dialegomai
: online resources
your link to
online resources
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Welcome to dialegomai! Please select your
area of interest from the index located in the boxes below this column.
Welcome to dialegomai! After several years of taking leave of dialegomai to address other priorities (mainly family) and reassess what it is that I want dialegomai to provide, I thought I would inform those who are interested that Im not done with it. Ive invested some time looking into what free resources the internet provides and contemplating how I might be able to use some of them to improve, supplement, or complement dialegomai.
Ive decided to remove several sections (perhaps temporarily) and I am currently checking and updating links locally as time permits (i.e. on the HTML file located on my computer). I will not update this online website until I am done.
Also, for anyone using a browser that is incompatible with HTML5 and CSS3, Im still coding dialegomai using HTML 4.01. This will remain unchanged until I have enough time and patience to learn and become familiar with HTML5 and CSS3..
To the right you will find the general contents of dialegomai.
These links will be updated here and elsewhere when the revised website
is released.
If you want this
page to load faster, I recommend that you deactivate pictures for this
site.
Roger Schremmer
7 April 2015
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Contents
(left column)
Biblical Resources: The Basics
Bibles (English, mixed)
Bible Software
Daily Devotions
Reading the Bible in a Year |
Biblical Resources: Intermediate
Dictionaries, Cyclopedias,
Encyclopedias
Historical Context & Commentaries
Dead Sea Scrolls & Papyri
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Biblical Resources: Advanced
Ancient Language & Fonts
Bibles (Hebrew / Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic)
Lexicons, Grammar & Learning Guides (Hebrew / Aramaic,
Greek)
Textual Criticism & Exegetical Resources
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Apologetics (vs. Early Schisms & Heresies)
Writings of the Early Church (before
31 October 1517) |
Apologetics (vs. Modern
Schisms & Heresies)
Christian Apologetics (addressing
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions) |
Apologetics (vs. Unbelief
& Other Religions)
Christian Apologetics (addressing
beliefs of non- Christian religions)
Creation &
Science, et al. (Intelligent Design and Creationism)
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Councils, Canons & Statements
of Faith
Councils, Canons & Statements
of Faith |
Christian Denominations
Miscellaneous: Useful Resources
Family Resources
Internet Resources
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dialegomai: online resources
copyright Β© 2003β 2015
Roger Schremmer, B.A., M.Div.
this site is best
viewed at a
full screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or
wide screen resolution of 1280 x 800
using a Chromium or Mozilla based browser
last
updated in April 2015
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Since many "dialegomai" websites, blogs,
etc. have appeared over the past few years, this is a list of links
connected with this website:
webs.com
β this is dialegomai's primary
website; all updates, etc. will be done here first
GoogleSites β due to
some significant issues, GoogleSites can no longer serve as a mirror
site and now only serves as doorway to this website
150m.com
β at present, this site serves as a
doorway to this website. In the future, this website will serve as a
mirror site
Facebook β this is where
people can post links (in messages), dialogue, discuss topics of
interest, etc. Although I oversee this page, my participation is limited
Blogger
β this is where I post updates for
dialegomai and some other things. I am not much of a blogger, but I
will post things every now and again
YouTube β this is where
I might add links to some interesting or informative videos (most are
placed online by others)
There
you have it!
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A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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The following is a list of
abbreviations for several English translations of the Bible (these are
not
linked and this list is not exhaustive):
RRS = my own translation (Schremmer)
21KJV = 21st Century King James Version
AAT = An American Translation (Beck)
ALT = Analyticalβ Literal Translation
AMP = Amplified Bible
ASV = American Standard Version
AV = Authorised Version (see
KJV)
AV7 = New Authorized Version
BB = Bishops' Bible
BBE = The Bible in Basic English
BEB = Basic English Bible
CEV = Contemporary English Version
CJB = The Complete Jewish Bible
CPV = Cotton Patch Version
CV = Concordant Version
DARBY = Darby Bible / Translation
DOUAYβ
RHEIMS = Douayβ Rheims Bible / Translation
(American Edition)
ESV = English Standard Version
FF = The Holy Bible, A Modern
Translation (Fenton)
GB = Geneva Bible
GOODSPEED = The Complete Bible: An American
Translation (see SGAT)
GNB = Good News Bible / Translation
GW = God's Word (to
the Nations)
HCSB
=
Holman Christian Standard Bible
HNV =
Hebrew Names Version
IV = Inspired Version of the Bible (Smith)
JB = Jerusalem Bible
KJV = King James Version (see
AV)
KJ1611 = King James Bible 1611 (olde
English, 'he' variant; see KJV)
KJs1611 = King James Bible 1611 (olde
English, 'she' variant)
KJV2000 = King James 2000 Version (Couric)
LB = Living Bible
MACE = The New Testament (Mace)
MKJV = Modern King James Version (Green
Sr)
MLB = Modern Language Bible
MOFFATT = The New Testament: A New
Translation
MSG = The Message
MURDOCK = New Testament (Murdock)
NAB = New American Bible
NASB = New American Standard Bible
NAV = New American Version
NCV = New Century Version
NET = New English Translation
NIRV = New International Reader's Version
NIV = New International Version
NIV84 = New International Version (1984
edition)
NIVβUK = New International Versionβ United
Kingdom
NJB = New Jerusalem Bible
NKJV = New King James Version
NLV = New Life Version
NLT = New Living Translation
NRSV = New Revised Standard Version
NWT = The New World Translation of the
Holy Scriptures
OJB = Orthodox Jewish Bible
PHILLIPS = The New Testament in Modern
English
RcV = The Recovery Version (New
Testament)
REB
= Revised English Bible
RSV = Revised Standard Version
RV = Revised Version
SGAT = An American Translation (Smith-
Goodspeed)
TEV = Today's English Version (see
GNB)
TMB = Third Millenium Bible
TNIV = Today's New International Version
TYNDALE = The New Testament (Tyndale)
VOICE = Today's New International Version
WE = Worldwide English (New
Testament)
WEB = World English Bible
WEBSTER = Webster's Bible
WEYMOUTH = The New Testament in Modern Speech
W&P = New Testament (Wycliffe,
with Purvey revision)
YLT = Young's Literal Translation
The
following is a list of abbreviations for Holy Scriptures in Biblical
Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages (these are not linked):
BHS = Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
LXX = Septuagint
MT = Masoretic Text
NA26
| 27 | 28 = Novum Testamentum Graece, 26th |
27th | 28th edition (Nestle- Aland)
NT = New Testament
OT = Old Testament
TISCH = Novum Testamentum Graece (Tischendorf)
UBS4
| 5 = Greek New Testament, 4th | 5th
edition (United Bible Society)
W&H = Greek New Testament (Westcott
& Hort)
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Biblical
Resources: The Basics
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Bibles
(English, mixed)
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Collections
BibleGateway
β NIV (1984), TNIV (2005), NIV (2010),
NASB, MSG, AMP, NLT, KJV, ESV, CEV, NKJV, 21KJV, ASV, YLT, DARBY, NLV,
HCSV, NIRV, WYCLIFFE, WE (NT), NIVβUK. Also available: Audio Bibles (Old Testament:
ESV, KJV, NASB, NIV, TNIV; New Testament: CEV, ESV, KJV, NASB, NIV,
TNIV) and translations into other languages
Biblia.com β
Β© Logos Bible Software. "Biblia.com is your place for Bible study
online. Part of a family of services from Logos Bible Software, it
offers free access to a collection of Bibles and Bible reference works,
with an easy user interface and powerful search engine." Everyone has
access to numerous translations of Scripture and resources, but people
who have purchased packages, libraries or books for Logos can logon
using their Logos.com account and access most of their books online
(from any computer). "Biblia.com is designed to make it easy to use a
Bible side- by- side with helps and reference books. But underneath it
is built on the same powerful platform as Logos Bible Software 4, the
world's leading Bible software. Logos has been developing Bible
software for nearly two decades. Today it is a team of more than 170
people offering more than 10,000 titles for Bible study; Biblia.com is
our way of delivering all that experience and content to users who
prefer a web interface." Quotes taken from a link that no longer exists
The
Unbound Bible β NASB, NRSV, KJV, ASV, BEB, DARBY,
DOUAYβ RHEIMS, WEBSTER, WEYMOUTH (NT), WEB, YLT. Also available:
Original languages (Hebrew: Westminster Liningrad Codex, Aleppo Codex;
Greek: Byzantine / Majority Text,
Textus
Receptus, Tischendorf
8th ed., Westcott
& Hort, Septuagint
(OT)), and translations into other languages
Bible Study Tools β
NASB, ASV, ESV, NKJV, KJV, HCSV, TMB, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, GNT, DOUAYβ
RHEIMS, MSG, CJB, NCV, GW, HNV, WEB, BBE, YLT, TNIV, NIRV, DARBY,
WEBSTER, WEYMOUTH (NT). Also available: Latin Vulgate. This was originally
a part of Crosswalk.com, but has since been redesigned and made its own
website
Blue
Letter Bible β KJV, NKJV, NLT, NIV, ESV, NASB, RSV,
ASV, YLT, DARBY, WEB, HNV. Also available: Latin Vulgate
Individual
Translations
ESV
Study Bible β ESV. Β© 2008 Crossway Bibles. Contains
2007 text, word / phrase search, and the voice of David Cochran Heath
to read Scripture passages. Those who purchased the ESV Study Bible also have access to the study notes,
articles, maps, charts and illustrations that appear in the printed copy
NET
Bible Study Environment β Β© 1996β 2011
Biblical Studies Press (BSP), L.L.C. and the authors. An outstanding
resource featuring the NET Bible. "Features Include: Read the Biblical
Text and the Associated NET Notes. Add your own notes to the selected
chapter or verse (on the Notes Tab). Bookmark and label chapters and
verses for future reference. Double click any word and choose to search
the bible / Bible.org or look it up in dictionaries. Read the original
Hebrew / Greek (mouse over words to see definition and part of speech
in the bottom panel; click to lock in this information). View articles
on the current passage. Click a verse to see it in parallel in multiple
translation (on the Parallel Tab); see articles on that verse; see
names / places in that verse. Print the biblical textβ optionally with
the NET notes and / or your own notes. Listen to audio on certain
chaptersβ Currently, only in the NT, Psalms, and Proverbs." Also
includes links to blogs, forums,
labs, store
and more. Available on Bible.org
Modern King James Version β
Β© 1962β 1998 Jay P. Green, Sr.
King James 2000 Version β
Β© Robert A. Couric. The entire OT and NT are also available for download (PDF)
New Authorized Version β
AV7. Β© 1973β 2011 New Authorized Version Foundation
Illustrated King James Bible β
KJV. Features literally hundreds of black and white woodcuts, drawings,
and paintings
Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha
β RSV. Old Testament Β© 1952; New
Testament Β© 1946, 1971; Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical writings (includes
1
& 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Additions to Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, Song of Three Young Men, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 & 2 Maccabees) Β© 1957, 1977 Division
of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in
the United States of America. Includes several search options
Douayβ
Rheims Bible β DOUAYβ RHEIMS. Roman Catholic
New
American Bible β NAB. Β© 1970, 1986, 1991, 2002
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Roman Catholic. OT
contains
Apocryphal writings and additions. Available from The Vatican archive.
See also the NAB from the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops website
New American Bible, Revised Edition
β
NABRE. Β© 2011 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Roman
Catholic. This revision of the NAB was published in March 2012. Most of
the revisions are excellent (easier to follow and read, more literal
(closer in meaning to the original text), it flows well in English,
poetry sounds poetic, et al.). The only significant down side to the
text is
that the OT contains Apocryphal writings and additions. Otherwise, this
appears to be a very good English translation. Today's Reading
and daily audio
readings are also available
The Brick Testament β Β©
Brendan Powell Smith (an atheist). Features several Old and New
Testament verses, creatively portrayed using lego
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Darby Bible β Darby. Β©
1890 John Nelson Darby. Plymouth Brethren; Dispensational. Includes Darby's Bible Synopsis and On Ministry
Today's New International Version
β TNIV. Β© 2005 International Bible
Society. "Remaining unswervingly faithful to the original ancient
Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic biblical texts, the TNIV speaks to today's
world in today's words." This claim, however, is not entirely true: It
has been noted that at least 3,686 gender- related translation
inaccuracies (2,776 in the Old Testament, 910 in the New Testament)
have been found which were accurately translated in the 1984 NIV. "The
changes here involve the removal of five words: 'father', 'brother',
'man', 'son', and 'he / him / his.' β¦ These 2,776" Old Testament and
910 New Testament "examples therefore seem to us to be 'translation
inaccuracies' that were included in the TNIV for the sake of producing
a more 'gender neutral' or 'inclusive language' version of the Bible.
Such rewording may seem more acceptable in today's secular culture, but
it is not a more accurate way of translating the Word of God. There is
