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Papacy

2026-02-14T01:55:01Z

AddieW: Leo is now the Pope. Benedict hasn't been Pope since 2013

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = The Papacy |
subtopics = [[Popes Index]]
* [[Peter and the Papacy]]
* Titles - [[Holy Father]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

The [[Pope]] is the head of [[Roman Catholicism|Roman Catholic Church]] and [[Eastern Catholic Churches]]. In addition to this spiritual role, the Pope is also head of the independent, sovereign [[Vatican City|State of the Vatican City]], a city-state entirely surrounded by the city of Rome. Prior to 1870, the Pope's temporal authority extended over a large area of central [[Italy]], a territory formally known as the "Patrimony of St Peter" under the terms of the [[Donation of Constantine]], but more familiar as the [[Papal States]]. The office of the Pope is informally called the [[Papacy]] and formally called the Pontificate; his ecclesiastical jurisdiction is called the [[Holy See]] (''Sancta Sedes''). Catholics worldwide consider each pope to be the succesor of [[St. Peter]]. The current Pope (as of 2026) is [[Pope Leo XIV]].

===Other Popes===

An antipope is a person who claims the Pontificate without being canonically and properly elected to it. The existence of an antipope is usually due either to doctrinal controversy within the Church, or to confusion as to who is the legitimate Pope at the time.

The heads of the [[Coptic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] are also called "Popes" for historical reasons, with the former being called "'''Coptic Pope'''" or "'''Pope of Alexandria'''" and the latter called "'''Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa'''"; the parallel construction "'''Pope of Rome'''" is uncommon but occasionally used.

===Word origins===

The word "Pope" is derived from the Greek word ''pappas'' ("father") and was originally used in an affectionate sense of any priest or bishop (in the exact same way that modern priests are addressed as "Father"). In the 4th and 5th centuries, ''pappas'' (Latinized as ''papa'', a form still preserved in Spanish and Portuguese was still frequently used of any bishop in the West, although it gradually came to be increasingly restricted to its modern, exclusive use by the Bishop of Rome. In the East, especially in Greece and Russia, priests are still referred to as ''pappas''.

As early as the third century, the Bishop of Alexandria exercised a high degree of central control of suffragan Egyptian bishops, in a manner consciously similar to the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome; the Alexandrian archbishop was given precedence immediately after the Roman pontiff by the [[Council of Nicea]], and adopted the title "Pope of Alexandria," which still forms an integral part of the titles of the Greek Orthodox "Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa" and of the Coptic "Pope of Alexandria and of the See of Saint Mark the Apostle."

===Office and nature===

The title "Pope" is an informal one; the formal title of the Pope is "Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, [[Apostolic Succession|Successor]] of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God," although this is rarely seen or used in full (by comparison, the formal title of the Orthodox Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria is "Successor of Saint Mark the Apostle, Shepherd of Shepherds, Father of Fathers, Supreme Pontiff of All Metropolitans and Bishops, Judge of the World, and Beloved of Christ", often called the "Ecumenical Judge"; the Coptic Pope is styled "Pope and Patriarch of the See of Alexandria and of All the Predication of the Evangelist St. Mark"). In canon law he is referred to as the "Roman Pontiff" (''Pontifex Romanus''). The Pope is styled "Your Holiness" (''Sanctitas Vostra'') and is frequently referred to as "the Holy Father."

The Pope's signature is usually in the format "''NN. PP. x''" (''e.g.'', [[Pope Paul VI]] signed his name as "Paulus PP. VI"), and his name is frequently accompanied in inscriptions by the abbreviation "Pont. Max." or "P.M." (abbreviation of the ancient title ''Pontifex Maximus'', literally "Greatest Bridge-maker", but usually translated "Supreme Pontiff"). The signature of Papal bulls is customarily ''NN. Episcopus Ecclesia Catholicae'' ("NN. Bishop of the Catholic Church"), while the heading is ''NN. Episcopus Servus Servorum Dei'' ("NN. Bishop and Servant of the Servants of God"), the latter title dating to the time of [[Pope Gregory I]] ''the Great''. Other titles used in some official capacity include ''Summus Pontifex'' ("Highest Pontiff"), ''Sanctissimus Pater'' and ''Beatissimus Pater'' ("Most Holy Father" and "Most Blessed Father"), ''Sanctissimus Dominus Noster'' ("Our Most Holy Lord"), and, in the [[Middle Ages|Mediaeval period]], ''Dominus Apostolicus'' ("Apostolic Lord").

The Pope's official residence is the Palace of the Vatican, and he also possesses a summer palace at Castel Gandolfo (believed to be situated on the site of the ancient city-state Alba Longa). Historically the official residence of the Pope was the Lateran Palace, donated by the Roman Emperor Constantinus I. The former Papal summer palace, the Quirinal Palace, has subsequently been the official residence of the Kings of Italy and Presidents of the Italian Republic.

Contrary to popular belief, it is the Pope's ecclesiastical jurisdiction (the Holy See) and not his secular jurisdiction (Vatican City) which conducts international relations; for hundreds of years, the Pope's court (the Roman Curia) has functioned as the government of the Catholic Church. The name "Holy See" (also "Apostolic See") is in ecclesiastical terminology the ordinary jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome (including the Roman Curia); the Pope's various honours, powers, and privileges within the Catholic Church and the international community derive from his Episcopate of Rome in lineal succession from the Apostle St. Peter (see Apostolic Succession). Consequently Rome has traditionally occupied a central position in the Catholic Church, although this is not necessarily so. The Pope derives his Pontificate from being Bishop of Rome but is not obligated to reside in Rome; according to the Latin formula ubi Papa, ibi Curia, wherever the Pope resides is the central government of the Church, provided that the Pope is Bishop of Rome. As such, between 1309 and 1378 the Popes resided not in Rome but in Avignon, a period often called the Babylonian Captivity in allusion to the Biblical exile of Israel (see Avignon Papacy).

Catholic tradition maintains that the institution of the Pontificate can be found in the [[Bible]], and cites certain key passages in support of this contention. Chief among these passages is [[Matthew 16]]:18-19, wherein Jesus Christ says to [[Apostle Peter|Peter]]:

<blockquote>
''"Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter ''("The Rock" derived from Greek)'', and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatever you bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven".''
</blockquote>

===Status and authority===

The status and authority of the Pope in the Catholic Church was dogmatically defined by the First Vatican Council in its Dogmatic Constitution of the Church of Christ (July 18, 1870). The first chapter of this document is entitled "On the institution of the apostolic primacy in blessed Peter", and states that (s.1) "according to the Gospel evidence, a primacy of jurisdiction over the whole church of God was immediately and directly promised to the blessed apostle Peter and conferred on him by Christ the lord" and that (s.6) "if anyone says that blessed Peter the apostle was not appointed by Christ the lord as prince of all the apostles and visible head of the whole church militant; or that it was a primacy of honour only and not one of true and proper jurisdiction that he directly and immediately received from our lord Jesus Christ Himself: let him be anathema."

The Dogmatic Constitution's second chapter, "On the permanence of the primacy of blessed Peter in the Roman pontiffs", states that (s.1) "that which our lord Jesus Christ [...] established in the blessed apostle Peter [...] must of necessity remain forever, by Christ's authority, in the church which, founded as it is upon a rock, will stand firm until the end of time," that (s.3) "whoever succeeds to the chair of Peter obtains by the institution of Christ Himself, the primacy of Peter over the whole church", and that (s.5) "if anyone says that it is not by the institution of Christ the lord Himself (that is to say, by divine law) that blessed Peter should have perpetual successors in the primacy over the whole church; or that the Roman pontiff is not the successor of blessed Peter in this primacy: let him be anathema."

The Dogmatic Constitution's third chapter, "On the power and character of the primacy of the Roman pontiff," states that (s.1) "the definition of the ecumenical council of Florence, which must be believed by all faithful Christians, namely that the apostolic see and the Roman pontiff hold a world-wide primacy, and that the Roman pontiff is the successor of blessed Peter, the prince of the apostles, true vicar of Christ, head of the whole church and father and teacher of all Christian people," that (s.2) "by divine ordinance, the Roman church possesses a pre-eminence of ordinary power over every other church, and that the jurisdictional power of the Roman pontiff is both episcopal and immediate" and that "clergy and faithful, of whatever rite and dignity, both singly and collectively, are bound to submit to this power by the duty of hierarchical subordination and true obedience, and this not only in matters concerning faith and morals, but also in those which regard the discipline and government of the church throughout the world."

The powers of the Pope are defined by the Dogmatic Constitution (ch.3, s.8) such that "he is the supreme judge of the faithful, and that in all cases which fall under ecclesiastical jurisdiction recourse may be had to his judgement" and that "the sentence of the apostolic see (than which there is no higher authority) is not subject to revision by anyone, nor may anyone lawfully pass judgement thereupon" (can. 331 defines the power of the Pope as "supreme, full, immediate and universal ordinary power in the Church, and he can always freely exercise this power"). It also dogmatically defined (ch.4, s.9) the doctrine of Papal infallibility, sc. such that

:when the Roman Pontiff speaks ''ex cathedra'', that is, when in the exercise of his office as shepherd and teacher of all Christians, in virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals to be held by the whole church, he possesses, by the divine assistance promised to him in blessed Peter, that infallibility which the divine Redeemer willed His church to enjoy in defining doctrine concerning faith or morals. Therefore, such definitions of the Roman pontiff are of themselves, and not by the consent of the church, irreformable.

===Political role===

Though the progressive Christianisation of the Roman Empire in the Fourth century did not confer upon bishops civil authority within the state, the gradual withdrawal of imperial authority during the 5th century left the Pope the senior Imperial civilian official in Rome, as bishops were increasingly directing civil affairs in other cities of the Western Empire. This status as a secular and civil leader was vividly displayed by Pope Leo I's confrontation with Attila in 452 and was substantially increased in 754, when the Frankish ruler Pepin the Short donated to the Pope a strip of territory which formed the core of the so-called Papal States (properly the Patrimony of St. Peter). In 800, Pope Leo III crowned the Frankish ruler Charlemagne as Roman Emperor, a major step toward establishing what later became known as the Holy Roman Empire; from that date it became the Pope's prerogative to crown the Emperor, a tradition which continued until Emperor Charles V, the last Holy Roman Emperor to be crowned by the Pope (subsequent Emperors never received coronation), and which was partially revived by Napoléon Bonaparte. As has been hitherto mentioned, the Pope's sovereignty over the Papal States ended in 1870 with their annexation by Italy.

In addition to the Pope's position as a territorial ruler and foremost prince bishop of Christendom (especially prominent with the Renaissance Popes like Pope Alexander VI an ambitious if spectacularly corrupt politico, and Pope Julius II, a formidable general and statesman) and as the spiritual head of the Holy Roman Empire (especially prominent during periods of contention with the Emperors, such as during the Pontificates of Pope Gregory VII and Pope Alexander III), the Pope also possessed a degree of political and temporal authority in his capacity as Supreme Pontiff. Some of the most striking examples of Papal political authority are the Bull Laudabiliter in 1155 (authorising Henry II of England to invade Ireland), the Bull Inter Caeteras in 1493 (leading to the Treaty of Torsedillas in 1494, which divided the world into areas of Spanish and Portuguese rule) the Bull Regnans in Excelsis in 1570 (excommunicating Elizabeth I of England and purporting to release all her subjects from their allegiance to her), the Bull Inter Gravissimas in 1582 (establishing the Gregorian Calendar).

===Death or Resignation, and election===

====Death====

The current regulations regarding a Papal interregnum -- i.e., a Sede Vacante "vacant see" -- were promulgated by John Paul II in his 1996 document Universi Dominici Gregis. During the Sede Vacante, the Sacred College of Cardinals, composed of the Pope's principal advisors and assistants, is collectively responsible for the government of the Church and of the Vatican itself, under the direction of the Cardinal Chamberlain; however, canon law specifically forbids the Cardinals from introducing any innovation in the government of the Church during the vacancy of the Holy See. Any decision that needs the assent of the Pope has to wait until a new Pope has been elected and takes office.

The Pope's death is officially determined by the Cardinal Chamberlain by gently tapping the late Pope's head thrice with a golden hammer and calling his birth name three times. A doctor may or may not have already determined that the Pope had passed away. The Cardinal Chamberlain then retrieves the Fisherman's Ring. Usually the ring is on the Pope's right hand. But with Paul VI, he had stopped wearing the ring during the last years of his reign, and left it in his desk. In other cases the ring might have been removed for medical reasons. The Chamberlin cuts the ring in two in the presence of the Cardinals. The deceased Pope's seals are defaced, to keep the Pope's seal from ever being used again, and his personal apartment is sealed.

