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Comparative Religions and Denominations
Comparative religion refers to the study that analyzes the differences and similarities of concepts, myths, themes and rituals among the religions in the world. It also refers to man’s ideas about the spiritual, the sacred and the divine.
1,699 Questions
Why do people tend to conform to different religions?
One of my essays for my psychology degree was on this title, here it is. Remember, if you are doing research for a similar essay title do not quote this one. First of all it is already listed in the 'anti plagiarism' system and secondly I am not a professor, but it got an excellent grade. So if anything use it as a means to understanding what you have to write about in your essay and make use of the reference list at the bottom and the link provided. Have fun reading.
Conformity, as described in Martin G. N. et al (2007, p. 722), is "a deep-seated cognitive change" and usually derives from a previously existing group with self-defining norms. Although, the word conformity itself, is a somewhat broad term and therefore as Aronson, E., et al (1999) describes it quite nicely we can divide it into two different types: private acceptance and public compliance. Private being the former explanation of conformity and public, also often referred to as compliance is, on the other hand, a mere "surface change in behaviour" (Marting G. N. et al 2007, p. 722) and does not result in any long-lasting changes in a person's behavioral pattern. Many a researcher wished to find out as to why people conformed and in which ways this was done. Is it a majority/minority influence? Or did it occur due to processes coined 'informational influence' and 'normative influence' by Deutsch and Gerard (1955, cited in Martin G. N. et al 2007)? In order to answer such questions some classic experiments had been conducted in the past by researchers such as Asch, Milgram, Moscovici and Sherif to assess the influence of group or individual behaviour on a person's willingness to conform. But one could argue that they be out of date so what do more recent studies suggest? Do they support the conclusions to which Asch and the others came to? Or have individuals in society become more/less aware of the aspect of conformity and thus reduced or increased their willingness to conform?
When answering the question as to why people conform, Martin G. N. et al (2007) says that there are different ways for making people publicly comply and different ways in which people privately conform. One example is obedience; a nurse miss-reads a doctor's instructions for ear drops. The instruction leaflet read: Insert in R ear. This meant the right ear but the nurse read it as 'rear' and thus she administered the drops anally, with both the nurse and patient not questioning the doctor's authority. Also, from personal experience (I served in the Swiss army) I believe that most of the time it was just a case of public compliance rather than a real change in behavior whilst in training. Another two forms of compliance are ingratiation and reciprocity; the first being the concept of getting people to like you before asking them a request and the latter being the concept of 'indebting' or performing a favour before making the request. But now we get to ways of conforming (privately); when asked the question: Do you conform? One may now like to answer that they are resistant to conformity, that they are not a 'weak-willed' individual. This, of course, is not true, we all follow norms set down by our society; be it paying the bus fee or simply following the rules in our own home. We are governed by these rules whether we like it or not and these rules will be enforced by punishment if necessary (Martin G. N. et al 2007). Of course, there are always those who do not wish to conform. A non-conformists' way of 'resisting' the norm can range from just a simple display of clothing style to huge movements against well established norms. One example being the various feminist movements which took their course as early as the 18th through until the 20th century in which women gained the right to vote amongst other achievements, which in the then very male dominant time, it was the norm that they could not. So, in the case of feminism one could say that there was a minority influence on the majorities belief in the current norm. But there is also the case of a majority influence on the minority.