a wrongful removal of male- oriented meaning in over 2,700 places in
the Old Testament" and 910 places in the New Testament (see "A Complete
List of 3,686 Inaccurate Translations in the TNIV,"
available on Internet Archive)
Cotton Patch Version β
CPV. "A colloquial translation with a Southern accent." (Some may
consider this translation offensive or heretical, a few may view it as
twisted entertainment, while others may view it as a creative means of
making the New Testament more accessible to unbelievers or believers)
The Recovery Version β
RcV (NT). The translation itself seems okay, but its commentary should
be used with caution since it is extremely
biased toward problematic and even heretical beliefs (i.e., the
teachings of Witness Lee and his 'Local Church' movement)
The
Holy Bible, A Modern Translation β F. F. Β© 1908,
1966 Ferrar Fenton. Church of England (Anglican). Considered (by some)
to be a scholar of Biblical languages, Fenton and his descendants do not claim
him to be a scholar of Biblical languages, nor do they attribute any
formal education in Biblical languages to his credit. Instead, Fenton
claims his formal education was in commerce,
while his Biblical 'education' was the result of reading unspecified
books on a broad spectrum of subjects from an unspecified library.
Fenton's understanding of the Hebrew and Greek languages and grammar is
questionable
(at best) since his translation
contains numerous translation and
grammatical errors
throughout the Old and New Testaments. In addition, his attempts to
'correct' accurate translations
with his erroneous translations (which he explains in footnotes)
demonstrates that he often lacks a
basic understanding of the Hebrew and Greek languages, their
grammars, etc. Especially troubling is the statement in his
introduction that "three accomplished scholars β¦ advised and assisted
in the revision of my versions"
The New World Translation of the Holy
Scriptures β NWT. Β© 2013 Watch Tower Bible and Tract
Society of Pennsylvania. This is an update to their 1984 version, based
primarily on the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Westcott & Hort
(W&H) Greek NT. However,
the translation itself is extremely
biased and is often bent on 'evidencing' the beliefs and doctrines of
the Jehovah's Witnesses, which are unsupported by the MT, Septuagint
(LXX), Greek
NT, and proper understanding of the Hebrew / Aramaic and Greek
grammars. Also available for download (EPub, PDF, MP3, AAC).
Available from Watchtower
Inspired Version of the Bible β
IV Β© Joseph Smith, Jr. (founder of The Church of Jesus Christ and
Latter Day Saints; aka Mormons). This is "the Joseph Smith Translation
of the King James Version of the Bible" which contains several
modifications of the KJV, usually to reflect the beliefs and doctrines
of Joseph Smith, which are unsupported by the MT, LXX, and Greek NT.
The IV is also available from the Latter Day Saints
Concordant Version β CV
Β© A. E. Knoch and Concordant Publishing Concern. The New Testament is a
completed translation based on the W&H Greek NT combined with the NA26|27
variants, while the Old Testament (nearing completion) is a translation
of the MT. The translation itself is problematic because of an
erroneous method of interpretation which makes little distinction
between words in the original languages and words in the English
language (which often differ significantly): "For each Original word,
then, we assign a STANDARD English word. To facilitate a readable
English translation, additional synonyms or other concordant variants
are also used, as needed. In nearly all cases, any such standards,
synonyms, and variants are used exclusively for a single word in the
Original, thereby eliminating almost all 'crosswiring' between
languages. Thus a substantial formal correspondency is maintained
between the original and receptor language" (emphasis in original). As a result, this
translation does not always reflect what the original language conveys
but often seems bent on 'evidencing' numerous erroneous or even
heretical presuppositions and doctrines which are unsupported by the
original languages. See their 'Expositions' section and other writings by A. E. Knoch,
found elsewhere (available on Internet Archive). Also see Universalism
under the Other
Side of the Fence
section (right column)
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Ancient Languages
(Hebrew /
Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic)
See under Bibles
(below, in the Biblical Research:
Advanced section)
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Bible
Software
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freeware
e-Sword
β Β© Rick Meyers. Includes KJV, several
useful features, and offers dozens of free downloadable add- on modules
in several languages (bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, etc.). Some
commercial Bible modules are locked and need to be purchased, but they
are very few in number since most publishers have graciously provided
their copyrighted translations for free. This is an excellent free
resource that is very user- friendly, has several great advantages
including the ability to make your own modules (using Microsoft Access), and is useful
for Greek studies since several free Greek Septuagint (LXX) and New
Testament (Greek NT) modules are availableβ with or without Strong's
Numbersβ as well as some Greek parsing modules. Fortunately, the same
support is now being developed and offered for the Hebrew / Aramaic
Scriptures (a few Hebrew Bible modules are now available; none feature
vowel markings but some now support Strong's Numbers and parsing,
etc.). Suitable for Bible Study leaders and anyone interested in
reading or learning God's Word
Additional e-Sword modules:
- theChan
Website β
requires visitors to make an account before files can be downloaded.
Includes several unique Bible modules in both English and Chinese
(mostly Chinese modules)
- e-Sword Module Database Library β
an extensive collection of Bible (and other) modules; however, this
site shows more interest in providing variety than orthodoxy. Be
careful when downloading modules from here; while most Bibles are fine,
some are problematic, erroneous or heretical. Beyond the Bible section,
about half or more of the modules support or contain problematic,
erroneous or heretical beliefs and teacings
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The Word β Β© Costas
Sturgiou. The Word is "designed to be a tool for everyday use, always
running in the background and ready to respond whenever you need to
look- up a verse, read the Bible, or study a passage or theme of the
Bible in depth. It's quick to load, easy to customize and intuitive to
use. We feel that its value and quality cannot be fully presented
through a feature list, so we urge you to try it out. Each little
detail has been carefully contemplated, designed and implemented with
many options and customizations. This is exactly what makes people
stick with The Word, once they give it a try. That's the best way to
make up your mind too!" Suitable for Bible Study leaders and anyone
interested in reading or learning God's Word
Theophilos β includes
KJV, several useful features,
and offers dozens of unlocked (freeware) and locked (buy- ware)
downloadable modules in several languages (bibles, commentaries,
dictionaries, etc.). Numerous commercial Bible modules are also locked
and need to be purchased. Suitable for Bible Study leaders and anyone
interested in reading or learning God's Word
Additional Theophilos modules:
The
Sword Project β includes several useful features and
offers free downloadable add- on modules (bibles, commentaries,
dictionaries, etc.). Suitable for Bible Study leaders and anyone
interested in reading or learning God's Word
WORDsearch BASIC (aka Bible
Explorer) β Β© WORDsearch Corp. In the WORDsearch
family, this product "is a free entry- level Bible software platform
for anyone who desires to read and study God's Word. WORDsearch Basic doesn't include some
of the more advanced bells and whistles you'll find in the paid version
of WORDsearch 10, but you'll
find that it does a lot! It has even been described as 'easy to use as
a web browser.' Best of all, WORDsearch
Basic will work with every product offered on our website. β¦ As soon as
WORDsearch Basic is on your
desktop, come back to our website and click on the 'Free Books' tab at the top of
every page. You'll find a selection of over 200 Bibles, commentaries, devotionals and other study
tools that are yours for the taking. It's a great way to begin building
your Bible reference library." Thousands of books are available,
including products that are on sale. Available for PC, Mac,
iPad / iPhone, and Android. This product is
fairly similar to e-Sword in almost every way. Searching for Hebrew or
Greek "words" is limited to the Strongs Number system and resources
that use them. Suitable for Bible Study
leaders and anyone interested in reading or learning God's Word
trialware
BibleSpeak β
Β©
Q-Software. Previously known as Q-WorkSpeak. Includes the KJV, "The
Bible software that speaks!" Similar to e-Sword and supports most
e-Sword modules (there are a few glitches with displaying some e-Sword
commentary modules and the NA26|27 Bible
module on my system), but looks nicer and features text- to- speech
(works only for English texts), Gospel parallels, a "Bible Smart
Editor" (an aid for preparing sermons et al.), the ability to display
Greek texts "transliterated into Roman characters or as Greek
characters," the option to "find all occurrences of a Greek or Hebrew
word with a few mouse clicks," and some additional weekly Bible Study
features designed primarily for Jehovah's Witnesses and their material.
This software is inexpensive, fairly easy to use (not quite as easy as
e-Sword, in my opinion), and has more features than e-Sword. However,
it also
has very few native modules and it does not have nearly as many
features as the more expensive Bible software geared for scholars,
pastors and seminarians (e.g., Logos Bible Software, BibleWorks,
QuickVerse, et
al.). Suitable for Bible Study leaders and anyone interested in reading
or learning God's Word. A free 45- day trial version is available. PLEASE NOTE:
The author of this
software died in early 2011; it cannot
be registered and there is no
technical support. A backup of the site (2 Feb 2011) is available
on Internet Archive
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for Palm OS and
Pocket PC
Pocket
e-Sword β
freeware. All the features of the original e-Sword, but designed for
Pocket PC. See above, under e-Sword. Please note: This product is no
longer being developed or supported by the developer
Additional Pocket e-Sword
modules:
- theChan Website β
requires visitors to make an account before files can be downloaded.
Includes several unique Bible modules in both English and in Chinese
(mostly Chinese modules)
PalmBible+ β freeware.
"Fast Display Engine; Cross- references (double- tap the verse number);
Fast book selector, completely- Graffiti Goto; Fast (ARMlet) search
engine with transliteration, stop and resume; Notes page for fast
notetaking (with export to MemoPad); Built- in languages: Hebrew,
Accented Greek, Interlinear Greek, 'Thin' font; Simultaneous Hebrew or
accented Greek with Chinese; Large Font option; Copy word / verse /
screen to clipboard; Snapshots for search and navigation; Highlighted
bookmarks on color devices; Extensive Graffiti shortcuts; Footnote
support; Drag Scrolling; Dual Version Display; Browser- like operation;
Customizable Preferences; Sony CLIE HiRes+ (native!) and HiRes (with
FontHack123); Palm Dynamic Input Area (320x480 and 480x320); Runs on
Palm OS 3.5 and up; Dictionary lookup on double tap via Plucker Plugin
Interface (PPI); Customizable Fonts"
Additional Bible+ modules:
- theChan Website β
requires visitors to make an account before files can be downloaded.
Includes several unique Bible modules in both English and in Chinese
(mostly Chinese modules)
Olive
Tree Bible Software β designed for Palm OS and
Pocket PC devices. Includes several features and offers unlocked (free) and locked
downloadable add- on modules, including Bibles, Study Tools, Collections, Academic, Devotionals, and Christian e-Books
Noteworthy
Alternatives
for pastors,
seminarians, scholars, etc.
Logos Bible Software (aka
Libronix Digital Library System) β Β© Logos Bible Software.
Available for PC, Mac,
iPad,
iPhone,
Android,
Kindle Fire, and online (Biblia.org). Originally
known as Logos, was renamed to Libronix for v2.x and v3.x, and from
v4.x onward has called Logos Bible Software. This software features a
whole new look and engine. Most features from Libronix (v3.x) have been
relocated or integrated
into many new features. The passage
guide, exegetical guide
and Bible word study have been
dramatically improved and enhanced with many new features. The
electronic library continues to grow with literally thousands of new
and old copyrighted, public domain and out of print resources which can
be purchased individually, in collections or in packages. Users who
invest in v4.3 (or later) now have the ability to create their own books using
MS-Word and Logos' Personal Book Builder. The
powerful
search engines from Libronix v3.x have been combined, simplified and
sorted
into basic, Bible, morph and syntax tabs with a variety of
options to fine- tune your searchesβ
making Bible Study extremely informative and easy (packages include
numerous tools,
maps, pictures,
etc. that make full use of the passage guide feature, plus you can
create bulletins for printing, and easily copy images and text to
Microsoft PowerPoint or Word). Sort resources into collections,
highlight and add comments anywhere in your resources, make use of the
new "read aloud" feature which (if you can tolerate the Microsoft
voice) roughly "reads aloud" most English resources (it does not work
with any language except English). You can search for words or phrases
in any
available language and unlocked resource (including BHS, BHQ, LXX,
W&H, NA28, etc.). The mouseover
parsing
with morphology feature has been improved (for Hebrew /
Aramaic, Greek, Syriac, Coptic, Latin, et al. resources with
morphology, including BHS, BHQ, LXX, NA28,
UBS4,
etc.). You can right- click on words to examine their meaning, lemma,