The body then lies in state for a number of days before being interred in the crypt of a leading church or cathedral; the Popes of the Twentieth century have all been interred in St. Peter's Basilica, but it is expected that the reigning Pope, Pope John Paul II, will be interred in his native Poland. A nine-day period of mourning (novem dialis) follows after the interment of the late Pope.

====Resignation====

The Code of Canon Law [http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P16.HTM 332 §2] states, ''If it happens that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that the resignation is made freely and properly manifested but not that it is accepted by anyone.''

It was widely reported in June and July 2002 that the Pope John Paul II firmly refuted the speculation of his resignation using Canon 332, in a letter to the Milan daily newspaper ''Corriere della Sera''.

Nevertheless, 332 §2 has given rise to speculation that either:

* The current Pope will resign as his health fails, or
* A properly manifested legal instrument has already been drawn up that puts into effect his resignation in the event of his incapacity to perform his duties.

====Election====

The Pope was originally chosen by those senior clergymen resident in and near Rome. In 1059, the electorate was restricted to the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, and the individual votes of all Cardinal Electors were made equal in 1179. The Pope is usually a member of the Sacred College of Cardinals, but theoretically any male Catholic (including a layman) may be elected; Pope Urban VI was the last Pope who was not already a cardinal at the time of his election. Canon law requires that if a layman or non-bishop is elected, he receives episcopal consecration from the Dean of the College of Cardinals before assuming the Pontificate. Under present canon law, the Pope is elected by the cardinal electors, comprising those cardinals who are under the age of 80.

The Second Council of Lyons was convened on May 7, 1274, to regulate the election of the Pope. This Council decreed that the cardinal electors must meet within ten days of the Pope's death, and that they must remain in seclusion until a Pope has been elected; this was prompted by the three-year Sede Vacante following the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268. By the mid-Sixteenth century, the electoral process had more or less evolved into its present form, allowing for alteration in the time between the death of the Pope and the meeting of the cardinal electors.

Traditionally the vote was conducted by acclamation, by selection by committee, or by plenary vote. Acclamation was the simplest procedure, consisting entirely of a voice vote, and was last used in 1621. The reigning Pope, Pope John Paul II, has abolished vote by acclamation and by selection by committee, and henceforth all Popes will be elected by full vote of the Sacred College of Cardinals by ballot.

The election of the Pope almost always takes place in the Sistine Chapel, in a meeting called a "conclave" (so called because twenty days after the Pope's death, the present cardinal electors are theoretically locked in, cum clavi, until they elect a new Pope). Three cardinals are chosen by lot to collect the votes of absent cardinal electors (by reason of illness), three are chosen by lot to count the votes, and three are chosen by lot to review the count of the votes. The ballots are distributed and each cardinal elector writes the name of his choice on it and pledges aloud that he is voting for "one whom under God I think ought to be elected" before depositing his vote in a large chalice placed on the altar. Each ballot is read aloud by the presiding Cardinal, who then pierces the ballot with a needle and thread, stringing all the ballots together and tying the ends of the thread to ensure accuracy and honesty. Balloting continues until a Pope is elected by a two-thirds majority (since the promulgation of Universi Dominici Gregis the rules allow for a simple majority after a deadlock of twelve days).

One of the most famous parts of the conclave is the means by which the results of a ballot are announced to the world. Once the ballots are counted and bound together, they are burned in a special oven erected in the Sistine Chapel, with the smoke escaping through a small chimney visible from St Peter's Square. The ballots from an unsuccessful vote are burned along with a chemical compound in order to produce black smoke, or "fumata nera." (Traditionally wet straw was used to help create the black smoke, but a number of "false alarms" in past conclaves have brought about this concession to modern chemistry.) When a vote is successful, the ballots are burned alone, sending white smoke ("fumata bianca") through the chimney and announcing to the world the election of a new Pope.

The Dean of the College of Cardinals then asks the successfully elected Cardinal two solemn questions. First he asks, "Do you freely accept your election?" If he replies with the word "Accepto," his reign as Pope begins at that instant, not at the coronation ceremony several days afterward. The Dean then asks, "By what name shall you be called?" The new Pope then announces the name he has chosen for himself (starting in 535, the Pope has customarily chosen a new name for himself during his Pontificate; the names are not based on any system other than general honorifics, and have been based on immediate predecessors, mentors, and political similarity).

The new Pope is led through the "Door of Tears" to a dressing room in which three sets of white Papal vestments ("immantatio") await: literally small, medium, and large. Donning the appropriate vestments and re-emerging into the Sistine Chapel, the new Pope is given the "Fisherman's Ring" by the Cardinal Camerlegno, whom he either reconfirms or reappoints. The Pope then assumes a place of honor as the rest of the Cardinals wait in turn to offer their first "obedience" ("adoratio"), and to receive his blessing.

The senior cardinal deacon then announces from a balcony over St. Peter's Square the following proclamation: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum! Habemus Papam! ("I announce to you a great joy! We have a Pope!")

Until 1978, the Pope's election was followed in a few days by a procession in great pomp and circumstance from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica, with the newly-elected Pope borne in the sedia gestatoria. There the Pope was crowned with the triregnum and he gave his first blessing as Pope, the famous Urbi et Orbi ("to the City [Rome] and to the World"). Another famed part of the coronation was the lighting of a torch which would flare brightly and promptly extinguish, with the admonition Sic transit gloria mundi ("Thus fades worldly glory"). Traditionally, the pope-elect takes the Papal oath (the so called "Oath against modernism") at his coronation, but John Paul I and later John Paul II have refused to do so.

As has been hitherto noted, the Latin term Sede Vacante ("vacant seat") refers to a Papal interregnum, or the period between the death of the Pope and the election of his successor. From this term is derived the name Sedevacantist, which designates a category of dissident, schismatic Catholics who maintain that there is no canonically and legitimately elected Pope, and that there is therefore a Sede Vacante; one of the most common reasons for holding this belief is the idea that the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and especially the replacement of the Tridentine Mass with the Novus Ordo Missae are heretical, and that, per the dogma of Papal infallibility (see above), it is impossible for a valid Pope to have done these things.

===Objections to the Papacy===

The Pope's position as Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church is dogmatic and therefore not open to debate or dispute within the Catholic Church; the First Vatican Council anathematised all who dispute the Pope's primacy of honour and of jurisdiction (it is lawful to discuss the precise nature of that primacy, provided that such discussion does not violate the terms of the Council's Dogmatic Constitution). However, the Pope's authority is not undisputed outside the Catholic Church; these objections differ from denomination to denomination, but can roughly be outlined as (1.) objections to the extent of the primacy of the Pope; and (2.) objections to the institution of the Papacy itself.

Some non-Catholic Christian denominations, such as the Assyrian Church of the East, the Oriental Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion, accept the doctrine of Apostolic Succession, and therefore accept (to varying extents) the claim that the Pope as successor to St. Peter is heir to Petrine primacy of honour. These churches deny, however, the claim that the Pope is also heir to Petrine primacy of jurisdiction. Because none of these denominations recognise the First Vatican Council as ecumenical, they regard its definitions of Papal jurisdiction and infallibility (and anathematisation of those who do not accept them) as non-binding.

Other non-Catholic Christian denominations do not accept the doctrine of Apostolic Succession, or do not understand it in hierarchical terms, and therefore do not accept the claim that the Pope is heir either to Petrine primacy of honour or to Petrine primacy of jurisdiction. The Papacy's complex relationship with the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and other secular states, and the Papacy's territorial claims in Italy, are another focal point of these objections; as is the monarchical character of the office of Pope. In Western Christianity, these objections — and the vehement rhetoric they have at times been cast in — are products of the Protestant Reformation. These denominations vary from simply not accepting the Pope's authority as legitimate and valid, to believing that the Pope is the Antichrist or one of the beasts spoken of in the Book of Revelation. These denominations tend to be more heterogeneous amongst themselves than the aforementioned hierarchical churches, and their views regarding the Papacy and its institutional legitimacy (or lack thereof) vary considerably.

Some objectors to the papacy use empirical arguments, pointing to the corrupt characters of some of the holders of that office. For instance, some argue that claimed successors to St. Peter, like Popes Alexander VI and Callixtus III from the Borgia family, were so corrupt as to be unfit to wield power to bind and loose on Earth or in Heaven. An omniscient and omnibenevolent God, some argue, would not have given those people the powers claimed for them by the Catholic Church. Defenders of the papacy argue that the Bible shows God as willingly giving privileges even to corrupt men (citing examples like some of the kings of Israel, the apostle Judas Iscariot, and even St. Peter after he denied Jesus). They also argue that not even the worst of the corrupt popes used the office to try to rip the doctrine of the Church from its apostolic roots, and that this is evidence that the office is divinely protected.
==List of Popes==

{{:Popes Index}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://www.papalencyclicals.net/ Papal Encyclicals Online]

{{returnto}} [[Roman Catholicism]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

What would Jesus do?

2026-02-14T01:36:01Z

AddieW: More information on the history of the phrase. It is unfortunately not that big of a phrase nowadays

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = WWJD |
subtopics = Books
** [[In His Steps]] - A famous fictional book that asks that question... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''What would Jesus Do?''' (or '''WWJD''') is a question/statement in current-day Christian circles where a Christian asks himself, "What would Jesus do or what choice would he make?" if he were in my situation. The abbreviated form of the question (WWJD) peaked in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s in youth Christian circles. It was printed on bracelets and other merchandise as a popular motto with young Christians.

This is a question Christians have asked themselves since the time of Christ. The phrase, however, was popularized with the book [[In His Steps]].

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_would_Jesus_do%3F Wikipedia - What would Jesus do?]

{{returnto}} [[Living as a Christian]]

God the Son

2025-11-11T16:28:16Z

AddieW: I think I got it

#Redirect [[Jesus Christ]]

God the Son

2025-11-11T16:25:55Z

AddieW: Sorry, I'm trying to remember how to do this

[redirect destination="Jesus"]

God the Son

2025-11-11T15:33:55Z

AddieW: Redirect needed for such a common name of Jesus

[[redirect destination="Jesus"]]

Pope Benedict XVI

2025-11-11T15:30:21Z

AddieW: Past tense is appropriate given his death

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Pope Benedict XVI
[[Image:Pope-Benedict-2008.jpg|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Pope Benedict XVI''' (born '''Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger'''; April 16, 1927 – December 31, 2022) was the [[Popes Index|266th pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. His papacy began on April 19, 2005 and ended on February 28, 2013 with his resignation. He is one of six popes to have ever resigned from the papacy, and the most recent to have done so.

==Papacy==
{{stub}}

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2005–2013|
after= [[Pope Francis|Francis]]|}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Jesus Christ

2025-11-09T05:19:05Z

AddieW: More information

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|acts|2|22|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|acts|2|23|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|acts|2|24|lang=WEB}} ([[Acts 2]]:22-24)}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Jesus
[[Image:Cristo Velázquez lou2.jpg|thumb|center|Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez]] |
subtopics = [[Christology]] - [[Nature of Christ]] (Hypostatic union), Deity of Christ - [[Jesus: Our Lord and God]], [[Jesus: The man]]
* [[Historical evidence of Jesus Christ]]
* [[Events in the life of Jesus]]
** [[Birth of Jesus]]
** [[Baptism of Jesus]]
** [[Miracles of Jesus]], [[Parables of Jesus]], [[Teachings of Jesus]]
** The Crucifixion - [[Death of Jesus]]
** [[Resurrection of Jesus]]
** [[Ascension of Christ]]
* [[Grace]], [[Justification]], [[Salvation]], [[Forgiveness]]
* [[God]]
* Titles for Jesus - [[Christ]] (Messiah), [[Emmanuel]], [[Son of God]], [[Son of Man]]
* [[Gospels]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}}
* [[Jesus (compass)]]
* [[John 11 - Our response to Jesus (G.G.)]]
* [[Jesus is Lord - a call to radical discipleship (Notes compiled by a listener at an address given by John Stott in 2003)|Jesus is Lord (Notes from a John Stott Talk)]]
* [[One solitary life (anon)]] |
}}

'''Jesus''' (popularly known as '''Jesus Christ''' or '''Jesus of Nazareth''') is the central figure that separates [[Christianity]] from other [[religion]]s. He was, as Christians believe, both [[God]] and a man; that He created the world and mankind, and that He is alive today.

