http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Benedikt&feedformat=atom WikiChristian - User contributions [en] 2024-03-28T17:01:08Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.32.1 http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=First_Vatican_Council&diff=344855 First Vatican Council 2008-08-04T23:30:24Z <p>Benedikt: corr</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Vatican I<br /> [[Image:Pius ix.jpg|thumb|center|[[Pius IX]], instigator of the council which affirmed his absolute authority within the [[Roman Catholic Church]].]] |<br /> subtopics = [[Ultramontanism]], [[Papal Infallibility]], [[Pius IX]]<br /> * [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Old Catholic Church]]<br /> * [[Second Vatican Council]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The First Vatican Council was a council of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] held in 1869-1870 and become famous (or infamous) for confirming [[Papal Infallibility]] as official doctrine of the Roman Church. <br /> <br /> The council was called by pope Piux IX. His two main purposes for calling the council were to define the dogma of Papal Infallibility and to obtain confirmation of the position he had taken in his Syllabus of Errors (1864), condemning a wide range of positions associated with rationalism, liberalism, and materialism.<br /> <br /> In the three sessions, there was discussion and approval of only two constitutions: Dei Filius, the Dogmatic Constitution On The Catholic Faith (which defined, among other things, the sense in which Catholics believe the Bible is inspired by God) and Pastor Aeternus, the First Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ, dealing with Roman primacy and papal infallibility.<br /> <br /> The definition of papal infallibility was controversial, not necessarily because many did not believe the pope to be infallible when defining dogma, but because many who did so believe did not think it prudent to define the doctrine formally. John Henry Newman, for instance, thought such a formal definition might push away potential converts. Some feared it might lead to renewed suspicion of Catholics as having a foreign allegiance. This view was taken by two-thirds of the bishops from the United States and many from France and Germany.<br /> <br /> About 60 members of the council effectively abstained by leaving Rome the day before the vote. Archbishop Antonio María Claret y Clará, confessor to the Spanish royal court and founder of the Claretians (Claretian Missionaries), strongly condemned the &quot;blasphemies and heresies uttered on the floor of this Council,&quot; and was one of the strong defenders on the issue of papal infallibility and the primacy of the See of Rome. He was the only member of the council to be canonized as saint (beatified in 1934 and canonized by [[Pope Pius XII]] in 1950). He died in a Cistercian monastery in Fontfroide, France, in October 24, 1870. The discussion and approval of the constitution gave rise to serious controversies which led to the withdrawal from the church of the [[Old Catholics]].<br /> <br /> The outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War interrupted the council. It was suspended following the entry of the Italian Army in Rome, the so-called capture of Rome, and never resumed. It was not officially closed until decades later in 1960 by [[Pope John XXIII]], when it was formally brought to an end as part of the preparations for the [[Second Vatican Council]]. The First Vatican Council marked the triumph of the [[ultramontanist]] movement, which supported a central Vatican-based government of the Church. An increasing awareness of their own identity among Roman Catholics worldwide was detected, and the numbers of converts to Catholicism as well as the numbers of vocations to the religious and priestly life increased, along with clearly pro-Catholic political activity of Catholics in their native countries. Along with this, a stronger involvement of laymen in the outward working of the Catholic Church evolved, and the council would indirectly lead to the stimulation of the Liturgical Movement, which would particularly flourish under Pope Pius X.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_I Wikipedia - First Vatican Council]<br /> * [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddn4v5jr_136c6d3gt Essay on the Impact of the First Vatican Council]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Roman Catholicism]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Yahweh&diff=342504 Yahweh 2008-07-24T20:09:17Z <p>Benedikt: some clarifications.</p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text=Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one. ([[Deuteronomy 6:4]])}}<br /> {{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Yahweh |<br /> subtopics = [[Names of God]] [[Exodus 3:15]] [[Jehovah (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Jehovah]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''Yahweh''' (sometimes falsely transliterated '''Jehovah''') is the personal name of [[God]], occuring over 6,000 times in the [[Bible]]. In [[Judaism|Jewish]] tradition, the name has become so [[holy]] that it is taboo to pronounce it except at the most solemn ceremonies. [[Christian]]s are generally more lenient on its pronounciation. The name is also known as the ''Tetragrammaton'' ([[Greek]]: word with four letters), because it is spelt in [[Hebrew]] with four letters: yod, he, waw, and he. The [[Masoretic text]] of the [[Hebrew bible]] vocalized the Hebrew consonants with the vocals of the words [[adonaj]] or [[elohim]]. This lead to the misinterpretation of the name as Jehova in the [[19th century]]. The original vocals are known from the ancient Greek translation [[Septuagint]].<br /> <br /> God Himself says: &quot;This [YHWH] is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.&quot; ([[Exodus 3:15]])}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Names of God]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=WikiChristian_talk:Active_users&diff=342498 WikiChristian talk:Active users 2008-07-24T19:48:31Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>== Thoughts ==<br /> Hi all. I think we should rename this page to [[WikiChristian:Active users]], as &quot;Users&quot; is too general. And may I add Aquatiki and myself to this list, as I believe we're pretty active here. :D -- [[User:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ryan†Cross&lt;/font&gt;]] ('''''[[User talk:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;talk&lt;/font&gt;]]''''') 06:38, 24 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> : Count me in! --[[User:Aquatiki|Aquatiki]] 06:43, 24 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> == Redundancy ==<br /> This page is imho redundant to [[Contributors to WikiChristian]]. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 12:48, 24 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=WikiChristian:Active_users&diff=342497 WikiChristian:Active users 2008-07-24T19:47:40Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>Below is a list of the recently active editors of WikiChristian in alphabetical order:<br /> * [[User:Aquatiki|Aquatiki]] (Robert Murphy)<br /> * [[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]]<br /> * [[User:Graham grove|Graham L. grove]] (Graham grove)<br /> * [[User:Hojimachong|Hojimachong]]<br /> * [[User:Iskateforjesus|Iskateforjesus]]<br /> * [[User:Sir James Paul|James Paul]]<br /> * [[User:P.B. Pilhet|Justin P. Matas]] (P.B. Pilhet)<br /> * [[User:Mustaphile]]<br /> * [[User:Prab|Prab R. Tumpati]]<br /> * [[User:RyanCross|RyanCross]]<br /> * [[User:Ymmotrojam|Tom Major]] (Ymmotrojam)<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} <br /> [[WikiChristian:About]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Syncretism&diff=342496 Syncretism 2008-07-24T19:46:16Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Syncretism |<br /> subtopics = ... |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> '''Syncretism''' is a concept prevalent in parts of the Western world which mingles different and often contradictory beliefs and religious doctrines into a personal faith which can be described as &quot;self-made-religion&quot; or &quot;patchwork-religion&quot;.<br /> <br /> Many Christians and denominations agree that although there are elements of truth in other religions, for example the belief in one God or the advocacy of [[family values]], these religions differ in many respects from Christianity.&lt;ref&gt;For example, the [[Second Vatican Council]]'s declaration on other religions [http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html Nostra aetate] stated that the teachings of other religions differs in many aspects from Christianity but ''&quot;nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.&quot;''&lt;/ref&gt; The Bible rejects syncretism as an appropriate response to God, teaching instead that Jesus is the truth and the only way in passages such as [[John 14:16]].&lt;ref&gt;John 14:6 - ''{{web_verse|john|14|6}}''&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> &lt;references /&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretism Wikipedia - Syncretism]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Religions]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Crusades&diff=342287 Talk:Crusades 2008-07-23T23:15:36Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>I don't know much about the &quot;Peace of God&quot; movement and so the sentence &quot;The intention to give these knights a new &quot;field of action&quot; may have been one of the causes of the crusades&quot; doesn't make sense to me. I think just a bit of extra information is needed to explain this sentence. Would someone be able to expand it a little? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 15:15, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :I will try to do that. Have to do some research though. I just recalled what I remembered from the Church history lectures. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 16:15, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Church&diff=342286 Talk:Church 2008-07-23T23:12:33Z <p>Benedikt: /* Visible church */</p> <hr /> <div>I know that quite a few people haven't liked the style of the contents pages and overview pages in WikiChristian. I've liked how they have allowed for a nice tree-structure with topics and also how they've allowed for clear links to opinion articles. Still, I see why people don't like the style. What do people think about this style? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 05:15, 31 January 2007 (EST)<br /> <br /> == Visible church ==<br /> @Graham<br /> You added:<br /> &quot;Protestant churches, especially those with Baptist leanings in theology, tend to emphasize the invisible church, whereas the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have often emphasized the visible church.&quot;<br /> For me this sentence makes no sense. From what I understand Protestants claim that the invisible Church is something different from the visible church whereas Catholics (and Orthodox? I'm not so sure about them) claim that both are identical. This is not a matter of emphasizing. In catholic doctrine the supernatural aspect of the church is quite important. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:01, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : Okay. I can see what your saying. At the same time, I was trying to fix up the sentence you put in that is contradictory to what you've just said above. In your sentence you said something about the Catholic church recognizing some people outside the Catholic church to be part of the invisible church - or at least that is what it seemed to be saying. Perhaps we should just simplify the sentence for the time being to &quot;Different denominations have slightly different understandings of the meanings of visible church and invisible church.&quot; We could start two new articles titled &quot;Visible church&quot; and &quot;Invisible church&quot; and expand in that. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:11, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : I'm looking at your sentence and wondering if the confusion is simply an English thing. You wrote: &quot;In roman catholic doctrine the invisible and the visible church are identified although it is admitted that elements of the invisible church are present outside the visible (i.e. the Catholic) church.&quot; Did you mean &quot;In Roman Catholic Doctrine the invisible and visible church are mostly considered identical although there is recognition that some elements of the invisible church can be present outside the visible (i.e. Roman Catholic) church.&quot; - Is that what you meant? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:14, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::Since Vatican II the matter has become complicated. I avoided the word &quot;identical&quot; because the council admitted that both are separated and at the same time closely connected. The common phrase is now that the Church of christ (i.e. the invisible church) &quot;''subsistit in''&quot; (i.e. existed, exists and continues to exist) the Catholic church (i.e. the visible church). I don't know how to phrase that in a way which is at least a little bit understandable. Seemingly &quot;identified&quot; was the wrong word. Just use &quot;closely connected&quot;? Separated articles for visible and invisible church would be inappropriate for this reason because such a strict separation doesn't exist for some denominations. Rather create an article [[Church (theology)]] or similar where such viewpoints can be presented. IMO this touches a common problem of Wikichristian articles. You can always see from which theological viewpoint they are written. F.ex. [[Baptismal regeneration]] is not a word from Catholic theology but instead a word from an evangelical theology to describe Catholic (and others) doctrine. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:33, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::: Fair enough. I think I understand better what you mean. I've tried rewording it to be more accurate. How does it look now? Have I got it right or am I still not quite there yet? Good point about Baptismal regeneration - that's worth adding into the article on it. Thanks. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:58, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> :::: Very good change. Thanks. :-) --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 16:12, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Church&diff=342285 Talk:Church 2008-07-23T23:12:17Z <p>Benedikt: /* Visible church */</p> <hr /> <div>I know that quite a few people haven't liked the style of the contents pages and overview pages in WikiChristian. I've liked how they have allowed for a nice tree-structure with topics and also how they've allowed for clear links to opinion articles. Still, I see why people don't like the style. What do people think about this style? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 05:15, 31 January 2007 (EST)<br /> <br /> == Visible church ==<br /> @Graham<br /> You added:<br /> &quot;Protestant churches, especially those with Baptist leanings in theology, tend to emphasize the invisible church, whereas the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have often emphasized the visible church.&quot;<br /> For me this sentence makes no sense. From what I understand Protestants claim that the invisible Church is something different from the visible church whereas Catholics (and Orthodox? I'm not so sure about them) claim that both are identical. This is not a matter of emphasizing. In catholic doctrine the supernatural aspect of the church is quite important. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:01, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : Okay. I can see what your saying. At the same time, I was trying to fix up the sentence you put in that is contradictory to what you've just said above. In your sentence you said something about the Catholic church recognizing some people outside the Catholic church to be part of the invisible church - or at least that is what it seemed to be saying. Perhaps we should just simplify the sentence for the time being to &quot;Different denominations have slightly different understandings of the meanings of visible church and invisible church.&quot; We could start two new articles titled &quot;Visible church&quot; and &quot;Invisible church&quot; and expand in that. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:11, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : I'm looking at your sentence and wondering if the confusion is simply an English thing. You wrote: &quot;In roman catholic doctrine the invisible and the visible church are identified although it is admitted that elements of the invisible church are present outside the visible (i.e. the Catholic) church.&quot; Did you mean &quot;In Roman Catholic Doctrine the invisible and visible church are mostly considered identical although there is recognition that some elements of the invisible church can be present outside the visible (i.e. Roman Catholic) church.&quot; - Is that what you meant? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:14, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::Since Vatican II the matter has become complicated. I avoided the word &quot;identical&quot; because the council admitted that both are separated and at the same time closely connected. The common phrase is now that the Church of christ (i.e. the invisible church) &quot;''subsistit in''&quot; (i.e. existed, exists and continues to exist) the Catholic church (i.e. the visible church). I don't know how to phrase that in a way which is at least a little bit understandable. Seemingly &quot;identified&quot; was the wrong word. Just use &quot;closely connected&quot;? Separated articles for visible and invisible church would be inappropriate for this reason because such a strict separation doesn't exist for some denominations. Rather create an article [[Church (theology)]] or similar where such viewpoints can be presented. IMO this touches a common problem of Wikichristian articles. You can always see from which theological viewpoint they are written. F.ex. [[Baptismal regeneration]] is not a word from Catholic theology but instead a word from an evangelical theology to describe Catholic (and others) doctrine. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:33, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::: Fair enough. I think I understand better what you mean. I've tried rewording it to be more accurate. How does it look now? Have I got it right or am I still not quite there yet? Good point about Baptismal regeneration - that's worth adding into the article on it. Thanks. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:58, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> :::: Very good. Thanks. :-) --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 16:12, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Holy_Communion&diff=342284 Holy Communion 2008-07-23T23:10:24Z <p>Benedikt: /* Roman Catholicism */ I know I'm introducing difficult words again but otherwise it would be wrong. ;-)</p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text=Jesus said to them, &quot;This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. [[Mark 14:24]]}}<br /> <br /> {{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = The Lord's Supper / Holy Communion / Eucharist |<br /> subtopics = Texts / Service orders / Liturgy<br /> ** [[Holy Communion (non-denominational service order)]]<br /> ** [[Matthew 26]]<br /> * [[Last Supper]]<br /> * [[Forgiveness]]<br /> * [[Transubstantiation]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> The Eucharist (or Holy Communion or The Lord's Supper) refers to the memorial service that [[Christian]]s perform in fulfillment of [[Jesus]]' instruction, recorded in the [[New Testament]] to do in memory of him what he did at his [[Last Supper]]. Jesus gave his disciples bread, saying &quot;This is my body,&quot; and wine, saying &quot;This is my blood.&quot; Different Christian denominations view Holy Communion somewhat differently, with most Protestants believing that is symbolic only, whereas Roman Catholicism teaches that the bread and wine is actually the body and blood of Christ.<br /> <br /> ===Names for Holy Communion===<br /> <br /> Some of the commonly used names for Holy Communion include:<br /> # Eucharist<br /> # Communion<br /> # Holy Communion<br /> # The Lord's Supper<br /> <br /> ===The Last Supper in the Bible===<br /> <br /> ===Theology - Differences in opinion===<br /> <br /> ====Roman Catholicism====<br /> <br /> In Roman Catholic teaching the scripture passages regarding the last supper are understood literally. Catholics typically call Holy Communion &quot;the Eucharist&quot;, and the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church is that when the priest consecrates the Eucharist, bread and wine [[Metaphysics|metaphysically]] (i.e. not in a physical, material sense) become Jesus' body and blood, a teaching known as [[transubstantiation]].<br /> <br /> ====Protestant====<br /> <br /> Most Protestants believe Holy Communion to be symbolic. In other words, they do not hold to the Catholic belief of transubstantiation or the Lutheran belief of consubstantiation but instead believe that the cracker and the juice or wine is merely symbolic of Jesus' body and blood.<br /> <br /> =====Lutheranism=====<br /> <br /> Lutherans typically believe in the theology called consubstantiation. Consubstantiation is the belief that when the host and wine are consecrated that the bread and wine remain but Jesus' body and blood are also literally present.<br /> <br /> ===Eastern Orthodox===<br /> <br /> ===Liturgy===<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> [[John 6:55]] - {{web_verse|john|6|55}}<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist Wikipedia - Eucharist]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christian doctrine and debates]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Sacraments&diff=342283 Sacraments 2008-07-23T23:03:35Z <p>Benedikt: again a dictionary lookup, other words could be cause, operate or effect - added origin of the word.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Sacrament / Ordinance |<br /> subtopics = [[Roman Catholicism: Sacraments]]<br /> * Eastern Orthodoxy - [[Mysteries]]<br /> * [[Protestantism: Sacraments]] <br /> * [[Living as a Christian]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> A sacrament is a Christian practice that signifies or effectuates the [[grace]] of [[God]]. These practices are generally understood to have been instituted (or commanded) by Jesus Christ. In some churches the term is referred to as an ordinance. In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Lutheranism]] and some forms of [[Anglicanism]] it is taught that sacraments are not only symbolic but also a means by which God communicates his grace. Most other [[Protestant]] churches hold that sacraments are purely symbolic signs of an inward change.<br /> <br /> == Origin of the word ==<br /> The latin word ''sacramentum'' (holy sign) was used in secular latin for the military oath of allegiance. Its religious usage was introduced by [[Augustine of Hippo|Augustine]]. In his latin translation of the Bible, the [[Vulgata]], [[Jerome]] translated the Greek word mysterion partially with sacramentum, partially with mysterium.<br /> <br /> == Different views ==<br /> <br /> In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches it is taught that there are seven sacraments. These sacraments are<br /> * [[Baptism]]<br /> * [[Confirmation]]<br /> * [[Confession]]<br /> * [[Eucharist]]<br /> * [[Matrimony]]<br /> * [[Ordination]]<br /> * [[Anointing of the sick]]<br /> In Eastern Orthodoxy baptism and confirmation are administered together.<br /> <br /> In most Protestant churches, including the Lutheran, Anglican and Baptist churches, it is taught that there are two sacraments. These are<br /> * [[Baptism]]<br /> * [[Holy Communion]] (also called the Lord's supper or the Eucharist)<br /> Additionally, in Anglicanism, the other five five sacraments of the Catholic and Orthodox traditions are mentioned in the [[39 Articles]], although they are not counted as &quot;Sacraments of the Gospel&quot;. <br /> <br /> In a few Protestant churches, it is taught that Jesus instituted three ordinances. These are:<br /> * [[Baptism]]<br /> * The [[Lord's supper]]<br /> * Foot-washing<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrament Wikipedia - Sacrament]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Christian doctrine and debates]] -&gt; [[Theology]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=User_talk:Benedikt&diff=342282 User talk:Benedikt 2008-07-23T22:55:48Z <p>Benedikt: /* Catechism */</p> <hr /> <div>Welcome Benedikt. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 12:28, 17 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :(edit conflict) Thanks. It is nice here. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> Hey Benedikt. Thanks for your contributions and suggestions. I gather German is your first language - is that right? Your English is quite good but I have reworded a few things you've written because the grammar wasn't quite right. What I'm trying to say is that your edits are good and much appreciated, and I'm just trying to keep the sentence flow and grammar up to scratch. But if you don't agree with my edits of your edits, then feel free to re-edit. Once again, thanks for helping out here. Your brother in Christ, --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:13, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :Yeah, I'm German. I have no problems with your edits. Grammar corrections are always welcome. ;-) --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> == Protexted pages ==<br /> Why can't I edit so many pages, like [[Church]]? They seem to be protected. This is quite annoying. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 12:30, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :May I ask, how old is your account, in other words, when did you create an account? -- [[User:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ryan†Cross&lt;/font&gt;]] ('''''[[User talk:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;talk&lt;/font&gt;]]''''') 12:31, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> ::A week, I think. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 12:32, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :::(ec) Oh, sorry, it's fully protected. Only administrators including myself can edit it. -- [[User:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ryan†Cross&lt;/font&gt;]] ('''''[[User talk:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;talk&lt;/font&gt;]]''''') 12:32, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> &lt;-- I have unprotected [[Church]]. It was vandalized months ago and it seems no protection is needed at this point. You are free to edit the article. Thanks, [[User:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ryan†Cross&lt;/font&gt;]] ('''''[[User talk:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;talk&lt;/font&gt;]]''''') 12:50, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :::: Heaps of pages were protected a long time ago because of recurrent spam. They should generally be unprotected, it's just that no-one has got around to unprotecting it. If you come accross one that shold be unprotected perhaps you can let me or someone else know and it'll get fixed. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 12:52, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> == Catechism ==<br /> <br /> Hi Benedikt. I think it would be really good to get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the wiki here. Do you know if it is copyrighted and not allowed to be reproduced, or is it allowed to be copied? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 15:03, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :From what I know it is copyrighted by the [http://www.libreriaeditricevaticana.com/ Libreria Editrice Vaticana] and the English translation may be extra-copyrighted but as far as I know fair use is tolerated. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 15:55, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Counter_Reformation&diff=342263 Counter Reformation 2008-07-23T21:34:33Z <p>Benedikt: fix headings.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Counter Reformation |<br /> subtopics = [[Jesuits]]<br /> * [[Council of Trent]] <br /> * Protestant [[Reformation]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Counter-Reformation''' (also known as the Catholic Reformation) refers to the period of reform, renewal, as well as reaffirmation of [[Roman Catholic]] doctrines and structure that occurred in response to the Protestant [[Reformation]]. Key to the Counter Reformation was the [[Council of Trent]].<br /> <br /> ===&quot;Counter Reformation&quot; or &quot;Catholic Reformation&quot;===<br /> <br /> The two terms highlight different aspects of the movement. The term Counter-Reformation emphasizes the view that these reforms were prompted largely by the rise of Protestants and the threat they posed to Catholic institutions. In this view, the reforms were aimed primarily at reducing the loss of the faithful to [[Protestantism]]. The term Catholic Reformation or simply Catholic Reform identifies it as an action initiated by the Catholic Church, rather than a reaction to Protestant Reformers.<br /> <br /> Scholars, such as John C. Olin, began using the term &quot;Catholic Reformation&quot; in the last half of the 20th Century to emphasize the attempts at reform, theological and disciplinary, within the Roman Catholic Church that began before the traditional date of the launch of the Protestant Reformation by [[Martin Luther]] or before the [[Council of Trent]] (events such as the [[Fifth Lateran Council]], and the sermons on reform delivered by [[John Colet]] in England). <br /> <br /> ===[[Council of Trent]]===<br /> <br /> [[Pope Paul III]] (1534-1549) initiated the Council of Trent (1545-1563), a commission of cardinals tasked with institutional reform, to address contentious issues such as corrupt bishops and priests, indulgences, and other financial abuses. The Council rejected specific Protestant positions and upheld the basic structure of the Medieval Church, its sacramental system, religious orders, and doctrine. It rejected all compromise with the Protestants, restating basic tenets of the Catholic faith. The Council upheld salvation appropriated by [[justification by faith plus works|grace through faith and works]] (not [[Justification by faith|just by faith]], as the Protestants insisted). Transubstantiation, during which the consecrated bread and wine were held to be transformed wholly and substantially into the body, blood, humanity and divinity of Christ, was upheld, along with the other six [[Sacraments]]. Other practices that drew the ire of Protestant reformers, such as [[indulgences]], pilgrimages, the [[veneration of saints]] and relics, and the veneration of the [[Roman Catholicism: Mary|Virgin Mary]] were strongly reaffirmed as spiritually vital. The Council also commissioned the [[Roman Catechism]], which would serve as authoritative Church teaching until it was replaced by the [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] in 1992.<br /> <br /> But while the basic structure of the Church was reaffirmed, there were noticeable changes to answer complaints that the Counter Reformers tacitly were willing to admit were legitimate. Arrangements were made for parish priests were to be better educated in matters of theology and apologetics, while Papal authorities sought to educate the faithful about the meaning, nature and value of art and liturgy, particularly in monastic churches (Protestants had criticised them as distracting). Notebooks and handbooks became more common, describing how to be good priests and confessors.<br /> <br /> Thus, the Council of Trent was dedicated to improving the discipline and administration of the Church. The worldly excesses of the secular Renaissance church that had led to to the Protestant Reformation during the time of [[Pope Leo X]] (1513-1522) (whose campaign to raise funds in the German states to rebuild [[St. Peter's Basilica]] by supporting sale of indulgences was a key impetus for Martin Luther's [[95 Theses]]) was responded to. The Catholic Church initiated this campaign of reform at the Council of Trent, inspired by earlier Catholic reform movements that predated the Council of Constance (1414-1417): humanism, devotionalism, legalist and the observatine tradition.<br /> <br /> The Council, by virtue of its actions, repudiated the pluralism of the Secular Renaissance Church: the organization of religious institutions was tightened, discipline was improved, and the parish was emphasized. The appointment of Bishops for political reasons was no longer tolerated. In the past, the large landholdings forced many bishops to be &quot;absent bishops&quot; who at times were property managers trained in administration. Thus, the Council of Trent combated &quot;absenteeism,&quot; which was the practice of bishops living in Rome or on landed estates rather than in their dioceses. The Council of Trent also gave bishops greater power to supervise all aspects of religious life. Zealous prelates such as Milan's Archbishop [[Carlo Borromeo]] (1538-1584), later canonized as a saint, set an example by visiting the remotest parishes and instilling high standards. At the parish level, the seminary-trained clergy who took over in most places during the course of the seventeenth century were overwhelmingly faithful to the church's rule of celibacy.<br /> <br /> ===[[Pope Paul IV]]===<br /> <br /> Pope Paul IV (1555-1559) is sometimes deemed the first of the Counter-Reformation popes. He had resolute determination to eliminate [[Protestantism]] - and the ineffectual institutional practices of the Church that contributed to its appeal. Two of his key strategies were the [[Inquisition]] and censorship of prohibited books. In this sense, his aggressive and autocratic efforts of renewal greatly reflected the strategies of earlier reform movements, especially the legalist and observantine sides: burning heretics and strict emphasis on [[Canon law]]. It also reflected the rapid pace toward absolutism that characterized the sixteenth century.<br /> <br /> While the aggressive authoritarian approach was arguably destructive of personal religious experience, a new wave of reforms and orders conveyed a strong devotional side. Devotionalism provided an individual outlet for religious experience, for example, through meditation by reciting of the Rosary. The devotional side of the Counter-Reformation combined two strategies of Catholic Renewal. For one, the emphasis of God as an unknowable absolute ruler - a God to be feared - coincided well with the aggressive absolutism of the Church of Paul IV. But it also opened up new paths toward popular piety and individual religious experience to its strong emotional and psychological side.