grammatical information, etc. from any available unlocked resource.
Logos (4.x and 5.x) also has an automatic update feature (when online).
Overall, this is an amazing resource. More details and information on
its features are available online,
and from the FAQs section and numerous video tutorials. A critical apparatus for BHS, BHQ
and NA27 / UBS4 is
available (also see the larger German Bible Society Bundle); pre- publication and base library discounts are
likewise available, as well as other limited- time discounts on a
variety of resources. The core system
(not including base packages; see above links)
and some resources are available for
free. Designed specifically for pastors, seminarians,
scholars, Bible Study leaders and anyone interested in studying God's
Word in its depths and details
Additional Logos modules (to
be announced; currently, user- built books only work on the computers
they are compiled on).
name β description
BibleWorks
β Β©
BibleWorks. For many years, this was the best software on the market;
however, this led them to become slack in developing new ideas and
advancements, which resulted in the Libronix Digital Library System
(aka Logos Bible Software) taking a powerful lead over
them. Even so, this is (in my opinion) the second most powerful product
on the market and is the only significant competition to Logos. The
most recent release seems to have many features found in
the Libronix Digital Library System (v3.x), with the exception that
BibleWorks is much easier to learn and is initially more affordable. It
also has fewer resources and a significantly smaller library overall,
and also significantly less features (since the release of Logos v4.x).
Designed for pastors, scholars, seminarians, Bible Study leaders, and
anyone interested in learning God's Word. No trial version is available
WORDsearch β Β©
WORDsearch Corp. In the WORDsearch family, this product is considered
the 'big brother' of the other products and "is recognized as the
leading Bible software 'serving those who who preach and teach to
change lives.' " This product provides a basic (but relatively fast)
boolean search engine, some
interesting features (integration with MS- Word, internet sites using
built- in browser, integration of some QuickVerse features,
etc.), access to over 200 free books and over 4,500 add-on books (including CROSS
e-books), and has several
features that are similar to (but less powerful than) those found in
Logos (v4.x) and BibleWorks. Unlike Bible
Explorer and QuickVerse,
this product offers the option to post messages directly to Facebook or
Twitter, and includes a Greek language "Morph Explorer" (that requires
the Greek Morphology Bundle to work)
which appears to be limited to Greek resources that contain lemma,
lexeme and parsing elements. Otherwise, like Bible Explorer and QuickVerse, it appears that all
Hebrew / Aramaic and Greek searches, word studies,
et al. are built around a simple boolean search engine that
depends entirely upon Strongs Numbers (and perhaps on English
resources and interlinears that use it). Unlike Logos and BibleWorks
(in particular), it does not appear to be designed for intermediate and
advanced users who delve deeper into the Hebrew / Aramaic and Greek
languages (using the BHS, LXX, NA27, and
similar resources) and who use more advanced features, search options,
etc. for their research, studies, and sermon preparations. The
flexibility of arranging the users' desktop work area also appears to
be very limited. Boxed sets and pre- development deals are no longer
available. Suitable for Bible Study leaders and anyone
interested in
reading or learning God's Word
QuickVerse β Β©
WORDsearch Corp. In the WORDsearch family, this product is considered
the 'adopted sibling' of WORDsearch. In 2011, this product was acquired
by WORDsearch Corp. Like other WORDsearch products, it has a fully
featured WORDsearch software engine that gives users full access to
over 200 free books and over 4,500 add-on books (including CROSS
e-books), and it is available for PC or Mac. This product is backwards
compatible with some older QuickVerse resources and has several new
features, including: "Faster Intelligent Searching," "Instant Verse
Studies," "Topical Explorer," "Web Interface," "Better Desktop
Organization," "Built- In Word Processor," "Expanded Parallel Bible,"
"Cross- Reference Explorer," "Talking Strong's Dictionary," and more.
Based on the video outlining some of its features, it looks like the
search engine may only be faster and a bit better than the one found in
Bible Explorer.
Searching for Hebrew / Aramaic or Greek "words" still appears to be
limited to a simple boolean search engine that depends entirely upon
Strongs Numbers (and perhaps on English resources and interlinears that
use it). Unlike Logos and BibleWorks (in particular), it does not
appear to be designed for intermediate and advanced users who delve
deeper into the Hebrew / Aramaic and Greek languages (using the BHS,
LXX, NA27, and similar resources) and who use
more advanced features, search options, etc. for their research,
studies, and sermon preparations. Suitable for Bible Study
leaders and anyone interested in reading or learning God's Word
Other
Alternatives
for home use and
Bible study
iLumina β
Β© Tyndale House Publishers. According to the website, this product is
now "discontinued" and all technical support is now "expired"
Interlinear
Scripture Analyzer / Concordant Version (NT) β Β©
AndrΓ© de Mol. The description and screenshots of the Interlinear
Scripture Analyzer look very impressive (unfortunately the software
will not install on my computer). It includes KJV, BHS, W&H
combined with the NA26|27 variants, Strong's
Numbers support for the Greek NT only (support for the Hebrew language
is in progress), and an unspecified Greek lexicon. Negatively, it has
very few native modules since it was originally designed only to be
used with the Concordant Version (see Bibles: Miscellaneous section,
above), now offered separately. Available on Scripture4all
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|
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Reading
the Bible in a Year
|
This section offers a variety of online
reading plans for reading the Bible in a year.
BibleYear.com
β Β© BibleYear.com. Offers five different
reading plans (beginning to end, chronological, historical, New then
Old, Old and New) for over 50 translations (19 in English). Select your
reading plan from the translation of your choice, then when you plan to
begin your plan (either the 1st or 15th of any month), and that's it. A
page will then open with a list of daily readings for the year,
according to your selected reading plan. An excellent resource!
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English Language
Resources
|
|
ESL
Resources
(ESL = English
as a Second Language)
|
Free Collections
Canada-ESL.com β Β©
Canada-ESL.com. From the main page, resource sections include ESL Teacher Resources ("We make the
ESL Teacher's life easier in the ESL classroom with free printable ESL
Lessons, activities, games & more"); ESL Classroom Group Games; Conversational Slang and Idioms; Full Length English Lessons ("Most
of these are excellent for one or two hour classes or even longer.
There is enough material in each for hours of learning and practice"); Mini ESL Micro English Lessons; Common Mistakes in English; Writing in English; ESL Lesson Themes; Business / Transactional English; Phrasal / Irregular Verbs. Looks
like a very good and useful website, plus all these resources are free
ESL
Galaxy β Β© Futonge
Nzembayie Kisito. "ESL Galaxy offers over 2368 free printable
worksheets for ESL lesson plans and ESL Activities; and there are more
additions every other day. The worksheets include: Board Games,
Crosswords, Grammar worksheets, Vocabulary Worksheets, Theme or Topic
lesson plans, Pronunciation, Survival English, Song and Video
Activities, Word Search Puzzles, Festivals & Holiday Worksheets,
Prefixes / Suffixes Word Formation, ESL conversation &
Communicative Activities, Game and Writing Templates, Cloze & gap
fill exercises, We also have ESL Games and ideas for ESL Classrooms,
Powerpoint downloads, Matching & Collocations, Reading &
Writing Exercises, Complete Lesson Plans." Lots of resources, and also
includes a section on learning Mandarin Chinese
30 FREE online resources for teaching and
learning ESL β Β© Anne Merritt (Matador Network).
Thirty links to various levels of free ESL resources
Paid
Access, Courses and Resources
ESL
Library β Β© Red
River Press. "ESL-Library is a resource site for language teachers. We
are owned and managed by Red River Press Inc, a little online
publishing company with great big ambition. We offer language teachers
instant access to a huge collection of lesson plans and flashcards. Our
site is set up as membership service. A paid membership gets teachers
access to all of the content in the Lesson Plan Library and Flashcard
Library sections" (About Us)
Canadian
Resources for ESL β
Β© Canadian Resources for ESL. Contains numerous books that can be
purchased and photocopied without limit (with some exceptions): "1)
Photocopy permission for a single purchasing school / site / addressβ
Photocopies are for ESL / literacy students attending classes at the
purchasing address. If you have 5 addresses, youβll need to buy 5
books. 2) Photocopy permission for a purchasing teacherβ Photocopies
are for ESL / literacy students attending the purchasing teacher's
classes. 3) We do not sell to resource centres that service more than
one address. 4) We do not sell to libraries except when the library in
located in a school and services that school / single site only. 5) We
do not give permission for school boards to service more than one
school / site from a single book. 6) We do not give permission for
anyone to photocopy from a photocopy of the books"
ESL
Mania β Β©
ESLMANIA.COM. "ESL Mania is for adult learners & teachers. Here's
your chance to learn new idioms, practice your grammar, improve your
accent, get lessons in business English, read ESL book chapters, get
teaching tips, and much more!" This site is divided into student and teacher resources (includes
books, PDFs, audio, video, mobile applications and more), which can be
purchased
English
as a Second Language β Β© Capilano University (N. Vancouver,
BC). Offers ESL courses to help learn intermediate through academic
level English. A list of links to some useful free online resources is also
available
ESL
Resources Database β
Β© Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language. "This database
includes ESL resources which have been funded and developed in Alberta.
It includes resources for teaching, assessment, and professional
development, along with policy and research documents. It is hoped that
this database will increase awareness of and access to ESL resources
produced in Alberta, providing support to ESL programs and instructors
as well as preventing duplication of projects. Where we are unable to
host a document for download, we provide a web link to the hosting site
or contact information regarding how the resource can be accessed."
Also available is a secton on ESL Resources ("The following is
a collection of resources to assist ATESL members as they provide ESL
instruction. The list below includes websites that individual
instructors have found to be beneficial and is provided for information
only")β some of these resources are free, while others are not
|
|
Dictionaries
& Encyclopedias
|
Dictionary & Thesaurus β
Β© Merriam- Webster OnLine. Contains all the information from the most
recent print edition and is continually updated
Encyclopædia
Britannica β Β© . Contains all the information from
the most recent print edition and is continually updated. This site
offers a free 7- day trial period, but
otherwise access is by paid subscription (annual or monthly)
Encyclopedia.com
β "features premier titles like The Columbia Encyclopedia, Oxford's World Encyclopedia, and the
Encyclopedia
of World Biography. Plus, our online dictionary collection is an
invaluable research tool with exhaustive information ranging from the
general purpose Oxford Pocket
Dictionary of Current English, to social science terms in A Dictionary of Psychology, to
health- related nutrition definitions in A Dictionary of Food Nutrition.
Encyclopedia.com offers millions of free articles, pictures, facts, and
biographies along with information about topics like the arts, science,
sports, medicine, accounting, and management. Encyclopedia.com is an
ideal online reference source for researchers, students, educators, and
professionals alike" (bold in original)
Roget's
International Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases β
Β© 1922 Peter Mark Roget. "Mawson's modernization of Roget's classic
structure with over 85,000 hyperlinked cross- references and 2,900
quotations." Available on Bartleby.com
The Cambridge History of English and
American Literature β Β© 1907β 1921. An
encyclopedia in 18 volumes. "Considered the most important work of
literary history and criticism ever published, the Cambridge History
contains over 303 chapters and 11,000 pages, with essay topics ranging
from poetry, fiction, drama and essays to history, theology and
political writing. The set encompasses a wide selection of writing on
orators, humorists, poets, newspaper columnists, religious leaders,
economists, Native Americans, song writers, and even non- English
writing, such as Yiddish and Creole." Available on Bartleby.com
Columbia Encyclopedia β no
longer available on Bartleby.com
Translation
Resources
Google Translate β Β©
Google Inc. Translate websites or text (63 languages)
Bing Translator β Β©
Microsoft Corp. The Yahoo! Babel Fish
link now redirects us to Microsoft's Bing
Translator. Translates websites or text (39 languages)
Text Translator β
translation tool (12 languages); also available are an email translator and website translator (even translate your own website).
Available
on Applied Language Solutions
|
|
English
Grammar
|
This section remains under construction.
|
|
Academic
Resources
|
When
it comes to writing papers, there are several formats that are commonly
used at colleges and universities. In general, the first format that
