Difference between revisions of "Points of Contention with the Christian Lifestyle"

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== What do riches say about a man? ==
 
== What do riches say about a man? ==
 
*'''They are righteous'''. Riches are a sign of righteousness, because the righteous are not forsaken, and have no need to beg (PSA 37:25). As such, “in the house of the righteous is much treasure” (PRO 15:6).
 
*'''They are righteous'''. Riches are a sign of righteousness, because the righteous are not forsaken, and have no need to beg (PSA 37:25). As such, “in the house of the righteous is much treasure” (PRO 15:6).
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== Can the rich receive God's reward? ==
 
== Can the rich receive God's reward? ==
*Yes. After his enduring his curses, God granted the previously-wealthy Job twice what he had before (JOB 42:10).  Jesus accepted the wealthy Joseph of Arimathaea as one of his disciples (MAT 27:57).
+
*'''Yes.''' There is a precedent for this:
*No. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (MAT 19:24). It is the poor who are the blessed inheritors of God’s kingdom (LUK 6:20), while the rich will “weep and howl” at their own misery (JAM 5:1-3).
+
**After his enduring his curses, God granted the previously-wealthy Job twice what he had before (JOB 42:10).   
+
**Jesus accepted the wealthy Joseph of Arimathaea as one of his disciples (MAT 27:57).
 +
*'''No.''' “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (MAT 19:24). It is the poor who are the blessed inheritors of God’s kingdom (LUK 6:20), while the rich will “weep and howl” at their own misery (JAM 5:1-3).
 +
 
 
== Is poverty a blessing? ==
 
== Is poverty a blessing? ==
 
*'''No.''' Poverty just destroys the poor (PRO 10:15). God will use riches to reward the faithful (PSA 112:1, 3; PRO 15:6) until gold seems as abundant as dirt (JOB 22:23-24). Whatever you sacrifice to serve Jesus and his gospel, will be paid back a hundredfold, on Earth, in your lifetime (MAR 10:30).
 
*'''No.''' Poverty just destroys the poor (PRO 10:15). God will use riches to reward the faithful (PSA 112:1, 3; PRO 15:6) until gold seems as abundant as dirt (JOB 22:23-24). Whatever you sacrifice to serve Jesus and his gospel, will be paid back a hundredfold, on Earth, in your lifetime (MAR 10:30).
*'''Yes.''' The poor are blessed (LUK 6:20) and chosen by God (JAM 2:5), and are promised happiness after death, whereas the rich are merely happy now (LUK 6:24). Material treasure is inferior to spiritual treasure, which cannot rust, decay, or be stolen ( MAT 6:19, 21).
+
*'''Yes.''' The poor are blessed (LUK 6:20) and chosen by God (JAM 2:5), and are promised happiness after death, whereas the rich are merely happy now (LUK 6:24). Additionally, spiritual treasure is superior to material treasure from a practical standpoint, as it cannot rust, decay, or be stolen (MAT 6:19, 21).
*'''Indirectly yes.''' Since it is extremely difficult for the rich to enter heaven (MAR 10:24-25), they are fated to miserable (JAM 5:1-3).  
+
*'''Indirectly yes.''' Since it is extremely difficult for rich people to enter Heaven (MAR 10:24-25), they are fated to miserable (JAM 5:1-3).  
 
*'''Irrelevant.''' God does not drastically alter the socioeconomic statuses of his believers. Instead, he brings them contentment (PRO 30:8-9).
 
*'''Irrelevant.''' God does not drastically alter the socioeconomic statuses of his believers. Instead, he brings them contentment (PRO 30:8-9).
  
 
== Is money evil? ==
 
== Is money evil? ==
*Yes, “for the love of money is the root of all evil” (1TIM 6:10).
+
*'''Yes,''' “for the love of money is the root of all evil” (1TIM 6:10).
*No. Money will solve all of your problems (ECC 10:19).
+
*'''No.''' Money will solve all of your problems (ECC 10:19).
 
   
 
   
 
== Should men leave inheritances for their children? ==
 
== Should men leave inheritances for their children? ==
*Yes, because “a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children” (PRO 13:22).
+
*'''Yes,''' because “a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children” (PRO 13:22).
*No. One should “Sell that ye have, and give alms...” (LUK 12:33).
+
*'''No.''' One should “Sell that ye have, and give alms...” (LUK 12:33).
  
 
==Should you trust other people?==
 
==Should you trust other people?==
*Yes. You should “believeth all things” (1COR 13:7), because “charity never faileth” (1COR 13:8).
+
*'''Yes.''' You should “believeth all things” (1COR 13:7), because “charity never faileth” (1COR 13:8).
*No. You can’t trust anyone you know -- not even your friends or spouse (MIC 7:5), because they are all deceivers and slanderers (JER 9:4).
+
*'''No.''' You can’t trust anyone you know -- not even your friends or spouse (MIC 7:5), because they are all deceivers and slanderers (JER 9:4).
 
   
 
   
 
== Should Christians believe everything? ==
 
== Should Christians believe everything? ==
*Yes. “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1COR 13:7).
+
*'''Yes.''' “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1COR 13:7).
*No. You should seek evidence for all claims and only stick with you have proven to be true (1THE 5:21), because only “the simple believeth every word” (PRO 14:15).
+
*'''No.''' You should seek evidence for all claims, and only stick with you have proven to be true (1THE 5:21), because only “the simple believeth every word” (PRO 14:15).
 
   
 
   
 
== Is wisdom good? ==
 
== Is wisdom good? ==
*Yes, because “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (PRO 4:7). When Jesus gained wisdom, it granted him favor with both God and man (LUK 2:52).
+
*'''Yes,''' because “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (PRO 4:7). When Jesus gained wisdom, it granted him favor with both God and man (LUK 2:52).
*No. God will “destroy the wisdom of the wise” (1COR 1:19-20). Those who are wise in worldly things are seemingly fools before God, because an all-knowing God, by definition, knows the thoughts of the wise. Therefore, wisdom is useless since it offers no real advantage against God’s wrath (1COR 3:19-20).
+
*'''No.''' God will “destroy the wisdom of the wise” (1COR 1:19-20). Those who are wise in worldly things are seemingly fools before God, because by definition, an all-knowing God would know the thoughts of the wise. Therefore, wisdom is useless, since it offers no real advantage against God’s wrath (1COR 3:19-20).
 
+
 
 
== Can wisdom make people happy? ==
 
== Can wisdom make people happy? ==
*Yes. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (PRO 3:13).
+
*'''Yes.''' “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding" (PRO 3:13).
*No. “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” (ECC 1:18).
+
*'''No.''' “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow” (ECC 1:18).
 
    
 
    
 
== Does the Bible endorse self-praise? ==
 
== Does the Bible endorse self-praise? ==
*'''Yes.''' Moses, as author of the Pentateuch, exalts himself as being “very great” (EXO 11:3), and that he is meek to such a great degree that it alone made him “above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (NUM 12:3).
+
*'''Yes.''' Moses, as author of the Pentateuch, exalted himself as being “very great” (EXO 11:3), and meek to such a great degree that it alone made him “above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (NUM 12:3).
 
*'''No.''' Seeking honors is “not good” (PRO 25:27).
 
*'''No.''' Seeking honors is “not good” (PRO 25:27).
  
 
== Is it good to be happy? ==
 
== Is it good to be happy? ==
*Yes. Mirth is commendable (ECC 8:15), because “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (PRO 17:22).
+
*'''Yes.''' Mirth is commendable (ECC 8:15), because “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (PRO 17:22).
*No. “Sorrow is better than laughter” because it is good for the heart; the wise mourn, and fools laugh. (ECC 7:3-4). Seeking happiness is a waste of time, since you will eventually be sad again later (LUK 6:25).
+
*'''No.''' “Sorrow is better than laughter” because it is good for the heart; the wise mourn, and fools laugh. (ECC 7:3-4). Seeking happiness is a waste of time, since you'll eventually become sad again later (LUK 6:25).
 
+
 
 
== Should Christians mourn? ==
 
== Should Christians mourn? ==
*Yes. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (MAT 5:4).
+
*'''Yes.''' “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (MAT 5:4).
*No. Christians are expected to rejoice at all times (PHILI 4:4).
+
*'''No.''' Christians are expected to rejoice at all times (PHILI 4:4).
 
    
 
    
 
== Is having a good name a blessing? ==
 
== Is having a good name a blessing? ==
*'''Yes.''' A good name is preferable to great riches (PRO 22:1) and precious ointments (ECC 7:1)
+
*'''Yes.''' A good name is preferable to great riches (PRO 22:1) and precious ointments (ECC 7:1).
*'''No.''' “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!” (LUK 6:26)
+
*'''No.''' “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!” (LUK 6:26).
  
 
== Is it good to be childish? ==
 
== Is it good to be childish? ==
*Yes. Unless you change and become childish, you can never enter Heaven (MAT 18:3).
+
*'''Yes.''' Unless you change and become childish, you can never enter Heaven (MAT 18:3).
*No. You should “put away childish things” (1COR 13:11), and not be childlike (EPH 4:14), so that you can think like grown people (1COR 14:20).
+
*'''No.''' You should “put away childish things” (1COR 13:11), and not be childlike (EPH 4:14), so that you can think like a grown person (1COR 14:20).
+
 
 
== Can foolishness be corrected? ==
 
== Can foolishness be corrected? ==
 
*'''Yes.''' Foolishness can be corrected with stern discipline (PRO 22:15).
 
*'''Yes.''' Foolishness can be corrected with stern discipline (PRO 22:15).
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== Is it good to be foolish? ==
 
== Is it good to be foolish? ==
*'''Yes.''' God is pleased by foolish actions, like preaching to the converted (1COR 1:21), as it is a prophylaxis against pride (1COR 4:10).
+
*'''Yes.''' God is pleased by foolish actions, like preaching to the converted (1COR 1:21), since they are a prophylaxis against pride (1COR 4:10).
 
*'''Indirectly yes.''' Learning from foolish mistakes is necessary to become wise (1COR 3:18-19).
 
*'''Indirectly yes.''' Learning from foolish mistakes is necessary to become wise (1COR 3:18-19).
*'''No.''' God hates fools, and can't stand the sight of them (PSA 5:5). However, that statement does not apply to wise people who act like fools (EPH 5:15).
+
*'''No.''' God hates fools, and can't stand the sight of them (PSA 5:5). However, this does not apply to wise people who act like fools (EPH 5:15).
  
 
== Are there any truly new things? ==
 
== Are there any truly new things? ==
*No, “there is no new thing under the sun” (ECC 1:9).
+
*'''No,''' “there is no new thing under the sun” (ECC 1:9).
*Yes. God will create “new heavens and a new earth” (ISA 65:17) for the righteous to live in (2PET 3:13).
+
*'''Yes,''' there will be:
*Yes. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2COR 5:17).  
+
**God will create “new heavens and a new earth” (ISA 65:17) for the righteous to live in (2PET 3:13).
 +
**“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2COR 5:17).
  
 
== Is Christianity an easy path to walk? ==
 
== Is Christianity an easy path to walk? ==
*Yes. Jesus taught that compared to hard labor, following him is like rest, because “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (MAT 11:28-30).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus taught that compared to hard labor, following him is like rest, because “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (MAT 11:28-30).
*No. Christians should expect to be persecuted (2TIM 3:12), because Jesus expects his followers to be able to endure tribulations (JOH 16:33). God will chasten and scourge all of Christ’s followers (HEB 12:6), and those who are not punished are “bastards” (HEB 12:8).
+
*'''No.''' Christians should expect to be persecuted (2TIM 3:12), because Jesus expected his followers to be able to endure tribulations (JOH 16:33). God will chasten and scourge all of Christ’s followers (HEB 12:6), and those who are not punished are “bastards” (HEB 12:8).
+
 
 
== Is temptation desirable? ==
 
== Is temptation desirable? ==
*Yes. Being tried and tested is a joyous thing. Challenges are fun. (JAM 1:2)
+
*'''Yes.''' Being tried and tested is a joyous thing; challenges are fun (JAM 1:2).
*No. Jesus taught his disciples to pray against being led into temptation (MAT 6:13), because even strong-willed people eventually cave into to desire (MAT 26:41).
+
*'''No.''' Jesus taught his disciples to pray against being led into temptation (MAT 6:13), because even strong-willed people eventually cave into to desire (MAT 26:41).
 
   
 
   
 
== Are Exorcisms in Jesus' name the sign of a true Christian? ==
 
== Are Exorcisms in Jesus' name the sign of a true Christian? ==
*Yes. Jesus rigorously defines the ability to perform exorcisms as one of the primary ways to identify Christians (MAR 16:17).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly defined the ability to perform exorcisms as one of the metrics used to identify Christians (MAR 16:17).
*No. Non-Christians can also perform exorcisms in Jesus’ name (MAR 9:38).
+
*'''No.''' Non-Christians can also perform exorcisms in Jesus’ name (MAR 9:38).
 
   
 
   
 
== Should justice be dispensed by one man? ==
 
== Should justice be dispensed by one man? ==
*No. The laws set forth in the Pentacauch clearly state that judgement is be dealt by a combination of priests, elders, and judges (DEU 17:9; 21:2).
+
*'''No.''' The laws set forth in the Pentateuch clearly state that judgments must be dealt by a combination of priests, elders, and judges (DEU 17:9; 21:2).
*Yes. Moses, the alleged author of the Pentacauch, judged his people alone without consequence (EXO 18:18).
+
*'''Yes.''' Moses, the alleged author of the Pentateuch, judged his people alone, without consequence (EXO 18:18).
 
+
 
 
== Will you reap what you sow? ==
 
== Will you reap what you sow? ==
*'''Yes,''' exactly (GAL 6:7). For example, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2COR 9:6).
+
*'''Yes,''' exactly (GAL 6:7). “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2COR 9:6).
*'''No.'''  
+
*'''No:'''
 
**“They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns” (JER 12:13).
 
**“They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns” (JER 12:13).
 
**“He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity” (PRO 22:8).
 
**“He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity” (PRO 22:8).
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== Are some people justified? ==
 
== Are some people justified? ==
*No. No living person is justified (PSA 143:1-2)
+
*'''No.''' No living person is justified (PSA 143:1-2)
*Maybe? Some people will be justified by their words, and others condemned (MAT 12:37).
+
*'''Maybe?''' Some people will be justified by their words, and others condemned (MAT 12:37).
 
    
 
    
 
== Has there ever been a just person? ==
 
== Has there ever been a just person? ==
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== What makes men just, and what becomes of just men? ==
 
== What makes men just, and what becomes of just men? ==
*A just man lives by his faith (HAB 2:4), yet he will still perish (ECC 7:15).
+
*'''Faith''' makes one just (HAB 2:4), yet '''they will still perish''' (ECC 7:15).
*A just person is one who does good works (EZE 18:5), and such a person “shall surely live” (EZE 18:9)  
+
*'''Good works''' makes one just (EZE 18:5), and '''they “shall surely live”''' (EZE 18:9).
+
 
 
== Can good works lead to your salvation? ==
 
== Can good works lead to your salvation? ==
*'''Yes.'''  
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly stated that he rewards good works (MAT 16:27).
**Jesus (JOH 5:28-29; 2COR 5:10) and God (ROM 2:5-6; 1PET 1:17) judge people based on their works, and their compliance with his laws (ROM 2:13). God distributes divine mercy in proportion to these works (PSA 62:12).
+
**Jesus (JOH 5:28-29; 2COR 5:10) and God (ROM 2:5-6; 1PET 1:17) judge people based on their works, and their compliance with God's laws (ROM 2:13). God distributes divine mercy in proportion to these works (PSA 62:12).  
**Jesus explicitly states that he rewards good works (MAT 16:27).
+
**Claims of faith are meaningless unless they are made tangible by works (JAM 2:14, 17, 22-24, 26).
**Claims of faith are meaningless unless they are meaningless unless they are made tangible by works (JAM 2:14, 17, 22-24, 26).
+
*'''No:'''  
*'''No.'''  
+
**Good works cannot lead to salvation, because they cause men to boast. Salvation comes only through faith alone (GEN 15:6; ROM 1:17, 3:28; EPH 2:8-9), because man is intrinsically incapable of greatness, and only God’s forgiveness can make one great (ROM 4:5). By definition, this grace is not work (ROM 11:5-6). Non-believers are damned, regardless of their baptisms (MAR 16:16) or what the law says (GAL 2:16, 3:11), because knowing the law also requires knowing and understanding the concept of sin (ROM 3:20). This is why even the righteous have a hard time finding salvation (1PET 4:18).
**Good works cannot lead to salvation, because they cause men to boast. Salvation comes only through faith alone (GEN 15:6; ROM 1:17, 3:28; EPH 2:8-9), because man is intrinsically incapable of greatness, and only God’s forgiveness can make one great (ROM 4:5). This grace is, by definition, not work (ROM 11:5-6). Non-believer are damned, regardless of baptisms (MAR 16:16) or what the law says (GAL 2:16, 3:11), because knowing the law requires one to know and understand the concept of sin (ROM 3:20). This is why even the righteous have a hard time finding salvation (1PET 4:18).
+
**Only the “born again” are saved (JOH 3:3). Those who do not believe in Jesus are automatically damned to hell. (JOH 3:18, 36).  
**Only the “born again” are saved (JOH 3:3). Those who do not believe in Jesus are automatically damned to hell. (JOH3:18, 36).
+
*'''Not really.''' Jesus judged men based on what they said they would do (MAT 12:37).
**The works of man are irrelevant, since salvation is arbitrarily granted at Jesus’ discretion. (EPH 1:3-5).
+
*'''Irrelevant:'''  
*'''Not really.''' Jesus judges men based on what they say they'll do (MAT 12:37).
+
**God predetermined your salvation before you were ever born, so neither faith nor works can alter the outcome (ROM 8:29).
*'''Irrelevant.''' God predetermined your salvation before you were ever born. Neither faith nor works can alter the outcome (ROM 8:29).
+
**The works of man are irrelevant, since salvation is granted arbitrarily at Jesus’ discretion. (EPH 1:3-5).
*'''Maybe?'''  
+
*'''Maybe?:'''  
 
**You only need to love God and your neighbor to be saved (LUK 10:26-28).
 
**You only need to love God and your neighbor to be saved (LUK 10:26-28).
 
**You can always buy your way out of sins via alms giving (TOB 12:9). ''Please note that this is an Apocryphal claim.''
 
**You can always buy your way out of sins via alms giving (TOB 12:9). ''Please note that this is an Apocryphal claim.''
*'''Hedge your bets.''' Abraham was saved both by faith (ROM 4:2) ''and'' works (JAM 2:21).
+
*'''Hedge your bets.''' Abraham was saved both by his faith (ROM 4:2) ''and'' works (JAM 2:21).
  
 
== Is faith a form of work? ==
 
== Is faith a form of work? ==
*Yes. Having faith is just “the work of faith” (1THE 1:3; 2THE 1:11), since faith is “the work of God” (JOH 6:29) because it works by love (GAL 5:6).
+
*'''Yes.''' Having faith is just “the work of faith” (1THE 1:3; 2THE 1:11), since faith is “the work of God” (JOH 6:29) because it works by love (GAL 5:6).
*No. If mankind was saved, then faith cannot be work, because people were saved by their faith in Jesus alone (JOH 3:36), and not by any of their works (GAL 2:16). It has to be this way, since allowing salvation through works just leads to pride and arrogance (EPH 2:8-9).  
+
*'''No, by necessity.''' If mankind was saved, then faith cannot be work, because people were saved by their faith in Jesus alone (JOH 3:36), and not by any of their works (GAL 2:16). It has to be this way, since allowing salvation through works just leads to pride and arrogance (EPH 2:8-9).  
*No. If you have to work for God’s grace, then it wouldn’t be grace, per se (ROM, 11:5-6).
+
*'''No, by definition.''' If you have to work for God’s grace, then it wouldn’t be grace, ''per se'' (ROM, 11:5-6).
+
 
 
== Who is responsible for salvation? ==
 
== Who is responsible for salvation? ==
*Salvation is God’s work (PSA 74:12).
+
*'''God is.''' Salvation is God’s work (PSA 74:12).
*Each person is ultimately responsible for their own salvation (PHILI 2:12).
+
*'''You are.''' Each person is ultimately responsible for their own salvation (PHILI 2:12).
 
==  Can salvation be granted without effort? ==
 
*Yes. Salvation requires effort, just like winning a medal for running a race (1COR 9:24).
 
*No. Salvation is purely due to God’s mercy and it is independent of a person’s will or actions. (ROM 9:16).
 
 
   
 
   
 +
== Can salvation be granted without effort? ==
 +
*'''No.''' Earning salvation requires effort, like winning a medal for running a race (1COR 9:24).
 +
*'''Yes.''' Salvation is purely due to God’s mercy, which is independent of a person’s will or actions (ROM 9:16).
 +
 
== What is repentance? ==
 
== What is repentance? ==
*Repentance is an action that men must perform (ACT 17:30) or they will perish (MAR 1:15; LUK 13:5)
+
*Repentance is an '''action that men must perform''' (ACT 17:30) or they will perish (MAR 1:15; LUK 13:5).
*Repentance is one of God’s gifts. (ACT 5:31, ACT 11:18, 2TIM 2:25)
+
*Repentance is '''one of God’s gifts''' (ACT 5:31, ACT 11:18, 2TIM 2:25).
+
 
 
== Do people have limits? ==
 
== Do people have limits? ==
*No. With faith all things are possible (MAT 17:20, MAR 9:23).
+
*'''No.''' With faith all things are possible (MAT 17:20, MAR 9:23).
*Yes. Somethings are impossible for men, but are possible for God (MAT 19:26).
+
*'''Yes.''' Somethings are impossible for men, but are possible for God (MAT 19:26).
 