This phenomenon was studied by Asch (1951, cited in Brehm, S. S. et al 1993); he devised a task which involved the participant to match the length of a line visually with another of the same length, but the latter was mixed with lines of different lengths. A simple task one might think at first, but the catch was that there were 6 confederates in the room who would all agree on a wrong answer until it was the participants turn. Asch found that in 37% (a relatively high number as when the participants were tested alone they almost always answered correctly) of cases the participants agreed with the incorrect majority, 50% of the participants agreed over half the time and about 25% refused to be influenced by the majority. The study showed that the process by which the participants acted in was normative influence, a term coined by Deutsch and Gerard (1955, cited in Martin G. N. et al 2007) explaining the reason for their answer being that they did not wish to stand out as different in the group: public compliance. Sherif (1936, cited in Brehm S. S. 1993) conducted a similar study in order to test how group norms came to be. Compared to Asch's study, Sherif's showed a stronger tendency of private acceptance in participants. In Sherif's study participants were tested using the auto kinetic effect. An illusion involving a point of light which is fixed in a dark room; when viewed it seems to move. First the participants were tested individually and asked to estimate how far the light moved (usually between 1 and 10 inches). Later on they were placed in groups of three and again asked for their estimates. It turned out that participants estimates started to converge after many trials and a group norm was established; the process was called informational influence by Deutsch and Gerard (1955, cited in Martin G. N. et al 2007). A third experiment that was conducted by Moscovici (1969,cited in Brehm S. S. 1993) took Asch's study and turned it around. In this case the majority of the participants where to be tested using a minority (confederates) and see if they could be influenced. It involved looking at pictures of blue squares in varying intensity to which the confederates made inaccurate observations. 8% of all responses were incorrect although later studies determined that a minority group needs to be consistent as well as not to be perceived as "biased, narrow-minded, or psychologically imbalanced" (Nemeth et al 1974 cited in Brehm S. S. 1993, p. 410). And finally we have Milgram's study of obedience from 1963 cited in Martin G. N. et al (2007). Here a participant was asked to apply shocks to a confederate if they gave the wrong answer to a question. The confederate was an actor and would mimic the pain involved as if he was actually receiving the shocks. A surprisingly high percentage of participants fully complied; they administered 'shocks' of 450 volts.
Now that we have had a look at these classic studies, what do some more recent studies find when exploring the topic of conformity? A very recent remake of the classic Milgram study, a French TV show was launched in which contestants took part in a 'shocking' game. Just that in this case, participants were even more ready to conform and thus apply the shock. The percentage increased: originally 65% to a shocking 80%, suggesting that blind obedience can be elicited through the media extremely easily (Chazan, D., 2010). A second study by Hornsey M. J. et al (2003) suggested that people who are more strongly morally based will be more likely to counter-conform; morality being an element which had not been introduced by any of the classic studies. By testing participants who were for topics such as gay-law reforms and a government apology to Aborigines, being told that they were either in the minority/majority affected their behavior. The study found that the stronger the moral base of a person was, the less likely their public, as well as private intentions were when supported by a group as compared to not being supported. On the other hand, less strong morally based people tended to conform with growing group support, they were influenced by the norm thus supporting Asch's findings although it suggests that it could actually be a mere de-categorisation from the group and finding a new one that fits more with the persons morals. A third study by Smith J. R. et al (2007) looked at normative as well as informative influence processes like in Sherif's study. They found that informative influence resulted in people changing attitudes quite readily when faced with uncertainty and depending on the groups norm, even changed their willingness to conform.
In conclusion, the more recent studies as well as the French TV show are in unison with the classic studies if not even reinforce them heavily. In all cases it was observed that people would conform due to a number of factors be it either by majority/minority influence, obedience or informative/normative influence. Although one thing that I noticed was the absence of studies that would include people from totally different cultures such as Asia or Russia. Do people conform to the same amount globally and thus make it a natural occurrence or is it taught by society? In the end I think that we conform because we are a group orientated species. We wish to be liked and not be cast out like Asch's study shows quite clearly. But we also are very eager to conform if we are uncertain in order to gain peace of mind (Sherif's study). Even if we do not conform to the norms we will conform to another non-conforming group with similar beliefs. Essentially we are just hopping from one minority group to the other within the majority of a society until we find the right one with which we share our beliefs whilst still complying with the majority and its norms until we feel safe enough to speak out within our group and make a change.
Reference List
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Akert, R. M. (1999) Social Psychology (3rd ed.). Harlow : Longman.
Asch, S. E., (1951) Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgments. Cited in
Brehm, S. S. & Kassin, S. M. (1993) Social Psychology, p.399 (2nd ed.). Boston: Hughton Mifflin.