most students will encounter and learn is MLA (Modern Language
Association). This format is taught and used exclusively for writing
papers at high schools throughout North America (and perhaps even in
Europe). MLA, with few exceptions, is also the standard used to write a
wide variety of papers, reports, articles, etc. for most courses and
disciplines in college and university. Other formats are designed to
meet specific needs that MLA is not equipped to handle. Thus, in
Psychology, the standard format for writing research papers, reports,
articles, etc. is known as APA (American Psychological Association).
In religious studies and some other disciplines, the
original standard for writing a variety of papers, reports, articles,
etc. is known as Chicago (based on The Chicago Manual of Style). This
exhaustive manual was later simplified by Kate L. Turabian, who
released A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. This format, known as Turabian, soon replaced Chicago in
most colleges and universities as a standard. In recent years, the
Society of Biblical Literature released a new format (based on the
Chicago Manual of Style) called SBL, which is specifically designed for
worldwide use in academic and scholarly work in Biblical liturature.
In writing scholarly papers, journals and books for
publication, the format may vary depending on the topic, audience,
professor, editor and publisher. While most professors or publishers
are content with material written in the aforesaid formats, some
require students or authors to follow a format that is either uniquely
their own or slightly modified from MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian or SBL.
MLA Style Guide
(MLA) β Β©
Modern Language Association. This format is the primarly standard for
writing papers in all levels of education (especially in English
courses). Style guides are available from Medicine Hat College Library (PDF), Concordia University Libraries, University of Victoria Libraries
(PDF), and the University
of British Columbia Libraries (PDF)
APA Style Guide
(APA) β Β© American Psychological Association. This format is
the primary standard for writing academic or scholarly papers in
Psychology, but may be used in other academic or scholarly disciplines.
Style guides are available from Concordia University Libraries, Okanagan College Library (PDF), and the University of British Columbia Libraries
(PDF)
The Chicago Manual of Style β
Β© University of Chicago. This exhaustive resource is the original
standard for writing academic and scholarly papers (primarily in
Biblical liturature and Religious Studies) and continues to be used in
various disciplines; both The SBL
Handbook of Style and A
Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
refer to this manual as a resource and fallback
A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian) β Β© 2007 Kate
L. Turabian (Seventh edition; University of Chicago Press). A citation
guide from University of Wisconsinβ Parkside
is also available (only in PDF).
Often viewed as a simplified version of The Chicago Manual of Style, this
format remains popular and is a standard for writing academic
and scholarly papers in Biblical liturature and Religious
Studies, but can also be used in other academic or scholarly disciplines
The SBL Handbook of Style (SBL) β
Β© 1999 Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Edited by Patrick H. Alexander,
John F. Kutsko, James D. Ernest, Shirley Deckerβ Lucke, and David L.
Petersen. An updated (2009) Student Supplement is also
available (only in PDF), along
with guidelines on preparing
your printer- ready manuscript. Based on The Chicago Manual of Style, this
is the new standard for writing academic and scholarly papers in
Biblical liturature and Religious Studies, but may also be used in
other
academic or scholarly disciplines. See also the Publishing with SBL page on
SBL's website
AAA Style Guide (AAA) β
Β© American Anthropological Association. This guide uses The Chicago Manual of Style as a
resource, but is not known to be a standard for any other academic or
scholarly discipline. Available only in PDF
Collections
Citations Style Guide β
Β© Concordia University College of Alberta. Links to several citation
and style guides on the internet and in NEOS, and to information on Avoiding Plagarism. Formats
include APA, MLA, Chicago / Turabian, SBL, ASA, CSE, and IEEE
Citations and Style Guides β
Β© Concordia University Libraries. Links to several citation and style
guides on the internet. Formats include APA, MLA, Turabian, Chicago,
and others
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|
Philosophy: The
Art of Reasoning
|
|
History
of Philosophy
|
As you
may have noticed, this section remains under construction.
|
|
Logic
& Fallacies
|
Stephen's
Guide to Logical Fallacies β Β© 1995β 2001 Stephen
Downes. "Logical fallacies are errors of reasoning, errors which may be
recognized and corrected by prudent thinkers. This site indexes and
describes all known logical fallacies." A nicer looking mirror site is available on the
Lightbucket blog
|
|
Dictionaries
& Encyclopedias
|
Stanford
Encyclopedia of Philosophy β Β© 2004. "A dynamic
reference work and is a publishing project of the Metaphysics Research
Lab at the Center for the Study of Language and Information (CSLI) at
Stanford University"
|
|
|
|
A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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Biblical
Resources: Intermediate
|
|
Dictionaries,
Cyclopedias, Encyclopedias
|
This section features several Christian
dictionaries, cyclopedias, and encyclopedias. While many of these
resources are so old that they have become public domain, some are more
recent and have been graciously provided by their editors and
publishers.
Dictionaries
King James Dictionary β
a useful list of "over 800 words whose definitions have changed since
1611" and their modern meanings. Available from Crosswalk.com
Study Dictionary β
contains over 33,400 definitions from multiple resources, including
Hitchcock's Bible Names, Nave's Topical Bible, New Bible Dictionary,
Smith's Bible Dictionary, International Standard Bible Dictionary, and
Strong's Greek & Hebrew Lexicon. See also the NET
Bible Study Environment (which is an outstanding resource).
Available from Bible.org
Easton's Bible Dictionary β
Β© 1897 Matthew George Easton. Available from Crosswalk.com
Hitchcock's
Bible Names β Β© 1869 Roswell D. Hitchcock. Available
from Crosswalk.com
Smith's Bible Dictionary β
Β© 1860 William Smith. Available from Crosswalk.com
A Dictionary of Christian Biography and
Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the
Principle Sects and Heresies β Β© 1999 Henry Wace and
William C. Piercy. An outstanding, informative, and detailed resource
on both people (orthodox and heretical) and literature (including from
certain councils) of the first six hundred years. Available from
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
A
Dictionary of African Christian Biography β Β© 2002
Dictionary of African Christian Biography. "Recording the untold
stories of African Christians who have transformed Africa and the
Christian world"
Baker's
Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology β Β©
1996, edited by Walter A. Elwell. Arminian (General Baptist). Available
from Crosswalk.com
Dictionary of Theology β
Arminian (General Baptist). Available from Christian Apologetics &
Research Ministry (CARM)
Postmodern Bible Dictionary β
Β© 1996β 2005 Tim Bulkeley
Cyclopedias
Christian
Cyclopedia β Β©
2000. Confessional Lutheran. Emended, corrected, and expanded internet
version of the 1954 / 1975 (revised)
Lutheran Cyclopedia, originally published by Concordia
Publishing House (CPH). Available from Lutheran Churchβ
Missouri Synod (LCβMS)
Encyclopedias
Web Bible Encyclopedia β
Β© Matthew G. Easton, etc. Available from ChristianAnswers.Net
CCEL Search Engines β
primarily Calvinist. This link was originally called World Wide Encyclopedia of Christianity,
but this was meant to be a description
rather than a title. This search engine is
designed to help users find words and phrases, titles and authors, definitions, Scripture references and commentaries,
etc. in various resources available on the Christian Classics Ethereal
Library (CCEL)
International Standard Bible Encyclopædia
β Β© 1913 Eerdmans. James Orr, General
Editor. Reformed (Presbyterian). Available from Blue Letter Bible
The
New
Schaffβ Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (index),
dictionary β Β© 1953,
edited by Philip Schaff. Reformed. Available in HTML, in UTF-8 (unicode), PDF, and in other formats from
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Catholic Encyclopedia β
Β© 1917. Roman Catholic. Available from New Advent. See also the 1914 edition from CatholiCity
|
Jack Van Impe's Dictionary of Prophecy Terms
β Β© 1998 Jack Van Impe.
Dispensationalism. A "unique perspective on prophecy and the end
times." No longer available from Crosswalk.com
|
|
|
Historical
Context & Commentaries
|
Historical
Context
See under Historical
Context (right column, in the History: Past &
Present section)
Commentaries
World
Wide
Study Bible β numerous authors have contributed to
the commentaries found in this resource. Reformed. Available from
Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL)
The Fourfold Gospel β Β©
John William McGarvey and Philip Yancey Pendleton. Churches of Christ
(Restoration Movement). Available from Crosswalk.com
David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible
β Β© David Guzik. Available from
StudyLight.org
James Burton Coffman's Commentaries: Whole
Bible β Β© James Burton Coffman. Copyright
negotiations were successful and this resource is now available again,
from StudyLight.org
Robertson's
Word Pictures of the New Testament β Β© 1930β 1933
Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (by A. T.
Robertson). Arminian (General Baptist). Available from Crosswalk.com
Illustrated
New Testament β Β© John Steven Cabot Abbott and Jacob
Abbott. Congregationalist. Available from StudyLight.org
Adam Clarke Commentary β
Β© Adam Clarke. Arminian (Methodist). Available from StudyLight.org
The People's New Testament β
Β© 1891 Barton Warren Johnson. Churches of Christ (Restoration
Movement). Available from BibleStudyGuide.org
Commentary
Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible β Β© 1871
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. Church of England
(Anglican). Available from Crosswalk.com
Barne's Notes on the New Testament
β by Albert Barnes. Reformed
(Presbyterian). Available from StudyLight.org
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
β by John Gill. Reformed (Particular
Baptist). Available from Crosswalk.com
Matthew
Henry's Concise Commentary β by Matthew Henry
(concise). Reformed (Presbyterian). Available from BibleStudyGuide.org
Matthew
Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible β 1706β 1721
by Matthew Henry (complete). Reformed (Presbyterian). Available from
BibleStudyGuide.org
John
Lightfoot's Commentary on the Gospels β by John
Lightfoot. Reformed. Available from StudyLight.org
Geneva Study Bible β
1599. Reformed (Calvinist). Available from Crosswalk.com
John Calvin's Commentaries β
John Calvin (complete). Reformed (Calvinist). Available from
BibleStudyGuide.org
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the
Whole Bible β 1754β 1765 by John Wesley. Arminian
(Wesleyan / Methodist). Available from Crosswalk.com
Bible Commentaries β a
large collection of Old and New Testament commentaries (listed by
author), some are not listed above. These contributors include:
Anonymous or miscellaneous; Norman Anderson; George AndrΓ©; George Bell;
J. G. Bellett; Max Billeter; J. S. Blackburn; A. E. Bouter; Hugo
Bouter; Jeff Brett; Ernie Brown; R. K. Campbell; H. F. G. Cole; E. N.
Cross; J. N. Darby; George Davison; Edward Dennett; W. W. Fereday; A.
C. Gaebelein; A. E. Goodwin; F. W. Grant; Leslie M. Grant; Michael
Hardt; H. L. Heijkoop; F. B. Hole; H. A. Ironside; William Kelly; C.
Knapp; C. H. Mackintosh; Andrew Miller; Morrish Concise Bible
Dictionary; Jean Muller; D. W. Paterson; Greg Quail; Arend Remmers;
Henri Rossier; W. Scott; Hamilton Smith; Charles Stanley; L. A.
Stassel; C. E. Stuart; G. F. Vallance; E. P. Vedder; Martin Vedder; H.
J. Vine; Michael Vogelsang; Frank Wallace; and W. T. P. Wolston.
Available from the
Biblecentre
|
John Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament
β by John Darby. Plymouth
Brethren; Dispensationalism. Available from Crosswalk.com
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge β
Β© R. A. Torrey. Congregationalist; Dispensationalism. Available from
StudyLight.org
Scofield Reference Notes β
Β© 1917 C. I. Scofield. Congregationalist; Dispensationalism. Available
from Crosswalk.com
Millennium
Dawnism
Studies in the Scriptures β
Β© 1916 Charles Taze Russell. Millennium Dawnism. Available from the
North Seattle Bible Students
Judaism
Babylonian
Talmud β Judaism. Includes a readable scanned image
of each page (in Hebrew) and an audio commentary, which is available in
English (includes Hebrew which is then translated and explained), Ou
and Yiddish. Each audio commentary is available in several audio
formats (MP3 / WMA / RA). Also includes some other useful links.
Available from E-DAF.com
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Dead
Sea Scrolls & Biblical Papyri
|
|
|
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General
Information
|
This section
also remains under construction. Some ideas for this section
include links that answer the question of "What is History?" and the
different ways history can be determined and distinguished from things
like myth (addressed below) or post- modernism, and how new ideas (like
feminism, changing views on human sexuality, etc.) can influence or
change the way we look at history. If you know any links or have any
suggestions, please send me an email.
|
|
Ancient
and Early History
(until mid- 2nd
century CE) |
This
section contains various (specific) ancient and early historical
writings up until the mid- second century (common era). If you are
looking for something that is more general or broad, then see under Historical
Context (in this column
and section).
Nations
Egyptian

