007-08-15 11:30:00 · 26 answers · asked by InvicibleStar 2

It's easy to be atheist,or even agnostic;because you're not having to sacrifice or persevere.Essentially the easy way out.

It's hard,significantly harder to be&remain a theist because those with faith are always having to justify to the faithless why&how the spirit is better than the physical.Not to mention that theist are persecuted in the form of people with atheist beliefs doing absolutely everything to surpress&sweep under the rug the beliefs of theist;in som parts of the world theist are killed because of their particular beliefs.And finally atheist will always make excuses not to believe becuase God doesnt operate the same way the physical world does;&to give into God would mean to humble&submit your life to God,which for some odd reason atheist are comepletely against.

Theist have it much harder than atheist;agree or disagree?Why or why not?

2007-08-15 11:28:06 · 38 answers · asked by Maurice H 6

2007-08-15 11:26:56 · 23 answers · asked by moondriven 3

Some people say it is the crucified Christ, others say the trinity...

2007-08-15 11:25:18 · 19 answers · asked by Gruntled Employee 6

debates that sometimes go on here.....what would you like to see discussed in R&S?

2007-08-15 11:23:21 · 23 answers · asked by daljack -a girl 7

I used to have a REALLY close relationship with God. But somewhere along the lines of falling in love with my husband and getting married I put God on the back burner. I get flashbacks of what it used to be like between Him and I and I MISS it. I miss it but not enough to buckle down and get back on track. I rarely go to church and I haven't touched my bible in months. So how do you get back on track when everything in your human nature is pulling you in the opposite direction?

Please no athiest answers! You have to believe in God to be able to answer this one.

2007-08-15 11:22:47 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous

It seems to be used so abstractly by you and I never know exactly what definition you are using. I know what "believe" means when I use it, but sometimes when Christians use it, I feel like maybe you're using different definitions in different situations.

2007-08-15 11:21:17 · 27 answers · asked by Fish Stick Jesus 2

2007-08-15 11:19:42 · 26 answers · asked by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6

isnt it playing god to keep the person alive even though they should be dead?

isnt it playing god to put people on life support and giving heart transplants and other surgeries that keep a person alive when they should be dead.

explain your reasoning on why in one sense its ok and the other its not?

please dont say its because one way your killing them, because its not. its, one way your letting them die a painless death, the way they wish to leave the world.

(id like to throw out a thanks to Aintitthetruth for bringing up the point on my previous question)

2007-08-15 11:19:33 · 12 answers · asked by Chippy v1.0.0.3b 6

where is my cat and what does she look like

2007-08-15 11:19:24 · 10 answers · asked by amber 5

2007-08-15 11:18:08 · 72 answers · asked by ? 3

Isn't it just the most beautiful religion? ^_^

2007-08-15 11:16:16 · 27 answers · asked by Bobby 3

Perhaps a festival is in order?

2007-08-15 11:16:05 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-08-15 11:15:52 · 18 answers · asked by John L 2

do you believe that hell is a real place that sinners go after death for judgement .
or do you think we all are already in hell and this is our judgement . as with all the bad things that happen to people in life.
and the bad things that happen is our judgemnet to see if we are fit for the after life if there is one

2007-08-15 11:14:12 · 30 answers · asked by simone.merrell 2

Cram our beliefs down peoples throats...Besides even if there ISN'T a God then what have we as believers lost? And if there IS a God then look at what you as non believers have Lost.

2007-08-15 11:12:53 · 40 answers · asked by Just me. 1

And, is it possible to escape and/or transcend these human limitations? .....while still physically alive?

Thoughts...?

<<<<<<<<<<< transcending love >>>>>>>>>>>

2007-08-15 11:12:08 · 41 answers · asked by Anonymous

I am taking into consdideration 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Is marriage a good idea, or not?
Isn't it more of a distraciton if you want to put the Kingdom first? i mean of course its not bad thing becasue it originates from Jehovah but...what is your opinion?

2007-08-15 11:12:00 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous

I say Sisterzeal or Crimsonandclover! WHOO!!!!

2007-08-15 11:11:27 · 21 answers · asked by gone by tomorrow 1

of a virgin, and rose from the grave. How do we believe the inpossible and cannot do the possible? That is shun sin and walk in the spirit.

2007-08-15 11:09:46 · 21 answers · asked by I Wanna Know 3