He was born around 4 B.C (although the year is disputed to be anywhere between 7 and 4 B.C) in [[Bethlehem]]. His family fled to [[Egypt]] under the prosecution of [[Herod the Great]] before settling in [[Nazareth]]. Jesus worked as a carpenter with His legitimate father, [[St. Joseph]] in and around [[Judea]] (modern day Israel or [[Palestine]]). Around the age of 30, He preached about God's [[love]] and the [[repentance]] of [[sin]].

Due to his teachings, the [[Pharisees]] accused Jesus of [[blasphemy]] and asked the Roman governor, [[Pontius Pilate]] for his execution. He died on a cross for the sins of all humanity and rose again 3 days later. A Christian believes that faith in Him brings [[salvation]].

===Name===

Jesus is the name commonly used in English, translated from the Hebrew "Yeshua" and Aramaic "Isho" or "Eshoa".

[[Christ]] was the title of Jesus (not his surname) and means "anointed". Other titles for Jesus include "Son of God" and "Son of David".

Jesus' legal name would have been "Jesus ben Joseph" or more literally, Yehoshua ben Yosef.

===[[Nature of Christ]]===

The [[Bible]] tells us that Jesus is God in human flesh ([[John 1:1]] and [[John 1:14]]). This doctrine is called the [[hypostatic union]]. He is not half God and half man. He is fully divine and fully man. Understanding this completely is not possible in this life. Disagreements regarding Christ's nature have occurred since the times of the early [[church]] causing considerable tension at times.

===[[Historical evidence of Jesus Christ]]===

Many historians (including non-Christian historians) agree that there is good [[Historicity of Jesus|historical evidence of the life and crucifixion of Jesus]]. Apart from the Bible, there are numerous mentions of Jesus in historical texts. But perhaps most compelling that Jesus existed is that fact that just a few short years after his death, thousands of people were boldly proclaiming his name and were willing to die throughout the Roman Empire.

===[[Birth of Jesus]]===

Jesus Christ was born in [[Bethlehem]], probably about 4 BC. He was born to [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary]] who was a virgin married to [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]], a carpenter from Galillee. The precise date of his birth is not known, but it is celebrated at [[Christmas]].

===[[Teachings of Jesus]]===

Jesus is widely regarded as a great teacher. Throughout the Gospels, people are frequently quoted as addressing him as "Teacher".

====Sermons and statements====

Most of the direct teaching from Jesus' is recorded in the the [[Gospels]]. These are 4 books ([[Gospel of Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark]], [[Gospel of Luke]], [[Gospel of John]]) in the [[Bible]]. One of the most well know sections of teaching is called the [[Sermon on the Mount]] where Jesus called on his followers to live lives of love, loving God, loving family and friends and even loving enemies. Jesus also taught about himself, that it was only through him that a person could come to know God.

====[[Miracles of Jesus]]====

The [[gospel]] accounts of [[Jesus]]' life record numerous miracles that Jesus performed. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and calmed the storms. These miracles act as a testimony to the [[deity of Christ]], as well as to his compassion.

====[[Parables of Jesus]]====

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden. Some o his most famous parables include the story of the [[Good Samaritan]] which teaches about loving each other, and the story of the [[Prodigal Son]], which teaches about God's love.

===[[Death of Jesus]]===

[[Jesus]] was crucified in [[Jerusalem]] around the year 30 AD. He was executed because of his claims to be the Son of God, which was considered blasphemous by the religious leaders of his day. In his death, the [[Bible]] tells us, that He bore all the [[sin]]s of mankind, so that we could be clean and without sin in the eyes of [[God]]. His death is remembered on [[Good Friday]] but it is not the end of the story.

===[[Resurrection of Jesus]]===

Three days after the crucifixion, Jesus appeared [[Disciples of Jesus|to his disciples]], risen from the dead. He sent his disciples out into the world and today millions of people today know the risen Lord Christ and celebrate his resurrection on [[Easter Sunday]].

===Bible Prophecies Regarding Jesus ===

There are numerous prophecies about the Christ in the [[Old Testament]]. These prophecies, sometimes called [[Messianic Prophecy|Messianic Prophecies]], were clearly fulfilled in Jesus. One of the most commonly cited Messianic prophecy is [[Isaiah 53]] which talks about the suffering servant.

==Quotes==

'''[[John 11:35]]'''
: ''{{Bible verse|John|11|35|lang=WEB}}''

'''Anonymous Quote'''
: ''No Jesus, No peace; Know Jesus, Know peace.''

'''Blaise Pascal'''
: ''There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.''

'''Mark Potter'''
: ''Jesus, like any good fisherman, first catches the fish; then He cleans them''

'''[[Karl Barth]]'''
: ''Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way.''

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus Wikipedia - Jesus]
* [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddn4v5jr_115hfvz3v Sermon - Matthew 16 - Who is Jesus?]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]

==Video==
<YouTube>
title=The Life of Jesus Christ, Full Movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-ZcbjLBtls
&rel=1
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/o-ZcbjLBtls
&rel=1
wrap = yes
width=500
height=400
</YouTube>

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[God]]

[[Category:Jesus]]
[[Category:Trinity]]
[[Category:Videos]]
[[Category:Pages with YouTube content]]

Redeemed Zoomer

2025-08-26T16:29:54Z

AddieW: His proper birthdate

'''Richard Ackerman''' (born 17 December 2002), known online as '''Redeemed Zoomer''' is an American Christian apologetics YouTuber. He is [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]], and renowned outside YouTube for founding ''[[Operation Reconquista]]'' in 2023. His name is also commonly associated with young Christians, especially due to the nature of how he spreads the Gospel on social media.

==Biography==
He was born into an irreligious family in New York City. He is ethnically Italian and Jewish. At age 14, he converted to Christianity and began his YouTube channel in 2020 when he was anywhere from 16 to 18-years-old. His username, Redeemed Zoomer, places emphasis on his youth and religion. His content is centered on Christianity, with elements that help him connect to young people, such as playing Minecraft while doing so.

His influence has brought thousands of young people, especially teenage boys and young men, to identify as Christian. A poll from Zoomer once found that 7% of his subscribers were converted to Christianity through him. His content is usually simplifying the gospel. His most popular videos include him explaining every book of the Bible in minutes, and other videos which compare different denominations of Christianity. He also remarkably pushed for ecumenical activity between denominations, especially [[Protestantism]] through Operation Reconquista, and regularly discusses denominations other than his own.

Despite pushing for Presbyterian ideas, only a fraction of Zoomer's fan base is Presbyterian. This is likely due to his ecumenical approach to Christianity.

Judaism

2025-08-12T04:02:30Z

AddieW: Jews do not consider Jesus to be a prophet?? The Talmud claims that Jesus is in hell boiling in feces. And even if this was mistaken to Islam, they consider him to be the Messiah so the fact is just wrong no matter what approach you take

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Judaism
[[Image:Torah.jpg|thumb|center|The [[Torah]].]]|
subtopics = History of Judaism - [[Ancient Israel and Judah]], [[Holocaust]]
* Important places - [[Israel]], [[Jerusalem]]
* Major figures - [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[King David|David]]
* Major texts - [[Old Testament]]
* [[Judaism: Beliefs|Beliefs]]
* [[Judaism: Divisions|Divisions]]
* [[Judaism Today]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

Judaism is the religious culture of the Jewish people. It is one of the first recorded [[monotheism|monotheistic]] faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. The tenets and history of Judaism are the major part of the foundation of other [[Abrahamic religions]], including [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. Judaism follows the [[Torah]] primarily, but also the [[Old Testament]] and [[Talmud]]. Jews consider [[Jesus]] to have been a heretic rather than the [[Messiah]].

===[[History of Judaism]]===

====[[Holocaust]]====

===Important places in Judaism===

====[[Israel]]====

====[[Jerusalem]]====

===Major figures in Judaism===

====[[Abraham]]====

====[[Moses]]====

====[[King David|David]]====

===Major texts in Judaism===

====[[Old Testament]]====

===[[Judaism: Beliefs|Beliefs]]===

===[[Judaism: Divisions|Divisions]]===

===[[Judaism Today]]===

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Wikipedia - Judaism]

{{returnto}} [[Religions]]
[[Category:Religions]]
[[Category:Judaism]]

Joseph Smith

2025-08-12T03:42:27Z

AddieW: More information about the man

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Joseph Smith |
subtopics = [[Book of Mormon]]
* See also: [[Joseph Smith Senior]], [[Joseph Smith III]], [[Joseph F Smith]], [[Joseph Fielding Smith]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Joseph Smith''' (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844) was the principal founder and leader of the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as [[Mormonism]], which includes such denominations as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

According to Smith, he received golden plates from an angel in rural New York State that only he could decipher. These plates were later translated into a third testament, the [[Book of Mormon]], which were published by Smith in 1830. His findings produced skeptics among his contemplatives, especially coupled with his seemingly unholy lifestyle. Followers of Smith were referred to as "[[Mormons]]" though they prefer to be referred to as "Latter Day Saints."

Due to the Book of Mormon's contradiction of the [[Nicene Creed]], which defined [[Christianity]], Most [[Christians]] do not consider Mormons to be Christian. Smith was also viewed as a conman in his time, even today. This was related to his seemingly power-hungry objectives ranging from taking several married women as his own wives and chasing political influence.

In June 1844, Smith was arrested on charges relating to treason and inciting a riot that led to the destruction of a Newspaper that criticized Smith. At the time, Smith was the mayor in Nauvoo, Illinois, and running for President of the United States. But while awaiting charges, a group of over 100 men broke into the jail on June 27. During the scuffle, Smith's brother Hyrum was shot and killed in front of him. Smith held his dead brother, before firing multiple shots at the attackers, injuring 3 men. Smith desperately attempted to escape out the 2nd story window but was shot and killed by attackers inside and outside the jail and plumped to the ground.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith Wikipedia - Joseph Smith]
* [http://mormonwiki.org/Joseph_Smith_Jr..html Mormonwiki.org - Joseph Smith Junior]

{{returnto}} [[Mormonism]]
[[Category:Mormonism]]

David Wood

2025-08-11T13:20:03Z

AddieW: Page created with basic information

'''David Wood''' (born 7 April 1976) is an American [[Evangelical]] Christian apologetic, philosopher, and YouTube personality. He is also well known for his criticism of [[Islam]].

==Early Life==
Wood was an atheist in childhood. He believed fully in relative morality, and had numerous run-ins with law enforcement as a teenager. This culminated into him having became almost fully psychotic, and devising plans to murder people. One night, he nearly bludgeoned his father to death with a hammer at age 18. He was then diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, and sentenced to 10 years for malicious wounding. He was incarcerated for years, during which an inmate proselytized to him, leading to Wood's conversion.

==Apologetics==
Wood has been in over 50 moderated debates with atheists and non-Christian religions, especially Islam. He has hosted a YouTube channel named "Acts17Apologetics" from 2008 to 2022. He left YouTube in May 2022 due to censorship of his videos from the platform, but he returned later that same year with his channel "Apologetics Roadshow" primarily.

{{stub}}

User:AddieW

2025-08-11T13:00:02Z

AddieW: Updated my biography, clarified some details, and proofread

I'm not gonna unveil my actual name, but do acknowledge I'm a 19-year-old (birthday on 30 May 2006) Male from Michigan whose name is not actually "Addie." It's a pseudonym.

==Theological Journey==
I was raised in a secular household and grew up in a way contradictory to the faith I would eventually accept. While I considered myself a believer in God since I was young, I was never encouraged to actually pursue our loving creator. I ended up falling into religious doubt by the time I was 14 and it was crushing to me. I would almost never pray and I wasn't really going anywhere spiritually.

On 10 December 2021, I began dating a self-identified pansexual girl who was my age and it took a toll on me. She was an atheist, and in that relationship, I started considering myself agnostic. I was freed from that relationship after I found out she was having an affair on me on 14 June 2022, and then I fell in love with an Irish-American girl (dual-nationality) who was Catholic in August 2022. During the relationship, I would call myself 'Christian' but I wasn't even entirely sure what that truly meant anymore. It was like a candle died out.

That relationship ended on 17 October 2022 and then I took a break from pursuing relationships. During that time, I spent a bunch of time hanging out with a friend I met online who was protestant although many of my real life friends were actually agnostics or atheists.

This one friend however had something special. As the saying goes, the world doesn't read the Bible, they read Christians. I noticed that he was never as depressed as my God-less friends and so, I decided to look more into the matter. Before this point in time, the only books of the Bible I ever read were Genesis and Exodus. In January 2023, I read the Gospel of Matthew but it didn't actually do me much favors. All it did was educate me on who Jesus was. I then just dropped it afterwards, but I think God didn't think that was good enough.