Hittite

Canaanite

Mesopotamian

Philistine

Assyrian

Babylonian

Persian

Greek

Roman

Individuals
Homer
ca. 9th century B.C.E.
Iliad
β Β©
Herodotus
historian,
ca. 484β ca. 420 B.C.E.
History
β
Β©
Thucydides
historian, d. ca. 401 B.C.E.
History
β
Β©
Plato
philosopher,
428β 348 B.C.E.

Demosthenes
orator
& statesman, 384β 322 B.C.E.

Caesar
emperor,
100β 44 B.C.E.
Gallic War β Β© 1869.
Translated by W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn (Harper's New Classical
Library; 1st edition; New York: Harper & Brothers, 1869). Available
from Perseus Digital Library
Livy
(Titus
Livius)
historian, 59
B.C.E.β 17 C.E.
History of Rome β the
Latin collection has at least 140 books (books 46β140
are mostly epitomes and fragments), but the following English
translations are available from Perseus Digital Library:
Philo
of Alexandria
(Philo Judaeus)
Jewish philosopher, ca. 15 B.C.E.β 50 C.E.
Philo of Alexandria β Β©
Torrey Seland. A continually updated collection of links and resources
related to Philo of Alexandria. Available from Resource
Pages for Biblical Studies
Thalius
Samaritan historian, wrote ca. 52 C.E.
Histories
β Β©
Josephus
Jewish
historian, 37β 100 C.E.
The Works of Josephus β
includes Antiquities
of the Jews, War
of the Jews, the Life of
Flavius Josephus (autobiography), Josephus'
Discourse
to the Greeks concerning Hades and Flavius Josephus Against Apion.
Available from Wesley Center Online
Cornelius
Tactitus
Roman historian,
56β 120 C.E.
Annals
β Β©
Pliny the Younger
(Gaius Caecilius
Pliny Secundus)
governor of
Bithynia in Asia Minor, 61β 113 C.E.
Natural
History β Β©
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Historical
Context
(Bible and Early
Church)
|
Anyone
who has read the Old and New Testaments of the Bible will have read
that every nation and people of the earthβ regardless of their current
nationality, race, colour or religious beliefsβ are descendants of Adam
and Eve (the first humans created). We also read about the many tribes,
kingdoms and nations that developed along side God's chosen people.
This section is designed to provide readers with more information on
those "other" tribes, kingdoms and nations that developed along side of
God's chosen people, and perhaps even fought with or against them.
Collections
Ancient Hebrew Research Center β
Β© Ancient Hebrew Research Center. "Teaching the Ancient Biblical Hebrew
Language of the Bible Through the Study of the Ancient Hebrew Alphabet,
Culture and Thought"
Bible
History Online β "the focus β¦ is history and the
Bible." An excellent resource that also features "The Bible Knowledge Accelerator"
Documents on the Persecution of the Early
Church β features numerous extra- biblical accounts
of Christian persecution from secular writers such as Pliny the
Younger, Tacitus, Minucuis Felix, and others
History of the Christian Church,
vols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 β Β© Philip Schaff.
Reformed. Available in HTML, UTF-8 (unicode), PDF, and in other formats
from Christian Classics Ethereal Library
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The
Ancient
Egypt Site β "a constantly evolving interactive book
about the history, language and culture of Ancient Egypt. It can easily
be accessed by topic or by keyword"
Ancient
Greece β features art and architecture, geography, time periods (history), mythology, olympics, people, wars, culture
& society, and other resources having to do with Ancient
Greece
Pompeii: Insula β an
excellent resource for anyone curious about housing in New Testament
times. "This website is intended to offer a sampling of selected
material from the British School at Rome's Pompeii Project, studying an
excavated block of houses (Insula 9) in Region I"
The SchΓΈyen Collection β
Β© Martin SchΓΈyen. A collection of "740 manuscripts spanning 5000 years"
featuring Bibles, history, literature, palaeography, and other useful
resources
Collections
(Mixed)
Biblical, historical, and other early
resources
(includes homologumena, antilegomena,
spurious and heretical writings)
Early Jewish Writings β
includes the Old Testament,
the Dead Sea Scrolls, deuterocanonical and pseudepigraphal writings, the Tulmud, and the writings of Philo of Alexandria and Flavius Josephus
Early Christian Writings β
includes the New Testament, apocryphal and Gnostic writings, the Church Fathers, as well as
historically significant secular
writings
Anno Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries
β Β© Virtual Museum Canada. "The virtual
edition of Anno Domini: Jesus
Through the Centuries is the result of a lengthy and fruitful
partnership between The Provincial Museum of Alberta, Alberta Community
Development, and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). It
is part of a larger project that includes a major physical exhibition
that opened at The Provincial Museum of Alberta in Edmonton in October
2000" (italics in original).
Please note: As of June 2005, "The Provincial Museum of Alberta" has
been renamed "The Royal Alberta Museum" by authority of Queen Elizabeth
II. Available from Virtual
Museum Canada
Book
Resources
(miscellaneous readings)
Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old
Testament : Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew
Bible β Β© John H. Walton (Baker Academic, 2006)
Old Testament Parallels : Laws
and Stories from the Ancient Near East β Β© Victor H. Matthews
and Don C. Benjamin (Paulist Press, 2006)
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Myths,
Fables & Fairy Tales
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So where do
myths, fables and fairy tales fit in? Are they also historical? It
should be noted that all myths, fables and fairytales are written
within history and often reflect (to some degree) events, thoughts,
insights, beliefs, superstitions or hypothetical situations from a
certain time period.
Myths are
generally understood to be based on a
real historical person, place, event or thing which over time has been
modified considerably, often with fanciful additions and select
oversights which transform the subject and the story involving the
subject into something worth telling (inspirational, or to learn from
their mistakes).
Fables are
fanciful stories or parables that are
obviously not intended to be historical, but are intended to provide
the hearer with a moral or something to consider when dealing with
certain people or situations.
Fairy tales are
generally surreal fiction
stories that are often designed to entertain, but sometimes have a
moral to them.
Myths
Sumerian Period
(ca. 2600 B.C.E.β 2359 B.C.E.)
The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian
Literature β Β© 2003β 2006 The ETCSL project, Faculty
of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. "Sumerian is the first
language for which we have written evidence and its literature the
earliest known. The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature
(ETCSL), a project of the University of Oxford, comprises a selection
of nearly 400 literary compositions recorded on sources which come from
ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and date to the late third and early
second millennia BCE. The corpus contains Sumerian texts in
transliteration, English prose translations and bibliographical
information for each composition. The transliterations and the
translations can be searched, browsed and read online using the tools
of the website. Funding for the ETCSL project came to an end in the
summer of 2006 and no work is currently being done to this site or its
contents."
 Song
of
the Hoe β
 Hymn
to
E-engura β
 Enki
and
Ninmah β
 KAR β
Akkadian
Period
(ca. 2350 B.C.E.β 2150 B.C.E.)

Atrahasis
β

Gilgamesh
β

Enuma
Elish β
Ur
III Period
(ca. 2150 B.C.E.β 2000 B.C.E.)
 Code
of
Shulgi β
Amorite Period
(ca. 2000
B.C.E.β 1800 B.C.E.)
Hammurabi
(ca. 1792
B.C.E.β 1750 B.C.E.)
 Code
of
Hammurab β
Kassites,
Hittites, Hurrians, Ugarit
(ca. 1600
B.C.E.β 1155 B.C.E.)

Aqhat
β

Kirta
β
Neo- Assyrian
Period
(934
B.C.E.β 610 B.C.E.)
Neo- Babylonian
Period
(626
B.C.E.β 539 B.C.E.)
Persian Period
(ca. 550
B.C.E.β 330 B.C.E.)
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Old and New
Kingdoms
(ca. 2920 B.C.E.β 332 B.C.E.)