Deutsch, M. & Gerard, H. B., (1955) A study of normative and informational social influences upon individual judgment. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 51, 629-636. Cited in Martin, G., Carlson, N., & Buskist, W. (2007). Psychology, p. 728(3rd ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education.
Hornsey, M. J., Majkut, L., Terry, D. J. & McKimmie, B. M. (2003). On being loud and proud: Non-conformity and counter-conformity to group norms. British Journal of Social Psychology, 42, 319-335.
Martin, G., Carlson, N., & Buskist, W. (2007). Psychology (3rd ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education.
Milgram, S. (1963) Behavioural study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67, 371-378. Cited in Martin, G., Carlson, N., & Buskist, W. (2007). Psychology, p. 725(3rd ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education.
Moscovici, S., Lage, E., & Naffrechoux, M. (1969) Influence of consistent minority on the responses of a majority in a color perception task. Sociometry, 32, 365-380. Cited in Brehm, S. S. & Kassin, S. M. (1993) Social Psychology, p. 409 (2nd ed.). Boston: Hughton Mifflin.
Nemeth, C., Swedlund, M., & Kanki, G. (1974). Patterning of the minority's responses and their influence on the majority. European Journal of Social Psychology, 4, 53-64. Cited in Brehm, S. S. & Kassin, S. M. (1993) Social Psychology, p. 410 (2nd ed.). Boston: Hughton Mifflin.
Sherif, M., (1936) The psychology of social norms. New York: Harper. Cited in Brehm, S. S. & Kassin, S. M. (1993) Social Psychology, p. 399 (2nd ed.). Boston: Hughton Mifflin.
Smith, J. R., Hogg, M. A., Martin, R. & Terry, D. J. (2007). Uncertainty and the influence of group norms in the attitude-behaviour relationship. British Journal of Social Psychology, 46, 769-792.
Is The Baha'i Faith monotheistic religion?
Yes, the Baha'i Faith is a monotheistic religion. Monotheism is a belief in only one God. The Baha'i Faith truly believe in the oneness of God which does not put one major religion over another.
Which Christian denominations do not believe that Jesus is God or son of God?
Basically any religion that isn't Christianity...
In Islam religion, Jesus (peace be upon him) is believed as one of the greatest prophets and one of the greatest messengers of God to mankind.
In the Quran, there is a complete chapter (called Surah) titled 'Maryam' (Mary) that confirms Maryam virgin birth. The Quran states the following on the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him):
(Remember) when the angels said, "O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous." She said, "My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?" He said, "So (it will be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, 'Be!' and it is." (Quran, 3:45-47)
Jesus was born as miracle by the word and command of God. This command is, as said in Quran, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother. God has said in Quran:
The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, "Be!" and he came into being. (Quran, 3/59)
During the prophetic mission of Jesus (peace be upon him), Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said:
"I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by God's permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses...." (Quran, 3/49)
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. They believe that the enemies of Jesus (peace upon him) plotted and planned to crucify Jesus. However, God miraculously saved Jesus and raised him up to Him (to God). God, the all powerful and the all capable, put the likeness of Jesus (peace upon him) over another man. The enemies of Jesus (peace upon him) thought that the this other man is Jesus and they took him and crucified him. God has said:
...They said, "We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God." They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man)... (Quran, 4/157)
Quran says (meaning translation): "Jesus said I am indeed a servant of ALLAH (God). He (God) has given me Revelation and made me prophet and He (God) has made me blessed wheresoever I be and has enjoined on me Prayer and Zakat (Charity) as long as I live. He (God) made me kind to my mother (Mary). Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day I shall be that I shall be raised up to life again... It is not befitting to the majesty of Allah (God) that he should beget a son. Glory be to him (God) when he determines a matter, He (God) only says to it "Be" and it is. Verily ALLAH (God) is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight" (Quran 19/30-36). Accordingly, in Islam religion, Jesus (peace upon him) is neither God nor son of God.