<br /> <br /> ===[[Pope Pius V]]===<br /> <br /> The papacy of Pius V (1566-1572) represented a strong effort not only to crack down against heretics and worldly abuses within the Church, but also to improve popular piety in a determined effort to stem the appeal of [[Protestantism]]. A man of impoverished upbringing taken in by the Dominicans, he was trained in a solid and austere piety. He began his pontificate by giving large alms to the poor, charity, and hospitals rather than focusing on patronage. As pontiff he practiced the virtues of a monk, known for daily meditations on bent knees in presence of the [[Blessed Sacrament]]. Pius V sought to improve the public morality of the Church, promote the [[Jesuits]], and support the [[Inquisition]]. He enforced the observance of the discipline of the [[Council of Trent]], and supported the missions of the [[New World]]. The [[Spanish Inquisition]], brought under the direction of the absolutist Spanish state since Ferdinand and Isabella, stemmed the growth of heresy before it could spread.<br /> <br /> ===[[Pope Sixtus V]]===<br /> <br /> The pontificate of Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590) opened up the final stage of the Counter Reformation. His reign focused on rebuilding [[Rome]] as a great European capital and Baroque city, a visual symbol for the Catholic Church.<br /> <br /> ===Orders===<br /> <br /> New religious orders were a fundamental part of the Counter Reformation. Orders such as the [[Capuchins]], [[Ursulines]], [[Theatines]], the [[Barnabites]], and especially the [[Jesuits]] strengthened rural parishes, improved popular piety, helped to curb corruption within the church, and set examples that would be a strong impetus for Catholic renewal. <br /> <br /> The Jesuits, founded by the Spanish nobleman and ex-soldier [[Ignatius of Loyola]] (1491-1556), were the most effective of the new Catholic orders. His Societas de Jesus was founded in 1534 and received papal authorization in 1540 under [[Pope Paul III]]. An heir to the devotional, observantine, and legalist traditions, the Jesuits organized their order along military lines, they strongly reflected the autocratic zeal of the period. Characterized by careful selection, rigorous training, and iron discipline, the worldliness of the Renaissance Church had no part in the new order. Loyola's masterwork [[Spiritual Exercises]] reflected the emphasis of handbooks characteristic of the earlier generation of Catholics before the [[Reformation]]. The great psychological penetration that it conveyed was strongly reminiscent of devotionalism. However, the Jesuits are really the heirs to the observantine reform tradition, taking strong monastic vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty and setting an example that improved the effectiveness of the entire Church. They became preachers, confessors to monarchs and princes. Their efforts stemmed [[Protestantism]] in [[Poland]], [[Bohemia]], [[Hungary]], southern [[Germany]], [[France]], and the Spanish Netherlands. They also strongly participated in the expansion of the Church in the [[Americas]] and [[Asia]], conducting efforts in missionary activity that outpaced [[Protestantism]]. Even Loyola's biography contributed to the new emphasis on popular piety that had been waning under the eras of politically oriented popes such as Alexander VI and Leo X. After recovering from a severe battle wound, he took a vow to &quot;serve only God and the Roman pontiff, His vicar on earth.&quot; Once again, the emphasis on the [[Pope]] is a key reaffirmation of the Medieval Church as the [[Council of Trent]] firmly defeated all attempts of [[Conciliarism]], the belief that general councils of the church collectively were God's representative on earth, rather than the Pope. Firmly legitimizing the new role of the Pope as an absolute ruler strongly characteristic of the new age of absolutism ushered in by the sixteenth century, the Jesuits strongly contributed to the reinvigoration of the Counter-Reformation Church.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Reformation Wikipedia - Counter-Reformation]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}}<br /> * [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Church history]] -&gt; [[Reformation]]<br /> * [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Denominations]] -&gt; [[Roman Catholicism]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Church&diff=342262 Talk:Church 2008-07-23T21:33:34Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>I know that quite a few people haven't liked the style of the contents pages and overview pages in WikiChristian. I've liked how they have allowed for a nice tree-structure with topics and also how they've allowed for clear links to opinion articles. Still, I see why people don't like the style. What do people think about this style? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 05:15, 31 January 2007 (EST)<br /> <br /> == Visible church ==<br /> @Graham<br /> You added:<br /> &quot;Protestant churches, especially those with Baptist leanings in theology, tend to emphasize the invisible church, whereas the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have often emphasized the visible church.&quot;<br /> For me this sentence makes no sense. From what I understand Protestants claim that the invisible Church is something different from the visible church whereas Catholics (and Orthodox? I'm not so sure about them) claim that both are identical. This is not a matter of emphasizing. In catholic doctrine the supernatural aspect of the church is quite important. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:01, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : Okay. I can see what your saying. At the same time, I was trying to fix up the sentence you put in that is contradictory to what you've just said above. In your sentence you said something about the Catholic church recognizing some people outside the Catholic church to be part of the invisible church - or at least that is what it seemed to be saying. Perhaps we should just simplify the sentence for the time being to &quot;Different denominations have slightly different understandings of the meanings of visible church and invisible church.&quot; We could start two new articles titled &quot;Visible church&quot; and &quot;Invisible church&quot; and expand in that. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:11, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : I'm looking at your sentence and wondering if the confusion is simply an English thing. You wrote: &quot;In roman catholic doctrine the invisible and the visible church are identified although it is admitted that elements of the invisible church are present outside the visible (i.e. the Catholic) church.&quot; Did you mean &quot;In Roman Catholic Doctrine the invisible and visible church are mostly considered identical although there is recognition that some elements of the invisible church can be present outside the visible (i.e. Roman Catholic) church.&quot; - Is that what you meant? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:14, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::Since Vatican II the matter has become complicated. I avoided the word &quot;identical&quot; because the council admitted that both are separated and at the same time closely connected. The common phrase is now that the Church of christ (i.e. the invisible church) &quot;''subsistit in''&quot; (i.e. existed, exists and continues to exist) the Catholic church (i.e. the visible church). I don't know how to phrase that in a way which is at least a little bit understandable. Seemingly &quot;identified&quot; was the wrong word. Just use &quot;closely connected&quot;? Separated articles for visible and invisible church would be inappropriate for this reason because such a strict separation doesn't exist for some denominations. Rather create an article [[Church (theology)]] or similar where such viewpoints can be presented. IMO this touches a common problem of Wikichristian articles. You can always see from which theological viewpoint they are written. F.ex. [[Baptismal regeneration]] is not a word from Catholic theology but instead a word from an evangelical theology to describe Catholic (and others) doctrine. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:33, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Counter_Reformation&diff=342258 Talk:Counter Reformation 2008-07-23T21:08:43Z <p>Benedikt: New page: @Graham Articles have to start with first-level-headings otherwise the table of contents is not displayed correctly. --~~~~</p> <hr /> <div>@Graham<br /> Articles have to start with first-level-headings otherwise the table of contents is not displayed correctly. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:08, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Church&diff=342256 Talk:Church 2008-07-23T21:01:37Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>I know that quite a few people haven't liked the style of the contents pages and overview pages in WikiChristian. I've liked how they have allowed for a nice tree-structure with topics and also how they've allowed for clear links to opinion articles. Still, I see why people don't like the style. What do people think about this style? --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 05:15, 31 January 2007 (EST)<br /> <br /> == Visible church ==<br /> @Graham<br /> You added:<br /> &quot;Protestant churches, especially those with Baptist leanings in theology, tend to emphasize the invisible church, whereas the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have often emphasized the visible church.&quot;<br /> For me this sentence makes no sense. From what I understand Protestants claim that the invisible Church is something different from the visible church whereas Catholics (and Orthodox? I'm not so sure about them) claim that both are identical. This is not a matter of emphasizing. In catholic doctrine the supernatural aspect of the church is quite important. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:01, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Sacraments&diff=342255 Sacraments 2008-07-23T20:56:49Z <p>Benedikt: enhanced.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Sacrament |<br /> subtopics = [[Roman Catholicism: Sacraments]]<br /> * Eastern Orthodoxy - [[Mysteries]]<br /> * [[Protestantism: Sacraments]] <br /> * [[Living as a Christian]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> A sacrament is a Christian practice that signifies the [[grace]] of [[God]]. It is considered to be constituted by Jesus Christ. In some churches the term is referred to as an ordinance. In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Lutheranism]] and [[Anglicanism]] it is taught that sacraments are not only symbolic but also a means by which God communicates his grace. Other [[Protestant]] churches hold that sacraments are purely symbolic signs of an inward change.<br /> <br /> == Different views ==<br /> In Catholic and Orthodox doctrine there are seven sacraments although in the Orthodox church baptism and confirmation are administered together.<br /> *[[Baptism]]<br /> *[[Confirmation]]<br /> *[[Confession]]<br /> *[[Eucharist]]<br /> *[[Matrimony]]<br /> *[[Ordination]]<br /> *[[Anointing of the sick]]<br /> <br /> In Lutheran and Anglican theology there are two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion. Additionally, Anglicans consider the other five sacraments in the Catholic tradition as sacraments in a broader sense because they don't see them as constituted by God.<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrament Wikipedia - Sacrament]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Christian doctrine and debates]] -&gt; [[Theology]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Counter_Reformation&diff=342253 Counter Reformation 2008-07-23T20:41:52Z <p>Benedikt: Infobox, some minor changes.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Counter Reformation |<br /> subtopics = [[Jesuits]] - [[Council of Trent]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Counter-Reformation''' (also known as the Catholic Reformation) refers to the period of reform, renewal, as well as reaffirmation of [[Roman Catholic]] doctrines and structure that occurred in response to the Protestant [[Reformation]]. Key to the Counter Reformation was the [[Council of Trent]].<br /> <br /> ==&quot;Counter Reformation&quot; or &quot;Catholic Reformation&quot;==<br /> <br /> The two terms highlight different aspects of the movement. The term Counter-Reformation emphasizes the view that these reforms were prompted largely by the rise of Protestants and the threat they posed to Catholic institutions. In this view, the reforms were aimed primarily at reducing the loss of the faithful to [[Protestantism]]. The term Catholic Reformation or simply Catholic Reform identifies it as an action initiated by the Catholic Church, rather than a reaction to Protestant Reformers.<br /> <br /> Scholars, such as John C. Olin, began using the term &quot;Catholic Reformation&quot; in the last half of the 20th Century to emphasize the attempts at reform, theological and disciplinary, within the Roman Catholic Church that began before the traditional date of the launch of the Protestant Reformation by [[Martin Luther]] or before the [[Council of Trent]] (events such as the [[Fifth Lateran Council]], and the sermons on reform delivered by [[John Colet]] in England). <br /> <br /> ==[[Council of Trent]]==<br /> <br /> [[Pope Paul III]] (1534-1549) initiated the Council of Trent (1545-1563), a commission of cardinals tasked with institutional reform, to address contentious issues such as corrupt bishops and priests, indulgences, and other financial abuses. The Council rejected specific Protestant positions and upheld the basic structure of the Medieval Church, its sacramental system, religious orders, and doctrine. It rejected all compromise with the Protestants, restating basic tenets of the Catholic faith. The Council upheld salvation appropriated by [[justification by faith plus works|grace through faith and works]] (not [[Justification by faith|just by faith]], as the Protestants insisted). Transubstantiation, during which the consecrated bread and wine were held to be transformed wholly and substantially into the body, blood, humanity and divinity of Christ, was upheld, along with the other six [[Sacraments]]. Other practices that drew the ire of Protestant reformers, such as [[indulgences]], pilgrimages, the [[veneration of saints]] and relics, and the veneration of the [[Roman Catholicism: Mary|Virgin Mary]] were strongly reaffirmed as spiritually vital. The Council also commissioned the [[Roman Catechism]], which would serve as authoritative Church teaching until it was replaced by the [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] in 1992.<br /> <br /> But while the basic structure of the Church was reaffirmed, there were noticeable changes to answer complaints that the Counter Reformers tacitly were willing to admit were legitimate. Arrangements were made for parish priests were to be better educated in matters of theology and apologetics, while Papal authorities sought to educate the faithful about the meaning, nature and value of art and liturgy, particularly in monastic churches (Protestants had criticised them as distracting). Notebooks and handbooks became more common, describing how to be good priests and confessors.<br /> <br /> Thus, the Council of Trent was dedicated to improving the discipline and administration of the Church. The worldly excesses of the secular Renaissance church that had led to to the Protestant Reformation during the time of [[Pope Leo X]] (1513-1522) (whose campaign to raise funds in the German states to rebuild [[St. Peter's Basilica]] by supporting sale of indulgences was a key impetus for Martin Luther's [[95 Theses]]) was responded to. The Catholic Church initiated this campaign of reform at the Council of Trent, inspired by earlier Catholic reform movements that predated the Council of Constance (1414-1417): humanism, devotionalism, legalist and the observatine tradition.<br /> <br /> The Council, by virtue of its actions, repudiated the pluralism of the Secular Renaissance Church: the organization of religious institutions was tightened, discipline was improved, and the parish was emphasized. The appointment of Bishops for political reasons was no longer tolerated. In the past, the large landholdings forced many bishops to be &quot;absent bishops&quot; who at times were property managers trained in administration. Thus, the Council of Trent combated &quot;absenteeism,&quot; which was the practice of bishops living in Rome or on landed estates rather than in their dioceses. The Council of Trent also gave bishops greater power to supervise all aspects of religious life. Zealous prelates such as Milan's Archbishop [[Carlo Borromeo]] (1538-1584), later canonized as a saint, set an example by visiting the remotest parishes and instilling high standards. At the parish level, the seminary-trained clergy who took over in most places during the course of the seventeenth century were overwhelmingly faithful to the church's rule of celibacy.<br /> <br /> ==[[Pope Paul IV]]==<br /> <br /> Pope Paul IV (1555-1559) is sometimes deemed the first of the Counter-Reformation popes. He had resolute determination to eliminate [[Protestantism]] - and the ineffectual institutional practices of the Church that contributed to its appeal. Two of his key strategies were the [[Inquisition]] and censorship of prohibited books. In this sense, his aggressive and autocratic efforts of renewal greatly reflected the strategies of earlier reform movements, especially the legalist and observantine sides: burning heretics and strict emphasis on [[Canon law]]. It also reflected the rapid pace toward absolutism that characterized the sixteenth century.