Shabaka
Stela β

Anubis
and Beta β

Pyramid
Texts β

Coffin
Texts β

Instruction
of Merikare β

Book
of
the Dead β
Hellenistic
(Greek) and Roman Periods
(332
B.C.E.β 313 C.E.)
Greek
Mythology.com β features "information on all
subjects of Greek Mythology, including details on Greek Gods and Greek
Goddesses, Greek Myths and Greek Heroes like Achilles and Hercules. It
also has full text of Greek Mythology and Literature books. You
can freely use all information in this site for term papers, research
papers, college essays and homework papers"
Who's Who in Greek Mythology
β an informative website that allows
people to read Greek myths, hear Greek myths and more. Available on the
Ancient Greece (for Kids) website
Fables
Aesop's
Fables β "includes a total of 655+ Fables, indexed
in table format, with morals listed. There are many more on the way.
Most were translated into English by Rev. George Fyler Townsend (1814β
1900) and Ambrose Bierce (1842β 1914) the rest are from Jean De La
Fontaine in French and translated to English by several good internet
souls"
Fairy Tales
Grimm
Fairy Tales β "folk and fairy tales by the Brothers
Grimm. Read and hear interactive, narrated, animated stories.
Children's literature and folklore classics featuring animals,
princesses, magic, and fabulous creatures! Grimm Brothers cartoon
characters present a biography of Jacob Ludwig Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm.
Online books link to e-learning, colouring downloads, arts, flash
games, and other kidstuff"
The Hans Christian Andersen Center
β Β© Institute of Literature, Media and
Cultural Studies at the University of South Denmark. "As a unit at the
University of South Denmark, our center specializes in research and
information on matters related to Hans Christian Andersen. The centre
was established in 1988. Hans Christian Andersen (1805β 1875), the
world- famous Danish author, whose work has been translated into almost
150 languages, was born in Odenseβ then Denmark's second largest town,
today the third largest. The first 14 years of his life were spent in
this town, which provided him with subject matter for several of his
fairy- tales, as well as for parts of novels, memoirs and plays. For
this reason, the Hans Christian Andersen Center is ideally located at
the University of Southern Denmark. In Odense you will also find the
museums Hans Christian Andersen's House and Hans Christian Andersen's
Childhood Home. The extensive interest for Hans Christian Andersen, not
only within Denmark but also internationally, encompasses both the man
and the writer: His fairy- tales (210 in total), autobiographies (3),
travel journals (5), novels (6) etc., his personal connections with the
arts, music and theatre of the time, and not least Andersen as a point
of departure today regarding children's reading and drawing,
illustrators, puppet films, cartoons, movies, stage productions,
ballets, operas etc. Also significant is the use of Hans Christian
Andersen in the tourist industry"
Collections
Fables,
Fairy Tales, Stories and Nursery Rhymes β includes
selections from Aesop's Fables, Hans Christian Andersen, Grimm's Fairy
Tales, Lewis Carroll, Carlo Collodi, Mother Goose and Nursery Rhymes
SurLaLune Fairy Tales β
"features 49 annotated fairy tales, including their histories, similar
tales across cultures, modern interpretations and over 1,500
illustrations"
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A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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Biblical
Resources: Advanced
|
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Ancient
Languages & Fonts
|
Hebrew / Aramaic
Languages
Hebrew Root Word Studies β
Β© Ancient Hebrew Research Center.
Available from Ancient Hebrew Research Center
History of the Hebrew Language β
Β© David Steinberg. A detailed and informative resource addressing the
history of the Hebrew language
Greek Language
A Concise Overview of the History of the
Greek Language β Β© 2002, 2009 greek- language.com.
An
excellent
resource for anyone interested in a brief yet informative history of
the Greek language from earliest accounts to modern Greek. Includes
links to blogs, bookstore, dictionaries, forums, learn Greek, manuscripts and more
The Greek Language β Β©
2000 Translexis Ltd. An excellent introduction to the history of the
Greek language, from its earliest accounts to the development of modern
Greek. Includes pictures. Available from Translexis Limited
History of the Greek Language β
Β© 1999β 2004 Marc Huys. Features a collection of links to resources
addressing the history of the Greek language and alphabet. Available
from Greek Grammar on the Web
Greek Literature
Thesaurus
Linguae Graecae (TLG) β "Founded in 1972 the TLG
represents the first effort in the Humanities to produce a large
digital corpus of literary texts. Since its inception the project has
collected and digitized most texts written in Greek from Homer (8 c.
B.C.) to the fall of Byzantium in AD 1453 and beyond. Its goal is to
create a comprehensive digital library of Greek literature from
antiquity to the present era. TLG research activities combine the
traditional methodologies of philological and literary study with the
most advanced features of information technology. β¦ Today the Online
TLG contains more than 100 million words from 9,958 works associated
with 2,314 authors and is constantly updated and improved with new
features and texts. The full corpus is available to more than 2,000
subscribing institutions and thousands of individuals in 58 countries
worldwide" (see original text). Three areas are
available, one for subscribers and two for non- subscribers (TLG Canon and Abridged Online TLG). A
collection of Greek fonts (needed to view the
texts) are also available
Ancient Language
Fonts
mainly Hebrew /
Aramaic and Greek fonts
Fonts for Scholars, Academics, and Students
β numerous ancient language fonts
"designed for the classroom or for publications where original scribal
or epigraphic script would be more desireable than transcriptions"
GoldenWeb.it Fonts β
literally thousands of fonts, most of them using the standard North
American alphabet
SIL Fonts for Downloading β
"SIL International has produced several font sets over the years that
allow for the transcription of linguistic data using the International
Phonetic Alphabet. This page should help the user to decide whether to
use Unicode fonts or whether to use the SIL IPA or SIL IPA93 fonts. It
provides links to many relevant resources with regard to the
International Phonetic Alphabet"
Wazu
Japan's Gallery of Unicode Fonts β and excellent
collection of links to dozens of language and font types, including a
collection of links to Hebrew, Greek, Polytonic Greek, Coptic, Syriac, and other fonts
Commonly
Used Fonts
Doulos SIL β designed
"to provide a single Unicode- based font family that would contain a
comprehensive inventory of glyphs needed for almost any Roman- or
Cyrillic- based writing system, whether used for phonetic or
orthographic needs. In addition, there is provision for other
characters and symbols useful to linguists. This font makes use of
state- of- the- art font technologies to support complex typographic
issues, such as the need to position arbitrary combinations of base
glyphs and diacritics optimally"
Charis SIL β designed
"to provide a single Unicode- based font family that would contain a
comprehensive inventory of glyphs needed for almost any Roman- or
Cyrillic- based writing system, whether used for phonetic or
orthographic needs. In addition, there is provision for other
characters and symbols useful to linguists. This font makes use of
state- of- the- art font technologies to support complex typographic
issues, such as the need to position arbitrary combinations of base
glyphs and diacritics optimally"
Ezra SIL (Hebrew Unicode) β
"a typeface fashioned after the square letter forms of the typography
of the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), a beautiful Old Testament
volume familiar to Biblical Hebrew scholars. The Ezra SIL font is an
OpenType 'smart' font. It is designed to work with Office 2003 and
above"
SBL Biblical Fonts β
links to SBL Hebrew, SBL Greek, and Legacy SP fonts (including SP Ionic, etc.)
Teknia Fonts β includes
the Teknia Hebrew and Teknia Greek fonts. Available
from Teknia Software
Galatia SIL (Greek Unicode) β
contains "most of the symbols defined in Unicode 3.1 for Latin-1, Greek
(excluding Coptic), Macintosh Character Set (US Roman), and 850WE /
Latin-1 and are supplied in Regular and Bold weights"
Gentium
SIL (Greek Unicode) β "a typeface family designed to
enable the diverse ethnic groups around the world who use the Latin and
Greek scripts to produce readable, high- quality publications. It
supports a wide range of Latin- based alphabets and includes glyphs
that correspond to all the Latin ranges of Unicode. The design is
intended to be highly readable, reasonably compact, and visually
attractive. The additional βextended' Latin letters are designed to
naturally harmonize with the traditional 26 ones. Diacritics are
treated with careful thought and attention to their use. Gentium also
supports both polytonic and monotonic Greek, including a number of
alternate forms. Expansion of the character set to include more
extended Latin glyphs (Unicode 5.1), archaic Greek symbols, and full
Cyrillic script support is underway." A full version (described above,
unicode) and basic version (limited to Latin
characters) are available
New Athena Unicode β
"New Athena Unicode is a freeware multilingual font distributed by the
American Philological Association. It follows the latest version of the
Unicode standard and includes characters for English and Western
European languages, polytonic Greek, Coptic, Old Italic, and Demotic
Egyptian transliteration, as well as metrical symbols and other
characters used by classical scholars"
Apparatus SIL Fonts β
"designed to provide most of the symbols needed to reproduce the
textual apparatus found in major editions of Greek & Hebrew
biblical texts"
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Bibles
(Hebrew
/ Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic)
|
Hebrew / Aramaic
Oxford
Hebrew Bible (OHB) β Β© Oxford University Press. "The
Oxford Hebrew Bible will be a new critical edition of the Hebrew Bible
featuring a critical text, apparatus, and text- critical introduction
and commentary. Each book of the Hebrew Bible will be addressed in a
separate volume, published by Oxford University Press, with a single
volume each for the Minor Prophets, the Megillot, and Ezra- Nehemiah.
This project represents a departure from the other major textual
editions (the Biblia Hebraica Quinta
and the Hebrew University Bible),
which are diplomatic editions." According to Ronald Hendel ("The Oxford Hebrew Bible : Prologue to a New
Critical Edition"), the OHB will be an "eclectic editio critica maior" since its
apparatus aims to be comprehensive by addressing all substantive
textual variants
Hebrew University Bible (HUB) β
Β© Hebrew University of Jerusalem; edited by Shemaryahu Talmon. This
edition is based on the superior Aleppo Codex and its masora
(unfortunately, parts of the codex were lost in a fire during a riot in
1947). This edition began in 1955 under the late Moshe Goshen-
Gottstein (who was succeeded by Chaim Rabin, and then by Talmon), and
will be "a complete scientific edition of the Bible, recording textual
variants from the ancient Greek and Latin versions, the Syriac
Peshitta, the Aramaic targums, the Qumran Scrolls, Rabbinic literature
and Medieval biblical manuscripts, including the Cairo Genizah. β¦
This Bible will be the product of many years of study by leading Hebrew
University scholars, and when completed will be the most comprehensive
extant edition of the Bible. HUBP publishes Textus, a scientific journal
dedicated exclusively to the topic of textual criticism of the Hebrew
Bible." According to Ronald Hendel ("The Oxford Hebrew Bible : Prologue to a New
Critical Edition"), Adrian Schenker considers the HUB to be
an editio critica maior since
its apparatus attempts to address as many textual variants as possible
Biblia
Hebraica Leningrad (BHL) β Β© 2000 Brill Academic
Publishers, Β© 2001 Hendrickson Publishing; edited by Aron Dotan. "This
is not a photographic reproduction, but a reprinting of the text with
modern Hebrew fonts." This edition of the Leningrad Codex (ca. 1008β
1009) "presents a thoroughly revised, reset, and redesigned edition of
the Hebrew Bible meticulously prepared by renowned masoretic scholar
Aron Dotan. The BHL includes features that suit it for research,
classroom, and liturgical use. Scholars will find this a welcome
edition of the Leningrad Codex, the oldest complete manuscript of the
Hebrew Bible, whose text and layout it precisely follows. A foreword
and five appendices provide the researcher with important details and
distinctions about the codex. In addition to being a scientific
edition, it was originally commissioned in Israel to follow the
necessary adaptations that qualify it for Jewish liturgical use, such
as divisions into weekly portions and their subdivisions for synagogue
reading. Students, too, will find here an ideal text for classroom use,
with an uncluttered format and printing that is matchless for its
readability." Hardcovers of the BHL, published by Brill Academic Publishers and Hendrickson Publishing, are
available online
Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ) β
Β© 2001β ca. 2020 Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft. This fifth edition of Biblia
Hebraica is a work in progress (i.e. fascicles of different
books or collections are released as they are completed). When all
fascicles of the BHQ are completed (ca. 2020), a compilation will be
published to supersede the fourth edition of Biblia Hebraica (BHS).
This edition is based on the Leningrad Codex, but the text has been
corrected using recent colour photographs of this codex. According to
Ronald Hendel ("The Oxford
Hebrew Bible : Prologue to a New Critical Edition"), Adrian
Schenker considers the BHQ to be an editio
critica minor since its apparatus is selective rather than
comprehensive. Unlike previous editions, BHQ includes the Masorah magna, a commentary that
explains the Masorah along with significant textual variants, and
henceforth its apparatus will rarely cite variants from Hebrew
manuscripts collated by Kennicott and Ginsburgβ thus it will follow the
work of Moshe Goshen- Gottstein)
Biblia
Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) β Β© 1977, 1997 Deutsche
Bibelgesellschaft (i.e. WΓΌrttembergische Bibelanstalt before 1981).
This fourth edition of Biblia Hebraica superseded the third edition of Biblia
Hebraica (Kittel and Kahle). The main text is allegedly an exact
copy of the Leningrad Codex, but the margin notes and critical
apparatus have been edited to make them easier to follow. Although
criticised by some for having errors, the most recent release of the
BHS (1997) underwent numerous corrections and revisions. A hardcover and paperback edition are available
online
Biblia
Hebraica (Kittel) β Β© 1905β 1906 (HB1), 1913 (HB2), 1937
(HB3 / HBK) WΓΌrttembergische Bibelanstalt; edited by Rudolf Kittel.
Three editions were published. The first two editions (distributed
through Sumptibus Ernesti Bredtii Lipsiae and J. C. Hinrichs) used the
Mikraot Gedolot as its main text. However, although based on the
outstanding Aleppo Codex, the Mikraot Gedolot published by Daniel
Bomberg (1524) is known to have numerous errors and corruptions. Thus,
at the recommendation of Paul Kahle, the third edition used the
Leningrad Codex as its main text while Kittel's critical apparatus and
notes remained unchanged. The first edition (1905β 1906) was published
in two volumes (vols 1 & 2) and is available in PDF on
Internet Archive; links to other two additions have yet to be found
online
Biblia
Hebraica (Lipsiae) β Β© 1868 Sumptibus Ernesti Bredtii
Lipsiae; edited by Caroli Tauchnitii. This two volume edition (vol 1 & 2) offers both an editio critica minor Hebrew text
(1834) and the text of the Latin Clemintine Vulgate (1592). Available
in PDF on Internet Archive
Hebrew-
English Bible β Masoretic Text (MT), JPS. Β© 1917
Jerusalem Publication Society. Features the MT and an English
translation
Greek
The Editio Critica Maior (ECM) β
Β© 1997β ca. 2030 Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft. "The Institute for New
Testament Textual Research in MΓΌnster β¦ is currently working on an
entirely new edition of the Greek- language New Testament, the so-
called Editio Critica Maior,
which will document the history of the Greek text through the first
millennium on the basis of Greek manuscripts, old translations, and New
Testament citations in ancient Christian literature that are of
significance to the history of transmission. This edition therefore
also provides information for answering further questions: How does a
text change over the course of history, and why? How was a text
received in the early Christian era? The original biblical text was
also reconstructed once more in this connection with a newly developed
method; in this process it became evident that the existing text
required extensive modification. The first installment of this edition
appeared in 1997. β¦ The entire Editio
Critica Maior is to be completed by 2030. This project is being
supported by the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and
Humanities"
Digital Nestle- Aland Prototype β
Β© INTF. This website offers glimpse of an endeavour to provide the
forthcoming NA28 with critical apparatus
online (it is currently using the NA27 with
an incomplete critical apparatus). Includes an online user guide for using the
prototype; for more information, read what is in this link and this link. Available from the
University of MΓΌnster Institute for New Testament Textual Research
The Greek Bible in Byzantine Judaism
(GBBJ) β Β© 2012 Greek Bible in Byzantine Judaism. "The aim of
the Greek Bible in Byzantine Judaism project is to gather evidence for
the use of Greek Bible translations by Jews in the Middle Ages, and to
make these texts available to scholars as a corpus, together with the
information necessary for an appreciation of their historical
background, meaning and exegetical implications" (see about GBBJ). This text is a
critical edition of the LXX
Septuagint β LXX. An
HTML transliteration of the Greek text
The New Testament and the Septuagint
β includes the LXX and the Greek NT
Byzantine / Majority Text in PDF.
Available from The University of British Columbia. A backup of the site
(6 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Westcot & Hort Greek New Testament
β Greek NT (W&H). Β© 1881 Westcot
& Hort. Available on The Perseus Digital Library
Westcot & Hort Greek New Testament
β Greek NT (W&H). Β© 1881 Westcot
& Hort. Available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (with
accents)
The Greek New Testament β
Greek NT. Β© Tony Fisher. Nestle- Aland 26th Edition (NA26).
Unfortunately, since Tony Fisher passed away in 2000, those maintaining
this website plan to close it down indefinitely sometime in the near
future. However, a mirror site is now available