It is worthy to emphasize that both Jesus (peace upon him) and Mohamed, or may be spelled Muhammad, (peace upon him) came to mankind to call for worshiping only and the only one God. Neither of them nor Moses came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in one and only God. this doctrine that was brought by earlier prophets from including Noah, Abraham, Isac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others. both Jesus (peace upon him) and Mohamed received the revelation from God to confirm and renew the doctrine of worshiping one (and only one) God.
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Members of The Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society are well known for not believing that Jesus is the son of the deity. They do believe and teach that he was one son of many. They also teach that "Jesus is dead, forever dead", because reviving or 'resurrecting' him would have been the equivalent of taking back the sacrifice, an interesting logical conjecture. Their belief is that he was "re-erected"... built again from scratch, as it were, and this will also be the nature of the life that believers enjoy after death.
Similarities and differences between the Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman views on faith and reason?
Here are a couple of differences:
The Greeks and Romans were idolaters.
the Greeks and Romans held that it was perfectly acceptable to kill one's own infants; and Aristotle says so explicitly.
How many churches close their doors everyday?
Great question! The Biblical church is not founded in a building so that would mean 0 real churches close each month. However; what I think you're asking is "How many US 501.3c corporations pretending to be Christian churches stop doing business trade each month?" And that number is probably very high!
Salvation is by faith, which is repentance (a change of mind) to trusting in the person and sacrificial work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone for eternal forgiveness and salvation. (Romans 4.5; Ephesians 2.8-9; Titus 3.5-6, Acts 4.12; 1John 5.13)
No. Salvation is not by faith alone. If faith is alone then it's dead, being alone.
yes,because if you truly believe in God you will want to be like him in whatever you do so this is a yes and no question.
A culture that has been formed from two or more other cultures. One that has much of both but not all of each.
A good example a hybrid culture would be that of the Hawaiian Islands. Cars on all the streets, surfboards on every beach.
Who was the man who helped jesus carry the cross?
Simon from Cyrene (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21).
Little is known of Simon. Many Bible scholars believe that he was likely a Jew who was celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem. He had two sons, Alexander and Rufus.
Cyrene was an important city in North Africa, where Libya is located today. Cyrene had a large Jewish population.
Is it possible to be both Christian and agnostic?
NO!!! A christian acknowledges without a doubt that Jesus the Christ died for our salvation. God, our Father gave his only begotten son for the remission of our sins. The Holy Spirit within you guides you and gives you strength. Your love and faith in God is unquestionable.
The church covenant can be different for many church congregations. some do say to refrain from strong drink. It can be interpreted to mean not to get drunk and others say to not partake. Temperance movements were very much involved in the establishing the church covenant in the USA.
The covenant implies to be in the world but not of the world. Nazarite beliefs have members set aside a part of themselves as a dedication to service. Samson did not cut his hair. Some do not go to places that sell alcohol like dances. Some try to identify anything that might be a stumbling block to their service and testimony.
What is the difference between protestant and Mormon?
There are many differences between the Mormon and Methodist religions: Here are some key differences:
1. Methodist is a protestant religion and by nature is a revision of Catholic doctrine. The Mormons (or more correctly The Church of Jesus Christ od Latter Day Saints) is a restorationist religion which claims to restore the Christian church through new revelation.
2. Methodist is a bible church and is based on interpretations of the bible. The LDS church is based on modern day revelation through living apostles.
3. Protestant religions believe that man may be saved by faith in Christ and that Christ atoned for our sins. LDS believe that man may be saved by faith in Christ and repentence of sins (a turning away from sin to following Christ) and that Christ atoned for our sins.
4. Protestant religions tend to be led by paid ministers who are educated in a theological institution. LDS is led by an unpaid lay ministry. All members are called to temporary positions within the church.
5. Many protestants believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are 1 personage. LDS believe that they are separate individuals who are one in purpose and that humans are all spirit children of the Father.
