I have two quotes about the Christian church from very disparate sources and I am trying to ascertain if either of the sources in question actually ever said or wrote what is attributed to them.
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posted by DWRoelands
on Apr 30, 2013 -
10 answers
I have heard a rumor that some people believe that Jesus traveled to India and learned Buddhist ideas. The theory is that perhaps this occurred during Jesus' early adulthood, before he started preaching during his 30s. But I am a bit skeptical. Do you know where this idea comes from? Do you think it is probable? Are there books or movies that I should watch about this theory? Any insight would be most appreciated.
posted by mortaddams
on Apr 28, 2013 -
25 answers
I was born in a very, very devout Christian family. Went to Christian schools and church. For a long time my faith was the most important thing to me and then as I started getting older (18) I began to doubt. This doubt only increased to the point that by the time I was 25 or 26 (I'm 33 now) I became"atheist". Now, I see that faith played a very important role in emotionally stabilizing me and giving me hope and I want something like that back. My question is why did I lose my faith (when all my family still holds it dear)? And how do I find something equally as helpful in my life?
Thank you so much!
posted by learninguntilidie
on Apr 22, 2013 -
52 answers
I was awakened at 6:30 am by around hundred people - some in robes carrying large banners - and a band with loud drums, all proceeding down my street and singing something in a foreign language. What was it all about?
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posted by theraflu
on Mar 31, 2013 -
9 answers
Hi.
I was wondering if anyone here could help to recommend resources for a complete beginner to better understand the history of Christianity, etc so I may have a deeper, more contextualised understanding of british history and politics. Some stuff I'd like to know better are:
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posted by ethelwulf
on Jan 17, 2013 -
8 answers
My wife (27) and I (30) are moving our small family (+2 year old son, -anything that won't fit in 6 suitcases) across the country to Portland, Oregon. In large part we're leaving all of our (supportive, loving) local family and friends looking for adventure and to consciously decide the sort of people we will be (Along with a serious upgrade of location from suburban Central Florida). Have others done a similar reset with themselves or their entire family? Any recommendations on how to be loving and charitable to family and friends while you are leaving and enjoying the next phase? Or pointers on how to meet and embrace a new set of friends and "family"?
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posted by stickwithjosh
on Jan 15, 2013 -
18 answers
What one book should an atheist recommend to a fundamentalist that will open their mind to atheism but is not focused on the debate about whether god exists?
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posted by underwater
on Dec 10, 2012 -
36 answers
I want to go to church. ALL the churches. Teach me the standard procedures for church attendance? Expanded overthinking inside.
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posted by Papagayo
on Dec 8, 2012 -
13 answers
[Dewey Decimal Filter] Looking for information about the Dewey Decimal System and its history of revisions. In particular: When and why did Mormonism get moved from Dewey Decimal classification 290 (non-Christian religions) to 289 (other Christian denominations)?
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posted by exphysicist345
on Sep 11, 2012 -
13 answers
Can “modern” people
actively believe in God? How do they integrate their believes with their “conservative” religion? How do they practice their believes?
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posted by arhammer
on Sep 10, 2012 -
54 answers
I am utterly enthralled with validation and praise, to an unhealthy extent. I want to change this.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 28, 2012 -
25 answers
Looking for recommendations for books on Christian apologetics that take seriously the reality of evolution rather than denying it in favor of the argument from design.
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posted by huxham
on Apr 3, 2012 -
12 answers
My somewhat newly religious friend told me that because of his spiritual beliefs he now believes that homosexuality is wrong because God planned men and women to procreate, and gay relationships don't follow that plan. He also said he is pro gay marriage because he views that as more of a political or practical issue and doesn't think that religion should be used as a justification for laws that also govern the non-religious. How should I take this?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 18, 2012 -
47 answers
Reading about the Great Awakening (first or second) and history of American religion?
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posted by j1950
on Feb 3, 2012 -
11 answers
Conversations with my Father-in-law have lead him to lose his faith in God. My mother-in-law is not coping well with this and blames me. What do I do?
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posted by holdkris99
on Jan 5, 2012 -
26 answers
I need some advice about my relationship with my mom. I'm moving back close to home soon and I was wondering if you guys had any advice on how to deal with an illogical religious person. Or more specifically, how do I reason with her to foster a better relationship?
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posted by graphitix
on Dec 31, 2011 -
21 answers
I'm doing some shallow research on Christianity, its development and its place in popular life throughout time. Please help me find outstanding books on this subject!
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posted by the liquid oxygen
on Dec 29, 2011 -
19 answers
Philanthropy: Is anyone aware of a non-profit organization that specifically focuses on U.S evangelical or fundamentalist-christian education or extremist Islam education (even better, grade school focused) its mission recognizing that the Christianity or Islam, in its perverted form(s), e.g., creationism, intolerance, senseless violence etc, is logically, from an educated standpoint, harmful to society. E.g., A reputable NP organization in whatever form committed to advocate against fundamentalist schools that teach silliness and harm children, likely an idea tank or direct advocacy program.
posted by gagglezoomer
on Dec 17, 2011 -
6 answers
I want to move in with my partner and move on with my life, but I'm stuck in needing approval from parents with beliefs I can't agree with. How can I handle this in a kind but firm manner?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 16, 2011 -
28 answers
How do you write about religion historically? I'm writing my history honors thesis on evangelical Christians, but all of my drafts sound theological and not historical. When I try to fix the problem, I end up just reciting facts.
