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

ROBERT ASKS: When Christians claim they know they’re going to heaven should they be regarded as conceited, boastful, and arrogant? Is it unfair of God to say you can’t get into heaven unless you believe, even though you’ve been a good person? THE GUY ANSWERS: Fellow religion reporters of a certain age will remember those throngs of “Jesus freaks” holding index fingers aloft to proclaim that their faith is the “One Way.” That attitude is no Christian eccentricity. All religions... Read more

BEV ASKS: I’ve been running into people who are cessationist [aligned with conservatives like] John MacArthur, who calls those who believe in the supernatural gifts chaotic, heretics, apostates, and not part of the true church. So, what are your thoughts? THE GUY SAYS: The cessationist movement opposes practices in Pentecostal and “Charismatic” churches that have prospered during the past century. Even celebrities Katy Perry and Megan Fox have provoked buzz by recalling Pentecostal experiences and there’s vigorous online debate among Protestants.... Read more

RACHAEL ASKS: (After trying to explore Reformed theology via Facebook): I do not understand many terms used, such as dispensationalism, cessationism, amillennialism, and many more. Is there a Reformed dictionary you know of or should I resort to brief Internet searches? THE GUY ANSWERS: To explore those big fat words The Guy suggests buying a theological dictionary that covers all of Christianity, not just Reformed/Calvinist Protestantism, which will treat the major terms though probably not every esoteric one you’ll come... Read more

SARI ASKS: What are the major and almost-major groups of Jews, and how do they differ in terms of belief and practice? THE GUY ANSWERS: Nothing compares with Christianity for complexity, with an ever-expanding variety of denominations, independent congregations, religious orders, “parachurch” ministries, and miscellaneous movements. Still, Judaism is more complicated than some people realize. Running down beliefs and practices would require a long article, but here’s a summary: First, keep in mind the huge and fundamental split among three... Read more

ELIZABETH ASKS: Liberals in the U.S. frequently point out that clergy will not be forced to perform same-sex marriages against their beliefs. However, are there other religious freedom issues at stake with the new Supreme Court ruling? THE GUY RESPONDS: The answer is yes, lots of them, according to religious groups that oppose same-sex marriage but also certain legal experts who advocate same-sex marriage and yet worry about threats to religious freedom. The Supreme Court’s decision to abolish the federal... Read more

HARVEY ASKS: A Mormon scholar says the Christian belief that God created the universe ex nihilo (“out of nothing”) is “apostasy in action” and typical of the pagan Greek thought Mormons believe corrupted the early church. But Mormonism unites with ancient Greek philosophers in thinking matter is eternal and had no beginning. Explain? (Paraphrasing the posted question). THE GUY ANSWERS: This may seem esoteric but “creation” debates always get interesting. One of the most famous sentences ever written is “In the... Read more

The Guy points out these previous Religion Q and A postings in light of the Supreme Court’s two marriage rulings June 26: — Which congregations in America are the most accepting when it comes to same-sex marriage? http://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionqanda/2013/03/same-sex-marriage-and-u-s-religion — Are there any [Bible] passages that explicitly condemn same-sex marriage? http://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionqanda/2013/04/does-the-bible-condemn-same-sex-marriage Also note that Religion News Service, a valuable resource, posts reactions to the “Hollingsworth v. Perry” and “U.S. v. Windsor rulings: http://www.religionnews.com/2013/06/26/reactions-to-gay-marriage-wins-at-supreme-court     Read more