On 23 February 2023, I was arrested and charged with a fairly serious crime. On 1 March 2023, while I was in Juvie, I began reading throughout the New Testament as well as some Old Testament books. I did so because I had so much time to crush in the months I was there. I was released on 9 June 2023 and was on House Arrest until 19 July of that year. The first Sunday after the day I got off of House arrest (23 July), was the first time I attended Church.

Due to all the Biblical knowledge I obtained while in detention, I ended up being a lot like an assistant to the Sunday School teacher. I remained in that position for months before a bit of burn out. I moved out of my parents house in April 2025 and currently find myself intrigued with Catholicism. I attend mass regularly, although I have yet to be either baptized into any church or consider myself a believer in Catholicism. As a Gen Z person, I find myself fond of [[Redeemed Zoomer]] and I am fully onboard with his approach to Christianity. Denominations need to be more [[Ecumenical]]. We're all one in Christ.

Redeemed Zoomer

2025-08-11T01:04:56Z

AddieW: Page created

'''Richard Ackerman''' (born 2002 or 2003), known online as '''Redeemed Zoomer''' is an American Christian apologetics YouTuber. He is [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]], and renowned outside YouTube for founding ''[[Operation Reconquista]]'' in 2023. His name is also commonly associated with young Christians, especially due to the nature of how he spreads the Gospel on social media.

==Biography==
He was born into an irreligious family in New York City. He is ethnically Italian and Jewish. At age 14, he converted to Christianity and began his YouTube channel in 2020 when he was anywhere from 16 to 18-years-old. His username, Redeemed Zoomer, places emphasis on his youth and religion. His content is centered on Christianity, with elements that help him connect to young people, such as playing Minecraft while doing so.

His influence has brought thousands of young people, especially teenage boys and young men, to identify as Christian. A poll from Zoomer once found that 7% of his subscribers were converted to Christianity through him. His content is usually simplifying the gospel. His most popular videos include him explaining every book of the Bible in minutes, and other videos which compare different denominations of Christianity. He also remarkably pushed for ecumenical activity between denominations, especially [[Protestantism]] through Operation Reconquista, and regularly discusses denominations other than his own.

Despite pushing for Presbyterian ideas, only a fraction of Zoomer's fan base is Presbyterian. This is likely due to his ecumenical approach to Christianity.

Pope Leo XIV

2025-08-11T00:39:25Z

AddieW: Fixing image

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Pope Leo XIV
[[Image:Pope-Leo-2025.png|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Pope Leo XIV''' (born '''Robert Francis Prevost''' on September 14, 1955) is the [[Pope index|268th and current pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. His papacy began on May 8, 2025.

==Papacy==
Leo, who was born in Chicago, became the first Pope from North America. He is a larger admirer of his predecessor, [[Pope Francis]] as well as [[Pope Leo XIII]], the previous Pope to take the name 'Leo'. Both Leos were Popes during time frames of large industrialization and prioritized fighting for the world's workers. Pope Leo XIV found himself pitted against a world with growing artificial intelligence that threatened the jobs of millions.

At the time he became Pope, the world had been rapidly secularizing. The [[Catholic Church]] had the least amount of power since the before the adoption of Christianity in Europe. Regardless, the laity and secular have both praised Leo upon his election as Pope, with both sides weighing in during the Papal Conclave.

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope Francis|Francis]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2025–|
after= None}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

File:Pope-Leo-2025.png

2025-08-11T00:38:41Z

AddieW: The Pope on 12 May 2025.

== Summary ==
The Pope on 12 May 2025.

Pope Leo XIV

2025-08-11T00:37:36Z

AddieW: Infobox

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Pope Leo XIV
[[Image:Pope-Leo-2025.jpg|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Pope Leo XIV''' (born '''Robert Francis Prevost''' on September 14, 1955) is the [[Pope index|268th and current pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. His papacy began on May 8, 2025.

==Papacy==
Leo, who was born in Chicago, became the first Pope from North America. He is a larger admirer of his predecessor, [[Pope Francis]] as well as [[Pope Leo XIII]], the previous Pope to take the name 'Leo'. Both Leos were Popes during time frames of large industrialization and prioritized fighting for the world's workers. Pope Leo XIV found himself pitted against a world with growing artificial intelligence that threatened the jobs of millions.

At the time he became Pope, the world had been rapidly secularizing. The [[Catholic Church]] had the least amount of power since the before the adoption of Christianity in Europe. Regardless, the laity and secular have both praised Leo upon his election as Pope, with both sides weighing in during the Papal Conclave.

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope Francis|Francis]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2025–|
after= None}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Pope Leo XIV

2025-08-11T00:34:11Z

AddieW: New pope

'''Pope Leo XIV''' (born '''Robert Francis Prevost''' on September 14, 1955) is the 268th and current pope of the Catholic Church. His papacy began on May 8, 2025.

Leo, who was born in Chicago, became the first Pope from North America. He is a larger admirer of his predecessor, [[Pope Francis]] as well as [[Pope Leo XIII]], the previous Pope to take the name 'Leo'. Both Leos were Popes during time frames of large industrialization and prioritized fighting for the world's workers. Pope Leo XIV found himself pitted against a world with growing artificial intelligence that threatened the jobs of millions.

At the time he became Pope, the world had been rapidly secularizing. The [[Catholic Church]] had the least amount of power since the before the adoption of Christianity in Europe. Regardless, the laity and secular have both praised Leo upon his election as Pope, with both sides weighing in during the Papal Conclave.

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope Francis|Francis]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2025–|
after= None}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Pope Francis

2025-08-11T00:33:18Z

AddieW: Again, he's dead

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Pope Francis
[[Image:Pope-Francis-2021.jpg|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Pope Francis''' (born '''Jorge Mario Bergoglio'''; December 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025) was the [[Popes Index|268th pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. His papacy began on March 13, 2013, and concluded with his death on Easter Monday in 2025.

==Papacy==
Throughout Francis' papacy, misinformation made the rounds on social media regarding his stance on several theological issues. Some Christians, including Catholics, have criticized him for allegedly embracing homosexuality. Francis was the first Pope to use the term "homosexual" and frequently stood-up against the persecution of homosexuals. But his stance on homosexuality was biblical, and he upheld that it was sin. He was also criticized by progressives during a priest shortage in the early 2020s, when he denied to allow women to become priests. Such a stance is also biblical.

Some Christians even claimed that Francis said that all religions worship the same [[God]], another misinterpreted statement. He was frequently misquoted whenever he called for unity. These strawman arguments have been used by Protestants as an argument against the Catholic church.

As for Francis' actual policies, he was very apologetic with the history of the Catholic church. He frequently apologized for atrocities committed by the church, especially during the late medieval period and early modern history. He also notably canonized opposition to the death penalty as Catholic doctrine during his papacy.

{{stub}}

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope Benedict XVI|Benedict XVI]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2013–2025|
after= [[Pope Leo XIV|Leo XIV]]}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Pope Benedict XVI

2025-08-11T00:31:18Z

AddieW: Cool fact

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Pope Benedict XVI
[[Image:Pope-Benedict-2008.jpg|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Pope Benedict XVI''' (born '''Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger'''; April 16, 1927 – December 31, 2022) is the [[Popes Index|266th pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. His papacy began on April 19, 2005 and ended on February 28, 2013 with his resignation. He is one of six popes to have ever resigned from the papacy, and the most recent to have done so.

==Papacy==
{{stub}}

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2005–2013|
after= [[Pope Francis|Francis]]|}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Pope Francis

2025-08-11T00:28:53Z

AddieW: He's dead. Here's a small summary of his papacy

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Pope Francis
[[Image:Pope-Francis-2021.jpg|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

'''Pope Francis''' (born '''Jorge Mario Bergoglio'''; December 17, 1936 - April 21, 2025) was the [[Popes Index|268th pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. His papacy began on March 13, 2013, and concluded with his death on Easter Monday in 2025.

==Papacy==
Throughout Francis' papacy, misinformation made the rounds on social media regarding his stance on several theological issues. Some Christians, including Catholics, have criticized him for allegedly embracing homosexuality. Francis was the first Pope to use the term "homosexual" and frequently stood-up against the persecution of homosexuals. But his stance on homosexuality was biblical, and he upheld that it was sin. He was also criticized by progressives during a priest shortage in the early 2020s, when he denied to allow women to become priests. Such a stance is also biblical.

Some Christians even claimed that Francis said that all religions worship the same [[God]], another misinterpreted statement. He was frequently misquoted whenever he called for unity. These strawman arguments have been used by Protestants as an argument against the Catholic church.

As for Francis' actual policies, he was very apologetic with the history of the Catholic church. He frequently apologized for atrocities committed by the church, especially during the late medieval period and early modern history. He also notably canonized opposition to the death penalty as Catholic doctrine during his papacy.

{{stub}}

==Other Links==
{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= [[Pope Benedict XVI|Benedict XVI]]|
title= [[Pope]]|
years= 2013–|
after= None|}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Pope Leo XIV

2025-08-11T00:15:14Z

AddieW: Page created with basic, but useful information

Popes Index

2025-08-11T00:04:10Z

AddieW: Pope Francis passed away in April, Leo has been the Pope since May

1. [[St. Peter]] (32-67)

2. [[St. Linus]] (67-76)

3. [[St. Anacletus]](Cletus) (76-88)

4. [[St. Clement I]] (88-97)

5. [[St. Evaristus]] (97-105)

6. [[St. Alexander I]] (105-115)

7. [[St. Sixtus I]] (115-125) -- also called [[Xystus I]]

8. [[St. Telesphorus]] (125-136)

9. [[St. Hyginus]] (136-140)

10. [[St. Pius I]] (140-155)

11. [[St. Anicetus]] (155-166)

12. [[St. Soter]] (166-175)

13. St. Eleutherius (175-189)

14. St. Victor I (189-199)

15. St. Zephyrinus (199-217)

16. St. Callistus I (217-22)

17. St. Urban I (222-30)

18. St. Pontain (230-35)

19. St. Anterus (235-36)

20. St. Fabian (236-50)

21. St. Cornelius (251-53)

22. St. Lucius I (253-54)

23. St. Stephen I (254-257)

24. St. Sixtus II (257-258)

25. St. Dionysius (260-268)

26. St. Felix I (269-274)

27. St. Eutychian (275-283)

28. St. Caius (283-296) -- also called Gaius

29. St. Marcellinus (296-304)

30. St. Marcellus I (308-309)

31. St. Eusebius (309 or 310)

32. St. Miltiades (311-14)

33. St. Sylvester I (314-35)

34. St. Marcus (336)

35. St. Julius I (337-52)

36. Liberius (352-66)

37. St. Damasus I (366-83)

38. St. Siricius (384-99)

39. St. Anastasius I (399-401)

40. St. Innocent I (401-17)

41. St. Zosimus (417-18)

42. St. Boniface I (418-22)

43. St. Celestine I (422-32)

44. St. Sixtus III (432-40)

45. St. Leo I (the Great) (440-61)

46. St. Hilarius (461-68)

47. St. Simplicius (468-83)

48. St. Felix III (II) (483-92)

49. St. Gelasius I (492-96)

50. Anastasius II (496-98)

51. St. Symmachus (498-514)

52. St. Hormisdas (514-23)

53. St. John I (523-26)

54. St. Felix IV (III) (526-30)

55. Boniface II (530-32)

56. John II (533-35)

57. St. Agapetus I (535-36) -- also called Agapitus I

58. St. Silverius (536-37)

59. Vigilius (537-55)

60. Pelagius I (556-61)

61. John III (561-74)

62. Benedict I (575-79)

63. Pelagius II (579-90)

64. St. Gregory I (the Great) (590-604)

65. Sabinian (604-606)

66. Boniface III (607)

67. St. Boniface IV (608-15)

68. St. Deusdedit (Adeodatus I) (615-18)

69. Boniface V (619-25)

70. Honorius I (625-38)

71. Severinus (640)

72. John IV (640-42)

73. Theodore I (642-49)

74. St. Martin I (649-55)

75. St. Eugene I (655-57)

76. St. Vitalian (657-72)

77. Adeodatus (II) (672-76)

78. Donus (676-78)

79. St. Agatho (678-81)

80. St. Leo II (682-83)

81. St. Benedict II (684-85)

82. John V (685-86)

83. Conon (686-87)

84. St. Sergius I (687-701)

85. John VI (701-05)

86. John VII (705-07)

87. Sisinnius (708)

88. Constantine (708-15)

89. St. Gregory II (715-31)

90. St. Gregory III (731-41)

91. St. Zachary (741-52)

92. Stephen II (752) -- Because he died before being consecrated, some
lists (including the Vatican's official list) omit him.

