I need answers...
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Can anyone here give me a brief insight to the various branches of Christianity (e.g. the Catholics etc...).
Just wish to know more about the various religions...
Personally, i'm a free-thinker... but i'm surrounded by too many religion fanatics and sometimes i think i offend them a little by what i say... so... i just wanna know what and why anyone would be offended when i say something really not directed at their religion... -
I personally like to offend religious fanatics.
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Let's just say they are the same religion, so as not to offend some people.Originally posted by WoShiNoobie:Just wish to know more about the various religions...
Personally, i'm a free-thinker... but i'm surrounded by too many religion fanatics and sometimes i think i offend them a little by what i say... so... i just wanna know what and why anyone would be offended when i say something really not directed at their religion...
Why not you say what you think here? Don't worry, we know you are trying to seek answers, and not just come here and drop bombs. -
I'm actually fine with religions... but it's usually the constant "harassment" by some of these religion fanatics that really bothers me... Although, i don't have this problem with my friends (probably because i've already made my stand clear... i'm a free-thinker...) ... sometimes i think they are offended when i refer to myself as a Satanist.Originally posted by Icemoon:Let's just say they are the same religion, so as not to offend some people.
Why not you say what you think here? Don't worry, we know you are trying to seek answers, and not just come here and drop bombs.
I also usually make some religious jokes to lighten up the mood... although everyone there seem to laugh at some of the jokes... but i think deep down they are quite offended by what i say... -
Satanist? Sure or not?Originally posted by WoShiNoobie:... sometimes i think they are offended when i refer to myself as a Satanist.
I also usually make some religious jokes to lighten up the mood... although everyone there seem to laugh at some of the jokes... but i think deep down they are quite offended by what i say...
Tell us some of those jokes leh .. -
you need to grow up.Originally posted by laurence82:I personally like to offend religious fanatics. -
I think you are the one who need to grow up, along with those religious fanatics who like to stir shiat by condemning other religions, causing inter-religious conflicts.Originally posted by Deportivo:you need to grow up. -
Satanist? Probably... The acceptance of Man's True Nature no?Originally posted by Icemoon:Satanist? Sure or not?
Tell us some of those jokes leh ..
Those jokes are cracked at the spur of the moment one... Something like inspiration... usually involving God and the various figures that is highly regarded in the religion. Sometimes i also ask for it one by challenging their faith... that i know, is stupid... -
No, that is not stupid if asked in a non hostile way.Originally posted by WoShiNoobie:Sometimes i also ask for it one by challenging their faith... that i know, is stupid...
1 Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." -
For the first thousand years of Christian history, there were no denominations within the Christian church as there are today. Various offshoot groups certainly existed, but they were considered "heresies" and not part of the Christian church. Most were small and, until the 16th century, were never very influential. From the beginnings of Christianity through the Middle Ages, there was only one the catholic ("universal" ) church. Basically, if you did not belong to the Church, you were not considered a Christian.Originally posted by WoShiNoobie:Can anyone here give me a brief insight to the various branches of Christianity (e.g. the Catholics etc...).
Just wish to know more about the various religions...
Personally, i'm a free-thinker... but i'm surrounded by too many religion fanatics and sometimes i think i offend them a little by what i say... so... i just wanna know what and why anyone would be offended when i say something really not directed at their religion...
The first division within Christendom came in 1054 with the "Great Schism" between the Western Church and the Eastern Church. (More on this in the article on Orthodox Christianity.) From that point forward, there were two large branches of Christianity, which came to be known as the Catholic Church (in the West) and the Orthodox Church (in the East).
The next major division occurred in the 16th century with the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was famously sparked when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, but "Protestantism" as a movement officially began in 1529. That year marked the publication of the Protestation, directed at the imperial government. The authors, German princes who wanted the freedom to choose the faith of their territory, protested that "in matters which concern God's honor and salvation and the eternal life of our souls, everyone must stand and give account before God for himself."