    
 
    
 
== Can people fall from grace? ==
 
== Can people fall from grace? ==
*Yes (HEB 10:39). God will kill those who make even a single mistake, regardless of their good deeds (EZE 18:24-26). Those who have fallen from grace cannot regain it through repentance (HEB 6:4-6).  
+
*'''Yes''' (HEB 10:39):
*Yes. Defying Jesus results in consequences far worse than defying the Old Testament God, because Jesus damns people to hell forever, whereas God merely killed (HEB 10:26-29). All those who have learned God’s laws are required to follow them to the letter; this is why the Bible admits that everyone would be better off never learning them (2PET 2:21-22).
+
**God will kill those who make even a single mistake, regardless of their good deeds (EZE 18:24-26). Those who have fallen from grace cannot regain it through repentance (HEB 6:4-6).  
*Yes. Jesus willingly let Judas fall from grace in order to fulfill the scriptures (JOH 17:12).
+
**Defying Jesus results in consequences far worse than defying the Old Testament God, because Jesus damns people to Hell forever, whereas God merely killed (HEB 10:26-29). All who have learned God’s laws are required to follow them to the letter; which is why the Bible explicitly admits that everyone would be better off to never learn them (2PET 2:21-22).
*No. Jesus explicitly stated that it is impossible to fall from grace (JOH 10:28) since there is no mechanism that separates people from God’s love (ROM 8:38-39).
+
**Jesus willingly let Judas fall from grace in order to fulfill the scriptures (JOH 17:12).
 +
*'''No.''' Jesus explicitly stated that it is impossible to fall from grace (JOH 10:28), since there is no mechanism that separates people from God’s love (ROM 8:38-39).
  
 
== Is prayer reliable? ==
 
== Is prayer reliable? ==
*''Yes.'' Whatever you ask for in prayer, you will receive, provided that you believe (MAT 21:22), because Jesus will do anything that is asked in his name (JOH 14:14).
+
*'''Yes.''' Whatever you ask for in prayer, you will receive, provided that you believe (MAT 21:22), because Jesus will do anything that is asked in his name (JOH 14:14).
 
*'''No.''' The Bible explicitly demonstrates that prayer can and will fail:
 
*'''No.''' The Bible explicitly demonstrates that prayer can and will fail:
 
**Prayers cannot pass through clouds (LAM 3:44).
 
**Prayers cannot pass through clouds (LAM 3:44).
**Jesus prayed for God to stop Simon Peter’s betrayal, yet it still happened (MAT 26:69-70; LUK 22:31-34). As a result, Jesus considered his friend to be Satanic (MAT 16:23).
+
**Jesus prayed for God to stop Simon Peter’s betrayal, yet it still happened (MAT 26:69-70; LUK 22:31-34). As a result, Jesus considered his best friend to be Satanic (MAT 16:23).
 
**Jesus claimed that anyone with faith could replicate his water-walking feat, but no one other than Peter has done so (MAT 14:25-31).
 
**Jesus claimed that anyone with faith could replicate his water-walking feat, but no one other than Peter has done so (MAT 14:25-31).
  
 
== Are repetitious prayers effective? ==
 
== Are repetitious prayers effective? ==
 
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly stated that those who “cry day and night” with repeated prayers will win God’s attention and “he will avenge them speedily” (LUK 18:7-8).
 
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly stated that those who “cry day and night” with repeated prayers will win God’s attention and “he will avenge them speedily” (LUK 18:7-8).
*'''No.'''
+
*'''No:'''
**Jesus explicitly stated that you should not repeatedly pray for things, as it is a waste of time. An all-knowing God would already be aware of your needs and desires (MAT 6:7 -8).
+
**Jesus explicitly taught that repeated prayers are a waste of time, since an all-knowing God would already be aware of your needs and desires (MAT 6:7-8).
 
**God intentionally ignores the prayers of those who pray too often (ISA 1:15).
 
**God intentionally ignores the prayers of those who pray too often (ISA 1:15).
  
 
== Do Christians know how to pray? ==
 
== Do Christians know how to pray? ==
*Yes. Jesus taught his followers the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father specifically to address this issue (MAT 6:9-13).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus taught his followers the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father to specifically address this issue (MAT 6:9-13).
*No. People do not know what they ought to be praying for, and the Holy Spirit has to infer what our needs are based on what makes us groan (ROM 8:26).
+
*'''No.''' People don't know what to really pray for, so the Holy Spirit has to infer our needs based on what makes us groan (ROM 8:26).
  
 
==Is it profitable to study scripture?==
 
==Is it profitable to study scripture?==
*'''Yes.''' Since all scripture is divinely inspired, all scriptural studies are profitable since they teach righteousness (2TIM 3:16).
+
*'''Yes.''' Since all scripture is divinely inspired, all scriptural studies are profitable, since they teach righteousness (2TIM 3:16).
 
*'''No.''' The older scriptures are useless (HEB 7:1).
 
*'''No.''' The older scriptures are useless (HEB 7:1).
  
 
== Does the Bible teach forgiveness? ==
 
== Does the Bible teach forgiveness? ==
*Yes. The central point of Jesus’ teachings was that if people forgive others, then God will forgive them (MAT 6:14-15; EPH 4:32; COL 3:13). Enemies should be loved (LUK 6:27) because belligerence should be countered with passive-aggression (MAT 5:38-39) because turnabout is not fair play (ROM 12:17-19).
+
*'''Yes.''' The main point of Jesus’ teachings was that God will forgive those who forgive others (MAT 6:14-15; EPH 4:32; COL 3:13). Enemies should be loved (LUK 6:27), and belligerence should be countered with passive-aggression (MAT 5:38-39), because turnabout is not fair play (ROM 12:17-19).
*No. Those who harm another should also be harmed (GEN 9:6), in the same manner, and to the same degree (EXO 21:12, 23-25; LEV 24:20; DEU 19:21).
+
*'''No.''' Those who harm others should also be harmed (GEN 9:6), in the same manner, and to the same degree (EXO 21:12, 23-25; LEV 24:20; DEU 19:21).
+
 
 
== Has there ever been a truly righteous person? ==
 
== Has there ever been a truly righteous person? ==
*'''Yes.''' The Bible discusses how God treats righteous people (ECC 9:1; MAT 25:46; JAM 5:16), which implies their existence.  
+
*'''Yes.''' The Bible discusses how God treats righteous people (ECC 9:1; MAT 25:46; JAM 5:16), which implies their existence. In addition, The Bible explicitly stated that the following people were righteous and/or perfect:   
**The following people were explicitly stated to have been righteous and/or perfect:   
+
**Noah (GEN 7:1).
***Noah (GEN 7:1)
+
**David (2SAM 22:25).
***David (2SAM 22:25)
+
**Daniel (EZE 14:14).
***Daniel (EZE 14:14)
+
**Job (JOB 2:3).
***Job (JOB 2:3)
+
**Abel (MAT 23:35).
***Abel (MAT 23:35)
+
**Zacharias and Elizabeth (LUK 1:6).
***Zacharias and Elizabeth (LUK 1:6)
+
**Lot (2PET 2:7-8).
***Lot (2PET 2:7-8).
+
*'''No''' (ISA 41:26, 64:6). “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (ROM 3:10).
*'''No.''' “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (ROM 3:10) [SEE ALSO: JOB 15:14; ISA 41:26, 64:6]
 
  
 
== What makes a man righteous? ==
 
== What makes a man righteous? ==
Line 193: Line 195:
  
 
== What becomes of the righteous? ==
 
== What becomes of the righteous? ==
*They will prosper and “not wither” (PSA 1:3), because those who seek after God “shall not want any good thing” (PSA 34:10). God will reward the righteous, even if he intentionally set out to harm them (JOB 42:12). Case and point, Joseph was a righteous person who became prosperous despite being sold into slavery by his own family (GEN 39:2). As such, they will survive the great tribulation (REV 7:14).
+
*'''They will prosper and “not wither”''' (PSA 1:3), because those who seek after God “shall not want any good thing” (PSA 34:10). God will reward the righteous, even if he intentionally set out to harm them (JOB 42:12). Case and point, Joseph was a righteous person who became prosperous despite being sold into slavery by his own family (GEN 39:2). As such, the righteous will survive the great tribulation (REV 7:14).
*They will fail. Bad things will happen to good people, and good things will happen to bad people (ECC 8:14) because all who wish to be Christians will be hated by everyone (LUK 21:17). The righteous will meet foul ends, such as stoning, being “sawn asunder,” temptation, sword wounds, destitution, affliction, and torment (HEB 11:37).
+
*'''They will fail.''' Bad things will happen to good people, and good things will happen to bad people (ECC 8:14) because all who wish to be Christians will be hated by everyone (LUK 21:17). The righteous will meet foul ends, such as stoning, being “sawn asunder,” temptation, sword wounds, destitution, affliction, and torment (HEB 11:37).
 
   
 
   
 
== Can beggars also be righteous people? ==
 
== Can beggars also be righteous people? ==
Line 201: Line 203:
  
 
== Is man capable of goodness? ==
 
== Is man capable of goodness? ==
*No. There is literally no one in the world who is capable of good (ROM 3:12) because only God is capable of goodness (MAR 10:18). God sees even the most virtuous person as “a filthy rag” (ISA 64:6).
+
*'''No.''' There is literally no one in the world that is capable of good (ROM 3:12) because only God is capable of goodness (MAR 10:18). God sees even the most virtuous person as “a filthy rag” (ISA 64:6).
*Yes, there exist some mortal humans who are capable of good (MAT 5:45; 2COR 5:10), such as Noah (GEN 7:1), Zacharias, and Elizabeth (LUK 1:5-7).
+
*'''Yes,''' some mortal humans were capable of good (MAT 5:45; 2COR 5:10), such as Noah (GEN 7:1), Zacharias, and Elizabeth (LUK 1:5-7).
*Yes and no. Humanity is mixed bag of righteous and wicked people (MAT 13:47-48; 22:10; JOH 5:29).
+
*'''Yes and no.''' Humanity is mixed bag of righteous and wicked people (MAT 13:47-48; 22:10; JOH 5:29).
 
+
 
 
== Should others see your good works? ==
 
== Should others see your good works? ==
*Yes. By allowing others to see your good works, you will, by proxy, show others the goodness of God (MAT 5:16; 1PET 2:12).
+
*'''Yes.''' By allowing others to see your good works, you will show others the goodness of God, by proxy (MAT 5:16; 1PET 2:12).
*No. Good works must be performed in secret, or at least anonymously, so their performers avoid becoming attention-seekers and hypocrites. People’s actions can lead to earthy rewards or heavenly rewards, but not both (MAT 6:1-4). Good works done to exalt oneself will ultimately debase oneself (MAT 23:5, 12).
+
*'''No.''' Good works must be performed in secret, or at least anonymously, so their performers avoid becoming attention-seekers and hypocrites. People’s actions can lead to earthy rewards or heavenly rewards, but not both (MAT 6:1-4). Good works done to exalt oneself will ultimately debase oneself (MAT 23:5, 12).
+
 
== What becomes of the wicked? ==
+
== What will God do to the wicked? ==
*They will prosper (JER 12:1), become mighty, and live to an old age (JOB 21:7). The more a man sins, the longer he will live (ECC 8:12). Robbers will become wealthy, and those who provoke God will become secure (JOB 12:6). They will have “more than their heart can wish” (PSA 73:7) large families to receive their large inheritances (PSA 17:14).
+
*'''They will prosper''' (JER 12:1), '''become mighty, and live to an old age''' (JOB 21:7). The more a man sins, the longer he will live (ECC 8:12). Robbers will become wealthy, and those who provoke God will become secure (JOB 12:6). They will have “more than their heart can wish” (PSA 73:7) and their large families will inherit this wealth (PSA 17:14).
*God will not grant wicked people long lives (ECC 8:13); if anything, he will shorten their lives (PRO 10:27), so that they will die early (ECC 7:17). Upon death, their souls will be destroyed (JOB 18:5).
+
*'''God will not grant wicked people long lives''' (ECC 8:13); if anything, he will shorten their lives (PRO 10:27), so that they will die early (ECC 7:17). Their souls will be destroyed upon death (JOB 18:5).
*Nothing. Wicked people need no punishment, as they will eventually fall victim to the schemes (2TIM 3:13) and evil (PSA 34:21; PRO 13:21) of other wicked people.
+
*'''Nothing.''' Wicked people need no divine punishments, because they will eventually fall victim to the schemes (2TIM 3:13) and evil (PSA 34:21; PRO 13:21) of other wicked people.
  
 
== Are people sinful from birth? ==
 
== Are people sinful from birth? ==
*Yes, since no one can “bring a clean thing out of an unclean” thing (JOB 14:4) and because sex is intrinsically impure (PSA 51:5) There is no reason to assume that people are intrinsically righteous or pure (JOB 15:14). If anything, children are wicked from the moment of birth (PSA 58:3), which is why they must be beaten into submission (PRO 22:15).
+
*'''Yes,''' because sex is intrinsically impure (PSA 51:5), and no one can “bring a clean thing out of an unclean” thing (JOB 14:4). There is no reason to assume that people are intrinsically righteous or pure (JOB 15:14). If anything, children are wicked from the moment of birth (PSA 58:3), which is why they must be beaten into submission (PRO 22:15).
*No. Young children are unable to discern between good and evil; therefore, they cannot be sinful (DEU 1:39; ISA 7:15-16; ROM 9:11). People are intrinsically capable of good, it just doesn’t seem that way because they get wrapped up in schemes (ECC 7:29).
+
*'''No.''' Young children cannot be sinful, since they are unable to discern between good and evil (DEU 1:39; ISA 7:15-16; ROM 9:11). Jesus required this childlike innocence from his followers as a condition for their salvation (MAT 18:3-4; LUK 18:16-17).
*No. Jesus requires his followers to have a childlike innocence as a condition for salvation (MAT 18:3-4; LUK 18:16-17).
+
**People are intrinsically capable of good; it just doesn’t seem that way because they get caught up in schemes (ECC 7:29).
+
 
 
==Are all people sinners?==
 
==Are all people sinners?==
*'''Yes.''' There can be no righteous people (ROM 3:10) because all have sinned (1KIN 8:46; ECC 7:20; ROM 3:23), and those who claim otherwise are self-deceived (1JOH 1:8) or liars (1JOH 1:10).
+
*'''Yes.''' There can be no righteous people (ROM 3:10) because all have sinned (1KIN 8:46; ECC 7:20; ROM 3:23), and those who claim otherwise are self-deceived (1JOH 1:8) or liars (1JOH 1:10) because absolutely everyone is filthy (PRO 20:9), and no one has ever done a single good thing (PSA 14:2-3). This is because people are produced via sex, which is intrinsically sinful (PSA 51:5); this is compounded by the additional burden of Original Sin (ROM 5:12; 1COR 15:22). Only God is capable of good (MAR 10:18).
**Absolutely everyone is filthy (PRO 20:9) and no one has ever performed a single good thing (PSA 14:2-3).  
 
**This is because people are formed by sex, which is intrinsically sinful (PSA 51:5), which is compounded by the burden of original sin (ROM 5:12; 1COR 15:22). Only God is capable of good (MAR 10:18).
 
 
*'''No.''' Several people have lived without sin:
 
*'''No.''' Several people have lived without sin:
 
**Noah (GEN 6:9), and Job (JOB 1:8) were both said to be perfect.  
 
**Noah (GEN 6:9), and Job (JOB 1:8) were both said to be perfect.  
Line 228: Line 228:
 
**Job “was perfect and upright” (JOB 1:1).
 
**Job “was perfect and upright” (JOB 1:1).
 
**David was holy (PSA 86:2).
 
**David was holy (PSA 86:2).
*'''Yes and no.'''  Humanity is a mixed bag of sinners and righteous people (LUK 6:45), which is why Christ was needed in the first place (1JOH 2:1).  
+
**Catholics believe that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Conception Mary was without sin].
*'''The definition of "person" is flexible to make Christians look good.''' A real Christians doesn’t sin; they are intrinsically godly as a result of being created from God. Sinners only exist because they are “the children of the devil” (1JOH3:6-10).
+
***Please note that there is no scriptural basis for this dogma; it was an ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_infallibility ex cathedra]'' declaration by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_IX Pope Pius IX] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ineffabilis_Deus ''Ineffabilis Deus''] (1854).
 +
*'''Yes and no.'''  Humanity is a mixed bag of sinners and righteous people (LUK 6:45), which is why a Christ was needed in the first place (1JOH 2:1).  
 +
*'''The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_scotsman definition of "person" is flexible to make Christians look good].''' A ''real'' Christian doesn’t sin; they are intrinsically godly as a result of being created from God. Sinners only exist because they are “the children of the devil” (1JOH 3:6-10).
  
 
== Do Christians sin? ==
 
== Do Christians sin? ==
Line 236: Line 238:
  
 
== Are sinners promptly punished? ==
 
== Are sinners promptly punished? ==
*Yes. God punishes sinners swiftly (JOB 24:18-20, 24).
+
*'''Yes.''' God punishes sinners swiftly (JOB 24:18-20, 24).
*No. The wicked will live (JOB 21:7) because God is reluctant to punish them (JOB 21:9, 14).
+
*'''No.''' The wicked will live (JOB 21:7) because God is reluctant to punish them (JOB 21:9, 14).
 
    
 
    
 
== Is suffering caused by sin? ==
 
== Is suffering caused by sin? ==
*Yes. “…to the sinner he giveth travail” (ECC 2:26). This is why sinners die (EZE 18:20), and the wicked are destroyed (PSA 145:20) and condemned (PRO 12:2).
+
*'''Yes.''' “…to the sinner he giveth travail” (ECC 2:26). This is why sinners die (EZE 18:20), and the wicked are destroyed (PSA 145:20) and condemned (PRO 12:2).
*Possibly? Suffering is conferred upon those who charge interest on loans (EZE 18:13).  
+
*'''Possibly?''' Suffering is conferred upon those who charge interest on loans (EZE 18:13).  
*No. Jesus pointed out that the blind man’s sightlessness was not the result of his sin, or that of his parents (JOH 9:1-3).
+
*'''No.''' Jesus pointed out that the blind man’s sightlessness was not the result of his sin, or his parent's sins (JOH 9:1-3).
  
 
== Should you pray for the dead? ==
 
== Should you pray for the dead? ==
*Yes. Praying on behalf of the dead helps them atone for their sins (2MAC 12:44-46).
+
*'''Yes.''' Praying on behalf of the dead helps them atone for their sins (2MAC 12:44-46).
*No. Praying for the dead is a waste of time, as it will not restore them to life. (2SAM 12:21-23)
+
*'''No.''' Praying for the dead is a waste of time, as it won't restore them to life. (2SAM 12:21-23)
 +
 
 +
== Do humans possess [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnxkfLe4G74 freewill]? ==
 +
*'''Yes.''' Man is explicitly stated to have “power over his own will” (1COR 7:37). Man is capable of [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVGINIsLnqU freely choosing] which gods to serve (JOS 24:15) and what laws to follow (DEU 11:26-28; 30:19; ISA 7:15; REV 22:17).
 +
*'''No.''' [[Omnipotence_and_Omniscience_Arguments#Freewill_Does_not_Exist|Humans do not possess freewill]], because of predestination (ACT 13:48; ROM 8:29-30; 2TIM 1:9). No man has ever had a chance to think for himself, because all of his thoughts and actions were worked out by God before he created the world (EPH 1:4-5).  As such, God created some people solely to be damned for denying Jesus (JUDE 1:4).
 +
**God shapes everyone’s situations and destinies to produce God’s desired outcome, creating the illusion of choice in lieu of freewill (ROM 9:15-16). God deliberately lies to people to coax them into sin and damnation as a means to this end (2THE 2:11-12).
  
== Do humans possess freewill? ==
 
*Yes. Man is explicitly stated to have “power over his own will” (1COR 7:37). Man is capable of freely choosing which gods to serve (JOS 24:15) and what laws to follow (DEU 11:26-28; 30:19; ISA 7:15; REV 22:17).
 
*No. Humans do not possess freewill because of predestination (ACT 13:48; ROM 8:29-30; 2TIM 1:9). No man has ever had a chance to think for himself because all of his thoughts and actions have been worked out by God before he created the world (EPH 1:4-5).  As such, God created some people solely to deny Jesus and be damned (JUDE 1:4).
 
*No. God shapes everyone’s situations and destinies to produce God’s desired outcome, creating an illusion of choice in lieu of freewill (ROM 9:15-16). God will deliberately lies to people to coax them into sin and damnation as a means to this end (2THE 2:11-12).
 