from the website of Jonathan Kimmit
Online
Greek
New Testament β Greek NT. Features word parsing,
Strong's Dictionary, etc.
Hebrew / Aramaic
& Greek
Reader's Version of Greek and Hebrew Bible
β Β© John Dyer. Designed to "present you
with only what you really need to actually read the original text free
from the distractions of additional features," by allowing "you to
create a customized reader's version of the Hebrew or Greek Biblical
text." For more information, read the article posted on his
blog
Latin
Jerome's
Latin Vulgate (405 C.E.) β Latin
Vulgate. Roman Catholic. Contains Apocryphal writings and additions
Sixtine Vulgate (1590 C.E.)
β Latin Vulgate. Roman Catholic.
For information about this translation, see this link. Contains Apocryphal
writings and additions
Clementine Vulgate (1592 C.E.)
β Latin Vulgate. Roman Catholic.
Contains Apocryphal writings and additions. The OT of this edition was
used for the Douay (English) translation. Also available in PDF
Nova Vulgata: Bibliorum Sacrorum Editio
β New Latin Vulgate. Roman
Catholic. Contains Apocryphal writings and additions. Available from
The Vatican archive
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Syriac
Peshitta
β Β© Paul D. Younan. Sidebar includes
links to the introduction, articles, tools (lexicon, Peshitta NT &
Psalms (PDF), etc.), Trilinear Targums
(Hebrew- English), Interlinear NT (Aramaic- English), forum, music, etc.
Syriac Bible β Β© 1823
(no longer in copyright). A scanned copy of the Syriac Bible. Available
on Internet Archive. More information about the Syriac Bible is
available here, on Syriac Orthodox
Resources
Coptic
|
|
Lexicons,
Grammar & Learning Guides
(Hebrew /
Aramaic, Greek)
|
A "Lexicon"
is generally understood to be an alphabetical dictionary of Hebrew /
Aramaic or Classical / Koine Greek words, each with a set of
definitions (broad) or an explanation of its possible meanings in
relation to its appearance or use (specific). Some lexicons include a
list of synonyms and antonymns. Although these are potentially useful
tools, their usefulness is limited without a basic understanding of
Hebrew / Aramaic and Classical / Koine Greek grammars. To help address
this problem, "Grammar & Learning Guides" are also included in this
section.
In Biblical Hebrew, there are three noticable stages of alphabet and
grammar formation between the earliest and latest writings; for
example, the book of Daniel alternates between latter Hebrew and
Aramaic languages. Later (ca. 800 C.E.), vowels were
added to Biblical Hebrew in an attempt to preserve proper
pronounciation; modern Hebrew generally lacks vowels.
Similarly, there are some differences between Classical
(mainly Attic / Ionic) Greek and Koine Greek. Primary differences
between Classical and Koine Greek include vocabulary, pronounciation,
grammar and spelling of certain words. By the time Attic (i.e.,
Byzantine) Greek became normative (ca. 330 C.E.),
some of these variations were culturalβ thus the transition of a text
from place to place could often be determined by the way they spelled
or arranged certain words, etc. These variations began to appear when
the original New Testament writings were copied, translated and spread
across the Roman Empire (and beyond), and varied according to language
and spellings of the copyist. As copies were further copied, translated
and spread, variations increased, leaving a 'footprint' which modern
scholars use to trace back a manuscript's influences and history.
During the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian (284β 305 C.E.),
his co- regent and son- in- law Galerius persuaded Diocletian to issue
three edicts to persecute and purge Christianity from the Roman Empire
(303 C.E.); a fourth edict was issued by co- regent
Maximian (304 C.E.). All Christian Scriptures and
churches were to be burned, all Christians were to be deprived of
public offices and civil rights, and any Christian who refused to
sacrifice to Roman deities were publically tortured, mutilated, and
either executed or forced to work in the prison mines (which often
ended in death). In 308 C.E., a fifth edict was issued
that forced Christians to either starve to death or consume food and
drink that were sacrificed to Roman deities or sprinkled with wine
sacrificed to Roman deities. Most of the earliest New Testament
writings are believed to have been destroyed during this time. In 310 C.E.,
Maximian committed suicide. A year later, after eight years of
persecution, Galerius relented and issued an edict of toleration toward
Christians in his lands (311 C.E.). Although Christians
continued to be persecuted under Maximin and Maxentius in the east,
things changed when Constantine (the Roman Emperor, recognised only in
the west) defeated Maxentius in battle (312 C.E.) and
issued his own edict of toleration (313 C.E.). Maximin
consented to the edict, but poisoned himself soon afterward when
Constantine's brother- in- law and co- regent, Lucinius, defeated
Maximin in battle. In 323 C.E., Lucinius briefly
renewed persecution against Christianity, but was defeated by
Constantine who then restored peace and became the sole ruler of the
Roman Empire.
Cultural influences (driven mainly by purists of Attic
Greek, who strongly opposed Koine Greek) brought in Atticism (i.e.,
Byzantine Greek, ca. 330 C.E.). The majority of Greek
New Testament writings that have been found in modern times are from
this time period and beyond (a.k.a., the "Majority Text"), and reflect
the language, spelling, grammar, etc. of Attic Greek. These were then
copied, translated and spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond,
primarily in the East. (In ca. 383β 405, Jerome was commissioned by the
archbishop of Rome to translate both the Old and New Testiments into
Latin; this translation was likewise copied, translated and spread
throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, primarily in the West. Jerome's
translation is commonly known as the Latin Vulgate, and includes the
Apocrypha from the Greek translation of the Old Testament.) Attic Greek
remained the standard language in Constantinople and surrounding areas
until it was conquored by the devout Islamic militany force of the
invading Ottoman Turks, who suppressed the Attic Greek language in 1453
C.E. and renamed the city
Istanbul. (Resistence kept Crete's local Greek dialect in common use
until 1669 C.E.) When Greece became free in 1830 C.E.,
Crete's written dialect contributed to modern Greek's 'demotic'
liturature, while Athens' and the Peloponnese's spoken dialect became
the source of modern Greek's spoken dialect. More recently, a purified
'katharevusa' form of Greek was devised as an all- encompassing spoken
and written medium, but numerous problems persist which education and
media are attempting to resolve.
Lexicons
Strongs
Concordance with Hebrew & Greek Lexicon β
available from Blue Letter Bible
Old Testament
Hebrew Lexicon β with Strong's
Numbers. "The Old Testament Hebrew lexicon is Brown, Driver, Briggs,
Gesenius Lexicon; this is keyed to the 'Theological Word Book of the
Old Testament.' Also included are pronunciations of each word with
alternate pronunciations if available. Bible Study Tools offers two
Bible versions, King James and New American Standard, for studying
within the Old Testament lexicons." Available on BibleStudyTools.com
New Testament Greek Lexicon β
with Strong's Numbers. "The New Testament Greek lexicon based on
Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the
large Kittel and the 'Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.'
Also included are pronunciations of each word with alternate
pronunciations if available. Bible Study Tools offers two Bible
versions, King James and New American Standard, for studying within the
New Testament lexicons." Available on BibleStudyTools.com
Perseus General Search Tools β
this resource is among the best and most powerful search engines
available online: Access several lexicons, concordances, etc. for
classical Greek, NT (Koine) Greek, as well as other writings and
resources! This particular search engine includes searches in English,
Greek, Latin, Old English, German and Old Norse. Available from The
Perseus Digital Library
Comprehensive
Aramaic Lexicon (CAL) β Β© Hebrew Union College
(Jewish Institute of Religion). "A new dictionary of the Aramaic
language, to be called The
Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon, is currently in preparation by an
international team of scholars, with headquarters at the Hebrew Union
College in Cincinnati. This major scholarly reference work will cover
all dialects and periods of ancient Aramaic, one of the principal
languages of antiquity, with a literature of central importance for
history and civilization, and especially for the Jewish and Christian
religions. β¦ The new lexicon is to be comprehensive
in the following ways: 1) it will take in all of ancient Aramaic, not
just selected portions; 2) it will be based on a new and thorough
compilation of all Aramaic literature, not just on existing
dictionaries; 3) it will take account of all modern scholarly
discussion of the Aramaic language. β¦ The current web site is a tool
for scholarly research. It presumes that users are already familiar
with the materials they are researching, and should not be
misinterpreted as being a complete lexicon at this stage. Our intent is
to put the actual lexicon online when at least 50% of all glosses are
justified by extensive textual citations. When that occurs depends on
funding levels"
Grammar Guides
Greek Grammar β a
compilation primarily of Daniel B. Wallace's Greek Grammar Beyond
the Basics and William B. Mounce's A Graded Reader of
Biblical Greek
Numerous Informative, Scholarly, and
Academic Papers β Β© Daniel B. Wallace. "Daniel B.
Wallace has taught Greek and New Testament courses on a graduate school
level since 1979. He has a Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and
is currently professor of New Testament Studies at his alma mater. His Greek Grammar Beyond
the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament
(Zondervan, 1996) has become a standard textbook in colleges and
seminaries. He is the senior New Testament editor of the NET Bible."
Available from Bible.org
Greek Grammar on the Web β
Β© 1999β 2010 Marc Huys. Roman Catholic. "The electronic gateway to the
study of
Ancient Greek." Marc Huys died in September 2011 and the original
website was removed; however, it is being rebuilt, revised and updated
by "Toon Van Hal" (under construction)
Let's Review Greek! β Β©
Cornell College. Contains links to the basic resources (alphabet and
pronounciation), Greek grammars (easy, intermediate and advanced),
online exercises, and additional resources (including easy and intermediate readings)
A Greek Grammar for Colleges β
Β© Herbert Weir Smyth. Available from The Perseus Digital Library
Learning Guides
TextKit β Greek and
Latin learning tools.
"Textkit is the Internet's largest provider of free and fully
downloadable Greek and Latin grammars and readers. With currently 146
free books to choose from, Greek and Latin learners have downloaded
642,546 grammars, readers and classical e-books." A backup of the site
(24 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Ancient Greek Tutorials β
"of the Department of Classics of the University of California,
Berkeley, a project of Professor Donald Mastronarde and the Berkeley
Language Center"
Greek
Course (Athenaze): Study Aids β examines Athenian
Greek, as taught in the first edition of Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek
by Maurice Balme and Gilbert Lawall (Oxford University Press). A
freeware Greek font (SP lonic) is required to view
the Greek text on this site
Athenaze Supplimentary Exercises
β Β© James F. Johnson. A helpful
suppliment for use with Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek
Book I and Athenaze: An
Introduction to Ancient Greek Book II. Only accessible using
Microsoft Explorer (does not allow Mozilla- based browsers to access
the exercises)
NT
Greek.Net β a basic introduction to NT (Koine)
Greek; includes three courses on this subject. A shareware Greek font
(SGreek) also available for download (required to view Greek text on
this site)
QuickMem Hebrew and Greek β
both of these programs are available on this webpage and simulate
vocabulary flash cards. QuickMem Hebrew contains words that appear
fifty (50) times or more, and is based mainly on the "lists and
translations from Andrew Wergeland at the Norwegian Lutheran School of
Theology"; QuickMem Greek contains words that appear ten (10) times or
more, and is based mainly on "lists from Bruce M. Metzger's Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament
Greek"
Interlinears
& Extras
The
Apostolic Bible Polyglot β Β© The Apostolic Press.
Features the Septuagint (LXX) and Greek NT with Greek-
English interlinear (a PDF
for each book), concordances (PDF), English- Greek Index (PDF), Analytical Lexicon (PDF), Grammar of the Analytical Lexicon
(PDF), and more
The Septuagint in the New Testament
β Β© R. Grant Jones. "A summary overview
of New Testament quotations from the Old Testament." See also the Notes on the Septuagint.
Available on R. Grant Jones' Homepage
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Textual
Criticism & Exegetical Resources
|
This
section was originally intended as an introduction to textual criticism
and exegetical resources. However, due to certain developments, it is
no longer possible to provide links to resources that merely introduce
this material. Thus, for the sake of clarity, it seemed necessary to
provide links to more scholarly resources as well. Due to their
complexity, textual criticism and exegesis are generally introduced to
university students at the undergraduate (bachelor) level, while more
indepth studies are reserved for students at the graduate (masters and
doctorate) level of biblical, religious or divinity studies.
Textual criticism
(aka "lower criticism") is the art and science of reconstructing
original texts (aka "autographs") from later copies, which carry
different "family" characteristics that developed over time due to a
variety of factors (incidental and intentional). Due to their
significance and importance, autographs of NT writings were copied,
translated and dispersed numerous times among Christians relatively
soon after
arriving at their original destination. When these copies (of the
autographs) reached their various destinations (and
perhaps even along the way), they too would be copied, translated
and dispersed numerous times. This process then repeated itself with
copies of copies,
continuing until the present day. If incidental copyist errors or
intentional copyist
corruptions were made during copying process, they were not
universal but unique and could often be used to trace its descendants
(much
like DNA is used to trace family relations, or Darwin's theory of
evolution is presented using
the tree diagram with multiple branches ultimately originating from a
common source). The result is a family
tree with multiple branches that sometimes intertwine, each carrying
more and more characteristics that (like DNA) can be used to identify,
organise and group copies according to common family traits. Most
copyist errors or corruptions (especially significant ones) can be
detected and corrected by comparing texts (with earlier texts and texts
from other branches), thus allowing scholars to reconstruct texts that
better reflect the autographs. The accuracy of any given family of
copies can be determined by examining its history and by paleography
(scribes had different skill levels, from novice to professional, which
reflects in how they copied texts; the so- called "Alexandrian" family
of texts are
generally recognised as being more accurate and reliable). The date of
any given manuscript can be determined (to varying degrees) by a
variety of methods, including carbon dating (which destroys the sample
in the process), or by the copyist adding the copy date (very rare), or
by paleography.
Paleography is
a science that takes into consideration things like the writing style
of the copyist, the inks and colours that they used, the materials that
were written on (papyrus, parchment, palimpsests, paper, wax tablets,
etc.) and how they were formatted (scroll, codex, rotuli, folded books,
tabulae, et al.; size, layout, binding, et al.). Each of these were
introduced, used, changed, and (in many cases) discontinued at specific
times in history, and help specialtists in this field to identify
roughly when and where these
texts were copied while also helping them to distinguish authentic
copies from later
forgeries.
Exegesis is the
art of interpretation or critical interpretation, whereby the intended
meaning of the author (of any given writing) is sought. Thus, the
immediate and broader contexts must be considered. Who is being
addressed (who is the original audience)? Where and when is it being
said (historical, geographical, cultural, et al. context, in context of
who is being addressed)? What is being said (what is the message, in
context of the aforesaid considerations and present events)? Why is it
being said (what is the goal or purpose of the message, in context of
the aforesaid considerations)? Other questions might be asked, but
these are some basic ones that help determine the immediate context. To
determine the broader context, a deeper understanding of the subject
(e.g., people, history, events, rituals, etc.) is required. In regards
to the OT & NT, this broader context includes the bigger picture of
everything that happened leading up to this passage and was to happen
afterward (perhaps as a consequence), including what God revealed,
proclaimed, prophecied, etc. before and what came to pass afterwards.
Of significant importance is the establishment of the original covenant
that God cut with Abraham (wherein God promised Abraham would be the
father of many nations, and that land, et al. would be given to
descendents of Sarah's son Isaac, that He would be their God, they
would be His people, etc.), as well as the establishment of the old
covenant (which included the promised land, establishment of God as
their God and them as His people, and the Law of Moses along with its
blessings and curses). These covenants were only valid among males and
families of males who were circumcised in the flesh, including male
slaves; everyone else was cut off from the covenant (including its
blessings and curses) and could not remain with those who were
circumcised into this covenant. This covenant was re-affirmed and
re-established through Joshua before Israel entered the land promised
to them, and remains applicable even to this day. However, in midst of
Israel's inability to hold their end of the covenant, God foretold and
prophesied that He would establish a new covenant to replace the old
one, which would be established at the time of the promised Messiah.
Thus, all Israel before and during the ministry of Jesus were looking
forward to the Messiah. During Jesus' ministry (as recorded in the four
Gospels), false messiahs were common; but unlike these false messiahs,
Jesus fulfilled what the OT revealed about the Messiah, including the
establishment of the new covenant, His sacrificial death (for the true