6. Protestants believe that we were created by God at the beginning of the world. LDS believe we lived as spirit children of God before we were born and that earth life is to prepare us to be like God.
Some additional Mormon practices include temple worship, making and keeping covenants, marriage for eternity, the gospel being taught in the spirit world to those who did not hear it, the need for priesthood authority from God to minister. and additional scripture besides the bible.
What is the difference between a baptist and a non denominational christian?
Here are some more answers from WikiAnswers contributors:
- Christian's believe and HAVE ACCEPTED JESUS as God's Son and have invited him to enter their life. Even demons believe He is the Son of God. Being saved and therefore a Christian requires confessing to Him that you are a sinner and need forgiveness and want him to enter your heart.
- As in all denominations, what constitutes a Christian does not come from which one you belong to. There are true Christians across many denominations, and being in a particular one cannot automatically 'make' you a Christian. Ideally, there should be no difference, but people still have control over how they make choices and live. You can't necessarily judge a church or Christians as a whole from a particular individual.
Aside from being a Christian in name only, a true Christian has trusted in Jesus Christ as the One who died for his/her sins. The normal result of this is a new life that desires to live in a way that is obedient to God & glorifies Him on a daily basis.
While there are a number of folks that identify themselves as being Baptist, a portion believe in Christ, but some do not. Therefore some have clarified this by saying that they are Bible-believing Baptists. Thankfully, this is not always the case, even though the distinction of "Bible-believing" is not made, but there are those who nonetheless endeavor to be faithful to the truth of God's Word.
Historically, Baptists have held to certain distinctive doctrines, of which other Christians may or may not uphold in totality. A simple acrostic of this is:
Biblical authority for all faith & practice (The Bible being inerrant & preserved)
Autonomy of the local church
Priesthood of every believer
Two ordinances of the church: Baptism by immersion & The Lord's Supper
Individual soul liberty (The individual right & responsibility to believe)
Salvation through faith alone (Saved membership)
Two officers of the church: Pastors & Deacons
Separation of church & state
The order of membership in a Bible-believing Baptist church is salvation first (by trust in Christ as one's Savior), believer's baptism (in obedience to Christ's teaching), then joining a local Christ-honoring congregation.
Baptists claim a heritage that goes back to the days of Christ as believers.
Answer:Christian refers to behavior.Acts 11:26 (KJV) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
The disciples behaved like Christ and as a result were called "followers of Christ" or "Christians". A person may behave "Christ like" but not actually be "born again".
Born Again refers to a spiritual change that God performs in a persons life.
John 3:3 (KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:4 (KJV) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
John 3:5 (KJV) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Baptist refers to the church that baptized a person, it refers to "baptism". A person that is a "Baptist" should be "born again" and should be behaving like a "Christian". However, a person may have been baptized in a Baptist church but not really be "born again" and also not be a follower of Christ (behaving Christ-like).
- Born Again -- allows entrance into heaven
- Christian -- a way a person behaves, a follower of Christ
- Baptist -- baptized in a Baptist church
First of all, Baptist is NOT its own religion, it is merely a denomination of Christianity itself.
Why did god say woman behold your son and behold your mother when he was on the cross?
