.... church's power gradually began to dwindle. The monarchies of Europe also began to grow replacing the church's power. Monarchies, at the close of the Middle Ages and the dawn of the Renaissance, did not so much seek the guidance of the church as much as it sought their approval. However, the Church during the Age of Discovery was still a major influence. The discovery of the New World and its previously unknown inhabitants presented new problems in the Catholic Church in the late 14th and early 15th century. When Spain's rulers and emissaries decided to physically conquer and populate the New World, and not just trade with it, the .....

.... to the Father (Himself acknowledged on all hands to be the one Supreme Deity), gave rise, between the years A. D. 60 and 200, to number of Theosophic systems, called generally Gnosticism, and having for their authors Basilides, Valentinus, Tatian, and other Greek speculators. Though all of these visited Rome, they had no following in the West, which remained free from controversies of an abstract nature, and was faithful to the creed of its baptism. Intellectual centers were chiefly Alexandria and Antioch, Egyptian or Syrian, and speculation was carried on in Greek. The Roman Church held steadfastly by tradition. Under these circum .....

.... to help repopulate the earth after everything is wiped out. This is similar to Oedipus at Colonus, in the Hellenic texts, because the gods choose Oedipus to save the city of Colonus from his own sons. They differ because God, in the Old Testament, chooses rather blindly. He does not choose people for any reason except that is who He wanted. If He does choose, it is based on goodness or loyalty to Him. The gods of Hellenic texts, like in Oedipus at Colonus, the gods choose Oedipus because of his wisdom and his family line. The Hellenic texts choose based on prestige, family, and honor. Another example of this is the story .....

.... in Mecca in 570AD. When he was forty he was called to become God’s messenger. The Angel Gabriel came to Mohammed and taught him the verses of the Holy Quaran, which is the Holy Book of Islam. At that time the Arabs had many beliefs and gods, but Mohammed taught that there was only one god. In Islam they are not allowed to make pictures of God, because it is said that an artist can only express him/herself based on experience. Muslims don’t see God as an "old man wise and bearded," nor do they describe God as a "Spirit." Because they believe that the "spirit" is also part of God’s creation. Muslims are prohibited to put anyth .....

.... equivalents) instead of translated. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines “baptisma” (translated “baptism”) as “consisting of the process on immersion, submersion, and emergence.” Is water needed to be immersed? Baptism does not always mean “dunking in water”, but it does always mean “immersion.” An example of this would be Matthew 20:22 where Jesus asks James and John, “Can you drink of the cup I am going to drink?” Jesus here is giving a picture of the agony that He is about to endure. H. Leo Boles in his commentary on Matthew has stated concerning this, “Incidentally .....

.... time, one of the conditions required for the Incarnation, accomplishing the unity of the conditions required for the Incarnation, accomplishing the unity of 'one flesh' and yet laying the foundation, precisely therein, for the radical opposition between head and body, Lord and handmaid, bridegroom and bride. (Figures of the Church, p. 199). In view of Christ's "pre-redeemed" Mother, Mary is the personal center of the Church and is " 'the objectivity of a Church which is subjectively holy' even if all other individuals in her are still entangled in sin" (p. 199). The "pre-redeemed" status given to Mary is the flawlessness .....

.... in the world. Noah had to undergo many trials and tribulations. He had to experience embarrassment and ridicule because of the nature of God’s requests. His neighbors and friends thought he was nuts because it is not everyday that a man constructs a huge boat made of gopher wood and claims that a flood will come to rid the world of evil. After Noah obeyed all Gods commands, he was rewarded. Noah became like Adam, in that he would be responsible for starting life on earth over. Noah was rewarded because of his faith in God and his ability to obey. God’s covenant with Noah laid the groundwork for his promise to Abraham many ge .....

.... Many Christians live in high©class society. Christianity is one of the most appealing in that any sins may easily be corrected and that Christians may live comfortable, if not wealthy lives without guilt. Christianity, like other religions though, has many weaknesses. Although as time goes on, Christianity is slowly evolving and trying to become even more appealing to society, there are still many downfalls. One thing with Christianity is that from day one we are given a guilt trip. We are born evil. We are born with "the original sin". We are at the mercy of God. If we beg forgiveness however, it shall be granted. My grandmot .....

.... house to go to work and I happen to leave a couple of minutes late knowing that there is a possibility that I might be late. As I'm driving someone pulls in front of me and is maybe doing the speed limit. I immediately go into reaction mode. This is where I have to realize that the person in front of me is not intentionally trying to make me late for work. (not until I flash my highbeams or honk my horn) Looking at situations objectively and being more proactive can help us deal with Dukkha better. I believe the Buddha understood that "Dukkha Happens" so its how we deal with it that can cause the frustration, sadness, .....

.... of silver while the Koran does not tell of a specific amount. After Joseph was sold into Egypt, both accounts tell of how, his brothers had his clothes stained with an animal's blood and told their father that Joseph was devoured by a wild beast. After Joseph was sold into Egypt he became very favored by his master, the Pharaoh. In the Biblical account, Pharaoh so trusted Joseph that he entrusted to him everything. The Bible records that Joseph was a goodly person and well favored (Genesis 39:6). Joseph is tempted with Pharaoh's wife who seeks to seduce him. She bolts the doors and says, "Come!" Joseph replies, "My lord has .....