 
 
== Can people escape death? ==
 
== Can people escape death? ==
*No. Everyone is fated to die (HEB 9:27), and rot (ECC 3:20) as a result of original sin (ROM 5:12).
+
*'''No.''' Everyone is fated to die (HEB 9:27) and rot (ECC 3:20), as a result of Original Sin (ROM 5:12).
*Yes. Jesus Christ abolished the concept of death (2TIM 1:10) for those who follow his teachings (JOH 8:51; 11:26; 1THE 4:15-17) they will merely be “changed” (1COR 15:51).  
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus Christ abolished the concept of death (2TIM 1:10) for those who follow his teachings (JOH 8:51; 11:26; 1THE 4:15-17). Instead, they will merely be “changed” (1COR 15:51).  
*Not exactly. Christ only abolished the “second death” that comes at the end of the world (REV 2:11).
+
*'''Not exactly.''' Christ only abolished the “second death” that comes at the end of the world (REV 2:11).
+
 
 
== Why do people die? ==
 
== Why do people die? ==
*Death was one of God’s punishments for Adam and Eve for learning about good and evil after eating from the Tree of Life. (GEN 3:22)  
+
*'''Eve screwed up.''' Death was one of God’s punishments for Adam, Eve, and their descendants, for learning about good and evil after eating from the Tree of Life. (GEN 3:22)  
*Death is the consequence of sin (ROM 6:23, JAM 1:15), which makes it Satan’s invention (ROM 5:12).
+
*'''Satan wills it.''' Death is the consequence of sin (ROM 6:23, JAM 1:15), and thus Satan’s invention (ROM 5:12).
*Jesus is somewhat responsible for sin and death. Had Jesus not preached, the sinful could plea for mercy based on their ignorance (JOH 15:22).
+
*'''Jesus is somewhat responsible for sin and death.''' Had Jesus not preached, the sinful could plea for mercy due to their ignorance (JOH 15:22).
+
 
 
== Do people die like beasts do? ==
 
== Do people die like beasts do? ==
*Yes. People die just like beasts, because “a man hath no preeminence above a beast” (ECC 3:19).
+
*'''Yes.''' People die just like beasts, because “a man hath no preeminence above a beast” (ECC 3:19).
*No. While their bodies return to the dust of the earth, souls are returned to their original owner, God (ECC 12:7)
+
*'''No.''' While their bodies return to the dust of the earth, souls are returned to their original owner, God (ECC 12:7).
 
+
 
 
== Will everyone see the glory of the LORD? ==
 
== Will everyone see the glory of the LORD? ==
*Yes. All living s things will witness the glory of the Lord together (ISA 40:5).
+
*'''Yes.''' All living things will witness the glory of the Lord together (ISA 40:5).
*No. The unjust will not behold the majesty of the Lord (ISA 26:10).
+
*'''No.''' The unjust will not behold the majesty of the Lord (ISA 26:10).
 
+
 
 
== Who will be saved? ==
 
== Who will be saved? ==
*Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ (JOH 3:16; ACT 16:31).
+
*'''Literally everyone.''' Through his death and resurrection, Jesus saved all men (JOH 12:32, ROM 5:18) and all flesh (LUK 3:6). Even harlots and government officials now stand a chance of entering Heaven (MAT 21:31).
*Anyone who both believes in Jesus Christ, and who is baptized (MAR 16:16).
+
*'''Not everyone.''' Jesus taught that although many people will try, few people will actually be saved (LUK 13:23-24). There is much ambiguity and contradiction in this regard, so the saved may or may not be:
*Anyone who claims to believe in Jesus (ROM 10:9).
+
**Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ (JOH 3:16; ACT 16:31).
*Claiming belief is insufficient for salvation, unless they actually follow Jesus’ teachings (LUK 6:46).
+
**Anyone who both believes in Jesus Christ ''and'' was baptized (MAR 16:16).
*Those who repent (LUK 13:3, ACT 3:19).
+
**Anyone who ''claims'' to believe in Jesus (ROM 10:9).
*Those who both repent, and who were also baptized (ACT 2:38).
+
***Claiming belief is insufficient for salvation, unless they actually follow Jesus’ teachings (LUK 6:46).
*The predestined (ROM 8:29-30; 9:11-18; EPH 1:4; 2THE 2:13; 1PET 1:2).
+
**Those who repent (LUK 13:3, ACT 3:19).
*The “called” (ROM 8:30). However, being called is not a guarantee for salvation, as few of the called will be among the predestined (MAT 20:16).
+
***Those who both repent ''and'' were baptized (ACT 2:38).
*All of the Jews (ISA 54:9-10; ROM 11:26).
+
**Only the baptized are saved (JOH 3:5).
*None of the Jews; for they are all damned (MAT 8:12, MAT 21:43, 45).
+
***Only the “born again” are saved (JOH 3:3).
*A small percentage of the Jews (ROM 9:27).
+
**The predestined (ROM 8:29-30; 9:11-18; EPH 1:4; 2THE 2:13; 1PET 1:2).
*Salvation is earned by works (MAT 7:21; JOH 5:29).
+
**The “called” (ROM 8:30).  
*Salvation is earned by following Jesus’ teachings (JOH 8:51).  
+
***Being called will not guarantee salvation, as few of the called are among the predestined (MAT 20:16).
*Anyone who loves both God and their neighbor (LUK 10:26).  
+
**All of the Jews (ISA 54:9-10; ROM 11:26).
*Everyone. Through the death and resurrection, Jesus saved all men (JOH 12:32, ROM 5:18) and all flesh (LUK 3:6). Even government officials and harlots stand a chance of entering heaven (MAT 21:31).
+
**A small percentage of the Jews (ROM 9:27).
*Not everyone. Jesus taught that although many people will try, few people will actually be saved (LUK 13:23-24)
+
**None of the Jews; for they are all damned (MAT 8:12, MAT 21:43, 45).
*Whoever calls on the name of the Lord is saved (ACT 2:21).
+
**Those who earn salvation by their works (MAT 7:21; JOH 5:29).
*Calling on the Lord’s name is insufficient, because man is judged by his works and not by faith (MAT 7:21).
+
**Those who earn salvation by following Jesus’ teachings (JOH 8:51).  
*Only the “born again” are saved (JOH 3:3).
+
**Anyone who loves both God and their neighbor (LUK 10:26).  
*Only the baptized are saved (JOH 3: 5).
+
**Whoever calls on the name of the Lord, because they are automatically saved (ACT 2:21).
*Those who doubt are automatically damned, (PRO 14:23) even if they were baptized (MAR 16:16). Please note that Thomas still became a saint, despite his clear objection to the news of the resurrection (JOH 20:24).
+
***Calling on the Lord’s name is insufficient, because man is judged by his works, and not by faith (MAT 7:21).
*The following groups of people cannot be saved: the unrighteous, fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, the effeminate, abusers (of themselves or of others), thieves, the covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortionists (1COR 6:9-10).
+
**Those who doubt are automatically damned (PRO 14:23), even if they were baptized (MAR 16:16).  
 +
***Despite this, Thomas still became a saint, even after his clear objection to news of the resurrection (JOH 20:24).
 +
**The following groups of people cannot be saved: the unrighteous, fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, the effeminate, abusers (of themselves or of others), thieves, the covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortionists (1COR 6:9-10).
  
 
== Will all who seek to enter actually be received? ==
 
== Will all who seek to enter actually be received? ==
*Yes. Everyone who makes an honest effort to enter heaven will be received (LUK 11:9-10)
+
*'''Yes.''' Everyone who made an honest effort to enter Heaven will be received (LUK 11:9-10).
*No. Many will seek to enter, and still be unable (LUK 13:23-24).
+
*'''No.''' Many will seek to enter, and still be unable (LUK 13:23-24).
  
 
== Will every man die for his own sin? ==
 
== Will every man die for his own sin? ==
*Yes. Everyone will be put to death as punishments for their own sin. It is not possible for a third party to die on someone else’s behalf (DEU 24:16).
+
*'''Yes.''' Everyone will be put to death as punishment for their own sin. It is not possible for a third party to die on someone else’s behalf (DEU 24:16).
*No. Christ died for all sins, and was punished for the unrelated actions of other people (1PET 3:18).
+
*'''No.''' Christ died for all sins, and was punished for the unrelated actions of other people (1PET 3:18).
+
 
 
==  Will the righteous flourish? ==
 
==  Will the righteous flourish? ==
*Yes. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree” (PSA 92:12-13)
+
*'''Yes.''' “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree” (PSA 92:12-13).
*No. The righteous will perish (ISA 57:1), because “all things come alike to all” (ECC 9:2).
+
*'''No.''' The righteous will perish (ISA 57:1), because “all things come alike to all” (ECC 9:2).
+
 
 
== Will bad things happen to good people? ==
 
== Will bad things happen to good people? ==
*Yes. Christian persecution is just a fact of life (2TIM 3:12) because the just and upright are targets of ridicule and scorn (JOB 12:4) God will discipline and scourge everyone he acknowledges (HEB 12:6). God stood idle and allowed Satan to smite Job (JOB 2:7).
+
*'''Yes.''' Christian persecution is just a fact of life (2TIM 3:12), because the just and upright are targets of ridicule and scorn (JOB 12:4). God will discipline and scourge everyone he acknowledges (HEB 12:6). This is why God stood idle and allowed Satan to smite Job (JOB 2:7).
*No. Bad things are reserved only for bad people (PRO 12:21), and those who do not follow God (1PET 3:13).
+
*'''No.''' Bad things are reserved only for bad people (PRO 12:21), and those who do not follow God (1PET 3:13).
 
   
 
   
 
== Will Christians face persecution? ==
 
== Will Christians face persecution? ==
*Yes. Christian persecution is just a fact of life (2TIM 3:12).
+
*'''Yes.''' Christian persecution is just a fact of life (2TIM 3:12).
*No. When a man pleases God, God will make his enemies be at peace with him (PRO 16:7).  
+
*'''No.''' When a man pleases God, God will make his enemies be at peace with him (PRO 16:7).  
 
   
 
   
 
== How should enemies be treated? ==
 
== How should enemies be treated? ==
*Poorly. Enemies should be persecuted, destroyed (LAM 3:66), and pursued as they flee from your cities (JOS 10:19). If your enemies preach some other gospel, they should be cursed (GAL 1:9) and forced to castrate themselves (GAL 5:10-12); it is wrong to even acknowledge their existence (2JOH 1:10). Both God (LEV 26:7; DEU 7:9-10, 20:14; ) and Jesus (LUK 19:27) ordered that his enemies who resisted their rule are to be slain. Enemy belongings are to be plundered and divided among the faithful (JOS 22:8).
+
*'''Poorly.''' Enemies should be persecuted, destroyed (LAM 3:66), and pursued as they flee from your cities (JOS 10:19). If your enemies preach some other gospel, they should be cursed (GAL 1:9) and forced to castrate themselves (GAL 5:10-12); it is wrong to even acknowledge their existence (2JOH 1:10). Both God (LEV 26:7; DEU 7:9-10, 20:14) and Jesus (LUK 19:27) ordered that enemies who resist their rule are to be slain. Enemy belongings are to be plundered and divided among the faithful (JOS 22:8).
*Well. You should be good to your enemies (LUK 6:27). Specifically, you should return their lost property (EXO 23:4) and fulfill their basic needs (PRO 25:21).
+
*'''Well.''' You should be good to your enemies (LUK 6:27). Specifically, you should return their lost property (EXO 23:4) and fulfill their basic needs (PRO 25:21).
+
 
 
== Should Christians find joy when their enemies fail (schadenfreude)? ==
 
== Should Christians find joy when their enemies fail (schadenfreude)? ==
*Yes. A righteous man is to rejoice when their enemies fall, even going as far as to “wash his feet in the blood of the wicked” (PSA 58:10)
+
*'''Yes.''' A righteous man is to rejoice when their enemies fall, even going as far as to “wash his feet in the blood of the wicked” (PSA 58:10).
*No. “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth (PRO 24:17).
+
*'''No.''' “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth (PRO 24:17).
 
   
 
   
 
== Should Christians bear the burdens of others? ==
 
== Should Christians bear the burdens of others? ==
*Yes. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (GAL 6:2).
+
*'''Yes.''' “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (GAL 6:2).
*No. “For every man shall bear his own burden” (GAL 6:5).
+
*'''No.''' “For every man shall bear his own burden” (GAL 6:5).
+
 
 
==  How should people be baptized? ==
 
==  How should people be baptized? ==
*People should be baptized in the name of the Trinity (MAT 28:19)
+
*'''In the name of the Trinity''' (MAT 28:19).
*People only need to be baptized in the name of Jesus (ACT 2:38; 8:16; 10:48)
+
*'''Only in the name of Jesus''' (ACT 2:38; 8:16; 10:48).
 
   
 
   
 
== Will the righteous win earthly prosperity? ==
 
== Will the righteous win earthly prosperity? ==
 
*'''Yes, in the long term.''' Righteous people will prosper (PSA 1:1-3) and inherit the land forever (PSA 37:29).
 
*'''Yes, in the long term.''' Righteous people will prosper (PSA 1:1-3) and inherit the land forever (PSA 37:29).
 
*'''Yes, in the short term.''' Whatever you sacrifice for Jesus or his cause will be rewarded a hundredfold, payable on earth, during your lifetime (MAR 10:29-30). This is the basis for the televangelist’s “prosperity gospel.”
 
*'''Yes, in the short term.''' Whatever you sacrifice for Jesus or his cause will be rewarded a hundredfold, payable on earth, during your lifetime (MAR 10:29-30). This is the basis for the televangelist’s “prosperity gospel.”
*'''No.''' Jesus taught that earthly treasure should be rejected, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus also points out that spiritual treasure is more practical, since it cannot rust, decay, or be stolen (MAT 6:19-21).
+
*'''No.''' Jesus taught that earthly treasure should be rejected, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus also pointed out that spiritual treasures are more practical, since they cannot rust, decay, or be stolen (MAT 6:19-21).
  
 
== Should Christians bear weapons? ==
 
== Should Christians bear weapons? ==
*Yes. Jesus explicitly ordered his disciples to buy weapons, even if they had to sell all of their clothes to come up with the money (LUK 22:36).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly ordered his disciples to buy weapons, even if they had to sell all of their clothes to come up with the money (LUK 22:36).
*No. Jesus explicitly told his disciples that they had no use for weapons, “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (MAT 26:52).
+
*'''No.''' Jesus explicitly told his disciples that they had no use for weapons, “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (MAT 26:52).
+
 
 
== Should Christians pray in public? ==
 
== Should Christians pray in public? ==
*Yes. You should pray everywhere (1TIM 2:8).
+
*'''Yes.''' You should pray everywhere (1TIM 2:8).
*No. You should pray in secret, because only the hypocrites need to pray publically (MAT 6:5-6).  
+
*'''No.''' You should pray in secret, because only hypocrites feel a need to pray publicly (MAT 6:5-6).
+
 
 
== Can Christians marry unbelievers? ==
 
== Can Christians marry unbelievers? ==
*No. Unbelievers are to be avoided (2COR 6:14, 17).  
+
*'''No.''' Unbelievers are to be avoided (2COR 6:14, 17).  
*Yes. Christians can marry non-Christians if it makes them happy (1COR 7:12).
+
*'''Yes.''' Christians can marry non-Christians if it makes them happy (1COR 7:12).
+
 
 
== Should you argue with unbelievers? ==
 
== Should you argue with unbelievers? ==
 
*'''Yes, so prepare extensively.''' You should “be ready always to give an answer” to religious questions (1PET 3:15).  
 
*'''Yes, so prepare extensively.''' You should “be ready always to give an answer” to religious questions (1PET 3:15).  
Line 354: Line 358:
  
 
== How should reprimands be dealt? ==
 
== How should reprimands be dealt? ==
*Reprimands should be dealt privately (MAT 18:15).
+
*'''Privately''' (MAT 18:15).
*Reprimands should be public (i.e., there are at least two or three witnesses) (1TIM 5:19-20).
+
*'''Publicly''' (i.e., in front of a minimum of 2-3 witnesses) (1TIM 5:19-20).
  
 
== How much should you love your neighbor? ==
 
== How much should you love your neighbor? ==
*As much as you love yourself (LEV 19:18).
+
*'''As much as you love yourself''' (LEV 19:18).
*More than you love yourself (1COR 10:24).
+
*'''More than you love yourself''' (1COR 10:24).
  
 
== Can Christians charge interest on loans? ==
 
== Can Christians charge interest on loans? ==
 
*'''No.''' It is immoral to charge interest on loans (LEV 25:37).
 
*'''No.''' It is immoral to charge interest on loans (LEV 25:37).
 
*'''It depends.''' It is only immoral to charge interest to the poor (EXO 22:25) and to other Hebrews (DEU 23:19-20).  
 
*'''It depends.''' It is only immoral to charge interest to the poor (EXO 22:25) and to other Hebrews (DEU 23:19-20).  
*'''Yes, but only to a certain degree.''' Usury was declared a sin by the Councils of Lyons (1274) and Vienne (1312), which placed harsher penalties on the usury edicts of the 3rd Lateran Council (1175). Usurers had three months to make amends or they were excommunicated as heretics, and made into outlaws, unable to receive sacraments or funerals (see Religions and the Rise of Capitalism, by R.H. Tawney).
+
*'''Yes, but only to a certain degree.''' Usury was declared to a sin by the Councils of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Council_of_Lyon Lyons] (1274) and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Vienne Vienne] (1312), which placed harsher penalties on the usury edicts of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Council_of_the_Lateran 3rd Lateran Council] (1175). Usurers had three months to make amends or be excommunicated as heretics, made into outlaws, and denied sacraments and funerals (see ''Religion and the Rise of Capitalism'', by R.H. Tawney).
 
*'''Absolutely yes.''' In fact, it is immoral to lend money ''without'' charging interest (LUK 19:23).
 
*'''Absolutely yes.''' In fact, it is immoral to lend money ''without'' charging interest (LUK 19:23).
  
 
== Should Christians curse their enemies? ==
 
== Should Christians curse their enemies? ==
*No. “Bless them who persecute you: bless, and curse not” (ROM 12:14).
+
*'''No.''' “Bless them who persecute you: bless, and curse not” (ROM 12:14).
*Yes. “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him” (PRO 24:24).
+
*'''Yes.''' “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him” (PRO 24:24).
 
    
 
    
 
== Should Christians swear oaths in the name of God? ==
 
== Should Christians swear oaths in the name of God? ==
 
*'''No.''' Oaths serve no purpose, since lying is already punishable by damnation (JAM 5:12).
 
*'''No.''' Oaths serve no purpose, since lying is already punishable by damnation (JAM 5:12).
*'''Yes.'''  
+
*'''Yes.''' Swearing oaths in the name of the Lord is acceptable practice (EXO 22:11; DEU 6:13); Abraham (GEN 21:24, 31), Jacob (GEN 31:53), God himself (ISA 45:22-23; HEB 6:17), and the angels (REV 10:5-6) all swore oaths. However, those who swear bind their souls to the oath, and breaking such an oath is a sin (NUM 30:2).
**Swearing oaths in the name of the Lord is acceptable practice (EXO 22:11; DEU 6:13). However, those who swear will bind their souls to the oath, and breaking such an oath is a sin (NUM 30:2).
 
**Abraham (GEN 21:24, 31), Jacob (GEN 31:53), God himself (ISA 45:22-23; HEB 6:17) and the angels (REV 10:5-6) all swear oaths.
 
  
 
== Is it wrong to call anyone but God “father”? ==
 
== Is it wrong to call anyone but God “father”? ==
*Yes. Jesus taught that you should “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, who is in heaven.” (MAT 23:9).  
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus taught that you should “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, who is in heaven.” (MAT 23:9).  
*No. John does exactly this in one of his epistles (1JOH 2:13).  
+
*'''No.''' John did this in one of his epistles (1JOH 2:13).
 
+
 
 
== Should men have long hair? ==
 
== Should men have long hair? ==
*No. It is shameful for men to have long hair (1COR 11:14).
+
*'''No.''' It is shameful for men to have long hair (1COR 11:14).
*Yes. God granted Samson superhuman strength on the condition that he grew long hair (JUDG 13:5).  
+
*'''Yes.''' God likes it:
*Yes. The Nazarites grew long hair as a symbol of their total devotion to God (NUM 6:5), in compliance with God’s hair-care regulations (LEV 19:27.)
+
**God granted Samson superhuman strength on the condition that he grew long hair (JUDG 13:5).  
 
+
**The Nazarites grew long hair as a symbol of their total devotion to God (NUM 6:5), in compliance with God’s hair-care regulations (LEV 19:27).
 +
 
 
== Is it wrong to celebrate non-Christian holidays? ==
 
== Is it wrong to celebrate non-Christian holidays? ==
*Yes. Celebrating non-Christian holidays is no better, worse, or different, that human sacrifice, divination, enchantments, witchcraft (DEU 18:10). By celebrating non-Christian holidays, you turn your back on God and all he has done (GAL 4:9-11).
+
*'''Yes.''' Celebrating non-Christian holidays is no better, worse, or different than divination, enchantments, witchcraft, or human sacrifice (DEU 18:10). Those who celebrate non-Christian holidays turn their backs on God and all he has done (GAL 4:9-11).
*No. Celebrating non-Christian holidays is fine, as long as you keep God in mind (ROM 14:6).
+
*'''No.''' Celebrating non-Christian holidays is fine, provided that you keep God in mind (ROM 14:6).
+
 
 
== Is it wrong to call someone a fool? ==
 
== Is it wrong to call someone a fool? ==
*Yes. Anytime you call someone a fool, you are “in danger of hellfire” (MAT 5:22).
+
*'''Yes.''' Anytime you call someone a fool, you are “in danger of hellfire” (MAT 5:22).
*No. Both Jesus (MAT 23:1, 17, 19; LUK 11:40; 12:20) and Paul (1COR 15:35-36) call people fools.
+
*'''No.''' Jesus (MAT 23:1, 17, 19; LUK 11:40; 12:20) and Paul (1COR 15:35-36) both called people fools.
  
