The book 'The Tragedy of the Six Marys ' catalogues the practice of '*P'ikareum* ' within the Unification Church as led by Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han, his wife, this practice being a supposed 'purification' of inbred sin in a woman by conjoining with the leader of the organisation (who took the title 'Father') and, supposedly, by that act, the 'inbred sin in her womb' was 'purified'. >Apart from the continuing controversy about its alleged practice in the Unification Church, in 1957 Korean journalist Kim Gyeongrae published several articles and a book tracing the roots of p'ikareum to Kim Baek Moon and the Israel Monastery and claiming, offering some evidence, that it was practised by what was at that time the largest Christian new religious movement in Korea, the Olive Tree founded by Park Tae-Seon (1915–1990). The Victory Altar, an offshoot of the Olive Tree, was also accused of having practised *p'ikareum* in its early days. Wikipedia - *P'ikareum* Sun Myung Moon died on 3rd September 2012 and shortly after his death, in a YouTube video his son, Hyung Jin Moon, appears to admit that his father did, indeed, engage in such a practice. However, in a later video, erroneously titled 'Hyung Jin Sean Moon and Kook Jin Justin Moon explain the Six Marys Part 7' (for he does not explain anything at all) he appears, wearing a crown and calling himself 'King', to condone his father and blames his mother. The video is rambling, skirting the subject without fully addressing it. I am therefore not clear as to whether *'P'ikareum'* is still being practiced by the Unification Church itself, or by the various organisations started under the leadership of the Moon family which have split from each other. I am looking for substantial evidence either way.

I was just hoping that some of you could help find bible stories or scripture that supports the view of Pouring Baptism.

Wanted to ask if there are any historical record (Besides the Bible) that shows that pouring baptism was a common church teaching and/or practice?

I've observed that some modern Christian denominations, such as Hillsong and others influenced by contemporary worship culture, often conduct services in dark or dimly lit environments, sometimes using stage lighting, fog machines, and concert-like atmospheres. This seems to contrast with more traditional worship settings, which tend to be well-lit and minimalistic. A possible justification might come from 1 Samuel 16:7, which says: >*“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)* My question is: Do denominations that worship in darker environments use 1 Samuel 16:7 to justify this style, emphasizing internal sincerity over external aesthetics?

Coming from a Protestant tradition, I grew up hearing about Lent but never having any practice associated with it. In the years since, I've gathered that there's some sort of connection between Easter, Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Fat Tuesday. Would someone please explain how it all fits together?

I have seen testimonies of converts from America describing they raised their hands when the preacher asked "who wants to accept Jesus as their Lord?" or something like that. Which churches have this practice on a regular Sunday service? If so, do these churches always have new visitors, or some of the regular members themselves raise hands in these altar calls?

In my experience, every church I've either been in or seen recorded ask the congregation to stand when they sing. Without having done a scientific study, it seems this is a near-universal practice among Christians (and please correct me if this is wrong). Is there a biblical basis for this, or is it merely a wide-reaching convention? If so, is there anything to suggest when or how this practice may have begun? *I recognise this question may be at the border of what's on-topic. I've tried to keep in on-topic by not asking why we sing, but for the biblical basis and history of this specific Christian practice. Given this practice seems to be the same amongst many denominations, I hope it's ok not to specify a particular group.*

If the Jansenists did not deny the gratuity of grace, thinking grace cannot be earned or merited , why did they practice penances sometimes considered harsh?

While reading "Robertsoner Ruby", one of the Bengali detective stories from the Feluda Series , I found out that the investigator there finds out a character to be a Christian (which the character himself never disclosed till that point) when he observes that the character is consuming food using his left hand on three separate occasions. Now, this observation turns out to be correct too and eventually it also proves decisive in solving the case. But I was surprised the way the detective has concluded and hence this question here. - Is it really true that in Christianity food is recommended to be consumed using the left hand? Please cite some verses from scriptures in support of your answers, either to prove or disprove the claim.

In the Charlie Chaplin film "The Kid" (1921), there is a scene where his character, who is apparently supposed to be Christian, is being threatened with violence by a thug. As he walks backwards, dodging the swings from the thug, they appear under a sign that says "BEDS 10 CENTS". When the thug swings at Charlie's character underneath the sign, it starts swinging back and forth from its hinges. Charlie's character notices this and makes the Christian "prayer hands" sign while looking up at the sign. Here is the YouTube video clip showing it: [**The Kid, Charlie Chaplin fight scene one of the funniest scenes in kid**](https://youtu.be/B2rAv7wOP_8?t=161) . Can this be explained somehow, other than simply being a fun visual gag? I mean, is it based on something? Would a Christian make such a prayer sign at a sign because it swings? Because the thug missed him? As if God saved him from the punch hitting him? Is that "prayer sign" with the hands against each other something that Christians do/did to basically say: "Thanks for saving me from that danger, God!"?

