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Religion News

2015-03-13T22:08:16-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What’s with religion and ethnicity?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

ERIN ASKS: Why are religion and ethnicity so closely linked? Why are they especially close in Judaism whereas in Christianity not so much? THE GUY ANSWERS: A few random observations. The Guy is no anthropologist or sociologist. But it’s obvious that the quest for transcendent religious meaning is virtually universal among humankind and till modern times was necessarily intertwined with ethnic identity on a tribal, regional, and even national basis. Thus to be Indian is essentially to be Hindu. Thus also for... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:16-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Mormon women & those lifestyle blogs

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

MARY IN MICHIGAN WONDERS: Why are so many lifestyle blogs with large followings written by Mormon women? Is this just coincidence? THE GUY ANSWERS: It’s no coincidence. Mary’s full question notes Mormon women’s prominence in online discussions of such skills as crafting, cooking, and interior design. This reflects notable female programming and gender roles within this religious subculture. The women’s auxiliary in Mormonism — officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — is called the Relief Society and... Read more

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2019-10-08T16:45:32-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Yom Kippur and Jewish forgiveness of sins

Last updated on: October 8, 2019 at 4:45 pm By Richard Ostling

JOSEPH ASKS: How do Jews receive forgiveness from God for their sins? THE GUY ANSWERS: A timely topic, since Judaism’s Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) occurs September 13-14. Religious Jews are of course admonished to regularly confess and purify themselves from sin but (unlike Christians) once each year they concentrate on this need with special observances. The period from Rosh Hashana (New Year) to Yom Kippur constitutes “10 days of penitence,” a time to make restitution and seek forgiveness from people the believer has... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:17-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What would Muslim law look like?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

KAYLIN ASKS: What would sharia [Muslim law] look like if implemented? Would there be differences by country or region? THE GUY ANSWERS: Fundamental starting point: In principle, Islam draws no distinction between the spiritual and the secular such as Jesus’ famous biblical dictum “render therefore to Caesasr the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” It’s often said that Christianity centers on theology while Islam centers on law. Sharia (or “shariah”) covers personal morals (e.g.... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:17-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What’s the basis for Purgatory?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

JOHN ASKS: Could you explain something of the Roman Catholic belief in Purgatory — its scriptural underpinning, etc.? THE GUY ANSWERS: This f0llows up our August 9 item “What happens after death?” Catholic belief in Purgatory, a state of “final purification” between death and entry into God’s presence in heaven, is contested by other Christians. Protestants think this contradicts the Bible or at least lacks scriptural support. The Eastern Orthodox uphold no Purgatory doctrine and oppose such unilateral assertions by the Catholic... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:17-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What happens after death?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

ERIC PONDERS: [After attending Protestant funerals] it has struck me how conflicted rituals are with regard to whether resurrection awaits the end of time or occurs immediately. Every service has involved phrases in the ritual saying both things — and they are in conflict. THE GUY SAYS: Christian churches disagree on many things, including details of Jesus’ Second Coming and the End Times, and there’s ample mystery about the afterlife. Yet regardless of what a particular funeral might suggest, there’s... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:18-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Are Christians “arrogant”?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

ROBERT ASKS: When Christians claim they know they’re going to heaven should they be regarded as conceited, boastful, and arrogant? Is it unfair of God to say you can’t get into heaven unless you believe, even though you’ve been a good person? THE GUY ANSWERS: Fellow religion reporters of a certain age will remember those throngs of “Jesus freaks” holding index fingers aloft to proclaim that their faith is the “One Way.” That attitude is no Christian eccentricity. All religions... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:18-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Spirit wars: “Cessationists” vs. Pentecostalists

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

BEV ASKS: I’ve been running into people who are cessationist [aligned with conservatives like] John MacArthur, who calls those who believe in the supernatural gifts chaotic, heretics, apostates, and not part of the true church. So, what are your thoughts? THE GUY SAYS: The cessationist movement opposes practices in Pentecostal and “Charismatic” churches that have prospered during the past century. Even celebrities Katy Perry and Megan Fox have provoked buzz by recalling Pentecostal experiences and there’s vigorous online debate among Protestants.... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:18-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Big fat theology words: Help!

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

RACHAEL ASKS: (After trying to explore Reformed theology via Facebook): I do not understand many terms used, such as dispensationalism, cessationism, amillennialism, and many more. Is there a Reformed dictionary you know of or should I resort to brief Internet searches? THE GUY ANSWERS: To explore those big fat words The Guy suggests buying a theological dictionary that covers all of Christianity, not just Reformed/Calvinist Protestantism, which will treat the major terms though probably not every esoteric one you’ll come... Read more

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2015-03-13T22:08:18-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What are the major groups of Jews?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm By Richard Ostling

SARI ASKS: What are the major and almost-major groups of Jews, and how do they differ in terms of belief and practice? THE GUY ANSWERS: Nothing compares with Christianity for complexity, with an ever-expanding variety of denominations, independent congregations, religious orders, “parachurch” ministries, and miscellaneous movements. Still, Judaism is more complicated than some people realize. Running down beliefs and practices would require a long article, but here’s a summary: First, keep in mind the huge and fundamental split among three... Read more

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