 
== Should you expose someone’s foolishness when rebuking him? ==
 
== Should you expose someone’s foolishness when rebuking him? ==
*No. That will just make you like him (PRO 26:4).
+
*'''No,''' because then you will be just like them (PRO 26:4).
*Yes, “lest he be wise in his own conceit” (PRO 26:5).
+
*'''Yes,''' “lest he be wise in his own conceit” (PRO 26:5).
+
 
 
== Should you follow your own heart? ==
 
== Should you follow your own heart? ==
*Yes. You should “trust in the Lord with all thine heart (PRO 3:5), because following your heart is the key to reclaiming the joy of youth (ECC 11:9).
+
*'''Yes.''' You should “trust in the Lord with all thine heart" (PRO 3:5), because following your heart is the key to reclaiming the joy of youth (ECC 11:9).
*No. Don’t follow your heart, because it always ends with going after whores (NUM 15:39).
+
*'''No.''' Don’t follow your heart, because it always ends with going after whores (NUM 15:39).
 
+
 
 
== Should you try to please others? ==
 
== Should you try to please others? ==
*Yes. Every one of us is to “please their neighbor” (ROM 15:2), and Paul mentions how he pleases everyone while preaching (1COR 10:33).  
+
*'''Yes.''' Everyone should “please their neighbor” (ROM 15:2), and Paul mentioned how he pleased everyone while preaching (1COR 10:33).  
*No. Trying to please everyone is ultimately incompatible with the realities of serving Christ (GAL 1:10).
+
*'''No.''' Trying to please everyone is ultimately incompatible with the realities of serving Christ (GAL 1:10).
  
 
== Is anger wrong?==
 
== Is anger wrong?==
*Yes. Men should be slow to anger, because the angry cannot perform the works of God (JAM 1:19-20). Angry men are fools (ECC 7:9) who die early deaths (JOB 5:2). The irrationally angry will be judged poorly (MAT 5:22), and should you should not befriend them (PRO 22:24).
+
*'''Yes.''' Men should be slow to anger, because the angry cannot perform the works of God (JAM 1:19-20). Angry men are fools (ECC 7:9) who die early deaths (JOB 5:2). The irrationally angry will be judged poorly (MAT 5:22), and should you should not befriend them (PRO 22:24).
*No. In fact, anger will prevent you from committing sins (EPH 4:26).  
+
*'''No.''' In fact, anger ''prevents'' you from committing sins (EPH 4:26).
  
 
== Should a man marry his brother's widow? If so, who is considered the father of their children? ==
 
== Should a man marry his brother's widow? If so, who is considered the father of their children? ==
 
*'''Yes.''' Men should marry their widowed sisters-in-law (DEU 25:5), though the dead brother should be listed as the father of their first child (DEU 25:6; RUT 4:5, 9-10, 13, 17).
 
*'''Yes.''' Men should marry their widowed sisters-in-law (DEU 25:5), though the dead brother should be listed as the father of their first child (DEU 25:6; RUT 4:5, 9-10, 13, 17).
 
*'''No.''' It is unclean for men to marry their sisters-in-law (LEV 20:21).
 
*'''No.''' It is unclean for men to marry their sisters-in-law (LEV 20:21).
*'''No one seems to care.''' Obed was a child of such a relationships (RUT 4:21; MAT 1:5), but he is not considered to be the son of the dead brother (LUK 3:32).
+
*'''No one seems to care.''' Obed was a child of such a relationships (RUT 4:21; MAT 1:5), but was not considered to be the dead brother' son (LUK 3:32).
  
 
== Can Christians divorce? ==
 
== Can Christians divorce? ==
*'''Yes, unconditionally.''' No-fault divorces are an acceptable practice (DEU 24:1).
+
*'''Yes, unconditionally.''' No-fault divorces are an accepted practice (DEU 24:1).
*'''Yes, conditionally.''' Divorce is acceptable, but only as a response to adultery (MAT 19:9).
+
*'''Yes, conditionally.''' Jesus taught that divorce is only acceptable as a response to adultery (MAT 19:9).
*'''No.''' Divorce is impossible because God unites people in marriage, and man lacks the power to undo this (MAR 10:7-12).
+
*'''No.''' Divorce is impossible, because God unites people in marriage, and man lacks the power to undo this (MAR 10:7-12).
  
 
== Can the divorced remarry? ==
 
== Can the divorced remarry? ==
*Yes. The Book of Deuteronomy explicitly states that divorce and remarriage are both acceptable practice (DEU 24:1-2).
+
*'''Yes.''' The Book of Deuteronomy explicitly states that divorce and remarriage are both acceptable practices (DEU 24:1-2).
*No. Jesus explicitly stated that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery (MAR 10:11-12).
+
*'''No.''' Jesus explicitly stated that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery (MAR 10:11-12).
  
 
== Should adulterers be executed? ==
 
== Should adulterers be executed? ==
*Yes. Adultery is a capital crime for all parties involved (LEV 20:10).
+
*'''Yes.''' Adultery is a capital crime for everyone involved (LEV 20:10).
*No. Jesus explicitly stopped the execution of a known adulterer because this was an immoral practice. (JOH 8:7)
+
*'''No.''' Jesus explicitly stopped a known adulterer's execution, since such executions are an immoral practice (JOH 8:7).
  
 
== What happens to those who have sex during menstruation? ==
 
== What happens to those who have sex during menstruation? ==
*It is considered unclean. The man and the bed are to be considered to be unclean for seven days (LEV 15:24).
+
*'''They are unclean.''' The man and the bed are to be considered to be unclean for seven days (LEV 15:24).
*It is forbidden (LEV 18:19), and both parties are to be banished (LEV 20:18).
+
*'''They are to be banished''' (LEV 20:18), because this is a forbidden practice (LEV 18:19).
+
 
 
== Is incest wrong? ==
 
== Is incest wrong? ==
 
*'''Yes.''' Incest “is a wicked thing” (LEV 20:17), and those who practice it are cursed (DEU 27:22).
 
*'''Yes.''' Incest “is a wicked thing” (LEV 20:17), and those who practice it are cursed (DEU 27:22).
*'''No.''' Lot commits incest (GEN 19:36), and he is later described as being both “just” and “righteous” (2PET 2:7-8). Both Aaron and Moses are the products of incest (EXO 6:20), and they were chosen -- not cursed -- by God.
+
*'''No.''' Lot committed incest (GEN 19:36), and was later described as being both “just” and “righteous” (2PET 2:7-8). Both Aaron and Moses were the products of incest (EXO 6:20), and they were chosen -- not cursed -- by God.
  
 
== Can castrates enter heaven? ==
 
== Can castrates enter heaven? ==
*No. The Bible explicitly states that men with testicular injuries and/or severed penises “shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord” (DEU 23:1).
+
*'''No.''' The Bible explicitly states that men with testicular injuries and/or severed penises “shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord” (DEU 23:1).
*Yes. God will not discriminate against eunuchs who follow his laws and customs (ISA 56:4-5; MAT 19:12).
+
*'''Yes.''' God will not discriminate against eunuchs who follow his laws and customs (ISA 56:4-5; MAT 19:12).
 
+
 
 
== Should men take care of their families? ==
 
== Should men take care of their families? ==
*Yes. If a man cannot provide for his family, then he has denied the Christian faith worse than any infidel (1TIM 5:8). One of the measures of a good man was ensuring that he left his family an inheritance upon his death (PRO 13:22).
+
*'''Yes.''' Men who cannot provide for their families have denied the Christian faith worse than any infidel (1TIM 5:8). One of the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYLbASoecyc measures of a man] is ensuring that he leaves his family an inheritance upon his death (PRO 13:22).
*No. Hating your family was required for being one of Jesus’ disciples (LUK 14:26), because his disciples were ordered to sell all that they had (LUK 12:33), and to neglect basic needs such as food, water, and clothing; they were forbidden from even making plans to meet these basic needs (MAT 6:31), since they were to have absolutely no plans for the future (MAT 6:34).
+
*'''No.''' Hating your family was required to be one of Jesus’ disciples (LUK 14:26), because his disciples were ordered to sell all that they had (LUK 12:33), and to neglect basic needs such as food, water, and clothing; they were even forbidden from making plans to meet these basic needs (MAT 6:31), since they were to have absolutely no plans for the future (MAT 6:34).
+
 
 
==Should you honor your parents?==
 
==Should you honor your parents?==
*Yes. Jesus explicitly states that you should honor your parents, when he reiterated the Commandments (LUK 18:20).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus reiterated the Commandments, and explicitly stated that you should honor your parents (LUK 18:20).
*No. Hating your parents was required for being one of Jesus’ disciples (LUK 14:26), because Jesus claimed that anyone who loves their parents more than him was automatically unworthy of him. (MAT 10:34-37). Jesus expected his disciples to devote all of their time and energy into serving his every whim, even if it meant leaving their parent’s dead bodies unburied (MAT 8:21-22).
+
*'''No.''' Hating your parents was required for being one of Jesus’ disciples (LUK 14:26), because Jesus claimed that anyone who loved their parents more than him was automatically unworthy of him. (MAT 10:34-37). Jesus expected his disciples to devote all of their time and energy into serving his every whim, even if it meant leaving their parent’s dead bodies unburied (MAT 8:21-22).
 
+
 
 
== Should children be punished for the sins of their fathers? ==
 
== Should children be punished for the sins of their fathers? ==
*Yes. This is considered to be a normal practice (ISA 14:21), which God endorses (JOS 7:20, 24-26).
+
*'''Yes.''' This is a normal practice (ISA 14:21), which God endorses (JOS 7:20, 24-26).
*No. No one can be punished in the place of another since “every man shall be put to death for his own sin” (DEU 24:16) and judged by their own deeds (ROM 2:5-6). Since a sinner’s soul dies upon bodily death, the sin cannot be transferred to one’s decedents (EZE 18:4, 20).
+
*'''No.''' No one can be punished in the place of another since “every man shall be put to death for his own sin” (DEU 24:16) and judged by their own deeds (ROM 2:5-6). Since a sinner’s soul dies upon bodily death, sin cannot be transferred to one’s descendants (EZE 18:4, 20).
 
+
 
 
== Are children innocent? ==
 
== Are children innocent? ==
*No. Children are entirely accountable for their actions, and they are to be punished for any of their indiscretions. This was demonstrated when Elisha invoked the name of God in order to curse a group forty-two children, as vengeance for making fun of his baldness. All of the children were promptly mauled to death by two female bears (2KIN 2:23-24).
+
*'''No.''' Children are entirely accountable for their actions, and should face punishment for any of their indiscretions. This was demonstrated when Elisha invoked the name of God to curse 42 children, as vengeance for joking about his baldness. The children were all promptly mauled to death by two female bears (2KIN 2:23-24).
*Yes. Jesus taught that children are intrinsically innocent, and therefore good. Reclaiming this childlike innocence is one of his requirements for salvation (MAR 10:13-16).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus taught that children are intrinsically innocent, and therefore good. Reclaiming this childlike innocence was one of his requirements for salvation (MAR 10:13-16).
+
 
 
== How should children be treated? ==
 
== How should children be treated? ==
*Children should be treated harshly. Stubborn or rebellious children should be stoned to death, DEU 21:18, 21). While this may sound extreme, be mindful that bashing your children against stones will bring happiness (PSA 137:9).
+
*'''Harshly.''' Stubborn or rebellious children should be stoned to death, DEU 21:18, 21). While this may sound extreme, be mindful that bashing your children against stones will bring happiness (PSA 137:9).
*Children should be treated tenderly, because wrathful children are difficult to indoctrinate (EPH 6:4) and angry children will become discouraged (COL 3:21).
+
*'''Tenderly.''' Wrathful children are difficult to indoctrinate (EPH 6:4), and angry children become discouraged (COL 3:21).
+
 
 
== Should you believe as a child does? ==
 
== Should you believe as a child does? ==
*Yes. Jesus explicitly taught that those who do not believe in him in with a child-like faith are banned from entering heaven (LUK 18:16-17).
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly taught that those who do not believe in him in with a child-like faith are banned from entering Heaven (LUK 18:16-17).
*No. Children are naïve, and prudent people question their beliefs (PRO 14:15).
+
*'''No.''' Children are naïve, and prudent people question their beliefs (PRO 14:15).
+
 
 
== Should you hate your brother? ==
 
== Should you hate your brother? ==
*No (LEV 19:17-18). Anyone who hates their brother will be judged (MAT 5:22) as though they were a murderer (1JOH 3:15), since anyone who claims to love God while hating his brother is a liar (1JOH 4:20).
+
*'''No''' (LEV 19:17-18). Anyone who hates their brother will be judged (MAT 5:22) as though they were a murderer (1JOH 3:15), since anyone claiming to love God while hating their brother is a liar (1JOH 4:20).
*Yes. Hating your brother is requisite for discipleship (LUK 14:26).
+
*'''Yes.''' Hating your brother was requisite for discipleship (LUK 14:26).
+
 
 
== Should you love your wife? ==
 
== Should you love your wife? ==
*Yes. Husbands should love their wives as much as Christ loved the church; giving up their lives for their wives, if need be (EPH 5:25).  
+
*'''Yes.''' Husbands should love their wives as much as Christ loved the church; giving up their lives for their wives, if needed (EPH 5:25).  
*No. Hating your wife is requisite for discipleship (LUK 14:26)
+
*'''No.''' Hating your wife was requisite for discipleship (LUK 14:26).
  
 
== Is marriage good? ==
 
== Is marriage good? ==
*Yes. Marriage is honorable (HEB 13:4). Finding a wife is a good thing that earns favor with God (PRO 18:22), since God explicitly states that loneliness is a bad thing (GEN 2:18).  
+
*'''Yes.''' Marriage is honorable (HEB 13:4). Finding a wife is a good thing, which earns favor with God (PRO 18:22), since God explicitly stated that loneliness is a bad thing (GEN 2:18).  
*No. Paul claims that men should not touch women (1COR 7:1) and vice-versa (1COR 7:8). Single moms are more interested in marriage that following Christ, which will lead to nosiness, gossip, idleness, and other Satanic activities (1TIM 5:14).
+
*'''No.''' Paul claimed that men should not touch women (1COR 7:1) and vice-versa (1COR 7:8). Single moms are more interested in marriage than following Christ, which makes them prone to nosiness, gossip, idleness, and other Satanic activities (1TIM 5:14).
+
 
 
== Are men and women equal? ==
 
== Are men and women equal? ==
*Yes. Jesus did not take gender into consideration (ACT 2:17-18; GAL 3:28).  
+
*'''Yes.''' This is a reccurring theme throughout the Bible:
*Yes. Women can hold important positions, like Deborah, wife of Lapidoth, who served as both a prophetess and as a judge (JUDG 4:4), or be “servants of the church” i.e., a deaconess (ROM 16:1-2).
+
**Jesus did not take gender into consideration (ACT 2:17-18; GAL 3:28).  
*Yes. Women can receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, e.g., prophesy (ACT 21:9).
+
**Women can hold important positions:
*No. Men are to rule over women (GEN 3:16), just as Christ rules men (1COR 11:3; EPH 5:22). Women are to remain silent in churches (1COR 14:34), and are forbidden to teach or hold authority over men (1TIM 2:11-12).
+
***Deborah, the wife of Lapidoth, served as both a prophetess and as a judge (JUDG 4:4).
 
+
***Women can be “servants of the church;” i.e., a deaconess (ROM 16:1-2).
 +
**Women can receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, e.g., prophesy (ACT 21:9).
 +
*'''No.''' Men are to rule over women (GEN 3:16), just as Christ rules men (1COR 11:3; EPH 5:22). Women are to remain silent in churches (1COR 14:34), and are forbidden to teach or hold authority over men (1TIM 2:11-12).
 +
 
 
== Does God allow polygamy and/or polyamory? ==
 
== Does God allow polygamy and/or polyamory? ==
*Yes. These are common practices in the Bible:
+
*'''Yes.''' These are both common practices in the Bible:
 
**Abraham possessed concubines (GEN 25:6).
 
**Abraham possessed concubines (GEN 25:6).
 
**Jacob was a polygamist (GEN 31:17).
 
**Jacob was a polygamist (GEN 31:17).
 
**David impregnated six women (12SAM 3:2).  
 
**David impregnated six women (12SAM 3:2).  
 
**Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1KIN 11:1-3).  
 
**Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1KIN 11:1-3).  
*Yes. The Bible offers guidance for polygamous families (DEU 21:15).
+
**The Bible offers special guidance for polygamous families (DEU 21:15).
*No. Christians are to remain monogamous (MAL 2:14-15), as per God’s intention (MAR 10:7-9) to avoid committing adultery (1COR 7:2), and because young love is the most enjoyable (PRO 5:18-19).  
+
*'''No.''' Christians are to remain monogamous (MAL 2:14-15), as per God’s intention (MAR 10:7-9), in order to avoid committing adultery (1COR 7:2), and because young love is the most enjoyable (PRO 5:18-19).
  
 
== Should the poor be favored? ==
 
== Should the poor be favored? ==
*Yes. The Bible states that people who favor the poor are blessed; they will be delivered in times of trouble (PSA 41:1), and are guaranteed happiness (PRO 14:21).
+
*'''Yes.''' The Bible states that people who favor the poor are blessed; they will be delivered in times of trouble (PSA 41:1), and are guaranteed happiness (PRO 14:21).
*No. The Bible states that the rich and the poor are to be held to the same standards in lawsuits (EXO 23:3).
+
*'''No.''' The Bible states that the rich and the poor are to be held to the same standards in lawsuits (EXO 23:3).
  
 
== Should Christians eat leavened bread? ==
 
== Should Christians eat leavened bread? ==
*Yes. Leavened bread is so good, that Jesus uses it to explain what Heaven is like (MAT 13:33; LUK 13:20-21)
+
*'''Yes.''' Leavened bread is so good, that Jesus used it to explain what Heaven is like (MAT 13:33; LUK 13:20-21).
*No. Unleavened bread is holy (LEV 10:12), so conditionally, unleavened bread is “of malice and wickedness” (1COR 5:6-8).
+
*'''No.''' Unleavened bread is holy (LEV 10:12), so conditionally, unleavened bread is “of malice and wickedness” (1COR 5:6-8).
  
 
==Is it wrong to consume an otherwise-permitted food or drink that was offered to a pagan idol?==
 
==Is it wrong to consume an otherwise-permitted food or drink that was offered to a pagan idol?==
*Yes. The Holy Spirit itself explicitly forbid this practice (ACT 15:28-29), because “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils” (1COR 10:20-21).
+
*'''Yes.''' The Holy Spirit itself explicitly forbade this practice (ACT 15:28-29), because “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils” (1COR 10:20-21).
*No. Nothing is intrinsically unclean; things are only unclean if you think they are unclean (ROM 14:14). The only immoral things to eat or drink are those which are known to be intoxicating or poisonous. (ROM 14:20-21).
+
*'''No.''' Nothing is intrinsically unclean; theyare only unclean if you think they are unclean (ROM 14:14).
*Possibly? Doubters are definitely condemned if they eat or drink food offered to pagan idols, since they didn’t take the time to ponder the theological implications of their actions. Anything done outside of faith is a sin. (ROM 14:23).
+
*'''Possibly?''' Doubters are definitely condemned if they eat or drink pagan offerings, since they didn’t consider the theological implications of their actions; anything done outside of faith is a sin (ROM 14:23).
+
 
 
== Is circumcision necessary? ==
 
== Is circumcision necessary? ==
*Yes. Circumcision is absolutely required, since it serves as proof of membership in the covenant between God and man (GEN 17:11). Those who forego the practice automatically break their covenant with God, and are to be banished (GEN 17:14).
+
*'''Yes.''' Circumcision is absolutely required, since it serves as proof of membership in the covenant between God and man (GEN 17:11). Those who forego the practice automatically break their covenant with God, and are to be banished (GEN 17:14).
*No. The entire Hebrew population stopped the practice of circumcision for forty years, while wandering in the desert (JOS 5:5,7).  
+
*'''No.''' There is no reason for ritualistic genital mutilation:
*No. Paul stated that he and Titus were both uncircumcised (GAL 2:3-4). Paul goes on to state that those who need circumcision cannot profit from Christianity, since compliance with the old covenant implies doubts about Christ’s new and everlasting covenant (GAL 5:2).
+
**The entire Hebrew population stopped the practice during the 40 years of wandering in the desert (JOS 5:5, 7).  
*Circumcision is only necessary for Gentiles who want to pass for being Jewish (ACT 16:1,3).
+
**Paul and Titus were both uncircumcised (GAL 2:3-4). Paul stated that those who need a circumcision cannot profit from Christianity, since compliance with the old covenant implied doubts about Christ’s new and everlasting covenant (GAL 5:2).
 +
*'''It is if you want to look the part.''' Circumcision is only necessary for Gentiles who want to pass for being Jewish (ACT 16:1, 3).
  