<br /> <br /> While the aggressive authoritarian approach was arguably destructive of personal religious experience, a new wave of reforms and orders conveyed a strong devotional side. Devotionalism provided an individual outlet for religious experience, for example, through meditation by reciting of the Rosary. The devotional side of the Counter-Reformation combined two strategies of Catholic Renewal. For one, the emphasis of God as an unknowable absolute ruler - a God to be feared - coincided well with the aggressive absolutism of the Church of Paul IV. But it also opened up new paths toward popular piety and individual religious experience to its strong emotional and psychological side.<br /> <br /> ==[[Pope Pius V]]==<br /> <br /> The papacy of Pius V (1566-1572) represented a strong effort not only to crack down against heretics and worldly abuses within the Church, but also to improve popular piety in a determined effort to stem the appeal of [[Protestantism]]. A man of impoverished upbringing taken in by the Dominicans, he was trained in a solid and austere piety. He began his pontificate by giving large alms to the poor, charity, and hospitals rather than focusing on patronage. As pontiff he practiced the virtues of a monk, known for daily meditations on bent knees in presence of the [[Blessed Sacrament]]. Pius V sought to improve the public morality of the Church, promote the [[Jesuits]], and support the [[Inquisition]]. He enforced the observance of the discipline of the [[Council of Trent]], and supported the missions of the [[New World]]. The [[Spanish Inquisition]], brought under the direction of the absolutist Spanish state since Ferdinand and Isabella, stemmed the growth of heresy before it could spread.<br /> <br /> ==[[Pope Sixtus V]]==<br /> <br /> The pontificate of Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590) opened up the final stage of the Counter Reformation. His reign focused on rebuilding [[Rome]] as a great European capital and Baroque city, a visual symbol for the Catholic Church.<br /> <br /> ==Orders==<br /> <br /> New religious orders were a fundamental part of the Counter Reformation. Orders such as the [[Capuchins]], [[Ursulines]], [[Theatines]], the [[Barnabites]], and especially the [[Jesuits]] strengthened rural parishes, improved popular piety, helped to curb corruption within the church, and set examples that would be a strong impetus for Catholic renewal. <br /> <br /> The Jesuits, founded by the Spanish nobleman and ex-soldier [[Ignatius of Loyola]] (1491-1556), were the most effective of the new Catholic orders. His Societas de Jesus was founded in 1534 and received papal authorization in 1540 under [[Pope Paul III]]. An heir to the devotional, observantine, and legalist traditions, the Jesuits organized their order along military lines, they strongly reflected the autocratic zeal of the period. Characterized by careful selection, rigorous training, and iron discipline, the worldliness of the Renaissance Church had no part in the new order. Loyola's masterwork [[Spiritual Exercises]] reflected the emphasis of handbooks characteristic of the earlier generation of Catholics before the [[Reformation]]. The great psychological penetration that it conveyed was strongly reminiscent of devotionalism. However, the Jesuits are really the heirs to the observantine reform tradition, taking strong monastic vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty and setting an example that improved the effectiveness of the entire Church. They became preachers, confessors to monarchs and princes. Their efforts stemmed [[Protestantism]] in [[Poland]], [[Bohemia]], [[Hungary]], southern [[Germany]], [[France]], and the Spanish Netherlands. They also strongly participated in the expansion of the Church in the [[Americas]] and [[Asia]], conducting efforts in missionary activity that outpaced [[Protestantism]]. Even Loyola's biography contributed to the new emphasis on popular piety that had been waning under the eras of politically oriented popes such as Alexander VI and Leo X. After recovering from a severe battle wound, he took a vow to &quot;serve only God and the Roman pontiff, His vicar on earth.&quot; Once again, the emphasis on the [[Pope]] is a key reaffirmation of the Medieval Church as the [[Council of Trent]] firmly defeated all attempts of [[Conciliarism]], the belief that general councils of the church collectively were God's representative on earth, rather than the Pope. Firmly legitimizing the new role of the Pope as an absolute ruler strongly characteristic of the new age of absolutism ushered in by the sixteenth century, the Jesuits strongly contributed to the reinvigoration of the Counter-Reformation Church.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Reformation Wikipedia - Counter-Reformation]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Church history]] | [[Roman Catholicism]] | [[Reformation]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Church&diff=342252 Church 2008-07-23T20:31:26Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text=The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ... (An extract from the book [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]])}}<br /> {{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Church / Ecclesiology<br /> [[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians at [[Lourdes]].]] |<br /> subtopics = [[Church building]]<br /> * [[Church history]]<br /> * [[Denominations]]<br /> * [[World-wide church directory]]<br /> * [[Church service]]<br /> * [[Church Terms Index]]<br /> * [[Megachurch]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> * {{ebd}}<br /> * [[What is the Church? (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[The Theology of the Church (AmericanCatholic)]]<br /> * [[The Church (justforcatholics.org)]] |<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The word '''church''' is used in many different ways. The '''church''' is the Christian community of believers, that is, it is the people. Sometimes the word '''church''' is also used to refer to a [[church building]] (the building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]) or a [[church service]] (the weekly meeting of a group of Christians in a church building) or to a church [[denomination]]. <br /> <br /> '''Ecclesiology''' means the study of the doctrine of the church.<br /> <br /> ===Etymology===<br /> <br /> The Greek word ekklesia ([[Εκκλησια]]) is translated as &quot;church&quot; in English.<br /> <br /> This word ekklesia was used in ancient [[Koine Greek|Greek]] to mean &quot;gathering&quot; or &quot;assembly&quot; in a political sense. In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, the [[LXX]], the word ekklesia occurs over 200 times (usually as a translation from the Hebrew word qahal), most commonly to refer to the assembly of the covenant people of God. In the [[New Testament]] the word ekklesia occurs in the [[gospels]] only twice ([[Matthew 16:16]] and [[Matthew 18:20]]), but it occurs many times elsewhere in the [[New Testament]]. <br /> <br /> From the Greek root ekklesia, the English word Ecclesiology is derived, which is the study of the doctrine of the church. <br /> <br /> The English word &quot;church&quot; itself is actually derived from the Old English word &quot;cirice&quot; (which is related to the [[Greek]] word &quot;κυριακή&quot; which means &quot;of the Lord&quot;)<br /> <br /> ===Theology of the church===<br /> <br /> There are a variety of understandings about what the church actually is. There are also a variety of uses of the word &quot;church&quot; in common English.<br /> <br /> ====Uses of the word &quot;church&quot; in common English====<br /> <br /> In English, the word &quot;church&quot; means different things to different people in different contexts. It can be used in reference to a gathering of people for a religious meeting. It is also sometimes used to refer to a building or group of buildings, and occasionally it refers to an entire [[denomination]]. It can also be used in an institutional sense to refer to all churches, such as &quot;... the church today....&quot; <br /> <br /> ====The Church as the Community of Believers====<br /> <br /> The context in which the word [[ekklesia]] (church) is used in the Bible suggests that it was not originally intended to mean a building or an organization, but instead was intended to primarily mean a congregation or meeting of God's people. Thus the church, although consisting of the community of believers, is not simply the community of believers, but also includes activity.<br /> <br /> ====The Church as belonging to Jesus and his presence among it====<br /> <br /> The church, although consisting of people, Biblically speaking, is not simply an instution created by people. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus spoke about building '''his''' church and later, in [[Matthew 18:20]] he spoke about being present among the church<br /> : ''{{web_verse|matthew|16|18}}'' (Matthew 16:18)<br /> : ''{{web_verse|matthew|18|20}}'' (Matthew 18:20)<br /> <br /> ====The Church as both local and universal====<br /> <br /> The Bible uses the term church in both a local and universal nature. Mostly the word refers to local churches, for example, the church in Rome or Antioch. Quite often it is spoken about the plural. On a few occasions the New Testament uses the word in a general or universal sense.<br /> <br /> ====The Invisible versus the Visible Church====<br /> <br /> Sometimes the church is spoken about in terms of the &quot;invisible church&quot; and the &quot;visible church&quot;. The invisible church basically means the community or collection of true believers in Jesus regardless of denominational affiliation. The term visible church is used to refer to the physical countable members or leaders that make up a church or group of churches. In roman catholic doctrine the invisible and the visible church are identified although it is admitted that elements of the invisible church are present outside the visible (i.e. the Catholic) church.&lt;ref&gt;cf. [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]]: [http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church], 2007, second and third question.&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Church building]]===<br /> <br /> Christians worhsip in church buildings. Although the [[Church]] (the people that belong to [[Jesus]]) can meet anywhere, they have since early times built buildings specifically for worshipping [[God]] in. There are many well known church buildings around the world such as [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]]. A common architecture for churches is a building in the shape of a cross, often with a dome or other large vaulted space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens.<br /> <br /> ====Photos of church buildings====<br /> <br /> &lt;center&gt;&lt;gallery&gt;<br /> Image:DCP 4427.jpg|The main church in [[Echmiadzin]], the physical centre of the [[Armenian Orthodox Church]]<br /> Image:Wittenburg church door gg.jpg|The door of the famous church in [[Wittenburg]] where [[Martin Luther]] is thought to have nailed his [[95 Theses]] to the door<br /> Image:Olney church.jpg|The church in [[Olney]] where [[John Newton]], author of the hymn [[Amazing Grace (song)|Amazing Grace]] worked<br /> Image:Stanfordmemorialchurch.jpg|Stanford Memorial Church in [[California]]<br /> Image:Trinity baptist colonel light gardens.jpg|A small local church, [[Trinity Baptist Church (Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia)|Trinity Baptist Church]] in [[Adelaide]], [[Australia]], once known as the &quot;City of Churches&quot;<br /> Image:Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe (Tarascon).jpg|The Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe in [[Tarascon]], [[France]]<br /> &lt;/gallery&gt;&lt;/center&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Church history]]===<br /> <br /> Since the church was formed after the resurrection of Jesus, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts. Initially the early Christians spread the good news of Jesus throughout the Roman empire and small congregations of Christians sprang up in many towns. Rome soon became the geographical centre of the church. However, there was a rift between the Church in Greece and the one in Rome that slowly developed over centuries culminating in a schism in 1054 AD. Later, in sixteenth century, Christians in northern Europe split from the Roman church, an event known as the [[Reformation]]. Today there seems to be a bewildering array of [[denominations]]. Some of the larger ones include [[Roman Catholicism]], the Greek and Russian [[Eastern Orthodox|Orthodox]] churches and the wide variety of [[Protestant]] churches.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]]<br /> : The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ.<br /> <br /> Lenny Bruce<br /> : Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.<br /> <br /> Charles de Lint<br /> : Why did men worship in churches, locking themselves away in the dark, when the world lay beyond its doors in all its real glory?<br /> <br /> Robert Short<br /> : The church is the great lost and found department. <br /> <br /> Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /> : I like the silence of a church, before the service begins better than any preaching.<br /> <br /> George Mueller<br /> : An unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church.<br /> <br /> Ignatius of Antioch<br /> : Where the bishop, there the church (''Ubi episcopus, ibi ecclesia.'')<br /> <br /> Eugene de Mazenod<br /> : To love Jesus Christ means to love the church<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> &lt;references /&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church Wikipedia - Church]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Church&diff=342251 Church 2008-07-23T20:28:37Z <p>Benedikt: /* The Invisible versus the Visible Church */ enhanced</p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text=The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ... (An extract from the book [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]])}}<br /> {{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Church / Ecclesiology<br /> [[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians at [[Lourdes]].]] |<br /> subtopics = [[Church building]]<br /> * [[Church history]]<br /> * [[Denominations]]<br /> * [[World-wide church directory]]<br /> * [[Church service]]<br /> * [[Church Terms Index]]<br /> * [[Megachurch]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> * {{ebd}}<br /> * [[What is the Church? (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[The Theology of the Church (AmericanCatholic)]]<br /> * [[The Church (justforcatholics.org)]] |<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The word '''church''' is used in many different ways. The '''church''' is the Christian community of believers, that is, it is the people. Sometimes the word '''church''' is also used to refer to a [[church building]] (the building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]) or a [[church service]] (the weekly meeting of a group of Christians in a church building) or to a church [[denomination]]. <br /> <br /> '''Ecclesiology''' means the study of the doctrine of the church.<br /> <br /> ===Etymology===<br /> <br /> The Greek word ekklesia ([[Εκκλησια]]) is translated as &quot;church&quot; in English.<br /> <br /> This word ekklesia was used in ancient [[Koine Greek]] to mean &quot;gathering&quot; or &quot;assembly&quot;. In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, the [[LXX]], the word ekklesia occurs over 200 times (usually as a translation from the Hebrew word qahal), most commonly to refer to the assembly of the covenant people of God. In the [[New Testament]] the word ekklesia occurs in the [[gospels]] only twice ([[Matthew 16:16]] and [[Matthew 18:20]]), but it occurs many times elsewhere in the [[New Testament]]. <br /> <br /> From the Greek root ekklesia, the English word Ecclesiology is derived, which is the study of the doctrine of the church. <br /> <br /> The English word &quot;church&quot; itself is actually derived from the Old English word &quot;cirice&quot; (which is related to the [[Greek]] word &quot;κυριακή&quot; which means &quot;of the Lord&quot;)<br /> <br /> ===Theology of the church===<br /> <br /> There are a variety of understandings about what the church actually is. There are also a variety of uses of the word &quot;church&quot; in common English.<br /> <br /> ====Uses of the word &quot;church&quot; in common English====<br /> <br /> In English, the word &quot;church&quot; means different things to different people in different contexts. It can be used in reference to a gathering of people for a religious meeting. It is also sometimes used to refer to a building or group of buildings, and occasionally it refers to an entire [[denomination]]. It can also be used in an institutional sense to refer to all churches, such as &quot;... the church today....&quot; <br /> <br /> ====The Church as the Community of Believers====<br /> <br /> The context in which the word [[ekklesia]] (church) is used in the Bible suggests that it was not originally intended to mean a building or an organization, but instead was intended to primarily mean a congregation or meeting of God's people. Thus the church, although consisting of the community of believers, is not simply the community of believers, but also includes activity.<br /> <br /> ====The Church as belonging to Jesus and his presence among it====<br /> <br /> The church, although consisting of people, Biblically speaking, is not simply an instution created by people. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus spoke about building '''his''' church and later, in [[Matthew 18:20]] he spoke about being present among the church<br /> : ''{{web_verse|matthew|16|18}}'' (Matthew 16:18)<br /> : ''{{web_verse|matthew|18|20}}'' (Matthew 18:20)<br /> <br /> ====The Church as both local and universal====<br /> <br /> The Bible uses the term church in both a local and universal nature. Mostly the word refers to local churches, for example, the church in Rome or Antioch. Quite often it is spoken about the plural. On a few occasions the New Testament uses the word in a general or universal sense.<br /> <br /> ====The Invisible versus the Visible Church====<br /> <br /> Sometimes the church is spoken about in terms of the &quot;invisible church&quot; and the &quot;visible church&quot;. The invisible church basically means the community or collection of true believers in Jesus regardless of denominational affiliation. The term visible church is used to refer to the physical countable members or leaders that make up a church or group of churches. In roman catholic doctrine the invisible and the visible church are identified although it is admitted that elements of the invisible church are present outside the visible (i.e. the Catholic) church.&lt;ref&gt;cf. [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]]: [http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church], 2007, second and third question.&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Church building]]===<br /> <br /> Christians worhsip in church buildings. Although the [[Church]] (the people that belong to [[Jesus]]) can meet anywhere, they have since early times built buildings specifically for worshipping [[God]] in. There are many well known church buildings around the world such as [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]]. A common architecture for churches is a building in the shape of a cross, often with a dome or other large vaulted space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens.<br /> <br /> ====Photos of church buildings====<br /> <br /> &lt;center&gt;&lt;gallery&gt;<br /> Image:DCP 4427.jpg|The main church in [[Echmiadzin]], the physical centre of the [[Armenian Orthodox Church]]<br /> Image:Wittenburg church door gg.jpg|The door of the famous church in [[Wittenburg]] where [[Martin Luther]] is thought to have nailed his [[95 Theses]] to the door<br /> Image:Olney church.jpg|The church in [[Olney]] where [[John Newton]], author of the hymn [[Amazing Grace (song)|Amazing Grace]] worked<br /> Image:Stanfordmemorialchurch.jpg|Stanford Memorial Church in [[California]]<br /> Image:Trinity baptist colonel light gardens.jpg|A small local church, [[Trinity Baptist Church (Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia)|Trinity Baptist Church]] in [[Adelaide]], [[Australia]], once known as the &quot;City of Churches&quot;<br /> Image:Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe (Tarascon).jpg|The Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe in [[Tarascon]], [[France]]<br /> &lt;/gallery&gt;&lt;/center&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Church history]]===<br /> <br /> Since the church was formed after the resurrection of Jesus, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts. Initially the early Christians spread the good news of Jesus throughout the Roman empire and small congregations of Christians sprang up in many towns. Rome soon became the geographical centre of the church. However, there was a rift between the Church in Greece and the one in Rome that slowly developed over centuries culminating in a schism in 1054 AD. Later, in sixteenth century, Christians in northern Europe split from the Roman church, an event known as the [[Reformation]]. Today there seems to be a bewildering array of [[denominations]]. Some of the larger ones include [[Roman Catholicism]], the Greek and Russian [[Eastern Orthodox|Orthodox]] churches and the wide variety of [[Protestant]] churches.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]]<br /> : The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ.<br /> <br /> Lenny Bruce<br /> : Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.<br /> <br /> Charles de Lint<br /> : Why did men worship in churches, locking themselves away in the dark, when the world lay beyond its doors in all its real glory?<br /> <br /> Robert Short<br /> : The church is the great lost and found department. <br /> <br /> Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /> : I like the silence of a church, before the service begins better than any preaching.<br /> <br /> George Mueller<br /> : An unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church.<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church Wikipedia - Church]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Crusades&diff=342249 Crusades 2008-07-23T20:17:30Z <p>Benedikt: expanded a little.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = The Crusades |<br /> subtopics = [[First Crusade]], [[People's Crusade]], [[German Crusade, 1096]], [[Crusade of 1101]]<br /> * [[Second Crusade]]<br /> * [[Third Crusade]]<br /> * [[Fourth Crusade]], [[Albigensian Crusade]], [[Children's Crusade]] <br /> * [[Fifth Crusade]]<br /> * [[Sixth Crusade]]<br /> * [[Seventh Crusade]], [[Shepherds' Crusade]]<br /> * [[Eighth Crusade]]<br /> * [[Ninth Crusade]], [[Northern Crusades]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> The '''Crusades''' were a series of several military campaigns — sanctioned by the [[Papacy]] — that took place during the 11th to 13th centuries. Originally, they were [[Roman Catholic]] endeavors to capture the [[Holy Land]] from the Muslims, but some lead to militarical actions against other Christians, such as the [[Fourth Crusade]] where Constantinople was sacked by Christian knights. In a broader sense, the [[Albigensian Crusade]] against the Cathars of southern France and the Baltic Crusades are also considered as Crusades. <br /> <br /> The crusades were anteceded by the so called &quot;Peace of God&quot;-movement, a reform movement in the Middle ages which tried to abolish private wars and feud between Christian knights. The intension to give these knights a new &quot;field of action&quot; may have been one of the causes of the crusades.<br /> <br /> During the crusades the [[military orders]] were formed which combined [[monastic life]] with chivalry.<br /> <br /> There is a broad consensus in the Western world that the [[Church]] as a religious institution may not direct or sanction militarical action and therefore the crusades are seen as an historical fault of the Catholic church.<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * Kenneth Setton, ed., ''A History of the Crusades''. Madison, 1969-1989 ([http://libtext.library.wisc.edu/HistCrusades/ e-book online])<br /> * Angeliki E. Laiou, ''The Crusades from the Perspective of Byzantium and the Muslim World'', ([http://www.doaks.org/LACR.html e-book online]), includes chapter on Historiography of the crusades.<br /> * E.L. Skip Knox, [http://crusades.boisestate.edu/ The Crusades], a virtual college course through Boise State University.<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Church history]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Crusades&diff=342238 Crusades 2008-07-23T19:55:26Z <p>Benedikt: Europeans is mileading here.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = The Crusades |<br /> subtopics = [[First Crusade]], [[People's Crusade]], [[German Crusade, 1096]], [[Crusade of 1101]]<br /> * [[Second Crusade]]<br /> * [[Third Crusade]]<br /> * [[Fourth Crusade]], [[Albigensian Crusade]], [[Children's Crusade]] <br /> * [[Fifth Crusade]]<br /> * [[Sixth Crusade]]<br /> * [[Seventh Crusade]], [[Shepherds' Crusade]]<br /> * [[Eighth Crusade]]<br /> * [[Ninth Crusade]], [[Northern Crusades]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> The Crusades were a series of several military campaigns — usually sanctioned by the [[Papacy]] — that took place during the 11th to 13th centuries. Originally, they were [[Roman Catholic]] endeavors to capture the [[Holy Land]] from the Muslims, but some were directed against other Christians, such as the [[Fourth Crusade]] against Constantinople, the [[Albigensian Crusade]] against the Cathars of southern France and the Northern Crusades. The Crusades unfortunately show Christians acting in an aggressive and war-like manner.<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * Kenneth Setton, ed., ''A History of the Crusades''. Madison, 1969-1989 ([http://libtext.library.wisc.edu/HistCrusades/ e-book online])<br /> * Angeliki E. Laiou, ''The Crusades from the Perspective of Byzantium and the Muslim World'', ([http://www.doaks.org/LACR.html e-book online]), includes chapter on Historiography of the crusades.<br /> * E.L. Skip Knox, [http://crusades.boisestate.edu/ The Crusades], a virtual college course through Boise State University.<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Church history]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Church&diff=342233 Church 2008-07-23T19:50:15Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text=The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ... (An extract from the book [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]])}}<br /> {{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Church / Ecclesiology<br /> [[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians at [[Lourdes]].]] |<br /> subtopics = [[Church building]]<br /> * [[Church history]]<br /> * [[Denominations]]<br /> * [[World-wide church directory]]<br /> * [[Church service]]<br /> * [[Church Terms Index]]<br /> * [[Megachurch]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> * {{ebd}}<br /> * [[What is the Church? (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[The Theology of the Church (AmericanCatholic)]]<br /> * [[The Church (justforcatholics.org)]] |<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The word '''church''' is used in many different ways. The '''church''' is the Christian community of believers, that is, it is the people. Sometimes the word '''church''' is also used to refer to a [[church building]] (the building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]) or a [[church service]] (the weekly meeting of a group of Christians in a church building) or to a church [[denomination]]. <br /> <br /> '''Ecclesiology''' means the study of the doctrine of the church.<br /> <br /> ===Etymology===<br /> <br /> The Greek word ekklesia ([[Εκκλησια]]) is translated as &quot;church&quot; in English. This word originally means &quot;gathering&quot; or &quot;assembly&quot; in a political sense. In the [[Septuaginta]] it got a religious connotation. From this Greek root, the English word Ecclesiology is derived, which is the study of the doctrine of the church. <br /> <br /> The English word &quot;church&quot; itself is actually derived from the Old English word &quot;cirice&quot; (which is related to the [[Greek]] word &quot;κυριακή&quot; which means &quot;of the Lord&quot;)<br /> <br /> ===Defining the &quot;church&quot; - uses of the word===<br /> <br /> In English, the word &quot;church&quot; means different things to different people in different contexts. It can be used in reference to a gathering of people for a religious meeting. It is also sometimes used to refer to a building or group of buildings, and occasionally it refers to an entire [[denomination]]. It can also be used in an institutional sense to refer to all churches, such as &quot;... the church today....&quot; <br /> <br /> ===[[Church building]]===<br /> <br /> Christians worhsip in church buildings. Although the [[Church]] (the people that belong to [[Jesus]]) can meet anywhere, they have since early times built buildings specifically for worshipping [[God]] in. There are many well known church buildings around the world such as [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]]. A common architecture for churches is a building in the shape of a cross, often with a dome or other large vaulted space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens.<br /> <br /> ====Photos of church buildings====<br /> <br /> &lt;center&gt;&lt;gallery&gt;<br /> Image:DCP 4427.jpg|The main church in [[Echmiadzin]], the physical centre of the [[Armenian Orthodox Church]]<br /> Image:Wittenburg church door gg.jpg|The door of the famous church in [[Wittenburg]] where [[Martin Luther]] is thought to have nailed his [[95 Theses]] to the door<br /> Image:Olney church.jpg|The church in [[Olney]] where [[John Newton]], author of the hymn [[Amazing Grace (song)|Amazing Grace]] worked<br /> Image:Stanfordmemorialchurch.jpg|Stanford Memorial Church in [[California]]<br /> Image:Trinity baptist colonel light gardens.jpg|A small local church, [[Trinity Baptist Church (Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia)|Trinity Baptist Church]] in [[Adelaide]], [[Australia]], once known as the &quot;City of Churches&quot;<br /> Image:Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe (Tarascon).jpg|The Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe in [[Tarascon]], [[France]]<br /> &lt;/gallery&gt;&lt;/center&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Church history]]===<br /> <br /> Since the church was formed after the resurrection of Jesus, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts. Initially the early Christians spread the good news of Jesus throughout the Roman empire and small congregations of Christians sprang up in many towns. Rome soon became the geographical centre of the church. However, there was a rift between the Church in Greece and the one in Rome that slowly developed over centuries culminating in a schism in 1054 AD. Later, in sixteenth century, Christians in northern Europe split from the Roman church, an event known as the [[Reformation]]. Today there seems to be a bewildering array of [[denominations]]. Some of the larger ones include [[Roman Catholicism]], the Greek and Russian [[Eastern Orthodox|Orthodox]] churches and the wide variety of [[Protestant]] churches.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]]<br /> : The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ.<br /> <br /> Lenny Bruce<br /> : Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.<br /> <br /> Charles de Lint<br /> : Why did men worship in churches, locking themselves away in the dark, when the world lay beyond its doors in all its real glory?<br /> <br /> Robert Short<br /> : The church is the great lost and found department. <br /> <br /> Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /> : I like the silence of a church, before the service begins better than any preaching.<br /> <br /> George Mueller<br /> : An unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church.<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church Wikipedia - Church]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=User_talk:Benedikt&diff=342230 User talk:Benedikt 2008-07-23T19:32:02Z <p>Benedikt: /* Protexted pages */</p> <hr /> <div>Welcome Benedikt. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 12:28, 17 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :(edit conflict) Thanks. It is nice here. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> Hey Benedikt. Thanks for your contributions and suggestions. I gather German is your first language - is that right? Your English is quite good but I have reworded a few things you've written because the grammar wasn't quite right. What I'm trying to say is that your edits are good and much appreciated, and I'm just trying to keep the sentence flow and grammar up to scratch. But if you don't agree with my edits of your edits, then feel free to re-edit. Once again, thanks for helping out here. Your brother in Christ, --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:13, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :Yeah, I'm German. I have no problems with your edits. Grammar corrections are always welcome. ;-) --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> == Protexted pages ==<br /> Why can't I edit so many pages, like [[Church]]? They seem to be protected. This is quite annoying. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 12:30, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :May I ask, how old is your account, in other words, when did you create an account? -- [[User:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ryan†Cross&lt;/font&gt;]] ('''''[[User talk:RyanCross|&lt;font color=&quot;navy&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;talk&lt;/font&gt;]]''''') 12:31, 23 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> ::A week, I think. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 12:32, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=User_talk:Benedikt&diff=342228 User talk:Benedikt 2008-07-23T19:30:12Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>Welcome Benedikt. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 12:28, 17 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :(edit conflict) Thanks. It is nice here. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> Hey Benedikt. Thanks for your contributions and suggestions. I gather German is your first language - is that right? Your English is quite good but I have reworded a few things you've written because the grammar wasn't quite right. What I'm trying to say is that your edits are good and much appreciated, and I'm just trying to keep the sentence flow and grammar up to scratch. But if you don't agree with my edits of your edits, then feel free to re-edit. Once again, thanks for helping out here. Your brother in Christ, --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:13, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :Yeah, I'm German. I have no problems with your edits. Grammar corrections are always welcome. ;-) --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> == Protexted pages ==<br /> Why can't I edit so many pages, like [[Church]]? They seem to be protected. This is quite annoying. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 12:30, 23 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Justification_by_faith_alone&diff=342066 Justification by faith alone 2008-07-20T06:01:53Z <p>Benedikt: corr.</p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text={{web_verse|romans|3|28}} [[Romans 3:25]])}}<br /> {{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Justification by faith alone / Sola Fide |<br /> subtopics = [[Reformation]] <br /> * [[Justification by faith plus works]] <br /> * [[New Perspectives on Paul]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Justification by faith alone (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[A look at justification by faith and good works in Luther's theology (J.S)]]<br /> * [[Justification (Benjamen Meng)]] |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> &quot;Justification by faith alone&quot; is the teaching that a person is justified (that is, made right with God) through his faith only and not on the basis of good works.<br /> <br /> All Christians agree that a person is justified by faith. The teaching that a person is justified by faith alone however is a specific [[Protestant]] teaching and was one of the key issues that lead to the [[Reformation]]. The doctrine is sometimes referrred to as &quot;Sola Fide&quot; which is [[Latin]] for &quot;faith alone&quot;. Although Protestant churches teach that good works are not required for a sinner's justification, they do teach that justification by faith will always be accompanied by good works.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Christian doctrine and debates]] -&gt; [[Justification]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Matthew_6:7&diff=342065 Talk:Matthew 6:7 2008-07-20T05:59:18Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>I want to add a personal comment to this verse but I'm not so sure how to do this. Shall I put it in the Commentary section? Anyway here it is: ''It is often alleged that Jesus argued in this verse against formulated prayer. But if one looks closely at the Greek original text it becomes clear that this is not the case. Literally the verse states that the disciples shall not pray as the pagans, because they think they will be heard when they make many words. Since after this introduction in true praying Jesus teaches the disciples a formulated prayer it would be senseless to argue that Jesus was against formulated prayer. On the contrary, the text can be interpreted that monastic tradition which focus on the repition of only a few words (f.ex. the Orthodox &quot;Jesus Prayer&quot; in which the words &quot;Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me) are repeted constantly during the day) is a true and biblical prayer.'' --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 00:42, 19 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : A good place to put it would be in the &quot;[[Matthew 6:7 (discussion)]] (the short comments and opinions)&quot; --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 20:47, 19 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> :: Thx, I've done it. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 22:59, 19 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Bible:Matthew_6:7_(discussion)&diff=342064 Bible:Matthew 6:7 (discussion) 2008-07-20T05:58:50Z <p>Benedikt: New page: == Commentary by ~~~ == It is often alleged that Jesus argued in this verse against formulated prayer. But if one looks closely at the Greek original text it becomes clear that this is not...</p> <hr /> <div>== Commentary by [[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] ==<br /> It is often alleged that Jesus argued in this verse against formulated prayer. But if one looks closely at the Greek original text it becomes clear that this is not the case. Literally the verse states that the disciples shall not pray as the pagans, because they think they will be heard when they make many words. Since after this introduction in true praying Jesus teaches the disciples a formulated prayer it would be senseless to argue that Jesus was against formulated prayer. On the contrary, the text can be interpreted that monastic tradition which focus on the repition of only a few words (f.ex. the Orthodox &quot;Jesus Prayer&quot; in which the words &quot;Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me) are repeted constantly during the day) is a true and biblical prayer.</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Acts_1:9&diff=342041 Acts 1:9 2008-07-19T19:37:35Z <p>Benedikt: Ascension of Christ</p> <hr /> <div>__NOTOC__<br /> {{quote | text={{web_verse|acts|1|9}}}}<br /> <br /> ''Synopsis:'' ...<br /> <br /> ----<br /> __TOC__<br /> {{nt_versions}}<br /> <br /> {{versestudies}}<br /> <br /> ==Commentary==<br /> This verse describes the [[Ascension of Christ]] into heaven where he is &quot;seated at the right hand of the Father and from where he will judge the living and the dead.&quot; ([[Nicene Creed]])<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Acts 1]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Baptism&diff=342040 Baptism 2008-07-19T19:27:43Z <p>Benedikt: /* Symbolism versus Baptismal regeneration */ clarify.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Baptism |<br /> subtopics = [[Believer's baptism]], [[Infant baptism]]<br /> * [[Baptism of Jesus]]<br /> * [[Baptism of the Holy Spirit]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> * [[Baptism (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[The Necessity of Baptism (AmericanCatholic)]]<br /> * [[Baptism, Christian (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Christian Baptism]]<br /> }} <br /> <br /> Baptism refers to the symbolic sprinkling of or submersion in water of a new [[Christian]]. It represents his cleansing from all [[sin]] by the [[death of Jesus]] Christ.<br /> <br /> Although the word baptism usually refers baptism by water, it can be used in other ways, for example &quot;baptism by fire&quot;. <br /> <br /> ===Biblical passages===<br /> <br /> In the Bible baptism is first mentioned in passages that talk about [[John the Baptist]] who called on people to repent and be baptized. [[Jesus]] came to John to be baptized and [[Baptism of Jesus|his baptism]] was recorded in [[Mark 1]]:7-11<br /> : ''{{web_verse|mark|1|7}} {{web_verse|mark|1|8}} {{web_verse|mark|1|9}} {{web_verse|mark|1|10}} {{web_verse|mark|1|11}}''<br /> <br /> After his resurrection Jesus commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in what is known as the [[Great Commission]] in [[Matthew 28]]:19<br /> : ''{{web_verse|matthew|28|19}}''<br /> <br /> Later in the book of [[Acts]] a number of baptisms are described that are associated with the initial conversion of a new believer.<br /> <br /> ===Etymology===<br /> <br /> The word &quot;baptism&quot; is derived from the Greek verb [[Βαπτιζω]] (baptizo, which means &quot;to immerse&quot; or &quot;to baptize&quot;) and noun [[βαπτισμος]] (baptismos, which means &quot;dipping&quot; or &quot;baptism&quot;).<br /> <br /> ===Theological viewpoints===<br /> <br /> Most Christians agree on the importance of baptism, although a few denominations do not practice baptism, such as the [[Salvation Army]]. There is however a variety of opinions regarding who should be baptized (only believers in Jesus versus children of parents who believe) and what baptism actually means (it actually brings about forgiveness versus it only symbolizes forgiveness).<br /> <br /> ====[[Infant baptism]] versus [[Believer's baptism]] ====<br /> <br /> In many denominations (including [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] and [[Anglicanism]]) infants are baptized. <br /> <br /> In some denominations (including [[Baptist]]) only an adult who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus in baptized.<br /> <br /> ====Symbolism versus [[Baptismal regeneration]]====<br /> <br /> In [[Protestant]] denominations baptism is generally regarded as a symbolic act that simply symbolizes forgiveness and new life. In [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] however the act of baptism is seen as an act of God who brings forgiveness through the sacrament of baptism.<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism Wikipedia - Baptism]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]]<br /> * -&gt; [[Christian doctrine and debates]]<br /> * -&gt; [[Essence of Christianity]] -&gt; [[Becoming a Christian]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Christian_doctrine_and_debates&diff=342039 Christian doctrine and debates 2008-07-19T19:25:13Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Doctrine and Debate |<br /> subtopics = [[Creeds and catechisms]]<br /> * [[Christian Doctrine and Debates Index]]<br /> * [[Essence of Christianity]]<br /> * Major doctrines<br /> ** [[Trinity]], [[Nature of Christ]]<br /> ** [[Sin]], [[Justification]], [[Grace]], [[Love]], [[Afterlife|Heaven and hell]]<br /> * [[Theology]], [[Apologetics]], [[Polemics]], [[Heresies]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }}<br /> <br /> Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Since the [[church]] formed, major events and conflicts, often over matters of doctrine have resulted in significant rifts in the church. Various Creeds and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in [[Christianity]] like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].<br /> <br /> ===Etymology===<br /> <br /> The [[Greek]] word in the [[New Testament]] is ''didaskalia'', and it is variously translated as teaching, instruction, or doctrine.<br /> <br /> ===Conflict and debate===<br /> <br /> Since the [[church]] formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of doctrine has resulted in significant rifts in the church. Various Creeds and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in [[Christianity]] like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].<br /> <br /> Doctrine is important. Scripture stresses the importance of sound doctrine. In the pastoral epistles there are 28 specific references to the importance of doctrine or the content of our teaching. For example,<br /> * Give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and ''teaching'' ([[1 Timothy 4:13]]).<br /> * Preach the word . . . with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure ''sound doctrine''; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires. ([[2 Timothy 4]]:2-3).<br /> * Pay close attention to yourself and to your ''teaching'' (doctrine); persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. ([[2 Timothy 4:16]]).<br /> * Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in ''sound doctrine'' and to refute those who contradict. ([[Titus 1:9]]).<br /> <br /> ===Major doctrine===<br /> <br /> ====[[Trinity]]====<br /> <br /> ====Deity of Christ====<br /> <br /> ====Sin====<br /> <br /> ====Love====<br /> <br /> ====[[Justification]]====<br /> <br /> Justification refers to the sinner being declared by God as righteous. In other words, justification is the term that describes the removal of sins from a person. In the [[Book of Isaiah]] the concept of justification is stated beautifully - [[Isaiah 1:18]]<br /> : &quot;Come now, let us reason together,&quot; says the LORD. &quot;Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.&quot;<br /> <br /> There are significant differing views on justification among Christians. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] teach that justification and cleansing from sin requires both faith in [[Christ]]'s redemptive work on the cross as well as obedience and good works. This is known as [[justification by faith plus works]]. [[Protestant]] churches teach that justification and cleansing from sin requires only faith in [[Christ]]'s redemptive work on the cross, and does not require any good works on the part of the sinner. This is known as [[justification by faith alone]], and was one of the core reasons for the Protestant break-away from the Roman Catholic Church in the [[Reformation]].<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://www.theopedia.com/Doctrine Theopedia - Doctrine]<br /> * [http://www.biola.edu/admin/connections/articles/06summer/d_word.cfm Has Doctrine Become the New Dirty Word?], by Holly Pivec (''Biola Connections'')<br /> * [http://www.concentric.net/~Cosmas/christian_theology.htm A big collection of sites on Christian Theology]<br /> * [http://www.iclnet.org/ Internet Christian Library]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Syncretism&diff=342038 Syncretism 2008-07-19T18:04:32Z <p>Benedikt: fix</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Syncretism |<br /> subtopics = ... |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> '''Syncretism''' is a concept prevalent in parts of the Western world which mingles different and often contradictory beliefs and religious doctrines into a personal faith which can be described as &quot;self-made-religion&quot; or &quot;patchwork-religion&quot;.<br /> <br /> Many Christians and denominations agree that although there are elements of truth in other religions, for example the belief in one God, these religions differ in many respects from Christianity. &lt;ref&gt;For example, the [[Second Vatican Council]]'s declaration on other religions [http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html Nostra aetate] stated that the teachings of other religions differs in many aspects from Christianity but ''&quot;nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.&quot;''&lt;/ref&gt; The Bible rejects syncretism as an appropriate response to God, teaching instead that Jesus is the truth and the only way in passages such as [[John 14:16]]&lt;ref&gt;John 14:6 - ''{{web_verse|john|14|6}}''&lt;/ref&gt;.<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> &lt;references /&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretism Wikipedia - Syncretism]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Religions]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Famous_Christians_Index&diff=342037 Famous Christians Index 2008-07-19T17:25:10Z <p>Benedikt: cf. http://cnnvsfox.blogspot.com/2005/03/terri-schiavo-catholic-beliefs.html</p> <hr /> <div>__NOTOC__<br /> <br /> {{christians_box}}<br /> <br /> ==A==<br /> <br /> [[Adam]]<br /> <br /> [[Athanasius]]<br /> <br /> [[Augustine]]<br /> <br /> ==B==<br /> <br /> [[Billy Graham]]<br /> <br /> [[Børre Knudsen]]<br /> <br /> [[Phineas Bresee|Bresee, Phineas]]<br /> <br /> [[John Bunyan|Bunyan, John]]<br /> <br /> ==C==<br /> <br /> [[William Carey|Carey, William]]<br /> <br /> [[Cecil B. DeMill]]<br /> <br /> [[C.S. Lewis|Clive Staples Lewis]]<br /> <br /> [[Constantine I]]<br /> <br /> [[Thomas Cranmer|Cranmer, Thomas]]<br /> <br /> [[C.S. Lewis]]<br /> <br /> ==D==<br /> <br /> ==E==<br /> <br /> [[Jonathan Edwards|Edwards, Jonathan]]<br /> <br /> ==F==<br /> <br /> ==G==<br /> <br /> [[Billy Graham|Graham, Billy]]<br /> <br /> ==H==<br /> <br /> [[Bethany Hamilton|Hamilton, Bethany]]<br /> <br /> ==I==<br /> <br /> [[Irenaeus]]<br /> <br /> ==J==<br /> <br /> [[Jonathan Edwards]]<br /> <br /> [[J.B. Phillips]]<br /> <br /> [[John Bertram Phillips]]<br /> <br /> [[John Bunyan]]<br /> <br /> [[John Wimber]]<br /> <br /> [[John Wycliffe]]<br /> <br /> [[Justin Martyr]]<br /> <br /> ==K==<br /> <br /> [[Kirk Franklin]]<br /> <br /> [[Børre Knudsen|Knudsen, Børre]]<br /> <br /> ==L==<br /> <br /> [[C.S. Lewis|Lewis, C.S.]]<br /> <br /> [[Martin Luther|Luther, Martin]]<br /> <br /> ==M==<br /> <br /> [[Dwight Lyman Moody|Moody, Dywight Lyman]]<br /> <br /> [[Martin Luther]]<br /> <br /> ==N==<br /> <br /> ==O==<br /> <br /> ==P==<br /> <br /> [[Apostle Paul|Paul the apostle]]<br /> <br /> [[Apostle Peter|Peter the apostle]]<br /> <br /> [[John Bertram Phillips|Phillips, J.B.]]<br /> <br /> [[Phineas Bresee]]<br /> <br /> ==Q==<br /> <br /> ==R==<br /> <br /> [[Ravi Zacharias]]<br /> <br /> ==S==<br /> <br /> [[Terri Schiavo|Schiavo, Terri]]<br /> <br /> ==T==<br /> <br /> [[Hudson Taylor|Taylor, Hudson]]<br /> <br /> [[Terri Schiavo]]<br /> <br /> [[Terry Virgo]]<br /> <br /> [[Thomas Cranmer]]<br /> <br /> ==U==<br /> <br /> ==V==<br /> <br /> ==W==<br /> <br /> [[William Carey]]<br /> <br /> [[John Wimber|Wimber, John]]<br /> <br /> [[John Wycliffe|Wycliffe, John]]<br /> <br /> ==X==<br /> <br /> ==Y==<br /> <br /> ==Z==<br /> <br /> [[Ravi Zacharias|Zacharias, Ravi]]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Famous Christians]]<br /> [[Category:Indexes]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Famous_Non-Christians_Index&diff=342036 Famous Non-Christians Index 2008-07-19T17:24:18Z <p>Benedikt: rm, cf. http://cnnvsfox.blogspot.com/2005/03/terri-schiavo-catholic-beliefs.html</p> <hr /> <div>__NOTOC__<br /> <br /> {{box | text=This page is an index of all people who are important or relevant in church or Biblical history, but who never claimed to be Christian.}}<br /> <br /> ==C==<br /> <br /> [[Caiaphas]]<br /> <br /> ==D==<br /> <br /> [[David Macht]]<br /> <br /> ==M==<br /> <br /> [[David Macht|Macht, David]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Famous Christians]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Immaculate_Conception&diff=342003 Immaculate Conception 2008-07-19T08:39:32Z <p>Benedikt: wikilink</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = The Immaculate Conception (Of Mary) |<br /> subtopics = [[Original sin]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Immaculate Conception And The Church Fathers : Question and Answer (justforcatholics.org)]] |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> The Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic doctrine which asserts that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved by God from the stain of [[original sin]] at the time of her own conception. Specifically the doctrine says she was not afflicted by the privation of sanctifying grace which afflicts mankind, but was instead filled with grace by God, and furthermore lived a life completely free from sin. It is commonly confused with the doctrine of the virgin birth, though the two doctrines deal with separate subjects.