93. Stephen III (752-57)

94. St. Paul I (757-67)

95. Stephen IV (767-72)

96. Adrian I (772-95)

97. St. Leo III (795-816)

98. Stephen V (816-17)

99. St. Paschal I (817-24)

100. Eugene II (824-27)

101. Valentine (827)

102. Gregory IV (827-44)

103. Sergius II (844-47)

104. St. Leo IV (847-55)

105. Benedict III (855-58)

106. St. Nicholas I (the Great) (858-67)

107. Adrian II (867-72)

108. John VIII (872-82)

109. Marinus I (882-84)

110. St. Adrian III (884-85)

111. Stephen VI (885-91)

112. Formosus (891-96)

113. Boniface VI (896)

114. Stephen VII (896-97)

115. Romanus (897)

116. Theodore II (897)

117. John IX (898-900)

118. Benedict IV (900-03)

119. Leo V (903)

120. Sergius III (904-11)

121. Anastasius III (911-13)

122. Lando (913-14)

123. John X (914-28)

124. Leo VI (928)

125. Stephen VIII (929-31)

126. John XI (931-35)

127. Leo VII (936-39)

128. Stephen IX (939-42)

129. Marinus II (942-46)

130. Agapetus II (946-55)

131. John XII (955-63)

132. Leo VIII (963-64)

133. Benedict V (964)

134. John XIII (965-72)

135. Benedict VI (973-74)

136. Benedict VII (974-83)

137. John XIV (983-84)

138. John XV (985-96)

139. Gregory V (996-99)

140. Sylvester II (999-1003)

141. John XVII (1003)

142. John XVIII (1003-09)

143. Sergius IV (1009-12)

144. Benedict VIII (1012-24)

145. John XIX (1024-32)

146. Benedict IX (1032-45)

147. Sylvester III (1045) -- Considered by some to be an [[Antipope]]

148. Benedict IX (1045)

149. Gregory VI (1045-46)

150. Clement II (1046-47)

151. Benedict IX (1047-48)

152. Damasus II (1048)

153. St. Leo IX (1049-54)

154. Victor II (1055-57)

155. Stephen X (1057-58)

156. Nicholas II (1058-61)

157. Alexander II (1061-73)

158. St. Gregory VII (1073-85)

159. Blessed Victor III (1086-87)

160. Blessed Urban II (1088-99)

161. Paschal II (1099-1118)

162. Gelasius II (1118-19)

163. Callistus II (1119-24)

164. Honorius II (1124-30)

165. Innocent II (1130-43)

166. Celestine II (1143-44)

167. Lucius II (1144-45)

168. Blessed Eugene III (1145-53)

169. Anastasius IV (1153-54)

170. Adrian IV (1154-59)

171. Alexander III (1159-81)

172. Lucius III (1181-85)

173. Urban III (1185-87)

174. Gregory VIII (1187)

175. Clement III (1187-91)

176. Celestine III (1191-98)

177. [[Innocent III]] (1198-1216)

178. Honorius III (1216-27)

179. Gregory IX (1227-41)

180. Celestine IV (1241)

181. Innocent IV (1243-54)

182. Alexander IV (1254-61)

183. Urban IV (1261-64)

184. Clement IV (1265-68)

185. Blessed Gregory X (1271-76)

186. Blessed Innocent V (1276)

187. Adrian V (1276)

188. John XXI (1276-77)

189. Nicholas III (1277-80)

190. Martin IV (1281-85)

191. Honorius IV (1285-87)

192. Nicholas IV (1288-92)

193. St. Celestine V (1294)

194. Boniface VIII (1294-1303)

195. Blessed Benedict XI (1303-04)

196. Clement V (1305-14)

197. John XXII (1316-34)

198. Benedict XII (1334-42)

299. Clement VI (1342-52)

200. Innocent VI (1352-62)

201. Blessed Urban V (1362-70)

202. Gregory XI (1370-78)

203. Urban VI (1378-89)

204. Boniface IX (1389-1404)

205. Innocent VII (1404-06)

206. Gregory XII (1406-15)

207. Martin V (1417-31)

208. Eugene IV (1431-47)

209. Nicholas V (1447-55)

210. Callistus III (1455-58)

211. Pius II (1458-64)

212. Paul II (1464-71)

213. Sixtus IV (1471-84)

214. Innocent VIII (1484-92)

215. Alexander VI (1492-1503)

216. Pius III (1503)

217. Julius II (1503-13)

218. Leo X (1513-21)

219. Adrian VI (1522-23)

220. Clement VII (1523-34)

221. Paul III (1534-49)

222. Julius III (1550-55)

223. Marcellus II (1555)

224. Paul IV (1555-59)

225. Pius IV (1559-65)

226. St. Pius V (1566-72)

227. Gregory XIII (1572-85)

228. Sixtus V (1585-90)

229. Urban VII (1590)

230. Gregory XIV (1590-91)

231. Innocent IX (1591)

232. Clement VIII (1592-1605)

233. Leo XI (1605)

234. Paul V (1605-21)

235. Gregory XV (1621-23)

236. Urban VIII (1623-44)

237. Innocent X (1644-55)

238. Alexander VII (1655-67)

239. Clement IX (1667-69)

240. Clement X (1670-76)

241. Blessed Innocent XI (1676-89)

242. Alexander VIII (1689-91)

243. Innocent XII (1691-1700)

244. Clement XI (1700-21)

245. Innocent XIII (1721-24)

246. Benedict XIII (1724-30)

247. Clement XII (1730-40)

248. Benedict XIV (1740-58)

249. Clement XIII (1758-69)

250. Clement XIV (1769-74)

251. Pius VI (1775-99)

252. [[Pius VII]] (1800-23)

253. [[Leo XII]] (1823-29)

254. [[Pius VIII]] (1829-30)

255. [[Gregory XVI]] (1831-46)

256. [[Blessed Pius IX]] (1846-78)

257. [[Leo XIII]] (1878-1903)

258. [[St. Pius X]] (1903-14)

259. [[Benedict XV]] (1914-22)

260. [[Pius XI]] (1922-39)

261. [[Pius XII]] (1939-58)

262. [[Blessed John XXIII]] (1958-63)

263. [[Paul VI]] (1963-78)

264. [[John Paul I]] (1978)

265. [[John Paul II]] (1978-2005)

266. [[Benedict XVI]] (2005-2013)

267. [[Pope Francis]] (2013-2025)

268. [[Pope Leo XIV]] (2025-)

{{returnto}} [[Papacy]]
[[Category:Indexes]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Jesus Christ

2025-08-10T23:58:18Z

AddieW: Small clean-up with capitalizing the "he" in the context of Jesus

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|acts|2|22|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|acts|2|23|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|acts|2|24|lang=WEB}} ([[Acts 2]]:22-24)}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Jesus
[[Image:Cristo Velázquez lou2.jpg|thumb|center|Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez]] |
subtopics = [[Christology]] - [[Nature of Christ]] (Hypostatic union), Deity of Christ - [[Jesus: Our Lord and God]], [[Jesus: The man]]
* [[Historical evidence of Jesus Christ]]
* [[Events in the life of Jesus]]
** [[Birth of Jesus]]
** [[Baptism of Jesus]]
** [[Miracles of Jesus]], [[Parables of Jesus]], [[Teachings of Jesus]]
** The Crucifixion - [[Death of Jesus]]
** [[Resurrection of Jesus]]
** [[Ascension of Christ]]
* [[Grace]], [[Justification]], [[Salvation]], [[Forgiveness]]
* [[God]]
* Titles for Jesus - [[Christ]] (Messiah), [[Emmanuel]], [[Son of God]], [[Son of Man]]
* [[Gospels]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}}
* [[Jesus (compass)]]
* [[John 11 - Our response to Jesus (G.G.)]]
* [[Jesus is Lord - a call to radical discipleship (Notes compiled by a listener at an address given by John Stott in 2003)|Jesus is Lord (Notes from a John Stott Talk)]]
* [[One solitary life (anon)]] |
}}

'''Jesus''' (or '''Jesus Christ''') is the central figure that separates [[Christianity]] from other [[religion]]s. He was, as Christians believe, both [[God]] and a man; that He created the world and mankind, and that He is alive today. He was born around 4 B.C (although the year is disputed to be anywhere between 7 and 4 B.C) and grew up in [[Palestine]] where He taught about God's [[love]] and the [[repentance]] of [[sin]]. He died on a cross for the sins of all humanity and rose again 3 days later. A Christian believes that faith in Him brings [[salvation]].

===Name===

Jesus is the name commonly used in English, translated from the Hebrew "Yeshua" and Aramaic "Isho" or "Eshoa".

[[Christ]] was the title of Jesus (not his surname) and means "anointed". Other titles for Jesus include "Son of God" and "Son of David".

Jesus' legal name would have been "Jesus ben Joseph" or more literally, Yehoshua ben Yosef.

===[[Nature of Christ]]===

The [[Bible]] tells us that Jesus is God in human flesh ([[John 1:1]] and [[John 1:14]]). This doctrine is called the [[hypostatic union]]. He is not half God and half man. He is fully divine and fully man. Understanding this completely is not possible in this life. Disagreements regarding Christ's nature have occurred since the times of the early [[church]] causing considerable tension at times.

===[[Historical evidence of Jesus Christ]]===

Many historians (including non-Christian historians) agree that there is good [[Historicity of Jesus|historical evidence of the life and crucifixion of Jesus]]. Apart from the Bible, there are numerous mentions of Jesus in historical texts. But perhaps most compelling that Jesus existed is that fact that just a few short years after his death, thousands of people were boldly proclaiming his name and were willing to die throughout the Roman Empire.

===[[Birth of Jesus]]===

Jesus Christ was born in [[Bethlehem]], probably about 4 BC. He was born to [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary]] who was a virgin married to [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]], a carpenter from Galillee. The precise date of his birth is not known, but it is celebrated at [[Christmas]].

===[[Teachings of Jesus]]===

Jesus is widely regarded as a great teacher. Throughout the Gospels, people are frequently quoted as addressing him as "Teacher".

====Sermons and statements====

Most of the direct teaching from Jesus' is recorded in the the [[Gospels]]. These are 4 books ([[Gospel of Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark]], [[Gospel of Luke]], [[Gospel of John]]) in the [[Bible]]. One of the most well know sections of teaching is called the [[Sermon on the Mount]] where Jesus called on his followers to live lives of love, loving God, loving family and friends and even loving enemies. Jesus also taught about himself, that it was only through him that a person could come to know God.

====[[Miracles of Jesus]]====

The [[gospel]] accounts of [[Jesus]]' life record numerous miracles that Jesus performed. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and calmed the storms. These miracles act as a testimony to the [[deity of Christ]], as well as to his compassion.

====[[Parables of Jesus]]====

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden. Some o his most famous parables include the story of the [[Good Samaritan]] which teaches about loving each other, and the story of the [[Prodigal Son]], which teaches about God's love.

===[[Death of Jesus]]===

[[Jesus]] was crucified in [[Jerusalem]] around the year 30 AD. He was executed because of his claims to be the Son of God, which was considered blasphemous by the religious leaders of his day. In his death, the [[Bible]] tells us, that He bore all the [[sin]]s of mankind, so that we could be clean and without sin in the eyes of [[God]]. His death is remembered on [[Good Friday]] but it is not the end of the story.

===[[Resurrection of Jesus]]===

Three days after the crucifixion, Jesus appeared [[Disciples of Jesus|to his disciples]], risen from the dead. He sent his disciples out into the world and today millions of people today know the risen Lord Christ and celebrate his resurrection on [[Easter Sunday]].

===Bible Prophecies Regarding Jesus ===

There are numerous prophecies about the Christ in the [[Old Testament]]. These prophecies, sometimes called [[Messianic Prophecy|Messianic Prophecies]], were clearly fulfilled in Jesus. One of the most commonly cited Messianic prophecy is [[Isaiah 53]] which talks about the suffering servant.

==Quotes==

'''[[John 11:35]]'''
: ''{{Bible verse|John|11|35|lang=WEB}}''

'''Anonymous Quote'''
: ''No Jesus, No peace; Know Jesus, Know peace.''

'''Blaise Pascal'''
: ''There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.''

'''Mark Potter'''
: ''Jesus, like any good fisherman, first catches the fish; then He cleans them''

'''[[Karl Barth]]'''
: ''Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way.''