 
== Does the Bible endorse slavery? ==
 
== Does the Bible endorse slavery? ==
*Yes. Hebrews can be sold into slavery, but men must be set freed during their seventh year of service (EXO 21:2), while women must remain slaves for life (EXO 21:7).
+
*'''Yes,''' but the details are sketchy at best:
*Yes. Provided that Hebrews do not enslave other Hebrews (LEV 25:39-40). Non-Hebrew slaves are your property for life, as are their children (LEV 25:44-46).
+
**Hebrews can be sold into slavery, but:
*Yes. However, enslaved Hebrew men and women are to be considered equals, and both are to be freed in their seventh year of service (DEU 15:12).
+
***Male slaves must be set freed during their seventh year of service (EXO 21:2).
*Yes, but slaves must be emancipated after fifty years of service (LEV 25:10).
+
***Females must remain slaves for life (EXO 21:7).
*Yes. Slavery is the accepted punishment for homosexual rape. Additionally, all of the rapists decedents are to be permanently enslaved as punishment for this crime (GEN 9:25).
+
***Enslaved Hebrew men and women are to be considered equals, and ''both'' are to be freed in their seventh year of service (DEU 15:12).
*Yes, provided that slaves, and their children born while in your service, must be circumcised (GEN 17:13). Slaves are to obey their masters in everything they do, even when their masters are away (COL 3:22). Slaves are to treat their master like a god, since God is said to oversee man like a slave owner (LUK 12:47).
+
***Hebrews cannot enslave other Hebrews (LEV 25:39-40).  
*No. No one can be called the master of another man, since the only master of men is Christ (MAT 23:10).
+
**Non-Hebrew slaves are your property for life, as are their children (LEV 25:44-46).
*No. The oppressed are to be freed (ISA 58:6), since the Israelites were once an oppressed people (EXO 22:21).
+
**All slaves must be emancipated after 50 years of service (LEV 25:10).
 
+
**Slaves, and their children born while in your service, must be circumcised (GEN 17:13). Slaves are to obey their masters in every task, at all times, even when their masters are away (COL 3:22). Slaves must treat their master like a god, since God is said to oversee man like a slave owner (LUK 12:47).
 +
**Permanent slavery is the accepted punishment for homosexual rape. Additionally, ''all'' of the rapists decedents will be also permanently enslaved as punishment for this crime (GEN 9:25).
 +
*'''No.''' Slavery is immoral:
 +
**No one can be called the master of another man, since the only master of men is Christ (MAT 23:10).
 +
**The oppressed are to be freed (ISA 58:6), since the Israelites were once an oppressed people (EXO 22:21).
 +
 
 
== Should slaves desire freedom? ==
 
== Should slaves desire freedom? ==
*Kind of. If you can win your freedom, then you should; but you shouldn’t worry about it (1COR7:21).
+
*'''Kind of.''' If they can win their freedom, then they should; but they shouldn’t worry about it (1COR 7:21).
*No. Since all men are slaves to Christ, freedom is irrelevant (1COR 7:23).
+
*'''No.''' Since all men are slaves to Christ, freedom is irrelevant (1COR 7:23).
+
 
 
== Must one observe the Sabbath? ==
 
== Must one observe the Sabbath? ==
*Yes. God commanded man to observe the Sabbath (EXO 20:8), and those who do are blessed (ISA 56:2).  
+
*'''Yes.''' God commanded man to observe the Sabbath (EXO 20:8), and those who do are blessed (ISA 56:2).  
*No. Jesus taught that “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (MAR 2:27-28), and that no one has the right for judge another for what they do, or do not do, on the Sabbath (COL 2:16).
+
*'''No'''. Jesus taught that “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (MAR 2:27-28), and that no one has the right for judge another for what they do, or do not do, on the Sabbath (COL 2:16).
*No. The exact forms of your traditions are irrelevant; it only matters that that they are conducted with God in mind (ROM 14:5), because God dislikes things which are done without meaning (ISA 1:13).
+
*'''It's irrelevant.''' The exact form of religious traditions are irrelevant; they just need to be conducted with God in mind (ROM 14:5), because God dislikes things which are done without meaning (ISA 1:13).
  
 
== Can one work during the Sabbath? ==
 
== Can one work during the Sabbath? ==
*No. In fact, performing any form of work on the Sabbath is a capital crime (EXO 31:15), punishable by stoning (NUM 15:32-36).
+
*'''No.''' In fact, performing any form of work on the Sabbath is a capital crime (EXO 31:15), though details regarding the punishment are sketchy; violators are to be:
*No. Those who violate Sabbath work regulations should only be shunned (EXO 31:14).
+
**Stoned (NUM 15:32-36).
*Yes. The siege of Jericho lasted a full week, which implies that everyone involved worked on the Sabbath (JOS 6:14-15).
+
**Shunned (EXO 31:14).
*Yes. Jesus harvests food to eat on the Sabbath. When confronted by the Pharisees about this, he reveals their hypocrisy, since the nature of their job requires priests to work on the Sabbath (MAT 12:1-8).
+
*'''Yes.''' This occurs throughout the Bible:
*Yes. Jesus points out that God is always at work, even on the Sabbath (JOH 5:16-17).
+
**The siege of Jericho lasted a full week, which implies that everyone involved worked on the Sabbath (JOS 6:14-15).
+
**Jesus harvested food to eat on the Sabbath. When confronted by the Pharisees about this, he reveals their hypocrisy; priests are required to work on the Sabbath (MAT 12:1-8).
 +
**Jesus pointed out that God is always at work, even on the Sabbath (JOH 5:16-17).
 +
 
 
== Is idolatry wrong? ==
 
== Is idolatry wrong? ==
*Yes. God explicitly commanded man not to make any sort of graven image (EXO 20:4-5), or to creating “the likeness of anything” that he has forbidden (DEU 4:23). Those who do so are cursed (DEU 27:15).
+
*'''Yes.''' God explicitly commanded against making any of sort of graven image (EXO 20:4-5), or creating “the likeness of anything” which he had forbidden (DEU 4:23). Those who do so are cursed (DEU 27:15).
*No. God specifically demanded that the Israelites build golden cherubims for Him, as decorations for the Ark of the Covenant (EXO 25:18). God also commanded that Moses to make a brass serpent on a pole, to bless his people with (NUM 21:8:9). Solomon’s throne, and the steps leading to it, were decorated with statues of lions (1KIN 10:19-20).
+
*'''No.''' God explicitly demanded the construction of idols. Specifically:
+
**God ordered that the Israelites build golden cherubims, to decorate the Ark of the Covenant (EXO 25:18).  
 +
**God commanded that Moses to make a brass serpent on a pole, to bless his people with (NUM 21:8:9).  
 +
**Solomon’s throne, and the steps leading to it, were decorated with statues of lions (1KIN 10:19-20).
 +
 
 
== Is it wrong to lie? ==
 
== Is it wrong to lie? ==
*Yes. God explicitly commanded man not to lie (EXO 20:16).
+
*'''Yes.''' God explicitly commanded man not to lie (EXO 20:16).
*No. God places “a lying spirit” into the mouths of his prophets (1KIN 22:23).
+
*'''No.''' God places “a lying spirit” into the mouths of his prophets (1KIN 22:23).
 
   
 
   
 
== Is it wrong to covet? ==
 
== Is it wrong to covet? ==
Yes. God explicitly commanded man not to covet (EXO 20:17).
+
*'''Yes.''' God explicitly commanded man not to covet (EXO 20:17).
No. Paul advocates the coveting of spiritual gifts (1COR 12:31), especially the gift of prophecy (1COR 14:39).
+
*'''No.''' Paul advocated coveting spiritual gifts (1COR 12:31), especially the gift of prophecy (1COR 14:39).
+
 
 
== Is it wrong to steal? ==
 
== Is it wrong to steal? ==
Yes. “Thou shalt not steal” (EXO 20:15; LEV 19:11-13; DEU 5:19).
+
*'''Yes.''' “Thou shalt not steal” (EXO 20:15; LEV 19:11-13; DEU 5:19).
No. The Hebrews looted the Egyptians after the tenth plague, before starting their exodus (EXO 12:35-36).
+
*'''No.''' God advocated stealing from your enemies. Specifically:
No. God commanded the Israelites to “spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them” (EZE 39:10).
+
**The Hebrews looted the Egyptians after the tenth plague, and before starting the Exodus (EXO 12:35-36).
Maybe? Paul “robbed other churches” (2COR 11:7-8). However, this may be a euphemism for being paid wages for his services, or for the preaching the televangelist’s “prosperity gospel”
+
**God commanded the Israelites to “spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them” (EZE 39:10).
 +
*'''Maybe?''' Paul “robbed other churches” (2COR 11:7-8). However, this might be a euphemism for being paid wages for his services, or for the preaching the televangelist’s “prosperity gospel.”
  
 
== Can Christians defraud their neighbors? ==
 
== Can Christians defraud their neighbors? ==
Yes. God commanded Moses to have the Israelites to rob and loot the homes of the Egyptians, whom they were living with at the time (EXO 3:21-22).  
+
*'''Yes.''' God commanded Moses to have the Israelites to rob and loot the homes of the Egyptians, whom they were living with at the time (EXO 3:21-22).  
No. “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, nether rob him” (LEV 19:13) because the Lord will avenge such transgressions (1THE 4:6). Although neither “defraud not” (MAR 10:19) nor “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (MAT 19:17-19) were ever listed as being one of the Ten Commandments (LEV 19:18), Jesus thought that they were (Jesus always struggled to remember the Ten Commandments; in LUK 18, he could only remember five.)
+
*'''No.''' “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, nether rob him” (LEV 19:13) because the Lord will avenge such transgressions (1THE 4:6). Although “defraud not” (MAR 10:19) nor “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (MAT 19:17-19) were never one of the Ten Commandments (LEV 19:18), Jesus thought that they were, because he always struggled to remember the Ten Commandments (in LUK 18, he could only remember five.)
 
+
 
 
== What can Christians eat or drink? ==
 
== What can Christians eat or drink? ==
 
*'''All living things are permissible to eat''' (GEN 9:3).
 
*'''All living things are permissible to eat''' (GEN 9:3).
**'''All food and drinks are permitted.'''
+
*'''All food and drinks are permitted.''' Jesus stated that nothing that can go into a person’s mouth can defile them; Christians are only defiled by what comes out of their mouths, i.e., harsh words (MAT 15:11; MAR 7:14-15, 18-19). This was meant both metaphorically and literally, because Jesus stopped to point out that the heart was not a part of the digestive system. Additionally, Jesus pointed out that defiling foods are eventually pooped out, so they can have no permanent ramifications (MAR 7:18).
***Jesus stated that there is nothing that can go into a person’s mouth that can defile him. Christians can only be defiled by what comes out of their mouths (i.e., harsh words) (MAT 15:11; MAR 7:14-15, 18-19) This was meant as both a metaphor and literal statement, as Jesus pointed out that the heart was not a part of the digestive system. Additionally, Jesus points out that since a defiling foods are eventually pooped out, they have no permanent ramifications (MAR 7:18).
 
 
**All of God’s creation is good, including all foods, which he created explicitly for man to eat (1TIM 4:1-5).
 
**All of God’s creation is good, including all foods, which he created explicitly for man to eat (1TIM 4:1-5).
 
**Christians should eat whatever they’re offered (LUK 10:8).
 
**Christians should eat whatever they’re offered (LUK 10:8).
 
*'''Meat is forbidden.''' Any and all seed-bearing herbs and fruits are to be consumed in place of meat (GEN 1:29). However, this diet will admittedly make you weak (ROM 14:2).
 
*'''Meat is forbidden.''' Any and all seed-bearing herbs and fruits are to be consumed in place of meat (GEN 1:29). However, this diet will admittedly make you weak (ROM 14:2).
 
**The following classes of animals are explicitly forbidden:  
 
**The following classes of animals are explicitly forbidden:  
***Animals who do not both have cloven hooves and “chew their cud” (DEU 14:7).
+
***Animals which do not “chew their cud” ''and'' have cloven hooves (DEU 14:7). They ''must'' do both.
***Aquatic animals without fins and scales (DEU 14:7).
+
***Aquatic animals lacking both fins and scales (DEU 14:7).
 
***Birds-of-prey (DEU 14:7).  
 
***Birds-of-prey (DEU 14:7).  
 
***Carrion feeders (DEU 14:7).
 
***Carrion feeders (DEU 14:7).
 
***Winged insects (DEU 14:19).
 
***Winged insects (DEU 14:19).
****This does not apply to winged insects with “legs above their feet” for jumping (i.e., locusts, grasshoppers, and some beetles), which can be eaten. However, all other winged insects are still “unclean” and “abominations” (LEV 11:20-25).
+
****This excludes winged insects with “legs above their feet” for jumping (i.e., locusts, grasshoppers, and some beetles), which can be eaten. All other winged insects remain “unclean” and “abominations” (LEV 11:20-25).
 
**Consuming blood or fat is forbidden (LEV 3:17).
 
**Consuming blood or fat is forbidden (LEV 3:17).
***Catholics are required to drink blood, since their sect is, in part, defined by the Dogma of Transubstantiation, whereby priests magically transform communion wine into the actual, literal blood of Jesus Christ (MAT 26:27-28).
+
***Catholics are required to drink blood, since their sect is partially defined by their Dogma of Transubstantiation, whereby priests magically transmute communion wine into the actual, literal blood of Jesus Christ (MAT 26:27-28).
*'''It is immoral to consume intoxicating and/or poisonous substances.''' (ROM 14:20-21). As such, drinking alcohol is frowned upon (ROM 14:21), as it will “take away the heart” (HOS 4:11) and cause mockery, brawling, and poor decisions (PRO 20:1). Alcohol is considered to be no better, worse, or different than snake venom (PRO 23:29-32).
+
*'''It is immoral to consume intoxicating and/or poisonous substances.''' (ROM 14:20-21).  
**Drinking alcohol is entirely acceptable (DEU 14:26; JOH 2:7-9) and enjoyable (PSA 104:14-15), especially when used medicinally (1TIM 5:23) or as a coping mechanism (PRO 31:6-7).
+
**Drinking alcohol is frowned upon (ROM 14:21), as it will “take away the heart” (HOS 4:11) and cause mockery, brawling, and poor decisions (PRO 20:1). Alcohol is considered to be no better, worse, or different than snake venom (PRO 23:29-32).
 +
**Drinking alcohol is entirely acceptable (DEU 14:26; JOH 2:7-9) and enjoyable (PSA 104:14-15); especially when it is used medicinally (1TIM 5:23) or as a coping mechanism (PRO 31:6-7).
 
*'''Anything that can be sold is considered safe to eat''' (1COR 10:25). On a non-religious practical level, this makes sense, since killing your customers is a bad business model.
 
*'''Anything that can be sold is considered safe to eat''' (1COR 10:25). On a non-religious practical level, this makes sense, since killing your customers is a bad business model.
 
*'''This entire issue is irrelevant,''' since no one is permitted to judge you based on what you eat or drink (COL 2:16). Dietary restrictions are based on worldly laws and customs, which are too trivial to base one’s eternal salvation upon (COL 2:20-22).
 
*'''This entire issue is irrelevant,''' since no one is permitted to judge you based on what you eat or drink (COL 2:16). Dietary restrictions are based on worldly laws and customs, which are too trivial to base one’s eternal salvation upon (COL 2:20-22).
Line 582: Line 600:
  
 
== Is it even possible to avoid sinning? ==
 
== Is it even possible to avoid sinning? ==
*Yes. The laws of God are well-known (DEU 30:11), and anyone who tries to follow them can (DEU 30:11-14).  
+
*'''Yes.''' God's laws are well-known (DEU 30:11), and anyone who tried to follow them could avoid sin (DEU 30:11-14).  
*No. It is impossible to completely follow God’s laws, and all have fallen short and sinned (ROM 3:19-20, 23). Even Jesus did not consider himself to be good (MAR 10:18).
+
*'''No.''' It is impossible to completely follow God’s laws, and all have fallen short and sinned (ROM 3:19-20, 23). Even Jesus did not consider himself to be good (MAR 10:18).
+
 
 
== What happens to those who do not follow the law Old Testament? ==
 
== What happens to those who do not follow the law Old Testament? ==
*They are cursed (DEU 27:26, JER 11:3).
+
*'''They are cursed''' (DEU 27:26, JER 11:3).
*Nothing, because the crucifixion has broken the curse (GAL 3:10-14).
+
*'''Nothing,''' because the crucifixion broke the curse (GAL 3:10-14).
 
+
 
 
== What is the interrelation between sin and the law? ==
 
== What is the interrelation between sin and the law? ==
 
*'''Sin is the cause of laws,''' because laws exist solely to prevent sin (GAL 3:19). Violators who are ignorant of the law are still sinners (ROM 2:12).
 
*'''Sin is the cause of laws,''' because laws exist solely to prevent sin (GAL 3:19). Violators who are ignorant of the law are still sinners (ROM 2:12).
Line 594: Line 612:
  
 
== Are Christians required to follow the laws of the Old Testament? ==
 
== Are Christians required to follow the laws of the Old Testament? ==
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly taught that he does not abolish, but fulfills the Old Testament laws, and every character of every law remains in full effect (MAT 5:17-18). Jesus’ teachings only supplement and enhance the old laws.
+
*'''Yes.''' Jesus explicitly taught that he did not abolish, but fulfilled the Old Testament laws, and every character of every law remained in full effect (MAT 5:17-18). Jesus’ teachings only supplemented and enhanced the old laws.
*'''No,''' because “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law” (GAL 3:13) and “now we are released from the law” (ROM 7:6). The old law and the work of all the prophets only existed to establish a framework and context for the teachings of Jesus. All of God’s previous laws and covenants were only valid up until the coming of John the Baptist (LUK 16:16).
+
*'''No,''' because “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law” (GAL 3:13) and “now we are released from the law” (ROM 7:6). The old law and the works of all the prophets only existed to establish a framework and context Jesus' teachings. All of God’s previous laws and covenants were only valid up until the coming of John the Baptist (LUK 16:16).
 
*'''Irrelevant.''' People who guided by the Holy Spirit are above the old law (GAL 5:18).
 
*'''Irrelevant.''' People who guided by the Holy Spirit are above the old law (GAL 5:18).
  
 
== Should we fear God? ==
 
== Should we fear God? ==
*Yes. We are explicitly told to fear God (1PET 2:17).
+
*'''Yes.''' We are explicitly told to fear God (1PET 2:17).
*No, because “there is no fear in love” (1JOH 4:18).
+
*'''No,''' because “there is no fear in love” (1JOH 4:18).
 
   
 
   
 
== How should one serve the Lord? ==
 
== How should one serve the Lord? ==
*With “fear” and “trembling” (PSA 2:11).
+
*'''With “fear” and “trembling”''' (PSA 2:11).
*With “gladness” and “singing” (PSA 100:2).
+
*'''With “gladness” and “singing”''' (PSA 100:2).
 
    
 
    
 
== Is it wrong to worship those who are not God? ==
 
== Is it wrong to worship those who are not God? ==
Line 615: Line 633:
 
*'''Yes.''' Obedience to God is paramount:
 
*'''Yes.''' Obedience to God is paramount:
 
**God should be obeyed rather than men (ACT 5:29), because Christians are not the servants of men (1COR 7:23).  
 
**God should be obeyed rather than men (ACT 5:29), because Christians are not the servants of men (1COR 7:23).  
**Jesus was explicit about this (MAT 4:10) because even Christ must obey God (MAT 23:10).  
+
**Jesus was explicit about this (MAT 4:10), because even Christ must obey God (MAT 23:10).  
*'''No.''' Others should be obeyed with the same intensity and zeal.
+
*'''No.''' Others should be obeyed with the same intensity and zeal:
**Servants should obey their masters (TIT 2:9) with the same fearful, trembling, and single-purposed manner as they show Christ (EPH 6:5; 1PET 2:18).  
+
**Servants should obey their masters (TIT 2:9) with the same fearful, trembling, and single-purposed manner that they show Christ (EPH 6:5; 1PET 2:18).  
**Since only God is powerful, everyone in power thus has the divinely ordained right to rule (ROM 13:1), and serving them is to serve God (COL 3:22). Therefore, God demands compliance with all secular laws (1PET 2:13).
+
**Since only God is powerful, everyone with power thus has a divinely ordained right to rule (ROM 13:1), and serving them is to serve God (COL 3:22). Therefore, God demands compliance with all secular laws (1PET 2:13).
  
 
==How should Christians view earthly power?==
 
==How should Christians view earthly power?==
Line 624: Line 642:
 
*'''With respect.''' Since all power originates from God, anyone who acquires earthly power is therefore ordained by God, and anyone who resists them is damned (ROM 13:1-2). For this reason, Christians are expected to comply with every secular law (1PET 2:13), and submit to the whims of their superiors (1PET 2:18).
 
*'''With respect.''' Since all power originates from God, anyone who acquires earthly power is therefore ordained by God, and anyone who resists them is damned (ROM 13:1-2). For this reason, Christians are expected to comply with every secular law (1PET 2:13), and submit to the whims of their superiors (1PET 2:18).
  
