Questions tagged [origin]
Questions about the origins of beliefs, concepts, and terminology
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Why do many old churches face east?
Many of the old churches including Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox ones face east. My question is: Was the tradition of construction of churches facing east, a product of certain beliefs, or was it ...
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What was the earliest reference to the 3 States of the Church?
The Churches Militant, Penitent and Triumphant are used quite regularly not only in The Catholic Church but also in some Protestant denominations. The Catechism has a reference to the three states of ...
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In Roman Catholicism, how far back in history does the process (Sacrament) of Confirmation go?
Does the Sacrament of Confirmation go back to the early Church? Also, has it always occurred around the age 14 (except in situations where it would occur later, such as conversions)?
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Perseverance of the Saints – Historical Interpretations before Calvin
When I read the writings of early Christians I am constantly seeing references to persevering to the end and absolutely nothing resembling this teaching. It is almost as if everything taught prior to ...
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According to Catholicism, what is the difference between forgiveness and release from punishment?
The first thing to note is that forgiveness of a sin is separate from punishment for the sin. Through sacramental confession we obtain forgiveness, but we aren't let off the hook as far as punishment ...
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How did the doctrine of the pope having "supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls" originate?
The Pope enjoys, by divine institution, "supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls"
This is the text of paragraph 937 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. How did this ...
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In Western communion services, when was the origin of the practice of consistently offering only the bread to the laity?
The practice of "communion in both kinds" by the laity, that is, both the eating of the bread and drinking of the cup, seems to have been the typical practice in the early church. 1 Corinthians 11:28 ...
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Who first associated the fourth beast of Daniel 7 with the Roman Empire?
Daniel's vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 has long intrigued commentators. Regarding the vision of the fourth beast, the text reads:
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a ...
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Source of the view that the human will is necessitated but not coerced
Consider this excerpt from Aquinas:
Some have held that the human will is necessarily moved to choose things. But they did not hold that the will is coerced, since only something from an external ...
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What are the first references to a tradition of fasting before partaking of the Lord's Supper?
I recently learned that in Roman Catholicism, it's expected that partakers of the Eucharist will fast for at least an hour. Canon 919, §1 reads:
A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist ...
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Did Voltaire actually say "If you want to kill Christianity, you must abolish Sunday"?
Recently I was listening to a defense of the observation of the Sabbath, and within it the speaker quoted Voltaire as saying something like:
If you want to kill Christianity, you must abolish ...
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Who first understood the "authorities" in Romans 13 as spiritual, not secular, authorities?
In his forthcoming book, Freedom's Progress, libertarian Gerard Casey describes several different ways of interpreting and applying Romans 13:1–7. One approach in particular I had never encountered ...
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What is the earliest known instance of a petition directed to Mary?
A recent answer on this site says that "People have always prayed to Mary as a chief intercessor on their behalf." Such a statement will surely seem excessive to Protestants, who would normally ...
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What is the earliest systematic New Testament commentary?
Were Origen's commentaries the earliest attempt to systematically exegete the New Testament texts, so far as there is any record?
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What is the historical origin of the "Last Supper" expression?
This is not a question about the meaning (self-explanatory) of the expression, but on its origin. In particular, about who, where, and when.
There seems to be nothing about this around. The New ...
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