The culture at the time of Jesus was a patriarchal society, the oldest son would have been required to take care of his mother once the father died. Joseph was already dead at this time, and Jesus being the only son of Mary was giving her over to John's care. The term woman refers to the prophecy in Genesis where the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15), which Jesus done with his crucifixion and resurrection. As Children of God we have become brothers and sisters of Christ, when Christ gave Mary to John he was giving her to us all, for if we are true siblings of Christ then his mother is our mother. Notice that Jesus did not give care of Mary over to his "Brothers." If these were in fact true brothers then Jesus would have been required to hand her over to one of them, by not doing so he was breaking the law. The fact that he did not do this tells us a few things. That those who are referred to as Brothers were actually relatives rather then biological brothers. Lets look at James the brother of the Lord (Gal. 1: 18-19) Paul tells us in Galatians that when he visited Cephas he saw none of the other Apostles except James the brother of the Lord. If we look at the list of Apostles in Matthew 10: 2-4 we see two Apostles named James; one is the son of Zebedee and the other the son of Alphaeus. The Bible is clear that nether of the Apostles named James was a son of Mary or Joseph. The Aramaic or Hebrew Lanuage did not have a word for cousin or step brother so the word brother was used. The early Church fathers taught that Jospeh indeed had a brother named Alphaeus which is also rendered as Clopas. If we look at John 19:25 we see that Mary the mother of Jesus is standing there with her sister Mary the wife of Clopas, this would have been her actual sister in law, the woman married to Joseph's brother. Neither Aramaic or Hebrew had a word for sister in law so the word sister is used. These terms today are used by Catholics and Protestants alike, in Catholic circles the word Brother refers to Monks within a given order and the term sister refers to Nuns of a given order. In Protestant circles the term is used for people within a given congregation, sister Martha or Brother Jim the word is used as a way to distinguish a Christian brother or sister.
Are Catholic laws more strict than Protestant laws?
Generally, yes. For example, most forms of birth control are forbidden, as is divorce. However, many Catholics have found ways of "getting around" these strict regulations-- American Catholics are as a whole, are more liberal than Protestants, as a whole.
As far as we can tell from historical remains, the invention of religion pre-dates many other human inventions, including writing. It did come after the development of animal husbandry and domestication of the dog. A structured religio n developed with the spread of agricultural practices that allowed people to live in large morestable communities, instead of roving bands of hunter-gatherers.
The first such religion would have started about 7,000 BCE in Mesopotamia, and does not exist in any form in our time. Consequentially, we do not know it's actual name. We just know it was there and people believed in it strongly.
What is the origin of heathenism?
Not really known as it's a naturally evolved religion/belief. Scientists suspect that part of the human brain is programmed to believe in religion. This suspicion has stemmed from studying epileptics and the visions some of them have during a seizure. It may also be of interest for you to know that elephants perform burial rites. (This is a religious act) We seem to be programmed to have religion and paganism is any naturally occurring religion that's based around nature and respect for the earth. It's not specific to any culture or race.
According to the MountainMan391:
Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses every religion that is not Jewish, Christian, or Islamic in origin (I take this definition straight from the dictionary). Not all pagan religions are based around nature. Therefore, paganism has been around as long as religion has. Which is to say, as long as humans have walked this earth.
See Discussion Board for further comments...
EXTRA ANSWER::::
I think Paganism originated in Northern Europe, such as Britain and Scandinavia. It's all up to the person, but I have found that Stonehenge in Salisbury, England was a place of Pagan worship.
And Now for another thought.
Paganism, Witchcraft & magic are as old as mankind. Anything, beyond your understanding or comprehension can be considered magic. A cell phone to a primitive is magic.
When mankind first started being self aware, we looked beyond ourselves and needed answers to things like, where does the sun go at night? How do we insure it will come back? How do we heal wounds and illnesses? How do we find food?
Eventually members of the group who discovered things, like which plants helped an upset stomach, where to find water, what the migration patterns of the local animals were and other things, became the ones others turned to for answers. These were the Wise Ones...
The cycles of the seasons where in our blood and instincts, as they governed our survival. The wise ones were the ones who kept track of the right time to plant, and harvest, ensuring the continuance of the people.
As we became more evolved the amount of knowledge expanded, and those with the answers learned a few tricks of their own.
If someone tells you a certain herb will cure your cut, you may or may not believe them, if they are well respected and do a little spell/prayer over the cut at the same time as using the herb, you tend to believe... Particularly if it works... you then tell others of the "power" of the Wise One... Eventually a name gets made, and expectation are raised...
It is a commonly accepted fact that your mind has a strong influence on your body... If you believe in something it has a better chance of working. the Wise Ones figured this out early on, so a little "showmanship" helped their reputation...
As spell/prayers/magic/ became standardized and passed on from generation to generation, the words became of equal importance to the practical application...
