BOBBY ASKS: Who are the “Mainline” Protestants today? DOUGLAS LIKEWISE ASKS: (Paraphrasing) What do we make of proposals for “Mainline” Protestants to drop that label for themselves? And where does that leave me, an “evangelical” who remains in the Episcopal Church “as a grain of sand in the oyster”? THE GUY ANSWERS: The dictionary definition of “mainline” signals mainstream prestige, so “Mainline” Protestantism’s decline over recent decades could mean this designation has long since outlived its usefulness. Douglas considers it “adjectival mayhem.” The discussion has... Read more

BETH ASKS: Are there any substantive differences between traditional atheism vs. what is called “New Atheism”? Or is the term used just to describe a bunch of popular books (Dawkins, Dennett, Harris, etc.) coming out at once? Who coined the term “New Atheism” and can it be described as a new philosophical movement (or reframing of an old one)? THE GUY ANSWERS: The “New Atheism movement” originated, or at least gained wide currency, with a 2006 article by Gary Wolf... Read more

RACHAEL ASKS: A lot of people compare the differences between Sunni and Shiite Muslims with differences between Protestants and Catholics, but are these even in the same category? THE GUY ANSWERS: There’s some validity there, though religious comparisons are dicey. The obvious similarity is that both are divisions within great world religions. However, Islam is basically divided in two whreas Christianity has four segments, adding in Orthodox churches and indigenous churches in the developing world that are independent of western... Read more

JESSICA ASKS: What would I need to do to become [a Catholic]? Some guidance would be great! THE GUY ANSWERS: Jessica was baptized a Methodist, later attended services off and on with her Catholic father, has now reached “a new-found happiness in the Catholic Church” and is engaged to marry a Catholic. Apparently she has not yet consulted her parish priest or officials with the local diocese, so here’s a summary of what she’ll learn when she does: Jessica can... Read more

ERIN ASKS: Why are religion and ethnicity so closely linked? Why are they especially close in Judaism whereas in Christianity not so much? THE GUY ANSWERS: A few random observations. The Guy is no anthropologist or sociologist. But it’s obvious that the quest for transcendent religious meaning  is virtually universal among humankind and till modern times was necessarily intertwined with ethnic identity on a tribal, regional, and even national basis. Thus to be Indian is essentially to be Hindu. Thus also for... Read more

MARY IN MICHIGAN WONDERS: Why are so many lifestyle blogs with large followings written by Mormon women? Is this just coincidence? THE GUY ANSWERS: It’s no coincidence. Mary’s full question notes Mormon women’s prominence in online discussions of such skills as crafting, cooking, and interior design. This reflects notable female programming and gender roles within this religious subculture. The women’s auxiliary in Mormonism — officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — is called the Relief Society and... Read more

KAYLIN ASKS: What would sharia [Muslim law] look like if implemented? Would there be differences by country or region? THE GUY ANSWERS: Fundamental starting point: In principle, Islam draws no distinction between the spiritual and the secular such as Jesus’ famous biblical dictum “render therefore to Caesasr the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” It’s often said that Christianity centers on theology while Islam centers on law. Sharia (or “shariah”) covers personal morals (e.g.... Read more

JOHN ASKS: Could you explain something of the Roman Catholic belief in Purgatory — its scriptural underpinning, etc.? THE GUY ANSWERS: This f0llows up our August 9 item “What happens after death?” Catholic belief in Purgatory, a state of “final purification” between death and entry into God’s presence in heaven, is contested by other Christians. Protestants think this contradicts the Bible or at least lacks scriptural support. The Eastern Orthodox uphold no Purgatory doctrine and oppose such unilateral assertions by the Catholic... Read more

ERIC PONDERS: [After attending Protestant funerals] it has struck me how conflicted rituals are with regard to whether resurrection awaits the end of time or occurs immediately. Every service has involved phrases in the ritual saying both things — and they are in conflict. THE GUY SAYS: Christian churches disagree on many things, including details of Jesus’ Second Coming and the End Times, and there’s ample mystery about the afterlife. Yet regardless of what a particular funeral might suggest, there’s... Read more