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus Wikipedia - Jesus]
* [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddn4v5jr_115hfvz3v Sermon - Matthew 16 - Who is Jesus?]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]

==Video==
<YouTube>
title=The Life of Jesus Christ, Full Movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-ZcbjLBtls
&rel=1
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/o-ZcbjLBtls
&rel=1
wrap = yes
width=500
height=400
</YouTube>

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[God]]

[[Category:Jesus]]
[[Category:Trinity]]
[[Category:Videos]]
[[Category:Pages with YouTube content]]

User:AddieW

2024-12-05T13:22:58Z

AddieW: Updated my age

I'm not gonna unveil my actual name, but do acknowledge I'm a 18-year-old (birthday on 30 May 2006) Male from Michigan who's name is not actually "Addie."

==Theological Journey==
I was raised in a secular household and grew up in a way contradictory to the faith I would eventually accept. While I considered myself a believer in God since I was young, I was never encouraged to actually pursue our loving creator. I ended up falling into religious doubt by the time I was 14 and it was crushing to me. I would almost never pray and I wasn't really going anywhere spiritually.

On 10 December 2021, I got with a self-identified pansexual girl who was my age and it took a toll on me. She was an atheist, and in that relationship, I started considering myself agnostic. I was freed from that relationship after I found out she was having an affair on me on 14 June 2022, and then I fell in love with a dual national Irish-American girl who was Catholic in August 2022. During the relationship, I would call myself 'Christian' but I wasn't even entirely sure what that truly meant anymore. It was like a candle died out.

That relationship ended on 17 October 2022 and then I took a break from pursing relationships. During that time, I spent a bunch of time hanging out with a friend I met online who was protestant although many of my real life friends were actually agnostics or atheists.

This one friend however had something special. I noticed that he was never as depressed as my God-less friends and so, I decided to look more into the matter. Before this point in time, the only books of the Bible I ever read were Genesis and Exodus. In January 2023, I read the Gospel of Matthew but it didn't actually do me much favors. All it did was educate me on who Jesus was. I then just dropped it afterwards, but I think God didn't think that was good enough.

On 23 February 2023, I was arrested and charged with a crime. On 1 March 2023, while I was in Juvie, I began reading throughout the New Testament as well as some Old Testament books. I was released on 9 June 2023 and was on House Arrest until 19 July of that year. The first Sunday after the day I got off of House arrest (23 July), was the first time I attended Church.

Due to all the Biblical knowledge I obtained while in detention, I ended up being a lot like an assistant to the Sunday School teacher. That's where I remain today, helping the younger kids find God and I've never been so happy doing anything else in years.

Mariology

2024-12-05T12:02:27Z

AddieW: Page created

'''Mariology''' is the general study of [[St. Mary]], the mother of [[Jesus Christ]], which is generally considered important for understanding why Mary was the mother of Jesus.

[[Catholicism|Catholics]] hold Mary much higher than [[Protestantism|protestant]]s do, typically praising her as a righteous woman, which is fertile ground for [[God]]'s incarnation. The [[immaculate conception]], which holds that Mary was born without [[original sin]], is official Catholic doctrine. Protestants generally consider Mary a sinner like the rest of humanity and do not uphold Mary in most ways, although she is typically still respected as the mother of God.

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-05T11:49:22Z

AddieW: More incidents

Christianity is the most [[Persecuted Church|persecuted religious faith]] in the world. This is a list of '''terrorist incidents''' in contemporary history that specifically targeted Christians for their faith.

== Criteria ==
This list only contains incidents which meet the following criteria:

1. Meet the international definition of terrorism.

2. Specifically targeted Christians because of their faith.

3. Have occurred in contemporary history, which would be after World War II ended.

Under this criteria, incidents such as the September 11th terrorist attacks do not qualify as a terrorist incident targeting Christians because even though the attacks were perpetrated by non-Christian religious extremists, they were motivated by their disapproval of US foreign policy. And incidents such as the Charleston Church shooting is much of the same story, with the motive not being because the subjects are Christian, but due to the ethnicity of the victims.

=== Other characteristics of the data ===
Most terrorist incidents against Christians occur in [[Muslim]]-majority countries with little religious freedom but some terrorist incidents are perpetrated by those of other religious faiths, and some who lack a religious faith entirely. A vast majority of incidents listed are not only linked to anti-Christian sentiment, but also Islamic Extremism.

== List ==
''This page is a work in progress.''

{| class="wikitable"
|+ List
! Date !! Nation !! Assailants !! Method !! Killed !! Injured
|-
| 23 March 1980 || El Salvador || 1 || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 30 March 1980 || El Salvador || Multiple || Shooting || ~31 || ?
|-
| 2 December 1980 || El Salvador || 5 || Shooting || 4 || 0
|-
| 28 July 1981 || Guatemala || Multiple || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 1 September 1982 || Brazil || 1 || Stabbing || 1 || 0
|-
| 15 March 1991 || Italy || 1 || Stabbing || 1 || 0
|-
| 1994 - 1996 || Algeria || Multiple || Various || 19 || 0
|-
| 23 January 1999 || India || Multiple || Arson || 3 || 0
|-
| 2 January 2000 || Egypt || ~89 || Shooting || 21 || 40
|-
| 6 June 2000 || Italy || 3 || Stabbing || 1 || 0
|-
| 27 May 2001 - 7 June 2002 || Philippines || Multiple || Various || 40+ || ?
|-
| 31 May 2001 || United Kingdom || 1 || Stabbing || 1 || 0
|-
| 3 June 2001 || Bangladesh || ? || Bombing || 10 || 26
|-
| 28 August 2001 || Philippines || Multiple || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 13 November 2002 || United States || 1 || Beating || 1 || 0
|-
| 12 February 2005 || Brazil || 2 || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 5 February 2006 || Turkey || 1 || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 17 September 2006 || Somalia || 2 || Shooting || 2 || 0
|-
| 3 June 2007 || Iraq || Multiple || Shooting || 4 || 0
|-
| 26 September 2007 || Sri Lanka || Multiple || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 29 February 2008 || Iraq || Multiple || Shooting || 3 || 0
|-
| 25-28 August 2008 || India || Multiple || Arson, Beating || 39-500 || 18,000+
|-
| 15 November 2009 || Nigeria || ? || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 6 January 2010 || Egypt || 3 || Shooting || 11 || 11
|-
| 3 June 2010 || Turkey || 1 || Stabbing || 1 || 0
|-
| 4 July 2010 || India || 8 || Stabbing || 0 || 3
|-
| 31 October 2010 || Iraq || 6 || Bombing || 58 || 78
|-
| 1 January 2011 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 23 || 97
|-
| 2 March 2011 || Pakistan || ? || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 7 May 2011 || Egypt || Multiple || Shooting, Arson || 15 || 232
|-
| 9-10 October 2011 || Egypt || Multiple || Beating || 24 || 212
|-
| 5-6 January 2012 || Nigeria || Multiple || Shooting || 27+ || ?
|-
| 20 January 2012 || Nigeria || Multiple || Shooting || 185 || 57+
|-
| 7 April 2014 || Netherlands || 1 || Shooting || 1 || 0
|-
| 12 February 2015 || Libya || Multiple || Beheadings || 21 || 0
|-
| 15 March 2015 || Pakistan || 2 || Bombing || 20 || 70 ||
|-
| 22 March 2016 || Bangladesh || Multiple || Stabbing || 1 || 0
|-
| 26 July 2016 || France || 2 || Stabbing || 1 || 1
|-
| 11 December 2016 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 29 || 47
|-
| 9 April 2017 || Egypt || 3 || Bombing || 43 || 136
|-
| 26 May 2017 || Egypt || 8-10 || Shooting || 33 || 22
|-
| 5 November 2017 || United States || 1 || Shooting || 26 || 22
|-
| 29 December 2017 || Egypt || 1 || Shooting || 11 || 10
|-
| 2 November 2018 || Egypt || 19 || Shooting || 7 || 12
|-
| 21 April 2019 || Sri Lanka || 9 || Bombing || 130 || 500+ ||
|-
| 29 October 2020 || France || 1 || Stabbing || 3 || 0
|-
| 18 April 2019 || Egypt || Multiple || Execution || 1 || 0
|-
| 5 June 2022 || Nigeria || 5 || Bombing, Shooting || 41 || 61
|-
| 23-25 December 2023 || Nigeria || Multiple || Shooting || ~200 || ~500
|-
| 28 January 2024 || Turkey || 2 || Shooting || 1 || 1
|-
| 15 April 2024 || Australia || 1 || Stabbing || 0 || 3
|}

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-05T04:28:31Z

AddieW:

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-05T04:18:37Z

AddieW: Added a few more recent incidents

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-04T16:46:56Z

AddieW: More incidents

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-04T16:32:18Z

AddieW: Just making small adjustments

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-04T16:31:54Z

AddieW:

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-04T16:30:32Z

AddieW: /* List */ Fixed caption

Christianity is the most [[Persecuted Church|persecuted religious faith]] in the world. This is a list of '''terrorist incidents''' that specifically targeted Christians for their faith.

== Criteria ==
This list only contains incidents which meet the following criteria:

1. Meet the international definition of terrorism.
2. Specifically targeted Christians because of their faith.

Under this criteria, incidents such as the September 11th terrorist attacks do not qualify as a terrorist incident targeting Christians because even though the attacks were perpetrated by non-Christian religious extremists, they were motivated by their disapproval of US foreign policy. And incidents such as the Charleston Church shooting is much of the same story, with the motive not being because the subjects are Christian, but due to the ethnicity of the victims.

== List ==
''This page is a work in progress.''

{| class="wikitable"
|+ List
! Date !! Nation !! Assailants !! Method !! Killed !! Injured
|-
| 2 January 2000 || Egypt || ~89 || Shooting || 21 || 40
|-
| 6 January 2010 || Egypt || 3 || Shooting || 11 || 11
|-
| 1 January 2011 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 23 || 97
|-
| 7 May 2011 || Egypt || Multiple || Shooting, Arson || 15 || 232
|-
| 9-10 October 2011 || Egypt || Multiple || Beating || 24 || 212
|-
| 12 February 2015 || Libya || Multiple || Beheadings || 21 || 0
|-
| 11 December 2016 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 29 || 47
|-
| 9 April 2017 || Egypt || 3 || Bombing || 43 || 136
|-
| 26 May 2017 || Egypt || 8-10 || Shooting || 33 || 22
|-
| 5 November 2017 || United States || 1 || Shooting || 26 || 22
|-
| 29 December 2017 || Egypt || 1 || Shooting || 11 || 10
|-
| 2 November 2018 || Egypt || 19 || Shooting || 7 || 12
|}

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-04T16:30:02Z

AddieW: Whoops

Christianity is the most [[Persecuted Church|persecuted religious faith]] in the world. This is a list of '''terrorist incidents''' that specifically targeted Christians for their faith.

== Criteria ==
This list only contains incidents which meet the following criteria:

1. Meet the international definition of terrorism.
2. Specifically targeted Christians because of their faith.

Under this criteria, incidents such as the September 11th terrorist attacks do not qualify as a terrorist incident targeting Christians because even though the attacks were perpetrated by non-Christian religious extremists, they were motivated by their disapproval of US foreign policy. And incidents such as the Charleston Church shooting is much of the same story, with the motive not being because the subjects are Christian, but due to the ethnicity of the victims.

== List ==
''This page is a work in progress.''

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Caption
! Date !! Nation !! Assailants !! Method !! Killed !! Injured
|-
| 2 January 2000 || Egypt || ~89 || Shooting || 21 || 40
|-
| 6 January 2010 || Egypt || 3 || Shooting || 11 || 11
|-
| 1 January 2011 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 23 || 97
|-
| 7 May 2011 || Egypt || Multiple || Shooting, Arson || 15 || 232
|-
| 9-10 October 2011 || Egypt || Multiple || Beating || 24 || 212
|-
| 12 February 2015 || Libya || Multiple || Beheadings || 21 || 0
|-
| 11 December 2016 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 29 || 47
|-
| 9 April 2017 || Egypt || 3 || Bombing || 43 || 136
|-
| 26 May 2017 || Egypt || 8-10 || Shooting || 33 || 22
|-
| 5 November 2017 || United States || 1 || Shooting || 26 || 22
|-
| 29 December 2017 || Egypt || 1 || Shooting || 11 || 10
|-
| 2 November 2018 || Egypt || 19 || Shooting || 7 || 12
|}

List of terrorist incidents targeting Christians

2024-12-04T16:26:54Z

AddieW: Page created with a few incidents to start this off. This page might be a little inappropriate for the scope of this wiki, but I feel it helps illustrate the persecution of Christians in our world

Christianity is the most [[Persecuted Church|persecuted religious faith]] in the world. This is a list of '''terrorist incidents''' that specifically targeted Christians for their faith.