== Is it wrong to test God wrong? ==
+
== Is it wrong to test God? ==
 
*'''Yes.''' Both the Old (DEU 6:16) and New Testaments (MAT 4:7; LUK 4:12) explicitly concur that people “shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”  
 
*'''Yes.''' Both the Old (DEU 6:16) and New Testaments (MAT 4:7; LUK 4:12) explicitly concur that people “shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”  
*'''No.''' Both Gideon (JUDG 6:36-37) and Isaiah (2KIN 20:8-11) both look for physical indications of God’s power.
+
*'''No.''' Gideon (JUDG 6:36-37) and Isaiah (2KIN 20:8-11) both looked for physical indications of God’s power.
*'''It is only wrong to tempt the Christian God.''' Elijah tempted Baal, and Baal’s lack of response was used as evidence of Baal’s non-existence (1KIN 18:37).
+
*'''It's only wrong to tempt the Christian God.''' Elijah tempted Ba'al, and Ba'al’s lack of response was cited as evidence of Ba'al’s non-existence (1KIN 18:37).
  
 
== What should be done with those who hate God? ==
 
== What should be done with those who hate God? ==
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== Should Christians be able to determine good from evil? ==
 
== Should Christians be able to determine good from evil? ==
*'''No.''' In fact, understanding the difference between good and evil is the root cause for all of the world's suffering and sin (GEN 2:16-17).
+
*'''No.''' In fact, understanding the difference between good and evil is the root cause for all of suffering and sin (GEN 2:16-17).
 
*'''Yes.''' Being able to discern between good and evil is what makes someone an adult (HEB 5:13-14).
 
*'''Yes.''' Being able to discern between good and evil is what makes someone an adult (HEB 5:13-14).
  
 
== How does one learn right from wrong? ==
 
== How does one learn right from wrong? ==
*By following your heart and conscience (ROM 2:15).
+
*'''By following your heart and conscience''' (ROM 2:15).
*By being anointed by Jesus (1JOH 2:27).
+
*'''By being anointed by Jesus''' (1JOH 2:27).
 
    
 
    
 
== Is it wrong to kill/murder? ==
 
== Is it wrong to kill/murder? ==
 
*'''Yes.''' “You shall not kill/murder” (EXO 20:13) is a precept accepted by most human societies, Christian or not.
 
*'''Yes.''' “You shall not kill/murder” (EXO 20:13) is a precept accepted by most human societies, Christian or not.
*'''No.''' God, via Moses, commands the Levites to systematically kill all of the Israelites who worshiped the golden calf, ''and their siblings, spouses, friends, and neighbors'' (EXO 32:27).
+
*'''No.''' God, via Moses, commands the Levites to systematically kill all of the Israelites who worshiped the golden calf -- ''and their siblings, spouses, friends, and neighbors'' (EXO 32:27).
  
 
==Should murderers be put to death?==
 
==Should murderers be put to death?==
*'''Yes.''' God orders the execution of all murderers (EXO 21:12). Seeking revenge is acceptable, but only against murderers (NUM 35:19) because those who cause bloodshed should receive bloodshed (GEN 9:5-6).  
+
*'''Yes.''' God orders the execution of all murderers (EXO 21:12). Seeking revenge is only acceptable against murderers (NUM 35:19), because those who cause bloodshed should receive bloodshed (GEN 9:5-6).  
 
*'''No.''' Performing an evil act will not correct an evil act (ROM 12:17). Vengeance should be reserved for God to carry out (ROM 12:19). Specifically, whoever kills Cain will face God’s vengeance seven times over (GEN 4:15), for unspecified reasons.
 
*'''No.''' Performing an evil act will not correct an evil act (ROM 12:17). Vengeance should be reserved for God to carry out (ROM 12:19). Specifically, whoever kills Cain will face God’s vengeance seven times over (GEN 4:15), for unspecified reasons.
  
 
==Is it right to be lenient on the death penalty?==
 
==Is it right to be lenient on the death penalty?==
*Yes. Cash settlements are acceptable punishments for those who cause the death of an innocent person out of negligence rather than malice (EXO 21:29).
+
*'''Yes.''' Cash settlements are acceptable punishments for those who cause the death of an innocent person out of negligence, not malice (EXO 21:29).
*No. Killers are to be put to death, and sparing the condemned will bring no satisfaction (NUM 35:3).
+
*'''No.''' Killers are to be put to death, and sparing the condemned will bring no satisfaction (NUM 35:3).
 
   
 
   
 
== Should the adherents of false religions be killed? ==
 
== Should the adherents of false religions be killed? ==
*'''Yes.''' Practitioners of other religions are to be immediately killed on sight, without hesitation, upon their discovery (DEU 17:2-3,7).  Elijah ordered the killing of the prophets of Baal, taking special care to ensure that not even one of them could escape (1KIN 18:40).
+
*'''Yes.''' Practitioners of other religions are to be immediately killed on sight, without hesitation, upon their discovery (DEU 17:2-3, 7).  Elijah ordered the killing of Ba'al's prophets, taking special care to ensure that no one could escape (1KIN 18:40).
 
*'''No.''' “A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth” (2TIM 2:24-25).
 
*'''No.''' “A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth” (2TIM 2:24-25).
  
 
== What should Christians do with non-believers? ==
 
== What should Christians do with non-believers? ==
*They should be killed (DEU 13:6,9).
+
*'''Kill them''' (DEU 13:6, 9).
*They should be avoided (2COR 6:14, 17).
+
*'''Avoid them''' (2COR 6:14, 17).
*They should beloved as much as you love yourself (GAL 5:14).
+
*'''Love them as much as you love yourself''' (GAL 5:14).
+
 
 
== What should be done with suspected witches and wizards? ==
 
== What should be done with suspected witches and wizards? ==
 
*'''Witches and wizards are to be put to death''', preferably by stoning (LEV 20:27) because “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” (EXO 22:18).
 
*'''Witches and wizards are to be put to death''', preferably by stoning (LEV 20:27) because “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” (EXO 22:18).
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== Are people from other cultures or religions expected to obey God’s Laws? ==
 
== Are people from other cultures or religions expected to obey God’s Laws? ==
*Yes. It is explicitly stated that God’s laws apply to all people who associate with the Israelites, without exception (EXO 12:49; LEV 18:26).
+
*'''Yes.''' It is explicitly stated that God’s laws apply to all people who associate with the Israelites, without exception (EXO 12:49; LEV 18:26).
*No. Although the Israelites are expressly forbidden from eating animals that die of natural causes, they are permitted to sell this meat to any resident aliens who wish to buy it (DEU 14:21).
+
*'''No.''' The Israelites are expressly forbidden from eating animals which died of natural causes, but they are permitted to sell this meat to any resident aliens who wished to buy it (DEU 14:21).
 
+
 
 
== What should be done with homosexuals? ==
 
== What should be done with homosexuals? ==
*They are to be executed (LEV 20:13).
+
*'''They are to be executed''' (LEV 20:13).
*They are to be merely exiled (1KIN 15:11-12).
+
*'''They are to be merely exiled''' (1KIN 15:11-12).
  
 
== Should you pay close attention to the scriptures? ==
 
== Should you pay close attention to the scriptures? ==
*Yes. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2TIM 3:16).
+
*'''Yes.''' “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2TIM 3:16).
*No. In fact, the Bible actively discourages its own readers from paying attention to the genealogies, since they stir up so many difficult questions (1TIM 1:4; TIT 3:9).
+
*'''No.''' In fact, the Bible actively discourages its own readers from paying attention to its own genealogies, since they stir up so many difficult questions (1TIM 1:4; TIT 3:9).
  
 
== What determines a godly spirit? ==
 
== What determines a godly spirit? ==
*Godly spirits are determined by their willingness to declare that Jesus is divine (1JOH 4:2).
+
*'''Godly spirits are determined by their willingness to declare that Jesus is divine''' (1JOH 4:2).
*Unclean spirits will also fall before Jesus and proclaim that he is the Son of God (MAR 3:11).
+
*'''Unclean spirits will also fall before Jesus and proclaim that he is the Son of God''' (MAR 3:11).
 
+
----
________________________________________
+
 
12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
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{{Template:Navigation}}

Latest revision as of 17:10, 13 October 2021

Contents

What do riches say about a man?

  • They are righteous. Riches are a sign of righteousness, because the righteous are not forsaken, and have no need to beg (PSA 37:25). As such, “in the house of the righteous is much treasure” (PRO 15:6).
  • They are doomed. It is astonishingly difficult for the wealthy to enter Heaven (MAT 19:23-24). As such, the wealthy are miserable (JAM 5:1) because they have nothing to look forward to (LUK 6:24).

Can the rich receive God's reward?

  • Yes. There is a precedent for this:
    • After his enduring his curses, God granted the previously-wealthy Job twice what he had before (JOB 42:10).
    • Jesus accepted the wealthy Joseph of Arimathaea as one of his disciples (MAT 27:57).
  • No. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (MAT 19:24). It is the poor who are the blessed inheritors of God’s kingdom (LUK 6:20), while the rich will “weep and howl” at their own misery (JAM 5:1-3).

Is poverty a blessing?

  • No. Poverty just destroys the poor (PRO 10:15). God will use riches to reward the faithful (PSA 112:1, 3; PRO 15:6) until gold seems as abundant as dirt (JOB 22:23-24). Whatever you sacrifice to serve Jesus and his gospel, will be paid back a hundredfold, on Earth, in your lifetime (MAR 10:30).
  • Yes. The poor are blessed (LUK 6:20) and chosen by God (JAM 2:5), and are promised happiness after death, whereas the rich are merely happy now (LUK 6:24). Additionally, spiritual treasure is superior to material treasure from a practical standpoint, as it cannot rust, decay, or be stolen (MAT 6:19, 21).
  • Indirectly yes. Since it is extremely difficult for rich people to enter Heaven (MAR 10:24-25), they are fated to miserable (JAM 5:1-3).
  • Irrelevant. God does not drastically alter the socioeconomic statuses of his believers. Instead, he brings them contentment (PRO 30:8-9).

Is money evil?

  • Yes, “for the love of money is the root of all evil” (1TIM 6:10).
  • No. Money will solve all of your problems (ECC 10:19).

Should men leave inheritances for their children?

  • Yes, because “a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children” (PRO 13:22).
  • No. One should “Sell that ye have, and give alms...” (LUK 12:33).

Should you trust other people?

  • Yes. You should “believeth all things” (1COR 13:7), because “charity never faileth” (1COR 13:8).
  • No. You can’t trust anyone you know -- not even your friends or spouse (MIC 7:5), because they are all deceivers and slanderers (JER 9:4).

Should Christians believe everything?

  • Yes. “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1COR 13:7).
  • No. You should seek evidence for all claims, and only stick with you have proven to be true (1THE 5:21), because only “the simple believeth every word” (PRO 14:15).

Is wisdom good?

  • Yes, because “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (PRO 4:7). When Jesus gained wisdom, it granted him favor with both God and man (LUK 2:52).
  • No. God will “destroy the wisdom of the wise” (1COR 1:19-20). Those who are wise in worldly things are seemingly fools before God, because by definition, an all-knowing God would know the thoughts of the wise. Therefore, wisdom is useless, since it offers no real advantage against God’s wrath (1COR 3:19-20).

Can wisdom make people happy?

  • Yes. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding" (PRO 3:13).
  • No. “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow” (ECC 1:18).

Does the Bible endorse self-praise?

  • Yes. Moses, as author of the Pentateuch, exalted himself as being “very great” (EXO 11:3), and meek to such a great degree that it alone made him “above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (NUM 12:3).
  • No. Seeking honors is “not good” (PRO 25:27).

Is it good to be happy?

  • Yes. Mirth is commendable (ECC 8:15), because “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (PRO 17:22).
  • No. “Sorrow is better than laughter” because it is good for the heart; the wise mourn, and fools laugh. (ECC 7:3-4). Seeking happiness is a waste of time, since you'll eventually become sad again later (LUK 6:25).

Should Christians mourn?

  • Yes. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (MAT 5:4).
  • No. Christians are expected to rejoice at all times (PHILI 4:4).

Is having a good name a blessing?

  • Yes. A good name is preferable to great riches (PRO 22:1) and precious ointments (ECC 7:1).
  • No. “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!” (LUK 6:26).

Is it good to be childish?

  • Yes. Unless you change and become childish, you can never enter Heaven (MAT 18:3).
  • No. You should “put away childish things” (1COR 13:11), and not be childlike (EPH 4:14), so that you can think like a grown person (1COR 14:20).

Can foolishness be corrected?

  • Yes. Foolishness can be corrected with stern discipline (PRO 22:15).
  • No. Fools can never be separated from their foolishness (PRO 27:22).

Is it good to be foolish?

  • Yes. God is pleased by foolish actions, like preaching to the converted (1COR 1:21), since they are a prophylaxis against pride (1COR 4:10).
  • Indirectly yes. Learning from foolish mistakes is necessary to become wise (1COR 3:18-19).
  • No. God hates fools, and can't stand the sight of them (PSA 5:5). However, this does not apply to wise people who act like fools (EPH 5:15).

Are there any truly new things?

  • No, “there is no new thing under the sun” (ECC 1:9).
  • Yes, there will be:
    • God will create “new heavens and a new earth” (ISA 65:17) for the righteous to live in (2PET 3:13).
    • “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2COR 5:17).

Is Christianity an easy path to walk?

  • Yes. Jesus taught that compared to hard labor, following him is like rest, because “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (MAT 11:28-30).
  • No. Christians should expect to be persecuted (2TIM 3:12), because Jesus expected his followers to be able to endure tribulations (JOH 16:33). God will chasten and scourge all of Christ’s followers (HEB 12:6), and those who are not punished are “bastards” (HEB 12:8).

Is temptation desirable?

  • Yes. Being tried and tested is a joyous thing; challenges are fun (JAM 1:2).
  • No. Jesus taught his disciples to pray against being led into temptation (MAT 6:13), because even strong-willed people eventually cave into to desire (MAT 26:41).

Are Exorcisms in Jesus' name the sign of a true Christian?

  • Yes. Jesus explicitly defined the ability to perform exorcisms as one of the metrics used to identify Christians (MAR 16:17).
  • No. Non-Christians can also perform exorcisms in Jesus’ name (MAR 9:38).

Should justice be dispensed by one man?

  • No. The laws set forth in the Pentateuch clearly state that judgments must be dealt by a combination of priests, elders, and judges (DEU 17:9; 21:2).
  • Yes. Moses, the alleged author of the Pentateuch, judged his people alone, without consequence (EXO 18:18).

Will you reap what you sow?

  • Yes, exactly (GAL 6:7). “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2COR 9:6).
  • No:
    • “They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns” (JER 12:13).
    • “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity” (PRO 22:8).
    • Sowing does not imply a definite chance to reap (MIC 6:15).
    • One can reap what others have sown (MAT 25:26; LUK 19:22).

Are some people justified?

  • No. No living person is justified (PSA 143:1-2)
  • Maybe? Some people will be justified by their words, and others condemned (MAT 12:37).

Has there ever been a just person?

  • Yes. Noah (GEN 6:9), Mary’s husband Joseph (MAT 1:19), and Cornelius the Centurion (ACT 10:22) were all explicitly stated to be just men.
  • No, “for there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not (ECC 7:20).

What makes men just, and what becomes of just men?

  • Faith makes one just (HAB 2:4), yet they will still perish (ECC 7:15).
  • Good works makes one just (EZE 18:5), and they “shall surely live” (EZE 18:9).

Can good works lead to your salvation?

  • Yes. Jesus explicitly stated that he rewards good works (MAT 16:27).
    • Jesus (JOH 5:28-29; 2COR 5:10) and God (ROM 2:5-6; 1PET 1:17) judge people based on their works, and their compliance with God's laws (ROM 2:13). God distributes divine mercy in proportion to these works (PSA 62:12).
    • Claims of faith are meaningless unless they are made tangible by works (JAM 2:14, 17, 22-24, 26).
  • No:
    • Good works cannot lead to salvation, because they cause men to boast. Salvation comes only through faith alone (GEN 15:6; ROM 1:17, 3:28; EPH 2:8-9), because man is intrinsically incapable of greatness, and only God’s forgiveness can make one great (ROM 4:5). By definition, this grace is not work (ROM 11:5-6). Non-believers are damned, regardless of their baptisms (MAR 16:16) or what the law says (GAL 2:16, 3:11), because knowing the law also requires knowing and understanding the concept of sin (ROM 3:20). This is why even the righteous have a hard time finding salvation (1PET 4:18).
    • Only the “born again” are saved (JOH 3:3). Those who do not believe in Jesus are automatically damned to hell. (JOH 3:18, 36).
  • Not really. Jesus judged men based on what they said they would do (MAT 12:37).
  • Irrelevant:
    • God predetermined your salvation before you were ever born, so neither faith nor works can alter the outcome (ROM 8:29).
    • The works of man are irrelevant, since salvation is granted arbitrarily at Jesus’ discretion. (EPH 1:3-5).
  • Maybe?:
    • You only need to love God and your neighbor to be saved (LUK 10:26-28).
    • You can always buy your way out of sins via alms giving (TOB 12:9). Please note that this is an Apocryphal claim.
  • Hedge your bets. Abraham was saved both by his faith (ROM 4:2) and works (JAM 2:21).

Is faith a form of work?

  • Yes. Having faith is just “the work of faith” (1THE 1:3; 2THE 1:11), since faith is “the work of God” (JOH 6:29) because it works by love (GAL 5:6).
  • No, by necessity. If mankind was saved, then faith cannot be work, because people were saved by their faith in Jesus alone (JOH 3:36), and not by any of their works (GAL 2:16). It has to be this way, since allowing salvation through works just leads to pride and arrogance (EPH 2:8-9).
  • No, by definition. If you have to work for God’s grace, then it wouldn’t be grace, per se (ROM, 11:5-6).

Who is responsible for salvation?

  • God is. Salvation is God’s work (PSA 74:12).
  • You are. Each person is ultimately responsible for their own salvation (PHILI 2:12).

Can salvation be granted without effort?

  • No. Earning salvation requires effort, like winning a medal for running a race (1COR 9:24).
  • Yes. Salvation is purely due to God’s mercy, which is independent of a person’s will or actions (ROM 9:16).

What is repentance?

  • Repentance is an action that men must perform (ACT 17:30) or they will perish (MAR 1:15; LUK 13:5).
  • Repentance is one of God’s gifts (ACT 5:31, ACT 11:18, 2TIM 2:25).

Do people have limits?

  • No. With faith all things are possible (MAT 17:20, MAR 9:23).
  • Yes. Somethings are impossible for men, but are possible for God (MAT 19:26).

Can people fall from grace?

  • Yes (HEB 10:39):
    • God will kill those who make even a single mistake, regardless of their good deeds (EZE 18:24-26). Those who have fallen from grace cannot regain it through repentance (HEB 6:4-6).
    • Defying Jesus results in consequences far worse than defying the Old Testament God, because Jesus damns people to Hell forever, whereas God merely killed (HEB 10:26-29). All who have learned God’s laws are required to follow them to the letter; which is why the Bible explicitly admits that everyone would be better off to never learn them (2PET 2:21-22).
    • Jesus willingly let Judas fall from grace in order to fulfill the scriptures (JOH 17:12).
  • No. Jesus explicitly stated that it is impossible to fall from grace (JOH 10:28), since there is no mechanism that separates people from God’s love (ROM 8:38-39).

Is prayer reliable?

  • Yes. Whatever you ask for in prayer, you will receive, provided that you believe (MAT 21:22), because Jesus will do anything that is asked in his name (JOH 14:14).
  • No. The Bible explicitly demonstrates that prayer can and will fail:
    • Prayers cannot pass through clouds (LAM 3:44).
    • Jesus prayed for God to stop Simon Peter’s betrayal, yet it still happened (MAT 26:69-70; LUK 22:31-34). As a result, Jesus considered his best friend to be Satanic (MAT 16:23).
    • Jesus claimed that anyone with faith could replicate his water-walking feat, but no one other than Peter has done so (MAT 14:25-31).

Are repetitious prayers effective?

  • Yes. Jesus explicitly stated that those who “cry day and night” with repeated prayers will win God’s attention and “he will avenge them speedily” (LUK 18:7-8).
  • No:
    • Jesus explicitly taught that repeated prayers are a waste of time, since an all-knowing God would already be aware of your needs and desires (MAT 6:7-8).
    • God intentionally ignores the prayers of those who pray too often (ISA 1:15).

Do Christians know how to pray?

  • Yes. Jesus taught his followers the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father to specifically address this issue (MAT 6:9-13).
  • No. People don't know what to really pray for, so the Holy Spirit has to infer our needs based on what makes us groan (ROM 8:26).

Is it profitable to study scripture?

  • Yes. Since all scripture is divinely inspired, all scriptural studies are profitable, since they teach righteousness (2TIM 3:16).
  • No. The older scriptures are useless (HEB 7:1).

Does the Bible teach forgiveness?

  • Yes. The main point of Jesus’ teachings was that God will forgive those who forgive others (MAT 6:14-15; EPH 4:32; COL 3:13). Enemies should be loved (LUK 6:27), and belligerence should be countered with passive-aggression (MAT 5:38-39), because turnabout is not fair play (ROM 12:17-19).
  • No. Those who harm others should also be harmed (GEN 9:6), in the same manner, and to the same degree (EXO 21:12, 23-25; LEV 24:20; DEU 19:21).

Has there ever been a truly righteous person?