Magic became accepted as something that worked...
Science is today what magic once was, a practical, evolving set of standard results from repeated experimentation...
Even modern medicine can't tell us everything the mind is capable of, so some of us still believe in and practice Magic...
Most modern Pagans practice an earth based belief system that can but does not always include the practice of magic. We try connect to the cycles of the moon and the seasons. We revere the powers of nature and the universe.
Answer: I'd like to know the source of the answer below - it totally ignores the established fact that "Lucifer" or "Satan" as we now think of "him" is a Judaeo-Christian concept grafted onto Judaism during the Babylonian exile. Most religions would respond "Lucifer who??? Never heard of him". If you don't believe me, google the etymology of the word "Lucifer" and check out the history. Here's a good starting place and a thought provoking quote: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lucifer.aspx The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Lucifer [Lat.,=light-bearing], in Christian tradition a name for Satan . In the Vulgate, Lucifer served as a translation of the Hebrew epithet meaning "Day Star," a name associated with the presumptuous King of Babylon in the Book of Isaiah. Some early Christian writers found a parallel in the Gospel of St. Luke, where Jesus refers to Satan falling like lightning from heaven. On this basis they identified Isaiah's "Day Star" with Satan and concluded that there was scriptural authority for designating him "light-bearer." In antiquity Lucifer was also the name given Venus as the... World EncyclopediaLucifer Name given in ancient Roman times to the planet Venus as seen at dawn. In classical mythology, Lucifer's Greek counterpart was Phosphorus, and both were personified as male torch-bearers. In Christian mythology, Lucifer was an epithet of Satan . Lucifer of Cagliari The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition ... legate of Pope Liberius he went to the council at Milan (355) that Constantius disbanded by exiling the Catholic delegates. Lucifer was bitter against those who seemed to submit to Arianism, and on his return to Sardinia (362) he formed a sect of his own .. Answer: Luciferianism is a system of belief that venerates Lucifer. There are four branches from this core: !. Religious/Traditional Luciferianism
2. Spiritual/Gnostic Luciferianism
3. Philosophic Luciferianism
4. Modern Luciferianism
The roots of this faith comes from many different sources: the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient cultures of Egypt, Rome and Greece; Gnosticism; and modern Western occultism and Hermeticism.
Example of closing prayer for class?
A closing prayer may be:
We give You thanks, Almighty God, for all the graces you have given upon us. We thank You for letting us learn about Your will, and Your commandments, and for keeping alive the faith in our hearts! Grant that we may love You always, and do Your will with smiling hearts and an open mind, Amen.
Is the presbyterians a protestant church?
Yes, as far as I understand it! It stems from the teaching of John Calvin of Geneva.
Do people within the same religion totally agree on what happens when you die?
Not necessarily, usually because of contradictory teachings. For example in the Bible it is said that when we die our souls go immediately to heaven (assuming you were a good person) but he Bible also says that on the Last Day our bodies will rise from the earth. Some Christian groups believe in one side and others believe in the other. The Catholic Church maintains that the soul rises to heaven where it is shapeless and on the Last Day we are given new bodies to live in in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Answer 1
- Truth and Peace is what best describes Islam.
A doctrine of principles based on:
- Truth - That there is only One God
- Justice - To permit the good, and forbid the evil, even by forceful means
- Honesty - In life and your dealings with other people, as well as with your God
- Sincerity - To observe humility with others and yourself.
Allah is one and Muhammad pbuh is his messenger. That is the main thing Muslims believe. Hope this Helps.
Quran and Hadith are the two factors which describe ISLAM best. It was monotheistic it requires a visit to mecca. Islam is the religion of true monotheism.
Answer 2
It requires followers to live a moral life and submit to the will of allah.
Did the Methodist church come from the Catholic church?
Why is Hinduism different than Christianity?