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posted by kingfishers catch fire
on Oct 8, 2011 -
15 answers
I'm having a difficult time trying to mentally process an ex's recent wedding because I'm hung up on the sex/religion aspect of it all. I need advice on how to stop thinking about him.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 21, 2011 -
33 answers
I'm looking for reputable (i.e. with citations/bibilographies) histories or studies about the evolution of sexuality within the Judeo-Christian religions.
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posted by Doleful Creature
on Aug 18, 2011 -
12 answers
My parents are conservative Christians and I were brought up with Christian values. As I grew older, I began to question my faith and after years of searching, I finally discovered that Christianity; like other religions are based on ideas and concepts that are mostly outdated.
I am an atheist now and I am happy with that. But the thing is... I have an animosity towards Christianity; I feel that years of my life wasted in believing lies... years that I can not ever claim back. And worse... some of the values taught to me seem to stick like chewed up gum sticking on shoe. I don't know how to get rid of these Christian values I want out.
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posted by bbxx
on Jul 31, 2011 -
37 answers
For the sake of this question, assume everything in the Bible is true/real. Do you have to be a practicing Christian to cast out demons in the name of Jesus Christ?
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posted by IndigoRain
on Jul 21, 2011 -
22 answers
Just moved to Houston; my girlfriend is looking for a Catholic church with liberal leanings - is that even possible?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 16, 2011 -
8 answers
Halp. My sister is trying to save my soul. She is talking about some pretty heavy religious events that have happened to her recently. These include visions & "supernatural powers," and she believes they are direct signs from God that I am in danger of the Devil and that I need saving. I have a few questions...
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 14, 2011 -
36 answers
ScriptureFilter: I recall there being a passage in one of the gospels which states quite clearly and unambiguously that building and attending physical churches was not the proper way to worship. I believe it also said something about the only true church being the one we build in our hearts. I have been looking for this passage for the past few days and have been unable to find it. Did I imagine it?
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posted by 256
on Jun 9, 2011 -
22 answers
Is there a reference document or scholarship somewhere that describes the fate of "nonbelievers" in various religions?
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posted by AgentRocket
on May 19, 2011 -
7 answers
What can you tell me about what life was like for early Christians in the first century AD in Jerusalem, specifically 33 AD to 70 AD?
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posted by np312
on May 6, 2011 -
9 answers
Is there a book (or books) that explains Christianity that's suitable for an atheist 10 year old?
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posted by vespabelle
on Apr 26, 2011 -
26 answers
I am not Christian, and often feel seriously awkward and uncomfortable talking to faithful people on/around/about Christian holidays. How can I avoid or lessen this feeling?
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posted by Heretical
on Apr 24, 2011 -
53 answers
Why was Jesus of Nazarath (also called Jesus Christ) killed? What was going on in Roman occupied Jerusalem that lead up to his death?
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posted by garlic
on Apr 24, 2011 -
13 answers
What's the deal with shows like Animal Planet's "The Haunting?" Is this just a front for evangelicalism or charismatic christianity?
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posted by nevercalm
on Apr 22, 2011 -
11 answers
Giftfilter: looking for thoughtful, challenging, and not-standard-evangelical Christian books, fiction or nonfiction for my former pastor father.
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posted by kittenmarlowe
on Mar 30, 2011 -
26 answers
Looking for good dispassionate history of the Christian church. I love to read history, and would like to go on a tangent.
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posted by Devils Rancher
on Mar 4, 2011 -
25 answers
Henri Nouwen's "Being the Beloved" speech on YouTube - available in written form? Also, question re: "putting brokenness under the blessing"
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posted by ticketmaster10
on Mar 2, 2011 -
2 answers
The Human Soul vs. General Anesthesia: I'm looking for reading material on how general anesthesia is viewed by people who hold spiritual beliefs that include the existence of an immortal soul/spirit/energy that is independent of ones physical body.
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posted by the jam
on Feb 10, 2011 -
14 answers
As a converted atheist raised in a converted neo-calvinist family. I am regularly flooded with books, newsletters, and other reading material (read emails that are 90% quotes) supporting christianity.
I'd like to return the favor (:
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posted by vaguelyweird
on Jan 16, 2011 -
26 answers
Help me find this exact quote about Christian poverty. Probably a saint, ca. fall of Rome.
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posted by hishtafel
on Dec 20, 2010 -
2 answers
Book recommendation: Emotion and the Christian religious experience.
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posted by aetg
on Nov 17, 2010 -
14 answers
Hey guys. Now I'm not a religious person by any means (I feel that has bearing on the nature of the question). I've been reading Joyce though, and his characters often have trouble with certain aspects of Irish Catholicism. It got me thinking: in the Judeo-Christian construct of heaven and hell, God and Satan, we are informed that heaven is the location of all bliss and hell of all evil. Or something like that. What I'm wondering is, from that perspective, does Satan get any fun out of being in hell? I mean, plenty of things deemed "evil" are also pleasurable, at least to the primary individual. Does he have fun down there? Or is it just pure, no-playing-around-and-god-dammit-stop-smiling evil?
posted by quickasfoxes
on Oct 7, 2010 -
24 answers