<br /> <br /> === Ineffabilis Deus ===<br /> <br /> On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX declared the teaching of The Immaculate Conception to be Roman Catholic dogma in his apostolic constitution, ''Ineffabilis Deus'' (Latin for &quot;Ineffable God&quot;). The letter itself contains a history of the belief, citing its roots as a belief of the early Church, as well as citing the approval of Roman Catholic Bishops worldwide, who had been asked to weigh in on the matter. ''Ineffabilis Deus'' is considered by most Roman Catholics as an infallible decree issued ex cathreda (from the Pope, using his office to declare a previously held belief official dogma), a very rare occurance within the Church. <br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> St. Ambrose (c. 339-397) (Serm. xlii. 6, Int. Opp., S. Ambrosii) (Blessed Virgin, p. 77)<br /> :The prophet David danced before the Ark. Now what else should we say the Ark was but holy Mary? The Ark bore within it the tables of the Testament, but Mary bore the Heir of the same Testament itself. The former contained in it the Law, the latter the Gospel. The one had the voice of God, the other His Word. The Ark, indeed, was radiant within and without with the glitter of gold, but holy Mary shone within and without with the splendor of virginity. The one was adorned with earthly gold, the other with heavenly.<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm Immaculate Conception - The Catholic Encyclopedia]<br /> * [http://www.cin.org/users/jgallegos/immac.htm Patristics on the Immaculate Conception]<br /> * [http://www.catholic.com/library/Immaculate_Conception_and_Assum.asp Catholic Answers - Immaculate Conception and Assumption]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Roman Catholicism: Mary]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Roman_Catholicism:_Mary&diff=342002 Roman Catholicism: Mary 2008-07-19T08:37:22Z <p>Benedikt: expanding and clarifying</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Roman Catholic Doctrine on the Virgin Mary |<br /> subtopics = [[Mary (mother of Jesus)]]<br /> * [[Theotokos]]<br /> * [[Perpetual virginity of Mary]]<br /> * [[Immaculate Conception]]<br /> * [[Assumption of Mary]]<br /> * [[Roman Catholicism: Co-Redemptrix]]<br /> * [[Marian prayers]] | [[Rosary]]<br /> * [[Visions and apparations]] | [[Marian apparitions]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Immaculate Conception And The Church Fathers : Question and Answer (justforcatholics.org)]]<br /> * [[Mary's perpetual virginity - a Coptic perspective (W. Hanna)]] |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> Like other Christian [[denominations]], the Roman Catholic Church teaches [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary]], a virgin, was the mother of [[Jesus]]. Unlike many other denominations however, it also teaches that Mary was born without [[original sin]] (the [[Immaculate Conception]]) as well as other doctrines not usually accepted by other Christian denominations.<br /> <br /> ===Marian Dogma===<br /> <br /> ====[[Theotokos]]====<br /> Theotokos is a Greek word and means &quot;the one who gives birth to God&quot;. This doctrine was formulated by the [[Council of Ephesus]] in 431. The title &quot;Mother of God&quot; derives from this doctrine.<br /> <br /> ====[[Perpetual virginity of Mary]]====<br /> <br /> This doctrine asserts that Mary stayed virgin during and after the birth of Jesus Christ. In catholic exegesis the &quot;brothers and sisters&quot; of Jesus which are mentioned in the gospels and the acts are therefore usually seen as cousins.<br /> <br /> ====[[Immaculate Conception]]====<br /> <br /> This doctrine teaches that Mary was conceived without original sin, and was therefore sinless throughout her life.<br /> <br /> ====[[Assumption of Mary]]====<br /> <br /> This teaches that because of her sinlessness, Mary never experienced a physical death – the result of sin. Instead, she was raised bodily into the presence of Christ. It was promulgated a dogma by Pope [[Pius XII]] in 1950.<br /> <br /> ====[[Roman Catholicism: Co-Redemptrix]]====<br /> <br /> This doctrine is controversially discussed inside the church. Pope Benedict XVI as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stated that he is against an official proclamation of Mary as Coredemptrix.<br /> <br /> It is unclear what is meant by this title. Within the limits of traditional Catholic doctrine it could mean that Mary through her positive response to God's grace cooperates in the redemption brought by Christ.<br /> <br /> ===Hyperdulia - Special veneration===<br /> <br /> This teaching holds that because of her unparalleled role in salvation, Mary is worthy of special [[veneration]] and devotion. There are three specific terms of worship and veneration in Catholicism: latria – adoration that is due God alone, dulia – veneration afforded to the saints, and hyperdulia – special veneration given to Mary.<br /> <br /> ===[[Marian prayers]]===<br /> <br /> ====[[Rosary]]====<br /> <br /> ===[[Marian apparitions]]===<br /> The Catholic church maintains that on certain occasions and in certain places Mary appears in visions. Such places include Lourdes, Fatima and Guadelupe. A catholic is not held to believe in such apparitions.<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Virgin_Mary Wikipedia - Blessed Virgin Mary]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Denominations]] -&gt; [[Roman Catholicism]] -&gt; [[Roman Catholic Doctrine]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=God&diff=342001 God 2008-07-19T08:21:41Z <p>Benedikt: cf. Romans 1:20-21 and C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity.</p> <hr /> <div>{{quote | text={{web_verse|genesis|1|1}} [[Genesis 1:1]]}}<br /> {{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = God |<br /> subtopics = [[Character of God]] - [[God is the creator]], [[God is love]], [[God is holy]], [[God is forgiving]]<br /> * [[Trinity]] - [[God the Father]], [[Jesus Christ]], [[Holy Spirit]]<br /> * [[Names of God]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}<br /> * {{ebd}}<br /> * Sermon: [[Luke 15 - What is God like? (G.G.)]]<br /> }}<br /> <br /> God is the central being of all existence. He is eternal in that he has no beginning and no end. In the [[Genesis 1|first chapter of the first book]] of [[Bible]] an account is given of God creating the universe and the earth and creating people in his own image. The Bible also reveals that God is full of [[God is forgiving|mercy]] and [[God is love|love]] (for example [[1 John 4:8]]. Millions of people in the world trust in God as their master and Lord and also their saviour. He is a personal being, who is three in one - [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus Christ|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit]]. the Bible also reveals that God stands ready to come into any person's life when that person acknowledges him and repents of having not lived his way - this is when a person is [[born again]].<br /> <br /> ===[[Character of God]]===<br /> <br /> Although the mere existence of God can be deduced by natural reason his nature is beyond our understanding. He gives life to all and he is the author of love and forgiveness. [[John 1:4]] describes this beautifully:<br /> : ''{{web_verse|john|1|4}}''<br /> <br /> God is also completely holy and without any evil. <br /> <br /> ===[[Trinity]]===<br /> <br /> The Trinity is the Christian [[doctrine]] (or teaching) that describes the three-in-one (triune) nature of God. Although impossible to fully grasp, the Bible reveals that God is there is one and only one God, and also that the [[God the Father|Father]] is God, and yet [[Jesus]] the Son is God, and also the [[Holy Spirit]] is God. That is, there is one God who eternally exists in three distinct persons.<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> Sri Aurobindo, in ''Thoughts and Aphorisms''<br /> : A God who cannot smile could not have created this humorous universe.<br /> <br /> Robertson Davies in ''Conversations''<br /> : A man who recognizes no God is probably placing an inordinate value on himself. <br /> <br /> Albert Einstein <br /> : Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish<br /> <br /> Benjamin Franklin<br /> : God heals, and the doctor takes the fee. <br /> <br /> [[C.S. Lewis]]<br /> : God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.<br /> : God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love.<br /> : If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will...then we may take it it is worth paying. <br /> <br /> Galileo Galilei (1564 ~ 1642)<br /> : I do not think it is necessary to believe that the same God who has given us our senses, reason, and intelligence wished us to abandon their use, giving us by some other means the information that we could gain through them. <br /> <br /> Yiddish proverb, <br /> : If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.<br /> <br /> J.R.R. Tolkien<br /> : If you do not believe in a personal God the question: `What is the purpose of life?' is unaskable and unanswerable.<br /> <br /> Thomas Jefferson <br /> : It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. <br /> <br /> Immanuel Kant<br /> : Reason can never prove the existence of God. <br /> <br /> Emily Dickinson <br /> : They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse. <br /> <br /> Catherine Doherty<br /> : With God, every moment is the moment of beginning again. <br /> <br /> Unknown source<br /> : You can live without God, but you better not die without him. <br /> <br /> [[Romans 5]]:7-8<br /> : {{web_verse|romans|5|7}} {{web_verse|romans|5|8}} <br /> <br /> [[1 John 4:16]]<br /> : God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. <br /> <br /> [[1 John 1:5]]<br /> : God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. <br /> <br /> [[Exodus 3:14]] (King James Version)<br /> : God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.<br /> <br /> [[Isaiah 45]]:5-7 (King James Version)<br /> : I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. <br /> <br /> Spike Milligan<br /> : And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light, but the Electricity Board said he would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.<br /> <br /> Woody Allen<br /> : If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank.<br /> : How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter?<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God Wikipedia - God]<br /> * [http://www.theopedia.com/God Theopedia - God]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Saints&diff=342000 Saints 2008-07-19T08:17:45Z <p>Benedikt: better wording.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Saint | <br /> subtopics = [[Roman Catholicism: Saint]], [[Canonization]]<br /> * [[Eastern Orthodoxy: Saint]]<br /> * [[Saints Index]] | <br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Saint (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Saint]] | <br /> }} <br /> <br /> {{saints_box}}<br /> In the Bible, the word saint comes from the [[Greek]] word [[hagion]], which means one who has been set apart or made [[holy]] by [[faith]] in [[Christ]]. In this context the word &quot;saint&quot; is not a description of a special class of [[Christian]] or a reference to one who is deemed especially holy, but is a simple reference to all Christians. In [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] the term saint is also a title which is given to deceased Christians who died for their faith as [[martyr]]s and/or were especially holy and performed miracles. Since the high middle ages a specific process of [[canonisation]] was implemented in the Catholic church.<br /> <br /> ===Different views===<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Famous Christians]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Famous Christians]]<br /> [[Category:Saints]]<br /> {{stub}}</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Justification_by_faith_plus_works&diff=341999 Justification by faith plus works 2008-07-19T08:15:47Z <p>Benedikt: corrected statement - although this is the wrong article name.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Justification by faith plus works |<br /> subtopics = [[Good works]], [[Law]], [[Salvation]], [[Grace]], [[Justification by faith]] <br /> * [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] <br /> * [[Indulgences]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Justification by faith alone (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[Catholicism teaches justification by faith plus works (justforcatholics.org)]] |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> The doctrine of justification by faith plus works is the teaching that a person is saved by the grace of God and his cooperation with this grace by his faith and good works. This is taught in the Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. This issue was one of the main issues causing the [[Reformation]]. Protestant churches today teach that a person is saved by faith in Christ alone.<br /> <br /> ===Arguments for and against===<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> '''Quotes from the [[Council of Trent]]'''<br /> : Canon 1<br /> ::If any one saith, that man may be justified before God by his own works, whether done through the teaching of human nature, or that of the law, without the grace of God through Jesus Christ; let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 11<br /> :: If anyone says that men are justified either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ or by the sole remission of sins, excluding grace and charity which is poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit and inheres in them, or also that the grace which justifies us is only the favour of God, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 12<br /> :: If anyone says that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in divine mercy, which remits sins for Christ's sake, or that it is this confidence alone that justifies us, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 24<br /> :: If anyone says that the justice (righteousness) received is not preserved and also not increased before God through good works but that those works are merely the fruits and signs of justification obtained, but not the cause of the increase, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 30<br /> :: If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 32<br /> :: If anyone says that the good works of the one justified are in such manner the gifts of God that they are not also the good merits of him justified; or that the one justified by the good works that he performs by the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ (of whom one is a living member), the justified does not truly merit an increase of grace, and eternal life, provided that one dies in the state of grace, the attainment of this eternal life, as well as an increase in glory, let him be anathema.<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Christian doctrine and debates]] -&gt; [[Justification]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Justification_by_faith_plus_works&diff=341998 Justification by faith plus works 2008-07-19T08:12:17Z <p>Benedikt: /* Quotes */ Added one quote - this article is just wrong (sry about that).</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Justification by faith plus works |<br /> subtopics = [[Good works]], [[Law]], [[Salvation]], [[Grace]], [[Justification by faith]] <br /> * [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] <br /> * [[Indulgences]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Justification by faith alone (G.G.)]]<br /> * [[Catholicism teaches justification by faith plus works (justforcatholics.org)]] |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> The doctrine of justification by faith plus works is the teaching that a person is saved by both his good works and also faith in Jesus Christ's atoning death. This is taught in the Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. This issue was one of the main issues causing the [[Reformation]]. Protestant churches today teach that a person is saved by faith in Christ alone.<br /> <br /> ===Arguments for and against===<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> '''Quotes from the [[Council of Trent]]'''<br /> : Canon 1<br /> ::If any one saith, that man may be justified before God by his own works, whether done through the teaching of human nature, or that of the law, without the grace of God through Jesus Christ; let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 11<br /> :: If anyone says that men are justified either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ or by the sole remission of sins, excluding grace and charity which is poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit and inheres in them, or also that the grace which justifies us is only the favour of God, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 12<br /> :: If anyone says that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in divine mercy, which remits sins for Christ's sake, or that it is this confidence alone that justifies us, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 24<br /> :: If anyone says that the justice (righteousness) received is not preserved and also not increased before God through good works but that those works are merely the fruits and signs of justification obtained, but not the cause of the increase, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 30<br /> :: If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema.<br /> : Canon 32<br /> :: If anyone says that the good works of the one justified are in such manner the gifts of God that they are not also the good merits of him justified; or that the one justified by the good works that he performs by the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ (of whom one is a living member), the justified does not truly merit an increase of grace, and eternal life, provided that one dies in the state of grace, the attainment of this eternal life, as well as an increase in glory, let him be anathema.<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Christian doctrine and debates]] -&gt; [[Justification]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Saints_Index&diff=341997 Saints Index 2008-07-19T08:04:43Z <p>Benedikt: structure - add one.</p> <hr /> <div>__NOTOC__<br /> <br /> {{saints_box}}<br /> <br /> ==A==<br /> *[[Augustine of Hippo]]<br /> <br /> ==B==<br /> *[[Basil the Great]]<br /> <br /> ==C==<br /> <br /> ==D==<br /> <br /> ==E==<br /> <br /> ==F==<br /> <br /> ==G==<br /> *[[Gregory Nazianzus]]<br /> *[[Gregory of Nyssa]]<br /> <br /> ==H==<br /> <br /> ==I==<br /> <br /> ==J==<br /> *[[Jerome]]<br /> *[[Apostle John]]<br /> *[[John Chrysostom]]<br /> *[[Justin Martyr]]<br /> <br /> ==K==<br /> <br /> ==L==<br /> <br /> ==M==<br /> <br /> ==N==<br /> <br /> ==O==<br /> <br /> ==P==<br /> *[[Apostle Paul|Paul the apostle]]<br /> *[[Apostle Peter]]<br /> <br /> ==Q==<br /> <br /> ==R==<br /> <br /> ==S==<br /> <br /> ==T==<br /> *[[Thomas Aquinas]]<br /> <br /> ==U==<br /> <br /> ==V==<br /> <br /> ==W==<br /> <br /> ==X==<br /> <br /> ==Y==<br /> <br /> ==Z==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Saints]]<br /> [[Category:Indexes]]<br /> [[Category:Saints]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Saints&diff=341996 Saints 2008-07-19T08:03:39Z <p>Benedikt: Catholics believe also that non-canonized Christians who go to heaven are saints - canonization was not common in early christianity.</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents | <br /> topic_name = Saint | <br /> subtopics = [[Roman Catholicism: Saint]], [[Canonization]]<br /> * [[Eastern Orthodoxy: Saint]]<br /> * [[Saints Index]] | <br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} <br /> * [[Saint (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Saint]] | <br /> }} <br /> <br /> {{saints_box}}<br /> In the Bible, the word saint comes from the [[Greek]] word [[hagion]], which means one who has been set apart or made [[holy]] by [[faith]] in [[Christ]]. In this context the word &quot;saint&quot; is not a description of a special class of [[Christian]] or a reference to one who is deemed especially holy, but is a simple reference to all Christians. In [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] the term saint also takes on a much more specific meaning, and is given to Christians who have died who died for their faith as [[martyr]]s were especially holy and performed miracles. Since the high middle ages a specific process of [[canonisation]] was implemented in the Catholic church.<br /> <br /> ===Different views===<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Famous Christians]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Famous Christians]]<br /> [[Category:Saints]]<br /> {{stub}}</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Irreligion&diff=341995 Irreligion 2008-07-19T07:50:50Z <p>Benedikt: cf. http://www.czso.cz/csu/2003edicniplan.nsf/o/4110-03--obyvatelstvo_hlasici_se_k_jednotlivym_cirkvim_a_nabozenskym_spolecnostem</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Irreligion |<br /> subtopics = [[Atheism]]<br /> * [[Agnosticism]]<br /> * [[Freethought]]<br /> * [[Secular Humanism]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> Irreligion is a term which, depending on context, may be understood as referring to [[atheism]], [[agnosticism]], [[freethought]], [[secular humanism]] or [[heresy]]. Irreligion has at least three related yet distinct meanings: lack of religion; hostility to religion; behaving in such a way that fails to live up to one's religious tenets.<br /> <br /> ===Statistics by country===<br /> <br /> [[Czech Republic]] - 59% of people had no religion (2001 statistics)<br /> <br /> [[Germany]] - 33% of people stated they had no religion (German Worldview Research Group, 2004)<br /> <br /> [[New Zealand]] - 32% of people stated they had no religion (2001 census)<br /> <br /> [[France]] - 27% of people stated they had no religion (INSEE, 2004 survey)<br /> <br /> [[Australia]] - 17% of people stated they had no religion (2001 census)<br /> <br /> [[United Kingdom]] - 17% of people stated they had no religion (2001 census)<br /> <br /> [[Canada]] - 16% of people stated they had no religion (2001 census)<br /> <br /> [[South Africa]] - 15.1% of people stated they had no religion (2001 census)<br /> <br /> [[United States]] - 15% of people stated they had no religion (2001 survey by the US Census Bureau)<br /> <br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-religious Wikipedia - Non-religious]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Religions]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Religions]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Famous_Non-Christians_Index&diff=341994 Talk:Famous Non-Christians Index 2008-07-19T07:44:42Z <p>Benedikt: New page: Why is Terri Schiavo listed as a non-Christian? I thought she was Catholic. --~~~~</p> <hr /> <div>Why is Terri Schiavo listed as a non-Christian? I thought she was Catholic. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 00:44, 19 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Matthew_6:7&diff=341993 Talk:Matthew 6:7 2008-07-19T07:42:16Z <p>Benedikt: New page: I want to add a personal comment to this verse but I'm not so sure how to do this. Shall I put it in the Commentary section? Anyway here it is: ''It is often alleged that Jesus argued in t...</p> <hr /> <div>I want to add a personal comment to this verse but I'm not so sure how to do this. Shall I put it in the Commentary section? Anyway here it is: ''It is often alleged that Jesus argued in this verse against formulated prayer. But if one looks closely at the Greek original text it becomes clear that this is not the case. Literally the verse states that the disciples shall not pray as the pagans, because they think they will be heard when they make many words. Since after this introduction in true praying Jesus teaches the disciples a formulated prayer it would be senseless to argue that Jesus was against formulated prayer. On the contrary, the text can be interpreted that monastic tradition which focus on the repition of only a few words (f.ex. the Orthodox &quot;Jesus Prayer&quot; in which the words &quot;Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me) are repeted constantly during the day) is a true and biblical prayer.'' --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 00:42, 19 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Mark_1:9&diff=341992 Mark 1:9 2008-07-19T07:24:16Z <p>Benedikt: Commentary Ambrose</p> <hr /> <div>__NOTOC__<br /> {{quote | text={{web_verse|mark|1|9}}}}<br /> <br /> ''Synopsis:'' ...<br /> <br /> ----<br /> __TOC__<br /> {{nt_versions}}<br /> <br /> {{versestudies}}<br /> <br /> ==Commentary==<br /> [[Ambrose]] states that Jesus was not baptized because he needed the forgiveness of sins but to sanctify (i.e. make holy) the water. <br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Mark 1]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Apostle_Paul&diff=341990 Apostle Paul 2008-07-19T05:44:54Z <p>Benedikt: cf Philippians 3:5</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = The Apostle Paul |<br /> subtopics = [[Acts of the Apostles]]<br /> * [[Pauline Epistles]]<br /> * [[New Perspective on Paul]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> Paul (originally Saul) was a critical figure in the early [[Christian]] [[church]]. He was a [[Jew]] who was a [[Roman]] citizen from the city of [[Tarsus]]. As a [[Pharisee]] he was involved in the persecution of the early Church until his encounter with the resurrected [[Jesus]] on the road to the city of [[Damascus]]. After this he worked tireless at preaching the [[gospel]] to the non-Jewish ([[gentile]]) communities throughout the Roman empire. He wrote many letters to churches in different cities; these letters are included in the [[New Testament]].<br /> <br /> ===Paul in the [[Acts of the Apostles]]===<br /> <br /> The Book of the [[Acts of the Apostles]] describes Paul's conversion to Christianity and his missionary activities throughout the Mediterranean, ending with his imprisonment in Rome.<br /> <br /> ===Paul's speeches in Acts===<br /> <br /> A number of Paul's speeches are recorded in Acts. The way Paul speaks varied greatly depending on the background of his audience.<br /> <br /> When speaking to Jews, for example in [[Acts 13]] and [[Acts 28]], Paul would quote from the [[Old Testament]] to show how [[Jesus]] fulfilled the Old Testament. He would speak about [[faith]] and [[forgiveness]] rather than [[Law]].<br /> <br /> Paul used quite a different approach of evangelism when speaking to pagans who were not believers in the God of Israel. He spoke to untutored (uneducated) pagans in [[Acts 14]] explaining how his God was the God of creation, and not a lifeless idol. He did this without using [[Old Testament]] quotations. He spoke to tutored (educated) pagans in [[Acts 17]] in his famous speech in the [[Areopagus]] in [[Athens]], using culturally relevant statements. He introduced God by talking about something he had seen in the marketplace in Athens, a statue to the &quot;unknown god&quot;. Again he didn't use Old Testament quotes, but instead quoted Greek poets, and he spoke about sin in a different light, calling it &quot;ignorance&quot;.<br /> <br /> When Paul spoke to believers, as in [[Acts 20]]:18-35, he spoke words to remind and encourage them, warning them to hold onto their faith. <br /> <br /> And when Paul was called to speak in his legal defence, as in [[Acts 22]], [[Acts 24]] and [[Acts 26]], he gave personal testimony of how God had spoken to him, and he highlighted the work of God.<br /> <br /> ===[[Pauline Epistles|Paul's letters]]===<br /> <br /> ===The [[New Perspective on Paul]]===<br /> <br /> The New Perspective on Paul refers to a recent discussion about Paul's theology on salvation that has developed among Protestant Christians. Protestants have traditionally believed that Paul argued against a legalistic Jewish culture that sought to earn salvation through works in his letters. Supporters of the New Perspective argue that Paul has been misread and contend that he was actually combating Jews who were boasting because they were God's people, the &quot;elect&quot; or the &quot;chosen ones&quot; and their &quot;works&quot;, so to speak, were done to show they were God's covenant people and not to earn their salvation. According to the New Perspective on Paul, the result is a Judaism that affirmed sola gratia (grace alone). Presently the effects of the New Perspective are primarily seen in the academic world of New Testament scholars, however, future ramifications include directly affecting the Protestant doctrine of Justification by Faith (Sola Fide). <br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://www.theopedia.com/Paul Theopedia - Paul]<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_of_Tarsus Wikipedia - Paul of Tarsus]<br /> * [http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp12.htm Patron Saints Index - Paul the Apostle]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Apostles]] | [[Famous Christians]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Famous Christians]]<br /> [[Category:Apostles]]<br /> [[Category:Saints]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=User:Benedikt&diff=341989 User:Benedikt 2008-07-19T04:51:52Z <p>Benedikt: New page: == About me == I study Catholic theology in Germany. I mainly work on [http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Benutzer:Benedikt|Kathpedia]. == Helpful pages == [[Wikichristian.org:Page...</p> <hr /> <div>== About me ==<br /> I study Catholic theology in Germany. I mainly work on [http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Benutzer:Benedikt|Kathpedia]. <br /> <br /> == Helpful pages ==<br /> [[Wikichristian.org:Page Layout]], [[Statement of Faith]]</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Syncretism&diff=341988 Syncretism 2008-07-18T23:52:33Z <p>Benedikt: I hope this one is not too catholic ;-)</p> <hr /> <div>'''Syncretism''' is a concept prevalent in parts of the Western world which mingles different and often contradictory beliefs and religious doctrines into a personal faith which can be described as &quot;self-made-religion&quot; or &quot;patchwork-religion&quot;. Although there may be &quot;elements of truth&quot;&lt;ref&gt;The [[Second Vatican council]]'s declaration on other religions [http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html Nostra aetate] stated that the teachings of other religions differs in many aspects from Christianity but ''&quot;nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.&quot;''&lt;/ref&gt; in other religions, such as the belief in one God, the idea of syncretism has to be rejected. For Christians Jesus Christ is the personated truth and the only way&lt;ref&gt;cf. John 14: ''{{web_verse|john|14|6}}''&lt;/ref&gt;.<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> &lt;references /&gt;</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Talk:Grace&diff=341984 Talk:Grace 2008-07-18T21:25:49Z <p>Benedikt: </p> <hr /> <div>== &quot;Only through Jesus Christ&quot; ==<br /> I can't edit this article. The clause: ''It is only through faith in Jesus Christ, in his death and resurrection, that we can return to God.'' is imo a little misunderstanding. First, the cited bible verses doesn't support the &quot;only&quot;. Secondly, it is a contradiction to the aforementioned ''Although nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God, God himself restores that relationship.'' because it says that &quot;our faith&quot; saves us. I would change it to the following. ''Although nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God, his grace himself restores that relationship. Only through this grace to which faith in Jesus Christ is the answer and which is applied &lt;small&gt;(maybe a better word here)&lt;/small&gt; through his death and resurrection, we can return to God.''<br /> It should be also noted that for some not only faith but also works are the human answer to the grace of god. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 13:56, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> : Yep, I see the contradiction. It's tricky to word well isn't it. I've tried rewording it so that it doesn't contradict and makes sense. Thanks. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:02, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::Absolutely tricky. It is even more tricky to avoid the justification debate at that point and leave the article open to both sides. The current version is fine, I think. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:08, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> :::I agree that the focus shouldn't be on the justification debate in this article. Regarding the justification debate, I think there needs to be room for the various points of view of different denominations at WikiChristian. You'll probably be interested in looking at [[Wikichristian.org:Page Layout]] and [[Statement of Faith]] - I think that leaves room for Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christians to all contribute, and to leave their own personal opinion articles. --[[User:Graham grove|Graham grove]] 14:17, 18 July 2008 (PDT)<br /> <br /> ::::Thanks a lot. You have very good guidelines. Clear and open at the same time. --[[User:Benedikt|Benedikt]] 14:25, 18 July 2008 (PDT)</div> Benedikt http://www.wikichristian.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Faith&diff=341983 Faith 2008-07-18T21:23:36Z <p>Benedikt: Clarifying what I was trying to say ;-)</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox_Contents |<br /> topic_name = Faith |<br /> subtopics = [[Assurance]] <br /> * [[Becoming a Christian]] |<br /> opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |<br /> }} <br /> <br /> Faith means to believe in the truth of an idea that cannot be proven. [[Hebrews 11:1]] in the Bible describes faith as being sure of something that is unseen. <br /> <br /> The term &quot;the faith&quot; is sometimes used to refer to [[Christianity]] in general.<br /> <br /> Faith in [[Jesus]] as God's son who brings eternal life is central to being a Christian. [[John 3:16]] describes this truth:<br /> : ''{{web_verse|john|3|16}}''<br /> <br /> The [[apostle Paul]] describes faith as a key virtue in [[1 Corinthians 13:13]]<br /> : ''{{web_verse|1 Corinthians|13|13}}''<br /> <br /> In the christian philosophical tradition, derived from [[Thomas Aquinas]], faith is one of the three so called &quot;theological virtues&quot;.&lt;ref&gt;For an introduction to the theological virtues cf. Josef Pieper: Faith, Hope, Love, Ignatius Press 1997, ISBN 0898706238&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> {{stub}}<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> &lt;references /&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Links==<br /> * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith Wikipedia - Faith]<br /> <br /> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -&gt; [[Essence of Christianity]] -&gt; [[Living as a Christian]]</div> Benedikt