I think it would easier to state that Christianity has more things that Hinduism doesn't, rather than vice versa. Christianity credits a particular founder, there are far more places of worship. However, Hinduism does in fact have more scriptures, such as the Gita, Puranas, Upanishad, and Vedas. Hinduism can also be polytheistic, depending on the school of thought. Hinduism has the concept of reincarnation, unlike Christianity's idea of those who believe will live on in heaven.
For more information on the differences between the two religions, see the related links section below.
What does the Qur'an teach about Judaism and Christianity?
Quran contains preachings to the Christians and Jews that involves reminding them of some aspects of their Scriptures or their traditions, the basic deviations from the original God revelations to prophets Moses and Jesus, namely the divinity of Jesus and the Judaic exclusiveness (claiming arbitrarily a special position with God exclusively for themselves).
However, many Christians believe in the Prophecy of Mohamed and believe in God revelation of Quran but remaining on their own faith. Quran says in this regards (Meaning English translation):
" There are, certainly, among the People of the Book (Jewish and Christians) those who believe in Allah (God), in the revelation to you (Quran), and in the revelation to them (Torah and Bible), bowing in humility to Allah (God): they do not sell the verses of God for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord"(Quran, chapter 3, verse 199)and says:
"... when they (Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger Mohamed, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognized. They say: Our Lord we believe so write us down among the witness.....So because of what they said, Allah rewarded them Gardens in Paradise... such is the reward of good-doers"(Quran, Chapter 5, verses83-85)God Also explains in Quran that he caused the different nations with different beliefs only for them to compete in doing good deeds to bring them closer to God, but not to stay in conflict. Quran says:
"... If Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation (one belief), but that may test you in what He has given you; so compete in good deeds; then God will inform you about that in which you used to differ"(Quran, chapter 5, verse 48)In the Quran, Holy book of Islam, God Commanded Muslims to show kindness to people of other religions so far they don't show enmity to Muslims. God has said:
" God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers."(Quran, chapter 60/ verse 8)
In addition to the above, the following are quoted from the link (shown below):
In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses)."...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82)."O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
Warnings:"If only they [i.e. Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course, but many of them follow a course that is evil" (5:66)."Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a messenger of God, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. Say not, 'Trinity.' Desist! It will be better for you, for God is One God, Glory be to Him! (Far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs" (4:171).
Christians and Jews are called in Islam 'People of the Book' or 'People of the Scripture'. About them, the Muslim holy book that reflects real God words revelation to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says:
قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّـهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّـهِ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُولُوا
اشْهَدُوا بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ ﴿٦٤﴾ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَا أُنزِلَتِ التَّوْرَاةُ وَالْإِنجِيلُ إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِهِ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٦٥﴾ هَا أَنتُمْ هَـٰؤُلَاءِ حَاجَجْتُمْ فِيمَا لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِيمَا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٦٦﴾ مَا كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَـٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴿٦٧﴾ إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَـٰذَا النَّبِيُّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ۗ وَاللَّـهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٦٨﴾
Meaning English translation:
{ Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah." But if they turn away, then say, "Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]." (64) O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason? (65) Here you are - those who have argued about that of which you have [some] knowledge, but why do you argue about that of which you have no knowledge? And Allah knows, while you know not. (66) Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah]. And he was not of the polytheists. (67) Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers. (68)} [Quran. chapter 3, verses 64-68]
Also Quran says that not all People of Scripture (Jews and Christians) are the same. Some are right and pious people and some are not. Quran says:
۞ لَيْسُوا سَوَاءً ۗ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أُمَّةٌ قَائِمَةٌ يَتْلُونَ آيَاتِ اللَّـهِ آنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ ﴿١١٣﴾ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّـهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ ﴿١١٤﴾ وَمَا يَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلَن يُكْفَرُوهُ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿١١٥﴾
Meaning English translation:
{ They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer]. (113) They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous. (114) And whatever good they do - never will it be removed from them. And Allah is Knowing of the righteous. (115)} [Quran. chapter 3, verses 113-115]
refer to question below
See the related link and question below for more information.