With its emphasis on individual interpretation of scripture and a measure of religious freedom, the Reformation marked not only a break between Protestantism and Catholicism, but the beginning of denominationalism as we know it today. This historical perspective is perhaps the best way to make sense of the initially astounding variety of Christian denominations.
Those who remained within the fold of Roman Catholicism argued that central regulation of doctrine is necessary to prevent confusion and division within the church and corruption of its beliefs. Those who broke from the church, on the other hand, insisted that it was precisely this policy of control that had already led to corruption of the true faith. They demanded that believers be allowed to read the Scriptures for themselves (it was previously available only in Latin) and act in accordance with their conscience. This issue of religious authority continues to be a fundamental difference in perspective between Catholic and Orthodox Christians on one hand, and Protestant Christians on the other.
As the Reformation developed in Germany, various groups in other parts of Europe also began to break away from the Catholic Church. Reformed Christianity developed in Switzerland based on the teachings of Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin. When it spread to Scotland under John Knox, the Reformed faith became Presbyterianism. Switzerland was also the birthplace of the Anabaptists, spiritual ancestors of today's Amish, Mennonites, Quakers, and Baptists. Anglicanism was established in 1534 when England's King Henry VIII broke from the authority of the Pope, and became Episcopalianism in America. Methodism, based on the teachings of John Wesley, also has its roots in Anglicanism. -
So it started from the Catholics and then it began to break out from it? Interesting... shall read more about it...
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Think one equates concept of universal church with that of Pauline Christianity or church 'founded' by Paul and Peter. All others are considered 'heresies' and not part of the church? Is it possible that the surviving churches are now remnants of a certain faction in Christianity and do not represent the big picture of Christianity?Originally posted by Honeybunz:For the first thousand years of Christian history, there were no denominations within the Christian church as there are today. Various offshoot groups certainly existed, but they were considered "heresies" and not part of the Christian church. Most were small and, until the 16th century, were never very influential. From the beginnings of Christianity through the Middle Ages, there was only one the catholic ("universal" ) church. Basically, if you did not belong to the Church, you were not considered a Christian. -
Wait. In Acts and other epistles, you read Paul preaching. Peter seldom preached.Originally posted by laoda99:Think one equates concept of universal church with that of Pauline Christianity or church 'founded' by Paul and Peter.
For example, the roles of deacons and presbyters are mentioned. Do you see these roles in the RC church today? -
I also puzzled. Doctrines seem to based on Paul's but apostolic succession claimed from Peter by the RC.Originally posted by Icemoon:Wait. In Acts and other epistles, you read Paul preaching. Peter seldom preached.
For example, the roles of deacons and presbyters are mentioned. Do you see these roles in the RC church today?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter
"After the author of Acts turns his attention away from Peter and to the activities of Paul, we lose sight of Peter's movements. It is clear that he lived in Antioch for a while, for not only did Paul confront him there (Galatians 2:11f), but tradition makes him the first bishop of that city, and thus the first Patriarch of Antioch. Some scholars interpret Paul's mention of Peter in 1 Corinthians 1:12 as evidence that Peter had visited Corinth. A far more insistent tradition, at least as early as the first century, is that he came to Rome, where he was martyred."
Probably the hierachy of the Pauline Church changes due to syncretism with Roman Pagan religions over time, as we know the Emperor Constantine was the Pontifex Maximus of the Sun God in Mithraism. Is it possible that Apostasy occured then? -
Prebyster is a chim word for 'Priest'.Originally posted by Icemoon:Wait. In Acts and other epistles, you read Paul preaching. Peter seldom preached.
For example, the roles of deacons and presbyters are mentioned. Do you see these roles in the RC church today?
There are still deacons around. In fact, seminarians are ordained deacons before they are allowed to become priests. Deacons assist the priets by serving Mass, preaching, basically being his runner. However, deacons have no power to say Mass or hear confessions. -
oh no .. i anyhow shoot without doing my homework .. so malu
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it's all right. the terminology can get confusing sometimes.Originally posted by Icemoon:oh no .. i anyhow shoot without doing my homework .. so malu