  • Yes. The Bible discusses how God treats righteous people (ECC 9:1; MAT 25:46; JAM 5:16), which implies their existence. In addition, The Bible explicitly stated that the following people were righteous and/or perfect:
    • Noah (GEN 7:1).
    • David (2SAM 22:25).
    • Daniel (EZE 14:14).
    • Job (JOB 2:3).
    • Abel (MAT 23:35).
    • Zacharias and Elizabeth (LUK 1:6).
    • Lot (2PET 2:7-8).
  • No (ISA 41:26, 64:6). “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (ROM 3:10).

What makes a man righteous?

  • Fear. (PRO 16:6; JER 32:38- 40; MAT 10:28)
  • Love. (1JOH 4:18; 5:2; 2JOH 1:6)

What becomes of the righteous?

  • They will prosper and “not wither” (PSA 1:3), because those who seek after God “shall not want any good thing” (PSA 34:10). God will reward the righteous, even if he intentionally set out to harm them (JOB 42:12). Case and point, Joseph was a righteous person who became prosperous despite being sold into slavery by his own family (GEN 39:2). As such, the righteous will survive the great tribulation (REV 7:14).
  • They will fail. Bad things will happen to good people, and good things will happen to bad people (ECC 8:14) because all who wish to be Christians will be hated by everyone (LUK 21:17). The righteous will meet foul ends, such as stoning, being “sawn asunder,” temptation, sword wounds, destitution, affliction, and torment (HEB 11:37).

Can beggars also be righteous people?

  • No. Since a truly righteous person would not be forsaken, they would never have to resort to begging (PSA 37:25).
  • Yes. Lazarus was a beggar, and he was explicitly shown to ascend into heaven by a host of angels upon his death (LUK 16:20-22).

Is man capable of goodness?

  • No. There is literally no one in the world that is capable of good (ROM 3:12) because only God is capable of goodness (MAR 10:18). God sees even the most virtuous person as “a filthy rag” (ISA 64:6).
  • Yes, some mortal humans were capable of good (MAT 5:45; 2COR 5:10), such as Noah (GEN 7:1), Zacharias, and Elizabeth (LUK 1:5-7).
  • Yes and no. Humanity is mixed bag of righteous and wicked people (MAT 13:47-48; 22:10; JOH 5:29).

Should others see your good works?

  • Yes. By allowing others to see your good works, you will show others the goodness of God, by proxy (MAT 5:16; 1PET 2:12).
  • No. Good works must be performed in secret, or at least anonymously, so their performers avoid becoming attention-seekers and hypocrites. People’s actions can lead to earthy rewards or heavenly rewards, but not both (MAT 6:1-4). Good works done to exalt oneself will ultimately debase oneself (MAT 23:5, 12).

What will God do to the wicked?

  • They will prosper (JER 12:1), become mighty, and live to an old age (JOB 21:7). The more a man sins, the longer he will live (ECC 8:12). Robbers will become wealthy, and those who provoke God will become secure (JOB 12:6). They will have “more than their heart can wish” (PSA 73:7) and their large families will inherit this wealth (PSA 17:14).
  • God will not grant wicked people long lives (ECC 8:13); if anything, he will shorten their lives (PRO 10:27), so that they will die early (ECC 7:17). Their souls will be destroyed upon death (JOB 18:5).
  • Nothing. Wicked people need no divine punishments, because they will eventually fall victim to the schemes (2TIM 3:13) and evil (PSA 34:21; PRO 13:21) of other wicked people.

Are people sinful from birth?

  • Yes, because sex is intrinsically impure (PSA 51:5), and no one can “bring a clean thing out of an unclean” thing (JOB 14:4). There is no reason to assume that people are intrinsically righteous or pure (JOB 15:14). If anything, children are wicked from the moment of birth (PSA 58:3), which is why they must be beaten into submission (PRO 22:15).
  • No. Young children cannot be sinful, since they are unable to discern between good and evil (DEU 1:39; ISA 7:15-16; ROM 9:11). Jesus required this childlike innocence from his followers as a condition for their salvation (MAT 18:3-4; LUK 18:16-17).
    • People are intrinsically capable of good; it just doesn’t seem that way because they get caught up in schemes (ECC 7:29).

Are all people sinners?

  • Yes. There can be no righteous people (ROM 3:10) because all have sinned (1KIN 8:46; ECC 7:20; ROM 3:23), and those who claim otherwise are self-deceived (1JOH 1:8) or liars (1JOH 1:10) because absolutely everyone is filthy (PRO 20:9), and no one has ever done a single good thing (PSA 14:2-3). This is because people are produced via sex, which is intrinsically sinful (PSA 51:5); this is compounded by the additional burden of Original Sin (ROM 5:12; 1COR 15:22). Only God is capable of good (MAR 10:18).
  • No. Several people have lived without sin:
    • Noah (GEN 6:9), and Job (JOB 1:8) were both said to be perfect.
    • Zacharias and Elizabeth were considered righteous and blameless, having followed of God’s laws and commandments (LUK 1:5-6).
    • Job “was perfect and upright” (JOB 1:1).
    • David was holy (PSA 86:2).
    • Catholics believe that Mary was without sin.
  • Yes and no. Humanity is a mixed bag of sinners and righteous people (LUK 6:45), which is why a Christ was needed in the first place (1JOH 2:1).
  • The definition of "person" is flexible to make Christians look good. A real Christian doesn’t sin; they are intrinsically godly as a result of being created from God. Sinners only exist because they are “the children of the devil” (1JOH 3:6-10).

Do Christians sin?

  • Yes. Only self-deceiving Christians claim to be without sin. While the forgiveness of sins is as simple as confession, only liars claim to be completely without sin (1JOH 1:8).
  • No. Those born of God are incapable of sin, and all sinners are “of the devil” (1JOH 3:8-10).

Are sinners promptly punished?

  • Yes. God punishes sinners swiftly (JOB 24:18-20, 24).
  • No. The wicked will live (JOB 21:7) because God is reluctant to punish them (JOB 21:9, 14).

Is suffering caused by sin?

  • Yes. “…to the sinner he giveth travail” (ECC 2:26). This is why sinners die (EZE 18:20), and the wicked are destroyed (PSA 145:20) and condemned (PRO 12:2).
  • Possibly? Suffering is conferred upon those who charge interest on loans (EZE 18:13).
  • No. Jesus pointed out that the blind man’s sightlessness was not the result of his sin, or his parent's sins (JOH 9:1-3).

Should you pray for the dead?

  • Yes. Praying on behalf of the dead helps them atone for their sins (2MAC 12:44-46).
  • No. Praying for the dead is a waste of time, as it won't restore them to life. (2SAM 12:21-23)

Do humans possess freewill?

  • Yes. Man is explicitly stated to have “power over his own will” (1COR 7:37). Man is capable of freely choosing which gods to serve (JOS 24:15) and what laws to follow (DEU 11:26-28; 30:19; ISA 7:15; REV 22:17).
  • No. Humans do not possess freewill, because of predestination (ACT 13:48; ROM 8:29-30; 2TIM 1:9). No man has ever had a chance to think for himself, because all of his thoughts and actions were worked out by God before he created the world (EPH 1:4-5). As such, God created some people solely to be damned for denying Jesus (JUDE 1:4).
    • God shapes everyone’s situations and destinies to produce God’s desired outcome, creating the illusion of choice in lieu of freewill (ROM 9:15-16). God deliberately lies to people to coax them into sin and damnation as a means to this end (2THE 2:11-12).

Can people escape death?

  • No. Everyone is fated to die (HEB 9:27) and rot (ECC 3:20), as a result of Original Sin (ROM 5:12).
  • Yes. Jesus Christ abolished the concept of death (2TIM 1:10) for those who follow his teachings (JOH 8:51; 11:26; 1THE 4:15-17). Instead, they will merely be “changed” (1COR 15:51).
  • Not exactly. Christ only abolished the “second death” that comes at the end of the world (REV 2:11).

Why do people die?

  • Eve screwed up. Death was one of God’s punishments for Adam, Eve, and their descendants, for learning about good and evil after eating from the Tree of Life. (GEN 3:22)
  • Satan wills it. Death is the consequence of sin (ROM 6:23, JAM 1:15), and thus Satan’s invention (ROM 5:12).
  • Jesus is somewhat responsible for sin and death. Had Jesus not preached, the sinful could plea for mercy due to their ignorance (JOH 15:22).

Do people die like beasts do?

  • Yes. People die just like beasts, because “a man hath no preeminence above a beast” (ECC 3:19).
  • No. While their bodies return to the dust of the earth, souls are returned to their original owner, God (ECC 12:7).

Will everyone see the glory of the LORD?

  • Yes. All living things will witness the glory of the Lord together (ISA 40:5).
  • No. The unjust will not behold the majesty of the Lord (ISA 26:10).

Who will be saved?

  • Literally everyone. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus saved all men (JOH 12:32, ROM 5:18) and all flesh (LUK 3:6). Even harlots and government officials now stand a chance of entering Heaven (MAT 21:31).
  • Not everyone. Jesus taught that although many people will try, few people will actually be saved (LUK 13:23-24). There is much ambiguity and contradiction in this regard, so the saved may or may not be:
    • Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ (JOH 3:16; ACT 16:31).
    • Anyone who both believes in Jesus Christ and was baptized (MAR 16:16).
    • Anyone who claims to believe in Jesus (ROM 10:9).
      • Claiming belief is insufficient for salvation, unless they actually follow Jesus’ teachings (LUK 6:46).
    • Those who repent (LUK 13:3, ACT 3:19).
      • Those who both repent and were baptized (ACT 2:38).
    • Only the baptized are saved (JOH 3:5).
      • Only the “born again” are saved (JOH 3:3).
    • The predestined (ROM 8:29-30; 9:11-18; EPH 1:4; 2THE 2:13; 1PET 1:2).
    • The “called” (ROM 8:30).
      • Being called will not guarantee salvation, as few of the called are among the predestined (MAT 20:16).
    • All of the Jews (ISA 54:9-10; ROM 11:26).
    • A small percentage of the Jews (ROM 9:27).
    • None of the Jews; for they are all damned (MAT 8:12, MAT 21:43, 45).
    • Those who earn salvation by their works (MAT 7:21; JOH 5:29).
    • Those who earn salvation by following Jesus’ teachings (JOH 8:51).
    • Anyone who loves both God and their neighbor (LUK 10:26).
    • Whoever calls on the name of the Lord, because they are automatically saved (ACT 2:21).
      • Calling on the Lord’s name is insufficient, because man is judged by his works, and not by faith (MAT 7:21).
    • Those who doubt are automatically damned (PRO 14:23), even if they were baptized (MAR 16:16).
      • Despite this, Thomas still became a saint, even after his clear objection to news of the resurrection (JOH 20:24).
    • The following groups of people cannot be saved: the unrighteous, fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, the effeminate, abusers (of themselves or of others), thieves, the covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortionists (1COR 6:9-10).

Will all who seek to enter actually be received?

  • Yes. Everyone who made an honest effort to enter Heaven will be received (LUK 11:9-10).
  • No. Many will seek to enter, and still be unable (LUK 13:23-24).

Will every man die for his own sin?

  • Yes. Everyone will be put to death as punishment for their own sin. It is not possible for a third party to die on someone else’s behalf (DEU 24:16).
  • No. Christ died for all sins, and was punished for the unrelated actions of other people (1PET 3:18).

Will the righteous flourish?

  • Yes. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree” (PSA 92:12-13).
  • No. The righteous will perish (ISA 57:1), because “all things come alike to all” (ECC 9:2).

Will bad things happen to good people?

  • Yes. Christian persecution is just a fact of life (2TIM 3:12), because the just and upright are targets of ridicule and scorn (JOB 12:4). God will discipline and scourge everyone he acknowledges (HEB 12:6). This is why God stood idle and allowed Satan to smite Job (JOB 2:7).
  • No. Bad things are reserved only for bad people (PRO 12:21), and those who do not follow God (1PET 3:13).

Will Christians face persecution?

  • Yes. Christian persecution is just a fact of life (2TIM 3:12).
  • No. When a man pleases God, God will make his enemies be at peace with him (PRO 16:7).

How should enemies be treated?

  • Poorly. Enemies should be persecuted, destroyed (LAM 3:66), and pursued as they flee from your cities (JOS 10:19). If your enemies preach some other gospel, they should be cursed (GAL 1:9) and forced to castrate themselves (GAL 5:10-12); it is wrong to even acknowledge their existence (2JOH 1:10). Both God (LEV 26:7; DEU 7:9-10, 20:14) and Jesus (LUK 19:27) ordered that enemies who resist their rule are to be slain. Enemy belongings are to be plundered and divided among the faithful (JOS 22:8).
  • Well. You should be good to your enemies (LUK 6:27). Specifically, you should return their lost property (EXO 23:4) and fulfill their basic needs (PRO 25:21).

Should Christians find joy when their enemies fail (schadenfreude)?

  • Yes. A righteous man is to rejoice when their enemies fall, even going as far as to “wash his feet in the blood of the wicked” (PSA 58:10).
  • No. “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth (PRO 24:17).

Should Christians bear the burdens of others?

  • Yes. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (GAL 6:2).
  • No. “For every man shall bear his own burden” (GAL 6:5).

How should people be baptized?

  • In the name of the Trinity (MAT 28:19).
  • Only in the name of Jesus (ACT 2:38; 8:16; 10:48).

Will the righteous win earthly prosperity?

  • Yes, in the long term. Righteous people will prosper (PSA 1:1-3) and inherit the land forever (PSA 37:29).
  • Yes, in the short term. Whatever you sacrifice for Jesus or his cause will be rewarded a hundredfold, payable on earth, during your lifetime (MAR 10:29-30). This is the basis for the televangelist’s “prosperity gospel.”
  • No. Jesus taught that earthly treasure should be rejected, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus also pointed out that spiritual treasures are more practical, since they cannot rust, decay, or be stolen (MAT 6:19-21).

Should Christians bear weapons?

  • Yes. Jesus explicitly ordered his disciples to buy weapons, even if they had to sell all of their clothes to come up with the money (LUK 22:36).
  • No. Jesus explicitly told his disciples that they had no use for weapons, “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (MAT 26:52).

Should Christians pray in public?

  • Yes. You should pray everywhere (1TIM 2:8).
  • No. You should pray in secret, because only hypocrites feel a need to pray publicly (MAT 6:5-6).

Can Christians marry unbelievers?

  • No. Unbelievers are to be avoided (2COR 6:14, 17).
  • Yes. Christians can marry non-Christians if it makes them happy (1COR 7:12).

Should you argue with unbelievers?

  • Yes, so prepare extensively. You should “be ready always to give an answer” to religious questions (1PET 3:15).
  • Yes, provided that you do not prepare for religious debates. Instead, you should just let the Holy Spirit do all of the work (MAR 13:11).
  • No. You should “stop disputing about words” (2TIM 2:14) because professing faith has caused people to deviate from it. Instead, you should protect your own belief (1TIM 6:20).

How should reprimands be dealt?

  • Privately (MAT 18:15).
  • Publicly (i.e., in front of a minimum of 2-3 witnesses) (1TIM 5:19-20).

How much should you love your neighbor?

  • As much as you love yourself (LEV 19:18).
  • More than you love yourself (1COR 10:24).

Can Christians charge interest on loans?

  • No. It is immoral to charge interest on loans (LEV 25:37).
  • It depends. It is only immoral to charge interest to the poor (EXO 22:25) and to other Hebrews (DEU 23:19-20).
  • Yes, but only to a certain degree. Usury was declared to a sin by the Councils of Lyons (1274) and Vienne (1312), which placed harsher penalties on the usury edicts of the 3rd Lateran Council (1175). Usurers had three months to make amends or be excommunicated as heretics, made into outlaws, and denied sacraments and funerals (see Religion and the Rise of Capitalism, by R.H. Tawney).
  • Absolutely yes. In fact, it is immoral to lend money without charging interest (LUK 19:23).

Should Christians curse their enemies?

  • No. “Bless them who persecute you: bless, and curse not” (ROM 12:14).
  • Yes. “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him” (PRO 24:24).

Should Christians swear oaths in the name of God?

  • No. Oaths serve no purpose, since lying is already punishable by damnation (JAM 5:12).
  • Yes. Swearing oaths in the name of the Lord is acceptable practice (EXO 22:11; DEU 6:13); Abraham (GEN 21:24, 31), Jacob (GEN 31:53), God himself (ISA 45:22-23; HEB 6:17), and the angels (REV 10:5-6) all swore oaths. However, those who swear bind their souls to the oath, and breaking such an oath is a sin (NUM 30:2).

Is it wrong to call anyone but God “father”?

  • Yes. Jesus taught that you should “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, who is in heaven.” (MAT 23:9).
  • No. John did this in one of his epistles (1JOH 2:13).

Should men have long hair?

  • No. It is shameful for men to have long hair (1COR 11:14).
  • Yes. God likes it:
    • God granted Samson superhuman strength on the condition that he grew long hair (JUDG 13:5).
    • The Nazarites grew long hair as a symbol of their total devotion to God (NUM 6:5), in compliance with God’s hair-care regulations (LEV 19:27).

Is it wrong to celebrate non-Christian holidays?

  • Yes. Celebrating non-Christian holidays is no better, worse, or different than divination, enchantments, witchcraft, or human sacrifice (DEU 18:10). Those who celebrate non-Christian holidays turn their backs on God and all he has done (GAL 4:9-11).
  • No. Celebrating non-Christian holidays is fine, provided that you keep God in mind (ROM 14:6).

Is it wrong to call someone a fool?

  • Yes. Anytime you call someone a fool, you are “in danger of hellfire” (MAT 5:22).
  • No. Jesus (MAT 23:1, 17, 19; LUK 11:40; 12:20) and Paul (1COR 15:35-36) both called people fools.

Should you expose someone’s foolishness when rebuking him?

  • No, because then you will be just like them (PRO 26:4).
  • Yes, “lest he be wise in his own conceit” (PRO 26:5).

Should you follow your own heart?

  • Yes. You should “trust in the Lord with all thine heart" (PRO 3:5), because following your heart is the key to reclaiming the joy of youth (ECC 11:9).
  • No. Don’t follow your heart, because it always ends with going after whores (NUM 15:39).

Should you try to please others?

  • Yes. Everyone should “please their neighbor” (ROM 15:2), and Paul mentioned how he pleased everyone while preaching (1COR 10:33).
  • No. Trying to please everyone is ultimately incompatible with the realities of serving Christ (GAL 1:10).

Is anger wrong?

  • Yes. Men should be slow to anger, because the angry cannot perform the works of God (JAM 1:19-20). Angry men are fools (ECC 7:9) who die early deaths (JOB 5:2). The irrationally angry will be judged poorly (MAT 5:22), and should you should not befriend them (PRO 22:24).
  • No. In fact, anger prevents you from committing sins (EPH 4:26).

Should a man marry his brother's widow? If so, who is considered the father of their children?

  • Yes. Men should marry their widowed sisters-in-law (DEU 25:5), though the dead brother should be listed as the father of their first child (DEU 25:6; RUT 4:5, 9-10, 13, 17).
  • No. It is unclean for men to marry their sisters-in-law (LEV 20:21).
  • No one seems to care. Obed was a child of such a relationships (RUT 4:21; MAT 1:5), but was not considered to be the dead brother' son (LUK 3:32).

Can Christians divorce?

  • Yes, unconditionally. No-fault divorces are an accepted practice (DEU 24:1).
  • Yes, conditionally. Jesus taught that divorce is only acceptable as a response to adultery (MAT 19:9).
  • No. Divorce is impossible, because God unites people in marriage, and man lacks the power to undo this (MAR 10:7-12).

Can the divorced remarry?

  • Yes. The Book of Deuteronomy explicitly states that divorce and remarriage are both acceptable practices (DEU 24:1-2).
  • No. Jesus explicitly stated that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery (MAR 10:11-12).

Should adulterers be executed?

  • Yes. Adultery is a capital crime for everyone involved (LEV 20:10).
  • No. Jesus explicitly stopped a known adulterer's execution, since such executions are an immoral practice (JOH 8:7).

What happens to those who have sex during menstruation?

  • They are unclean. The man and the bed are to be considered to be unclean for seven days (LEV 15:24).
  • They are to be banished (LEV 20:18), because this is a forbidden practice (LEV 18:19).

Is incest wrong?

  • Yes. Incest “is a wicked thing” (LEV 20:17), and those who practice it are cursed (DEU 27:22).
  • No. Lot committed incest (GEN 19:36), and was later described as being both “just” and “righteous” (2PET 2:7-8). Both Aaron and Moses were the products of incest (EXO 6:20), and they were chosen -- not cursed -- by God.

Can castrates enter heaven?

  • No. The Bible explicitly states that men with testicular injuries and/or severed penises “shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord” (DEU 23:1).
  • Yes. God will not discriminate against eunuchs who follow his laws and customs (ISA 56:4-5; MAT 19:12).

Should men take care of their families?

  • Yes. Men who cannot provide for their families have denied the Christian faith worse than any infidel (1TIM 5:8). One of the measures of a man is ensuring that he leaves his family an inheritance upon his death (PRO 13:22).
  • No. Hating your family was required to be one of Jesus’ disciples (LUK 14:26), because his disciples were ordered to sell all that they had (LUK 12:33), and to neglect basic needs such as food, water, and clothing; they were even forbidden from making plans to meet these basic needs (MAT 6:31), since they were to have absolutely no plans for the future (MAT 6:34).

Should you honor your parents?