I am a bit curious about seeking out a bible study. There are several reasons for this: A friend of mine (in another country) says she finds such a study group enjoyable, and it seems to be a good way to meet new people. (I myself just moved to a new country, where Christianity seems to have a larger place in society than I am used to). It will help me understand Christianity better. However, I do not really consider myself a Christian. Will I be out of place in such a study group, or even, will people be offended? I do like to question things, and ask if something is unclear (I have a strong background in science). Is this something that might make people uneasy?

From a comment on What is the role of “Sign of the cross” gesture in Catholicism? , it was noted that Catholics make the Sign of the Cross by starting at the top, going to the left and then right, while Orthodox go from right to left (after starting at the top). What is the origin and reason for this distinction? I'm also wondering if this distinction is universal in each church or if it differs to some degree inside each branch.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus were circumcised on the 8th day, according to Old Testament laws. Luke 1:57-60 English Standard Version (ESV) >Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” Luke 2:21-39 English Standard Version (ESV) >And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Did a priest come to the home to perform the circumcision? Were there formal traditions or prayers recited, and if so, what do we know about them and how do we know about them?

In popular culture, it is believed that holy objects, such as garlic, crosses, and holy water, can protect against evil, like vampires. Also, Caleb's response to this question inspired me to ask whether or not using those things (garlic, crosses, and holy water) have any legitimate basis in Christian practice, or whether or not they are merely idols and only part of the fictional world.

"Church shopping" is when church goers move about from church to church to find one they like, sometimes willing to travel great distances or spend many months visiting dozens of churches. It certainly seems much more common to Christians that prefer less ecumenical churches, such as non-denominational, baptists, etc. What is the biblical basis for this practice (according to those who believe there is one)? Are there any examples you can draw from in scripture which would suggest, for example, not being fed, as a reason for going from one Church to another?

Somewhere along the line I picked up the habit of capitalizing He, His, Him, etc. when they are referring to Jesus Christ as a form of respect. Likewise I always capitalize Christ, which is the title of Jesus of Nazareth. My question is if this is an appropriate or common practice among Christians? **Conclusion:** It appears this isn't a formal requirement, but I am not the only one to do it. I intend to continue to do so for now.

I never watched this film, but the synopsis alone is eerie. Read this article . > She then runs to the safety of a church, knowing that baptism is a > form of exorcism. Is this true? Can baptism be a form of protection against Satan? Is Satan really a person, or does this film carry a strong Faustian theme? Why would Satan be afraid of baptism and not a Jewish mikveh? Is baptism made up of holy water?

I live in a very atheistic land. People hate religion because the main religion in my province has abused the people. Thus sometimes when I speak to friends and coworkers I present Hell as follows. We have been designed to love (worship) God and find our joy in Him. Heaven is where we get to love Him perfectly and enjoy Him perfectly. But a non-believer does not want to love God or enjoy Him. The non-believer wants to be God for himself. So if heaven is the place where God is at the center and all our attention is turned towards Him, it would go against the desire of the unbeliever's heart for God to send him to heaven. So if a person goes through life rejecting God, Hell is the place where God does not intervene (no common grace). **Then does God offer the object of desire of the rebel heart?** **I understand that Hell is a punishment, but does this explanation of Hell fit with the biblical teaching?**

Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, the Mormon church is holding a general conference , which happens twice a year, in place of regular church meetings. There's some basic stuff on their website about it, but I'd like to know more about what it is, how it started, why it is held, its significance to church members, etc. For example: It's a *general* conference -- who exactly is invited: is it for members only, like the temples? Is it a collection of sermons or does the format vary? What is discussed, and are there any notable conferences which have impacted Christianity or the world? Bonus points for scriptural references or parallels.

When we are making decisions in church group, rather charismatic people will say things like > I *feel* we should... which they sometimes connect to be input of holy guidance like the holy spirit. Because I'm not convinced most times that my thought is that of GOD's input, I'll say `I think...` instead because I consider it very dangerous how some people act as if God had to tell them what to do. *The move for an own option to become a godly input seems to be quite fluent with some people. But just because we have the Holy Spirit living in us, does not mean most of our options are direct input by god, does it?* I mention this, because they will see themselves to be guided by God in the simplest of things like how do move banks in the church.... Would God not leave such duties to ourselves? Edit: **How can we determine the difference between the leading of the Holy spirit and our own opinions?**