== Criteria ==
This list only contains incidents which meet the following criteria:

1. Meet the international definition of terrorism.
2. Specifically targeted Christians because of their faith.

Under this criteria, incidents such as the September 11th terrorist attacks do not qualify as a terrorist incident targeting Christians because even though the attacks were perpetrated by non-Christian religious extremists, they were motivated by their disapproval of US foreign policy. And incidents such as the Charleston Church shooting is much of the same story, with the motive not being because the subjects are Christian, but due to the ethnicity of the victims.

== List ==
''This page is a work in progress.''

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Caption
! Date !! Nation !! Assailants !! Method !! Killed !! Injured
|-
| 2 January 2000 || Egypt || ~89 || 21 || 40
|-
| 6 January 2010 || Egypt || 3 || Shooting || 11 || 11
|-
| 1 January 2011 || Egypt || 1 || Bombing || 23 || 97
|-
| 7 May 2011 || Egypt || Shooting, Arson || 15 || 232
|-
| 9-10 October 2011 || Egypt || Beating || 24 || 212
|-
| 12 February 2015 || Libya || Beheadings || 21 || 0
|-
| 11 December 2016 || Egypt || Bombing || 29 || 47
|-
| 9 April 2017 || Egypt || 3 || Bombing || 43 || 136
|-
| 26 May 2017 || Egypt || 8-10 || Shooting || 33 || 22
|-
| 5 November 2017 || United States || 1 || Shooting || 26 || 22
|-
| 29 December 2017 || Egypt || 1 || Shooting || 11 || 10
|-
| 2 November 2018 || Egypt || 19 || Shooting || 7 || 12
|}

Christian Martyr

2024-12-04T15:25:28Z

AddieW: Page created

A '''Christian Martyr''', or just a '''Martyr''', is a person who was killed for their Christian belief. Statistics shows that Christianity is the most persecuted religious faith in the world and Martyrdom is a typical fate in many middle-eastern countries.

The very first Martyr was [[Stephen]], who [[Paul of Tarsus]] watched being stoned in Cyprus very shortly after the [[Crucifixion of Jesus]].

Jesus Christ

2024-03-29T03:01:37Z

AddieW: Added Jesus' legal name

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|acts|2|22|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|acts|2|23|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|acts|2|24|lang=WEB}} ([[Acts 2]]:22-24)}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Jesus
[[Image:Cristo Velázquez lou2.jpg|thumb|center|Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez]] |
subtopics = [[Christology]] - [[Nature of Christ]] (Hypostatic union), Deity of Christ - [[Jesus: Our Lord and God]], [[Jesus: The man]]
* [[Historical evidence of Jesus Christ]]
* [[Events in the life of Jesus]]
** [[Birth of Jesus]]
** [[Baptism of Jesus]]
** [[Miracles of Jesus]], [[Parables of Jesus]], [[Teachings of Jesus]]
** The Crucifixion - [[Death of Jesus]]
** [[Resurrection of Jesus]]
** [[Ascension of Christ]]
* [[Grace]], [[Justification]], [[Salvation]], [[Forgiveness]]
* [[God]]
* Titles for Jesus - [[Christ]] (Messiah), [[Emmanuel]], [[Son of God]], [[Son of Man]]
* [[Gospels]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}}
* [[Jesus (compass)]]
* [[John 11 - Our response to Jesus (G.G.)]]
* [[Jesus is Lord - a call to radical discipleship (Notes compiled by a listener at an address given by John Stott in 2003)|Jesus is Lord (Notes from a John Stott Talk)]]
* [[One solitary life (anon)]] |
}}

'''Jesus''' (or '''Jesus Christ''') is the central figure that separates [[Christianity]] from other [[religion]]s. Christians believe that he is both [[God]] and a man; that he created the world and mankind, and that he is alive today. He was born around 4 B.C (although the year is disputed to be anywhere between 7 and 4 B.C) and grew up in [[Palestine]] where he taught about God's [[love]] and the [[repentance]] of [[sin]]. He died on a cross for the sins of all humanity and rose again 3 days later. A Christian believes that faith in him brings [[salvation]].

===Name===

Jesus is the name commonly used in English, translated from the Hebrew "Yeshua" and Aramaic "Isho" or "Eshoa".

[[Christ]] was the title of Jesus (not his surname) and means "anointed". Other titles for Jesus include "Son of God" and "Son of David".

Jesus' legal name would have been "Jesus ben Joseph" or more literally, Yehoshua ben Yosef.

===[[Nature of Christ]]===

The [[Bible]] tells us that Jesus is God in human flesh ([[John 1:1]] and [[John 1:14]]). This doctrine is called the [[hypostatic union]]. He is not half God and half man. He is fully divine and fully man. Understanding this completely is not possible in this life. Disagreements regarding Christ's nature have occurred since the times of the early [[church]] causing considerable tension at times.

===[[Historical evidence of Jesus Christ]]===

Many historians (including non-Christian historians) agree that there is good [[Historicity of Jesus|historical evidence of the life and crucifixion of Jesus]]. Apart from the Bible, there are numerous mentions of Jesus in historical texts. But perhaps most compelling that Jesus existed is that fact that just a few short years after his death, thousands of people were boldly proclaiming his name and were willing to die throughout the Roman Empire.

===[[Birth of Jesus]]===

Jesus Christ was born in [[Bethlehem]], probably about 4 BC. He was born to [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary]] who was a virgin married to [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]], a carpenter from Galillee. The precise date of his birth is not known, but it is celebrated at [[Christmas]].

===[[Teachings of Jesus]]===

Jesus is widely regarded as a great teacher. Throughout the Gospels, people are frequently quoted as addressing him as "Teacher".

====Sermons and statements====

Most of the direct teaching from Jesus' is recorded in the the [[Gospels]]. These are 4 books ([[Gospel of Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark]], [[Gospel of Luke]], [[Gospel of John]]) in the [[Bible]]. One of the most well know sections of teaching is called the [[Sermon on the Mount]] where Jesus called on his followers to live lives of love, loving God, loving family and friends and even loving enemies. Jesus also taught about himself, that it was only through him that a person could come to know God.

====[[Miracles of Jesus]]====

The [[gospel]] accounts of [[Jesus]]' life record numerous miracles that Jesus performed. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and calmed the storms. These miracles act as a testimony to the [[deity of Christ]], as well as to his compassion.

====[[Parables of Jesus]]====

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden. Some o his most famous parables include the story of the [[Good Samaritan]] which teaches about loving each other, and the story of the [[Prodigal Son]], which teaches about God's love.

===[[Death of Jesus]]===

[[Jesus]] was crucified in [[Jerusalem]] around the year 30 AD. He was executed because of his claims to be the Son of God, which was considered blasphemous by the religious leaders of his day. In his death, the [[Bible]] tells us, that he bore all the [[sin]]s of mankind, so that we could be clean and without sin in the eyes of [[God]]. His death is remembered on [[Good Friday]] but it is not the end of the story.

===[[Resurrection of Jesus]]===

Three days after the crucifixion, Jesus appeared [[Disciples of Jesus|to his disciples]], risen from the dead. He sent his disciples out into the world and today millions of people today know the risen Lord Christ and celebrate his resurrection on [[Easter Sunday]].

===Bible Prophecies Regarding Jesus ===

There are numerous prophecies about the Christ in the [[Old Testament]]. These prophecies, sometimes called [[Messianic Prophecy|Messianic Prophecies]], were clearly fulfilled in Jesus. One of the most commonly cited Messianic prophecy is [[Isaiah 53]] which talks about the suffering servant.

==Quotes==

'''[[John 11:35]]'''
: ''{{Bible verse|John|11|35|lang=WEB}}''

'''Anonymous Quote'''
: ''No Jesus, No peace; Know Jesus, Know peace.''

'''Blaise Pascal'''
: ''There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.''

'''Mark Potter'''
: ''Jesus, like any good fisherman, first catches the fish; then He cleans them''

'''[[Karl Barth]]'''
: ''Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way.''

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus Wikipedia - Jesus]
* [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddn4v5jr_115hfvz3v Sermon - Matthew 16 - Who is Jesus?]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]

==Video==
<YouTube>
title=The Life of Jesus Christ, Full Movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-ZcbjLBtls
&rel=1
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/o-ZcbjLBtls
&rel=1
wrap = yes
width=500
height=400
</YouTube>

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[God]]

[[Category:Jesus]]
[[Category:Trinity]]
[[Category:Videos]]
[[Category:Pages with YouTube content]]

Lent

2024-02-15T17:17:02Z

AddieW: Page created

Lent is a [[holiday]] that begins on [[Ash Wednesday]] and ends on [[Maundy Thursday]], lasting exactly 40 days. Lent can begin as early as 4 February but end as late as 22 April. It commemorates the 40 days that [[Jesus Christ]] spent fasting in the desert while [[Satan]] tempted Him.

The holiday season is not as widely celebrated by [[Protestants]] as it is by [[Catholics]] but it can be celebrated by both regardless of that fact.

It is typically celebrated by a Christian forfeiting something in the name of [[God]] for the duration of Lent. For example, a Christian could forfeit candy for the duration of Lent. This is done as a form of worship.

Ash wednesday

2024-02-15T17:07:02Z

AddieW: Removed some dates that have already passed

In the Western [[Christian calendar]], Ash Wednesday is the first day of [[Lent]] and occurs forty-six days before [[Easter]]. It falls on different dates from year to year, according to the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, which lasts until Maundy Thursday evening.

Ash Wednesday will occur on the following dates in the following years:

* 2025 - March 5
* 2026 - February 18
* 2027 - February 10
* 2028 - March 1
* 2029 - February 14
* 2030 - March 6

==Links==
*[http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/easter.php Dates of Ash Wednesday from 1583 - 9999]

{{returnto}} [[Christian calendar]]
[[Category:Christian Calendar]]

WEB:Job 42:17

2024-02-07T12:59:05Z

AddieW: There was a mistake in the text where it randomly concluded with "BOOK I"

So Job died, being old and full of days.

Noah

2024-01-20T01:44:58Z

AddieW: Added info about flood

Noah is a character in the [[Old Testament]] who was the focus of Chapters [[Genesis 6]] [[Genesis 9|through 9]] in which [[God]] commanded him to build an arc for his family and two of every animal (male and female). This was because God was going to flood the earth and since Noah was among the most righteous of the people, he was chosen by God.

[[New Earth]] Christians hold that Noah was a real historical figure while [[Old Earth]] Christians hold that the flood and Noah's existence was merely a parable.

Noah

2024-01-20T01:43:42Z

AddieW: Page created: kinda felt like an important-ish page

Noah is a character in the [[Old Testament]] who was the focus of Chapters [[Genesis 6]] [[Genesis 9|through 9]] in which [[God]] commanded him to build an arc for his family and two of every animal (male and female).

[[New Earth]] Christians hold that Noah was a real historical figure while [[Old Earth]] Christians hold that the flood and Noah's existence was merely a parable.

Christian Universalism

2024-01-12T01:18:10Z

AddieW: Page created

Christian Universalism is the view that all or most people will eventually achieve [[Salvation]].

Traditional views on Salvation include the belief that faith alone is necessary for Salvation while some hold works as necessary (usually along with faith). Christian universalists stray from this belief, usually because they sense [[Hell]] is too immoral for [[God]] to send people to. In some variations of Christian universalism, [[Hell]] is nonexistent and that all people will enter [[Heaven]]. Some universalists believe Hell is a temporary punishment (like prison), and that once one has paid for their sins, they may enter Heaven.

NIV

2024-01-09T04:39:12Z

AddieW: Added more info, and my apologies for the previous edit description. That was a mistake

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = New International Version of the Bible |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

The NIV or "New International Version" is an English translation of the [[Bible]] that was originally released in 1978, and revised once in 1984, and once in 2011.

While the [[King James Version]] is usually considered more popular, it is true that the NIV is actually the most sold Bible translation in the United States and many other English-speaking countries. In 2013, the translation was documented to have had over 450 million copies distributed world-wide.

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[English translations of the Bible]]

[[Category:Bible versions and translations]]

NIV

2024-01-09T04:38:09Z

AddieW: Page created

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = New International Version of the Bible |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

The NIV or "New International Version" is an English translation of the [[Bible]] that was originally released in 1978, and revised multiple times until 2011.

While the [[King James Version]] is usually considered more popular, it is true that the NIV is actually the most sold Bible translation in the United States and many other English-speaking countries. In 2013, the translation was documented to have had over 450 million copies distributed world-wide.