  • Yes. Jesus reiterated the Commandments, and explicitly stated that you should honor your parents (LUK 18:20).
  • No. Hating your parents was required for being one of Jesus’ disciples (LUK 14:26), because Jesus claimed that anyone who loved their parents more than him was automatically unworthy of him. (MAT 10:34-37). Jesus expected his disciples to devote all of their time and energy into serving his every whim, even if it meant leaving their parent’s dead bodies unburied (MAT 8:21-22).

Should children be punished for the sins of their fathers?

  • Yes. This is a normal practice (ISA 14:21), which God endorses (JOS 7:20, 24-26).
  • No. No one can be punished in the place of another since “every man shall be put to death for his own sin” (DEU 24:16) and judged by their own deeds (ROM 2:5-6). Since a sinner’s soul dies upon bodily death, sin cannot be transferred to one’s descendants (EZE 18:4, 20).

Are children innocent?

  • No. Children are entirely accountable for their actions, and should face punishment for any of their indiscretions. This was demonstrated when Elisha invoked the name of God to curse 42 children, as vengeance for joking about his baldness. The children were all promptly mauled to death by two female bears (2KIN 2:23-24).
  • Yes. Jesus taught that children are intrinsically innocent, and therefore good. Reclaiming this childlike innocence was one of his requirements for salvation (MAR 10:13-16).

How should children be treated?

  • Harshly. Stubborn or rebellious children should be stoned to death, DEU 21:18, 21). While this may sound extreme, be mindful that bashing your children against stones will bring happiness (PSA 137:9).
  • Tenderly. Wrathful children are difficult to indoctrinate (EPH 6:4), and angry children become discouraged (COL 3:21).

Should you believe as a child does?

  • Yes. Jesus explicitly taught that those who do not believe in him in with a child-like faith are banned from entering Heaven (LUK 18:16-17).
  • No. Children are naïve, and prudent people question their beliefs (PRO 14:15).

Should you hate your brother?

  • No (LEV 19:17-18). Anyone who hates their brother will be judged (MAT 5:22) as though they were a murderer (1JOH 3:15), since anyone claiming to love God while hating their brother is a liar (1JOH 4:20).
  • Yes. Hating your brother was requisite for discipleship (LUK 14:26).

Should you love your wife?

  • Yes. Husbands should love their wives as much as Christ loved the church; giving up their lives for their wives, if needed (EPH 5:25).
  • No. Hating your wife was requisite for discipleship (LUK 14:26).

Is marriage good?

  • Yes. Marriage is honorable (HEB 13:4). Finding a wife is a good thing, which earns favor with God (PRO 18:22), since God explicitly stated that loneliness is a bad thing (GEN 2:18).
  • No. Paul claimed that men should not touch women (1COR 7:1) and vice-versa (1COR 7:8). Single moms are more interested in marriage than following Christ, which makes them prone to nosiness, gossip, idleness, and other Satanic activities (1TIM 5:14).

Are men and women equal?

  • Yes. This is a reccurring theme throughout the Bible:
    • Jesus did not take gender into consideration (ACT 2:17-18; GAL 3:28).
    • Women can hold important positions:
      • Deborah, the wife of Lapidoth, served as both a prophetess and as a judge (JUDG 4:4).
      • Women can be “servants of the church;” i.e., a deaconess (ROM 16:1-2).
    • Women can receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, e.g., prophesy (ACT 21:9).
  • No. Men are to rule over women (GEN 3:16), just as Christ rules men (1COR 11:3; EPH 5:22). Women are to remain silent in churches (1COR 14:34), and are forbidden to teach or hold authority over men (1TIM 2:11-12).

Does God allow polygamy and/or polyamory?

  • Yes. These are both common practices in the Bible:
    • Abraham possessed concubines (GEN 25:6).
    • Jacob was a polygamist (GEN 31:17).
    • David impregnated six women (12SAM 3:2).
    • Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1KIN 11:1-3).
    • The Bible offers special guidance for polygamous families (DEU 21:15).
  • No. Christians are to remain monogamous (MAL 2:14-15), as per God’s intention (MAR 10:7-9), in order to avoid committing adultery (1COR 7:2), and because young love is the most enjoyable (PRO 5:18-19).

Should the poor be favored?

  • Yes. The Bible states that people who favor the poor are blessed; they will be delivered in times of trouble (PSA 41:1), and are guaranteed happiness (PRO 14:21).
  • No. The Bible states that the rich and the poor are to be held to the same standards in lawsuits (EXO 23:3).

Should Christians eat leavened bread?

  • Yes. Leavened bread is so good, that Jesus used it to explain what Heaven is like (MAT 13:33; LUK 13:20-21).
  • No. Unleavened bread is holy (LEV 10:12), so conditionally, unleavened bread is “of malice and wickedness” (1COR 5:6-8).

Is it wrong to consume an otherwise-permitted food or drink that was offered to a pagan idol?

  • Yes. The Holy Spirit itself explicitly forbade this practice (ACT 15:28-29), because “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils” (1COR 10:20-21).
  • No. Nothing is intrinsically unclean; theyare only unclean if you think they are unclean (ROM 14:14).
  • Possibly? Doubters are definitely condemned if they eat or drink pagan offerings, since they didn’t consider the theological implications of their actions; anything done outside of faith is a sin (ROM 14:23).

Is circumcision necessary?

  • Yes. Circumcision is absolutely required, since it serves as proof of membership in the covenant between God and man (GEN 17:11). Those who forego the practice automatically break their covenant with God, and are to be banished (GEN 17:14).
  • No. There is no reason for ritualistic genital mutilation:
    • The entire Hebrew population stopped the practice during the 40 years of wandering in the desert (JOS 5:5, 7).
    • Paul and Titus were both uncircumcised (GAL 2:3-4). Paul stated that those who need a circumcision cannot profit from Christianity, since compliance with the old covenant implied doubts about Christ’s new and everlasting covenant (GAL 5:2).
  • It is if you want to look the part. Circumcision is only necessary for Gentiles who want to pass for being Jewish (ACT 16:1, 3).

Does the Bible endorse slavery?

  • Yes, but the details are sketchy at best:
    • Hebrews can be sold into slavery, but:
      • Male slaves must be set freed during their seventh year of service (EXO 21:2).
      • Females must remain slaves for life (EXO 21:7).
      • Enslaved Hebrew men and women are to be considered equals, and both are to be freed in their seventh year of service (DEU 15:12).
      • Hebrews cannot enslave other Hebrews (LEV 25:39-40).
    • Non-Hebrew slaves are your property for life, as are their children (LEV 25:44-46).
    • All slaves must be emancipated after 50 years of service (LEV 25:10).
    • Slaves, and their children born while in your service, must be circumcised (GEN 17:13). Slaves are to obey their masters in every task, at all times, even when their masters are away (COL 3:22). Slaves must treat their master like a god, since God is said to oversee man like a slave owner (LUK 12:47).
    • Permanent slavery is the accepted punishment for homosexual rape. Additionally, all of the rapists decedents will be also permanently enslaved as punishment for this crime (GEN 9:25).
  • No. Slavery is immoral:
    • No one can be called the master of another man, since the only master of men is Christ (MAT 23:10).
    • The oppressed are to be freed (ISA 58:6), since the Israelites were once an oppressed people (EXO 22:21).

Should slaves desire freedom?

  • Kind of. If they can win their freedom, then they should; but they shouldn’t worry about it (1COR 7:21).
  • No. Since all men are slaves to Christ, freedom is irrelevant (1COR 7:23).

Must one observe the Sabbath?

  • Yes. God commanded man to observe the Sabbath (EXO 20:8), and those who do are blessed (ISA 56:2).
  • No. Jesus taught that “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (MAR 2:27-28), and that no one has the right for judge another for what they do, or do not do, on the Sabbath (COL 2:16).
  • It's irrelevant. The exact form of religious traditions are irrelevant; they just need to be conducted with God in mind (ROM 14:5), because God dislikes things which are done without meaning (ISA 1:13).

Can one work during the Sabbath?

  • No. In fact, performing any form of work on the Sabbath is a capital crime (EXO 31:15), though details regarding the punishment are sketchy; violators are to be:
    • Stoned (NUM 15:32-36).
    • Shunned (EXO 31:14).
  • Yes. This occurs throughout the Bible:
    • The siege of Jericho lasted a full week, which implies that everyone involved worked on the Sabbath (JOS 6:14-15).
    • Jesus harvested food to eat on the Sabbath. When confronted by the Pharisees about this, he reveals their hypocrisy; priests are required to work on the Sabbath (MAT 12:1-8).
    • Jesus pointed out that God is always at work, even on the Sabbath (JOH 5:16-17).

Is idolatry wrong?

  • Yes. God explicitly commanded against making any of sort of graven image (EXO 20:4-5), or creating “the likeness of anything” which he had forbidden (DEU 4:23). Those who do so are cursed (DEU 27:15).
  • No. God explicitly demanded the construction of idols. Specifically:
    • God ordered that the Israelites build golden cherubims, to decorate the Ark of the Covenant (EXO 25:18).
    • God commanded that Moses to make a brass serpent on a pole, to bless his people with (NUM 21:8:9).
    • Solomon’s throne, and the steps leading to it, were decorated with statues of lions (1KIN 10:19-20).

Is it wrong to lie?

  • Yes. God explicitly commanded man not to lie (EXO 20:16).
  • No. God places “a lying spirit” into the mouths of his prophets (1KIN 22:23).

Is it wrong to covet?

  • Yes. God explicitly commanded man not to covet (EXO 20:17).
  • No. Paul advocated coveting spiritual gifts (1COR 12:31), especially the gift of prophecy (1COR 14:39).

Is it wrong to steal?

  • Yes. “Thou shalt not steal” (EXO 20:15; LEV 19:11-13; DEU 5:19).
  • No. God advocated stealing from your enemies. Specifically:
    • The Hebrews looted the Egyptians after the tenth plague, and before starting the Exodus (EXO 12:35-36).
    • God commanded the Israelites to “spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them” (EZE 39:10).
  • Maybe? Paul “robbed other churches” (2COR 11:7-8). However, this might be a euphemism for being paid wages for his services, or for the preaching the televangelist’s “prosperity gospel.”

Can Christians defraud their neighbors?

  • Yes. God commanded Moses to have the Israelites to rob and loot the homes of the Egyptians, whom they were living with at the time (EXO 3:21-22).
  • No. “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, nether rob him” (LEV 19:13) because the Lord will avenge such transgressions (1THE 4:6). Although “defraud not” (MAR 10:19) nor “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (MAT 19:17-19) were never one of the Ten Commandments (LEV 19:18), Jesus thought that they were, because he always struggled to remember the Ten Commandments (in LUK 18, he could only remember five.)

What can Christians eat or drink?

  • All living things are permissible to eat (GEN 9:3).
  • All food and drinks are permitted. Jesus stated that nothing that can go into a person’s mouth can defile them; Christians are only defiled by what comes out of their mouths, i.e., harsh words (MAT 15:11; MAR 7:14-15, 18-19). This was meant both metaphorically and literally, because Jesus stopped to point out that the heart was not a part of the digestive system. Additionally, Jesus pointed out that defiling foods are eventually pooped out, so they can have no permanent ramifications (MAR 7:18).
    • All of God’s creation is good, including all foods, which he created explicitly for man to eat (1TIM 4:1-5).
    • Christians should eat whatever they’re offered (LUK 10:8).
  • Meat is forbidden. Any and all seed-bearing herbs and fruits are to be consumed in place of meat (GEN 1:29). However, this diet will admittedly make you weak (ROM 14:2).
    • The following classes of animals are explicitly forbidden:
      • Animals which do not “chew their cud” and have cloven hooves (DEU 14:7). They must do both.
      • Aquatic animals lacking both fins and scales (DEU 14:7).
      • Birds-of-prey (DEU 14:7).
      • Carrion feeders (DEU 14:7).
      • Winged insects (DEU 14:19).
        • This excludes winged insects with “legs above their feet” for jumping (i.e., locusts, grasshoppers, and some beetles), which can be eaten. All other winged insects remain “unclean” and “abominations” (LEV 11:20-25).
    • Consuming blood or fat is forbidden (LEV 3:17).
      • Catholics are required to drink blood, since their sect is partially defined by their Dogma of Transubstantiation, whereby priests magically transmute communion wine into the actual, literal blood of Jesus Christ (MAT 26:27-28).
  • It is immoral to consume intoxicating and/or poisonous substances. (ROM 14:20-21).
    • Drinking alcohol is frowned upon (ROM 14:21), as it will “take away the heart” (HOS 4:11) and cause mockery, brawling, and poor decisions (PRO 20:1). Alcohol is considered to be no better, worse, or different than snake venom (PRO 23:29-32).
    • Drinking alcohol is entirely acceptable (DEU 14:26; JOH 2:7-9) and enjoyable (PSA 104:14-15); especially when it is used medicinally (1TIM 5:23) or as a coping mechanism (PRO 31:6-7).
  • Anything that can be sold is considered safe to eat (1COR 10:25). On a non-religious practical level, this makes sense, since killing your customers is a bad business model.
  • This entire issue is irrelevant, since no one is permitted to judge you based on what you eat or drink (COL 2:16). Dietary restrictions are based on worldly laws and customs, which are too trivial to base one’s eternal salvation upon (COL 2:20-22).

Please note that Jesus explicitly stated that all of the Old Testament dietary restrictions are to be observed, since every single character of the old law remains in effect (LUK 16:17).

Is it even possible to avoid sinning?

  • Yes. God's laws are well-known (DEU 30:11), and anyone who tried to follow them could avoid sin (DEU 30:11-14).
  • No. It is impossible to completely follow God’s laws, and all have fallen short and sinned (ROM 3:19-20, 23). Even Jesus did not consider himself to be good (MAR 10:18).

What happens to those who do not follow the law Old Testament?

  • They are cursed (DEU 27:26, JER 11:3).
  • Nothing, because the crucifixion broke the curse (GAL 3:10-14).

What is the interrelation between sin and the law?

  • Sin is the cause of laws, because laws exist solely to prevent sin (GAL 3:19). Violators who are ignorant of the law are still sinners (ROM 2:12).
  • Sin is a by-product of the law, because violating laws is the definition of sin (1JOH 3:4). Although sin exists independently of the law (ROM 5:13), men cannot be branded as sinners in the absence of laws (ROM 4:15).

Are Christians required to follow the laws of the Old Testament?

  • Yes. Jesus explicitly taught that he did not abolish, but fulfilled the Old Testament laws, and every character of every law remained in full effect (MAT 5:17-18). Jesus’ teachings only supplemented and enhanced the old laws.
  • No, because “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law” (GAL 3:13) and “now we are released from the law” (ROM 7:6). The old law and the works of all the prophets only existed to establish a framework and context Jesus' teachings. All of God’s previous laws and covenants were only valid up until the coming of John the Baptist (LUK 16:16).
  • Irrelevant. People who guided by the Holy Spirit are above the old law (GAL 5:18).

Should we fear God?

  • Yes. We are explicitly told to fear God (1PET 2:17).
  • No, because “there is no fear in love” (1JOH 4:18).

How should one serve the Lord?

  • With “fear” and “trembling” (PSA 2:11).
  • With “gladness” and “singing” (PSA 100:2).

Is it wrong to worship those who are not God?

  • Yes. Only God is to be worshiped, and to him “every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear” (ISA 45:23). It is wrong to have other gods beside him (EXO 20:3), or to worship or serve anyone else (EXO 20:5).
  • No. Worshiping non-God entities is permissible:
    • Joshua fell to his knees and worshiped a swordsman he met, because he wanted to fight for God (JOS 5:13-14).
    • Everyone and everything in Heaven, Earth, and Hell must bow and worship every time they hear Jesus’ name (PHILI 2:10).

Should we obey only God?

  • Yes. Obedience to God is paramount:
    • God should be obeyed rather than men (ACT 5:29), because Christians are not the servants of men (1COR 7:23).
    • Jesus was explicit about this (MAT 4:10), because even Christ must obey God (MAT 23:10).
  • No. Others should be obeyed with the same intensity and zeal:
    • Servants should obey their masters (TIT 2:9) with the same fearful, trembling, and single-purposed manner that they show Christ (EPH 6:5; 1PET 2:18).
    • Since only God is powerful, everyone with power thus has a divinely ordained right to rule (ROM 13:1), and serving them is to serve God (COL 3:22). Therefore, God demands compliance with all secular laws (1PET 2:13).

How should Christians view earthly power?

  • With trepidation. The powers of the world are the enemies of the Christians. They are spiritually wicked (EPH 6:12) because of their tendency to not completely submit to God and Jesus (MAR 15:15; LUK 23:35; ACT 4:26). Secular authorities are to be defied, since God is more fearsome than any earthly power (EXO 1:17; DAN 3:18, 6:7 MAT 2:16).
  • With respect. Since all power originates from God, anyone who acquires earthly power is therefore ordained by God, and anyone who resists them is damned (ROM 13:1-2). For this reason, Christians are expected to comply with every secular law (1PET 2:13), and submit to the whims of their superiors (1PET 2:18).

Is it wrong to test God?

  • Yes. Both the Old (DEU 6:16) and New Testaments (MAT 4:7; LUK 4:12) explicitly concur that people “shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
  • No. Gideon (JUDG 6:36-37) and Isaiah (2KIN 20:8-11) both looked for physical indications of God’s power.
  • It's only wrong to tempt the Christian God. Elijah tempted Ba'al, and Ba'al’s lack of response was cited as evidence of Ba'al’s non-existence (1KIN 18:37).

What should be done with those who hate God?

  • They should be hated. You should hate those who hate God (2CHR 19:2) with a perfect hatred, since they are your enemies (PSA 139:21-22).
  • They should be loved. You should love your enemies, and be kind to the unthankful and evil (LUK 6:35).

Should Christians be able to determine good from evil?

  • No. In fact, understanding the difference between good and evil is the root cause for all of suffering and sin (GEN 2:16-17).
  • Yes. Being able to discern between good and evil is what makes someone an adult (HEB 5:13-14).

How does one learn right from wrong?

  • By following your heart and conscience (ROM 2:15).
  • By being anointed by Jesus (1JOH 2:27).

Is it wrong to kill/murder?

  • Yes. “You shall not kill/murder” (EXO 20:13) is a precept accepted by most human societies, Christian or not.
  • No. God, via Moses, commands the Levites to systematically kill all of the Israelites who worshiped the golden calf -- and their siblings, spouses, friends, and neighbors (EXO 32:27).

Should murderers be put to death?

  • Yes. God orders the execution of all murderers (EXO 21:12). Seeking revenge is only acceptable against murderers (NUM 35:19), because those who cause bloodshed should receive bloodshed (GEN 9:5-6).
  • No. Performing an evil act will not correct an evil act (ROM 12:17). Vengeance should be reserved for God to carry out (ROM 12:19). Specifically, whoever kills Cain will face God’s vengeance seven times over (GEN 4:15), for unspecified reasons.

Is it right to be lenient on the death penalty?

  • Yes. Cash settlements are acceptable punishments for those who cause the death of an innocent person out of negligence, not malice (EXO 21:29).
  • No. Killers are to be put to death, and sparing the condemned will bring no satisfaction (NUM 35:3).

Should the adherents of false religions be killed?

  • Yes. Practitioners of other religions are to be immediately killed on sight, without hesitation, upon their discovery (DEU 17:2-3, 7). Elijah ordered the killing of Ba'al's prophets, taking special care to ensure that no one could escape (1KIN 18:40).
  • No. “A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth” (2TIM 2:24-25).

What should Christians do with non-believers?

  • Kill them (DEU 13:6, 9).
  • Avoid them (2COR 6:14, 17).
  • Love them as much as you love yourself (GAL 5:14).

What should be done with suspected witches and wizards?

  • Witches and wizards are to be put to death, preferably by stoning (LEV 20:27) because “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” (EXO 22:18).
  • Witches and wizards are to be merely refused (1TIM 4:7) and avoided (1TIM 6:20).

How should non-Christians be treated?

  • Poorly. The Bible explicitly states that strangers near the tabernacle should be put to death (NUM 1:51; 3:10, 38; 18:7). Outsiders are to be smited and utterly destroyed without any sort of mercy. It is forbidden to form any covenant with a stranger (DEU 7:2).
  • Well. Strangers should not be oppressed (ZEC 7:10) or mistreated (JER 22:3), because the Israelites were considered strangers during their time in Egypt (EXO 22:21; 23:9; LEV 19:32-34, DEU 10:19).

Are people from other cultures or religions expected to obey God’s Laws?

  • Yes. It is explicitly stated that God’s laws apply to all people who associate with the Israelites, without exception (EXO 12:49; LEV 18:26).
  • No. The Israelites are expressly forbidden from eating animals which died of natural causes, but they are permitted to sell this meat to any resident aliens who wished to buy it (DEU 14:21).

What should be done with homosexuals?

  • They are to be executed (LEV 20:13).
  • They are to be merely exiled (1KIN 15:11-12).

Should you pay close attention to the scriptures?

  • Yes. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2TIM 3:16).
  • No. In fact, the Bible actively discourages its own readers from paying attention to its own genealogies, since they stir up so many difficult questions (1TIM 1:4; TIT 3:9).

What determines a godly spirit?

  • Godly spirits are determined by their willingness to declare that Jesus is divine (1JOH 4:2).
  • Unclean spirits will also fall before Jesus and proclaim that he is the Son of God (MAR 3:11).