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[English translations of the Bible]]

[[Category:Bible versions and translations]]

New King James Version

2024-01-09T04:30:36Z

AddieW: Page created

The New King James Version (NKJV) is an English Bible Translation that was fully released by 1982. It's a very popular translation which took a total of 7 years to complete with the [[New Testament]] and [[Psalms]] having early releases (New Testament in 1979 and Psalms in 1980).

Many critics hold the NKJV in high regards and despite its name, the translation is not related to the more popular and older, [[King James Version]].

The Wise and the Foolish Builders

2024-01-09T04:20:47Z

AddieW: More information

The Wise and the Foolish Builders was a [[Parables of Jesus|Parable of]] [[Jesus]] which He closed the [[Sermon on the Mount]] with as recorded in [[Matthew 7]]:24-27.

The parable teaches that faith built on the of foundation of doing God's will is more likely to stand as opposed to faith built on a foundation of merely just believing, but not doing God's will. Once one fails to enact any of God's will along with their faith, they endanger themselves with hellfire (as taught in the passages preceding the parable).

==The Parable==
{{:WEB:Matthew 7:24}} {{:WEB:Matthew 7:25}} {{:WEB:Matthew 7:26}} {{:WEB:Matthew 7:27}}

The Wise and the Foolish Builders

2024-01-09T04:15:32Z

AddieW: Added spaces

The Wise and the Foolish Builders was a [[Parables of Jesus|Parable of]] [[Jesus]] which He closed the [[Sermon on the Mount]] with as recorded in [[Matthew 7]]:24-27.

The parable teaches that faith built on the of foundation of doing God's will is more likely to stand as opposed to faith built on a foundation of merely just believing, but not doing God's will.

==The Parable==
{{:WEB:Matthew 7:24}} {{:WEB:Matthew 7:25}} {{:WEB:Matthew 7:26}} {{:WEB:Matthew 7:27}}

The Wise and the Foolish Builders

2024-01-09T04:14:58Z

AddieW: Added information

The Wise and the Foolish Builders was a [[Parables of Jesus|Parable of]] [[Jesus]] which He closed the [[Sermon on the Mount]] with as recorded in [[Matthew 7]]:24-27.

The parable teaches that faith built on the of foundation of doing God's will is more likely to stand as opposed to faith built on a foundation of merely just believing, but not doing God's will.

==The Parable==
{{:WEB:Matthew 7:24}}{{:WEB:Matthew 7:25}}{{:WEB:Matthew 7:26}}{{:WEB:Matthew 7:27}}

Mormonism

2024-01-02T07:08:56Z

AddieW: Text didn't flow too well

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Mormonism
[[Image:Salt_lake_temple.jpeg|thumb|center|The temple at [[Salt Lake City]].]] |
subtopics = [[History of Mormonism]], [[Joseph Smith]]
* [[Divisions of Mormonism]] - [[The Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints]], [[Community of Christ]], [[Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)|Bickertonite]], [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite)|Strangite]], [[Church of Christ (Temple Lot)|Temple Lot]], [[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints]], [[Church of Christ with the Elijah Message|Elijah Message]]
* [[Mormon Beliefs]] - [[Book of Mormon]], [[Mormonism: Polygamy|Polygamy]], [[Mormonism: God|God]]
* [[Mormonism Today]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Mormonism (G.G.)]] |
}}

Mormonism is a [[religion]] originating in the early 1800s as a product of the teaching of [[Joseph Smith]] and the Latter Day Saint movement. The term Mormonism is also often used to refer specifically to [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], which is by far the most numerous and well-known sects claiming derivation from Joseph Smith. Mormons believe that the original teaching of [[Jesus Christ]] was lost after his death and that Christ's teaching and church was restored by Joseph Smith and his followers. It has an uneasy relationships with mainstream Christianity.

The religion's birth bore some resemblances to [[Islam]]. Both broke away from Christianity when a single Charismatic leader claimed the [[Teachings of Jesus]] had been corrupted. Christians also generally consider Smith and [[Muhammad]] to have been "morally bankrupt" according to the [[Bible]]'s view of objective morality. Both religions also promote polygamy, of which the Bible condemns.

===[[History of Mormonism]]===

[[Image:joseph_smith_picture.jpg|thumb|right|Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism]]
The '''Mormonism''' movement began in 1820 near Palmyra, New York. [[Joseph Smith]], the founder of Mormonism, claimed to have received a series of visions in which he was told by God that all the churches were "wrong", their "creeds were an abomination in his sight", and all their "professors were corrupt". He was told that God would restore the true New Testament church using him as a mouthpiece. Consequently, Mormons consider Joseph Smith the first prophet of a new dispensation. Despite Smith's clear affirmations, Mormons generally minimize statements about other churches being false. They prefer to say that all churches contain some truth, but that all truth may be found only within Mormonism.

In the course of his visions, an angel named Moroni is said to have visited Smith to disclose the location of a book "written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this [American] continent, and the source from whence they sprang". Moroni also said that "the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants". Joseph Smith was instructed to retrieve the plates and translate them with God's assistance. The result, called the ''Book of Mormon'', was first published on March 26, 1830. Smith referred to the ''Book of Mormon'' as "the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion". Following these first visions came a series of additional revelations that were later published in two books, the ''Doctrine and Covenants'' and the ''Pearl of Great Price''.

Today there are many churches that claim to be the true successor of the church Joseph Smith founded. The largest of these is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

===[[Divisions of Mormonism]]===

There are a number of denominations or sects within the Mormon religion, the main one being the [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. A second well known sect, the [[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] is a division that continues to practice polygamy.

====[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]====

The LDS is the largest Mormon denomination.

====[[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]====

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a conservative branch that continues to practice polygamy.

====[[Community of Christ]]====

====[[Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)|Bickertonite]]====

====[[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite)|Strangite]]====

====[[Church of Christ (Temple Lot)|Temple Lot]]====

====[[Church of Christ with the Elijah Message|Elijah Message]]====

===[[Mormon Beliefs]]===

====[[Mormonism: Polygamy|Polygamy]]====

It has been widely known that Mormonism has a history where polygamy has been accepted, although today most mainstream Mormon denominations do not advocate polygamy. Joseph Smith himself had multiple wives, anywhere between 28 and 49 wives: many of whom were concurrently married when Smith married them. Most of his wives were married to him within the last 3 years of Smith's life.

====[[Mormonism: God|God]]====

Mormons generally believe in the existence of multiple gods (some denominations believe in one). This is rooted in the denial that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit share the same being and substance. This stems from the normal Mormon assumption that a person necessarily has his own, unshared being. The baptism of Jesus, for example, is seen as an interaction between three god-beings, not just three persons<ref>Smith, The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 346-7; Abraham 4:1, Pearl of Great Price; and Gospel Principles, 290</ref>.

===[[Mormonism Today]]===

===References===

{{reflist}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latter_Day_Saint_movement Wikipedia - Latter Day Saint movement]
* [http://www.lds.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]
* [http://www.josephlied.com/index.html JosephLied.com]
* [http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm Information about Mormonism at www.carm.org]
* [http://www.mormonwiki.com/mormonism/Main_Page Free encyclopedia about Mormons from the perspective of faithful members]
* [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism from Brigham Young University (Wiki, but Copyrighted)]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Australia_Temple Mormon Temple in Adelaide]
* [http://www.mormonwiki.org Mormonwiki.org An Evangelical wiki directed at dealing and exposing Mormon theology]

{{returnto}} [[Religions]] -> [[Christian cults]]

[[Category:Christian cults]]
[[Category:Religions]]
[[Category:Mormonism]]

Mormonism

2024-01-02T07:08:18Z

AddieW: More info

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Mormonism
[[Image:Salt_lake_temple.jpeg|thumb|center|The temple at [[Salt Lake City]].]] |
subtopics = [[History of Mormonism]], [[Joseph Smith]]
* [[Divisions of Mormonism]] - [[The Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints]], [[Community of Christ]], [[Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)|Bickertonite]], [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite)|Strangite]], [[Church of Christ (Temple Lot)|Temple Lot]], [[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints]], [[Church of Christ with the Elijah Message|Elijah Message]]
* [[Mormon Beliefs]] - [[Book of Mormon]], [[Mormonism: Polygamy|Polygamy]], [[Mormonism: God|God]]
* [[Mormonism Today]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Mormonism (G.G.)]] |
}}

Mormonism is a [[religion]] originating in the early 1800s as a product of the teaching of [[Joseph Smith]] and the Latter Day Saint movement. The term Mormonism is also often used to refer specifically to [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], which is by far the most numerous and well-known sects claiming derivation from Joseph Smith. Mormons believe that the original teaching of [[Jesus Christ]] was lost after his death and that Christ's teaching and church was restored by Joseph Smith and his followers. It has an uneasy relationships with mainstream Christianity.

The religion's birth bore some resemblances to [[Islam]]. Both broke away from Christianity when a single Charismatic leader claimed the [[Teachings of Jesus]] had been corrupted. Christians also generally consider Smith and [[Muhammad]] to have been "morally bankrupt" according to the [[Bible]]'s view of objective morality. Both religions also promote polygamy which the Bible condemns.

===[[History of Mormonism]]===

[[Image:joseph_smith_picture.jpg|thumb|right|Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism]]
The '''Mormonism''' movement began in 1820 near Palmyra, New York. [[Joseph Smith]], the founder of Mormonism, claimed to have received a series of visions in which he was told by God that all the churches were "wrong", their "creeds were an abomination in his sight", and all their "professors were corrupt". He was told that God would restore the true New Testament church using him as a mouthpiece. Consequently, Mormons consider Joseph Smith the first prophet of a new dispensation. Despite Smith's clear affirmations, Mormons generally minimize statements about other churches being false. They prefer to say that all churches contain some truth, but that all truth may be found only within Mormonism.

In the course of his visions, an angel named Moroni is said to have visited Smith to disclose the location of a book "written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this [American] continent, and the source from whence they sprang". Moroni also said that "the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants". Joseph Smith was instructed to retrieve the plates and translate them with God's assistance. The result, called the ''Book of Mormon'', was first published on March 26, 1830. Smith referred to the ''Book of Mormon'' as "the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion". Following these first visions came a series of additional revelations that were later published in two books, the ''Doctrine and Covenants'' and the ''Pearl of Great Price''.

Today there are many churches that claim to be the true successor of the church Joseph Smith founded. The largest of these is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

===[[Divisions of Mormonism]]===

There are a number of denominations or sects within the Mormon religion, the main one being the [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. A second well known sect, the [[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] is a division that continues to practice polygamy.

====[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]====

The LDS is the largest Mormon denomination.

====[[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]====

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a conservative branch that continues to practice polygamy.

====[[Community of Christ]]====

====[[Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)|Bickertonite]]====

====[[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite)|Strangite]]====

====[[Church of Christ (Temple Lot)|Temple Lot]]====

====[[Church of Christ with the Elijah Message|Elijah Message]]====

===[[Mormon Beliefs]]===

====[[Mormonism: Polygamy|Polygamy]]====

It has been widely known that Mormonism has a history where polygamy has been accepted, although today most mainstream Mormon denominations do not advocate polygamy. Joseph Smith himself had multiple wives, anywhere between 28 and 49 wives: many of whom were concurrently married when Smith married them. Most of his wives were married to him within the last 3 years of Smith's life.

====[[Mormonism: God|God]]====

Mormons generally believe in the existence of multiple gods (some denominations believe in one). This is rooted in the denial that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit share the same being and substance. This stems from the normal Mormon assumption that a person necessarily has his own, unshared being. The baptism of Jesus, for example, is seen as an interaction between three god-beings, not just three persons<ref>Smith, The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 346-7; Abraham 4:1, Pearl of Great Price; and Gospel Principles, 290</ref>.

===[[Mormonism Today]]===

===References===

{{reflist}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latter_Day_Saint_movement Wikipedia - Latter Day Saint movement]
* [http://www.lds.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]
* [http://www.josephlied.com/index.html JosephLied.com]
* [http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm Information about Mormonism at www.carm.org]
* [http://www.mormonwiki.com/mormonism/Main_Page Free encyclopedia about Mormons from the perspective of faithful members]
* [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism from Brigham Young University (Wiki, but Copyrighted)]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Australia_Temple Mormon Temple in Adelaide]
* [http://www.mormonwiki.org Mormonwiki.org An Evangelical wiki directed at dealing and exposing Mormon theology]

{{returnto}} [[Religions]] -> [[Christian cults]]

[[Category:Christian cults]]
[[Category:Religions]]
[[Category:Mormonism]]