forgiveness of sins) and His resurrection. These events provide the
background context for the book of Acts, including the ascension of
Jesus and the
gift of the Holy Spirit to all baptised believers (given first to the
circumcised Jewish believers, then to uncircumcised non- Jewish
believers to demonstrate that a) God had accepted them apart from the
old covenant requirements, and b) they could be baptised into the
faith). These events also provide the broader context for the Epistles
and
other writings of the NT, as the early church unfolded (along with
various questions, doubts, struggles and significant problems that
arose among believers within different congregations throughout the
Roman Empire). Recognising that Christ's return was further in the
future than anticipated, that the persecution (imprisonment, torture
and execution) of believers was increasing, and that many Apostles and
witnesses were among those being martyred, it became necessary to
preserve the Gospel in written form rather than merely in oral form.
Thus, according to earliest accounts, the Apostle Matthew wrote the
Gospel in Hebrew (which was later translated into Greek); the Apostle
Peter proclaimed the Gospel to Mark, who then wrote it in Greek; Luke,
an early non- Jewish convert to Christianity, researched many primary
sources and interviewed numerous witnesses of Jesus' life, ministry and
coinciding events before writing the Gospel in Greek; the Apostle John,
likely aware of the other Gospels and likely responding to numerous
errors and heresies threatening the early Church, wrote the Gospel to
highlight
certain detailed events, teachings and prayers of Jesus which both
compliment and supplement the other Gospels. Thus, the Gospel of Jesus
was recorded and preserved. When new and foreign so- called gospels
arose, there was already in existence both authentic oral and
written Gospel to expose their errors. These are the sources that the
early Church Fathers used to oppose and condemn those latter writings
and their teachers as heretical.
Most of the links (below) are to scholarly resources,
which are geared more for academics and scholars. Other links are to
non- scholarly resources, which are geared more for the general public
and attempts to to simplify things so that the general public can grasp
it (with different levels of success). A major problem with taking
scholarly resources and trying to make them accessible to the general
public is that certain skills, details and background information
(learned and developed over many years of university education,
research and studies) are usually overlooked, ignored, and can be
misrepresented or misunderstood. As a result, the public (in general)
lack the skills and information needed to really understand and
evaluate what is being presented to them. Consequently, the general
public may become misled by incomplete and fragmented information (an
incomplete picture of what is known by scholars), and end up with
beliefs and conclusions that disagree with what scholars know to be
true (the full picture). While this is problematic, it gets worse when
some scholars (who know better) distort and misrepresent what is known
to them in order to mislead people. As a result, other
scholars have written responses and books intended to undo the damage,
so that the general public might become better equipped to grasp and
evaluate things. (Granted, if someone wants to learn more about textual
criticism and exegesis, I highly recommend that they learn about these
things
in a university that teaches all sides fairly.)
Textual Criticism
The
Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM) β
"The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM), under
the umbrella of The Center for the Research of Early Christian
Documents (CRECD), exists for the following purposes: 1) To make
digital photographs of extant Greek New Testament manuscripts so that
such images can be preserved, duplicated without deterioration, and
accessed by scholars doing textual research. 2) To utilize developing
technologies (OCR, MSI, etc.) to read these manuscripts and create
exhaustive collations. 3) To analyze individual scribal habits in order
to better predict scribal tendencies in any given textual problem. 4)
To publish on various facets of New Testament textual criticism. 5) To
develop electronic tools for the examination and analysis of New
Testament manuscripts. 6) To cooperate with other institutes in the
great and noble task of determining the wording of the autographa of
the New Testament." For an updated list of recently discovered
manuscripts (PDF), see this link from INTF
|
A Site Inspired by the Encyclopedia of New
Testament Textual Criticism β Β©1997β 2008 Robert
Waltz, conceived by Rich Elliot. An informative (but not peer reviewed)
website provided by an unrecognised textual critic who "attempts to
cover all aspects of New Testament Textual Criticism in an orderly and
fair fashion"
Book Resources
(select
authors)
The Text of the New Testament :
An Introduction to the Critical Editions and to the Theory and Practice
of Modern Textual Criticism β Β© Kurt and Barbara Aland
(Eerdmans, 1989; paperback, 1995). 2nd edition. "A definitive
introduction to New
Testament textual criticism, this book includes a comparison of the
major editions of the New Testament, detailed description and analysis
of the manuscripts of the Greek New Testament, and discussion on the
value of the early versions. This second edition contains two new
supplementary essays as well as revised plates, tables, and charts"
The
Text of the New Testament :
Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration β Β© Bruce M.
Metzger (Oxford Press, 1992). 3rd edition. "For more than twenty- five
years the standard account of the compilation and transmission of the
New Testament, this text offers a comprehensive survey of ancient and
newly- discovered manuscripts, and considers both the science and art
of textual criticism as applied to the interpretation of manuscripts.
Containing references to more than 150 additional books and articles
dealing with Greek manuscripts, early versions, and critical studies of
witnesses to the text of the New Testament, it covers a variety of
textual problems and provides an objective account of the several
schools of textual methodology. The third edition describes advances in
textual criticism of the New Testament since 1964. The Text of the New Testament, 3/e
remains a definitive resource for courses in biblical studies and the
history of Christianity." NOTE: Although the statistics are outdated
and some information is placed in appendices, this is an excellent
resource and the last edition that does
not have additions and modifications by Bart D. Ehrman
Dethroning Jesus : Exposing
Popular Culture's Quest to Unseat the Biblical Jesus β Β©
Darrell L. Bock and Daniel B. Wallace (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This book
addresses several misleading claims, arguments and challenges by
scholars like Bart D. Ehrman (e.g., The
Orthodox Corruption of Scripture, Lost Christianities and Misquoting Jesus), Elaine Pagels
and James Tabor
Reinventing Jesus : How
Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture β
Β© J. Ed Komoszewski, M. James Sawyer and Daniel B. Wallace (Kregel,
2008). An excellent resource. Note:
On page 279, footnote #2 adds a link to an updated catalog of recently
discovered
manuscripts (post- NA27). This link, however, does
not work because the name of this PDF changes with every
update. The most recent PDF
catalog can be found on this link from INTF
Revisiting the Corruption of the New
Testament : Manuscripts, Patristic, and Apocryphal Evidence β
Β© Daniel B. Wallace (Kregel Academic, 2011). "In recent years popular
culture has experienced a revival of interest in the early church and
the beginning of the canonizing of Scripture. Extremely critical of the
nature of the New Testament canon, however, many writers have suggested
that the New Testament authors 'interrupted' Jesus and misquoted His
message. This scholarly book presents a strong case for the historicity
and accuracy of the Bible, refuting the accusation that the Bible is
unreliable. From Revisiting the
Corruption of the New Testament, students of New Testament and
textual criticism will learn how the New Testament was written,
compiled, and transmitted. This book is a detailed rebuttal to
confident remarks about the inaccuraciesβ indeed the corruptionβ of the
New Testament. Features and Benefits: First book in the Text and Canon of the New Testament
series. Edited by a world- class scholar of textual criticism, Daniel
B. Wallace. Authoritative challenge to the popular books by Bart D.
Ehrman"
|
The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture
: The Effect of Early Christological Controversies on the Text of the
New Testament β Β© Bart D. Ehrman (Oxford Press, 1993). This
work reflects Ehrman's thesis that pseudepigraphal writings and
variants found in some later
copies of the New Testament were consciously made by orthodox scribes
in response to various heresies. For the most part, this (1993 edition)
is an
excellent work; however, some of his claims and conclusions are extreme
and do not adequately reflect the evidence. Ehrman presumes that his
readers are fairly well acquainted and familiar with textual criticism;
thus, this book is not intended for the general public. A recent updated and expanded edition
(2011)
is now available that includes almost 100 more pages of updates
The Text of
the New Testament in Contemporary Research : Essays on the
Status Questionis β Β© William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
(ed. Bart D. Ehrman and Michael W. Holmes; 1995). "The present volume
comprises a series of essays on the discrete aspects of New Testament
textual criticism written by internationally recognized scholars in the
field, all of them providing an authoritative statement of the status questionis. Although each
essay has been structured in view of the requirements of its own
subject matter β¦, the foci are developments that have transpired over
the past fifty years, leading to to assessments of 'where we are now'
as a result (as of mid- 1993). By no means can these essays be seen as
a replacement of the standard introductions; indeed, knowledge of these
basic works (but little more) is presupposed throughout the volume. But
here for the first time is a collection of informed discussions of the
current state of knowledge with respect to a wide range of important
topics: Greek manuscripts (with separate articles on the papyri, the
majuscules, the minuscules, and the lectionaries), the early versions
(Diatessaron, Syriac, Latin, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Georgian),
patristic citations (Greek, Latin, and Syriac), studies of cribal
habits, approaches to manuscript classification, the use of computers
for textual criticism, recent apparatuses and criticial editions,
methods for evaluating variant readings (the Majority text theory,
thoroughgoing eclecticism, and reasoned eclecticism), and the use of
textual data for early Christian social history. Each discussion
includes an up- to- date bibliography of works relevant to the (sub-)
field" (The Text of the New Testament
in Contemporary Research, xβxi)
Encountering
the Manuscripts : An Introduction to New Testament
Paleography
& Textual Criticism β Β© Philip W. Comfort (Broadman &
Holman Publishers, 2005). This book "offers an expert's introduction to
New Testament paleography (the study of ancient writings and
inscriptions) and textual criticism, giving readers a window into the
transmission of the Bible in the earliest centuries of the church.
Based on exhaustive experience and study, author Philip Comfort:
Explores scribal participation in the production of the earliest New
Testament writings. Gives an annotated list of all the significant
Greek manuscripts and early versions. Assigns dates for the earliest
New Testament manuscripts. Examines the 'nomina sacra' (sacred names)
in the early New Testament manuscripts. Presents the history of textual
variation in the early centuries of the church. Details various methods
of recovering the original wording of the Greek New Testament. Provides
concrete examples for the practice of textual criticism" (Encountering the Manuscripts, back
cover)
The Text of the New Testament :
Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration β Β© Bruce M.
Metzger and Bart D. Ehrman (Oxford Press, 2005). 4th edition. "This
thoroughly revised edition of Bruce M. Metzger's classic work is the
most up- to- date manual available for the textual criticism of the New
Testament. The Text of the New Testament, Fourth Edition, has been
invigorated by the addition of Bart D. Ehrmanβ author of numerous best-
selling books on the New Testamentβ as a coauthor. This revision brings
the discussion of such important matters as the early Greek manuscripts
and methods of textual criticism up to date, integrating recent
research findings and approaches into the body of the text (as opposed
to previous revisions, which compiled new material and notes into
appendices). The authors also examine new areas of interest, including
the use of computers in the collection and evaluation of manuscript
evidence and the effects that social and ideological influences had
upon the work of scribes. The standard text for courses in biblical
studies and the history of Christianity since its first publication in
1964, The Text of the New Testament is poised to become a definitive
resource for a whole new generation of students." This edition updates
statistical data and reorganises information found in the third edition
in a very useful and beneficial way, but also features numerous
additions
and modifications by Bart D. Ehrman which may prove problematic
An
Introduction to the New Testament Manuscripts and their Texts
β
Β© D. C. Parker (Cambridge University Press, 2008). "This is the first
major English- language introduction to the earliest manuscripts of the
New Testament to appear for over forty years. An essential handbook for
scholars and students, it provides a thorough grounding in the study
and editing of the New Testament text combined with an emphasis on the
dramatic current developments in the field. Covering ancient sources in
Greek, Syriac, Latin and Coptic, it describes the manuscripts and other
ancient textual evidence, and the tools needed to study them; deals
with with textual criticism and textual editing, describing modern
approaches and techniques, with guidance on the use of editions;
introduces the witness and textual study of each of the main sections
of the New Testament, discussing typical variants and their
significance. A companion website with full- color images provides
generous amounts of illustrative material, bringing the subject alive
for the reader" (An Introduction to
the New Testament Manuscripts and their Texts, back cover)
New
Testament Text and Translation Commentary : Commentary on
the
Variant Readings of the Ancient New Testament Manuscripts and How They
Relate to the Major English Translations β Β© Philip W. Comfort
(Tyndale, 2008). "Scholars today have access to thousands of ancient
manuscripts and manuscript fragments for the Greek New Testament,
allowing for an inprecedented level of accuracy in discovering the
original wording. Nevertheless, there exist a number of textual
variants in the manuscripts, and scholars and Bible translation
committees do not always agree on which wording is original. English
Bible versions note many such instances in the page margins, but
explanations are brief if present at all. The New Testament and Translation Commentary
offers a convenient way to see how the standard English translations
differ when there is a significant textual variant in the inderlying
Greek manuscripts. For each passage, the textual data is presented in a
clear, easy- to- read way. It is easy to see at a glance which English
versions follow which Greek variant. In addition, New Testament scholar
Philip W. Comfort gives helpful commentary on what is going on in the
Greek text and what might have lef the translators to choose one
reading over another. β¦ In addition to passage- by- passage commentary,
Comfort provides and introduction t the art of textual criticism, its
importance for studying the New Testament, and the challenges Bible
scholars and translators face" (New
Testament Text and Translation Commentary, back cover)
The Reliability of the New Testament
: Bart Ehrman and Daniel B. Wallace in Dialogue β Β© Robert B.
Stewart, editor (Fortress Press, 2011). "This volume highlights points
of agreement and disagreement between two leading scholars on the
subject of the textual reliability of the New Testament: Bart Ehrman,
James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of the best- selling book Misquoting Jesus : The Story Behind Who
Changed the Bible and Why, and Daniel Wallace, Professor of New
Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and Executive Director
of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. This
conversation between Ehrman and Wallace allows the reader to see in
print how each presents his position in light of the other's.
Contributions follow from an interdisciplinary team featuring
specialists in biblical studies, philosophy, and theology. The textual
reliability of the New Testament is logically prior to its
interpretation and thus important for the Christian religion. This book
provides interested readers a fair and balanced case for both sides and
allows them to decide for themselves: What does it mean for a text to
be textually reliable? How reliable is the New Testament? How reliable
is reliable enough?"
Misquoting Jesus : The Story
Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why β Β© Bart D. Ehrman
(HarperOne, 2007). This work is dedicated to his mentor, Bruce M.
Metzger, and seems to be Ehrman's attempt to take select information from Metzger's The Text of the New Testament and The Canon of the New Testament and
his own work on The Orthodox
Corruption of Scripture, then simplify them in a way that is
accessible to the general public. On the positive side, he succeeds in simplifying this select information
and making it accessible. On
the negative side, Ehrman is very
selective in what
information he makes known (he does not
always give readers a complete or accurate picture of what is known to
scholars) and he often misrepresents
it (either with information he carefully leaves out, or with misleading
comments that he adds). Ehrman often abandons what he knows as a
scholar, and misleads readers
with unrealistic demands
(e.g., the demand for original autographs) and conclusions that reflect
his own personal doubts. He thus gives readers the false impression that the entire
New Testament is utterly lost, corrupt, unreliable and beyond
restorationβ which Ehrman himself knows is untrue. For example, if his claims
were true, then he
could not 1) claim that certain passages are corrupt while others are not, since his claim is based on 2)
a reconstruction of what he
believes was written in the original
autographs (which he denies is possible)
Jesus, Interrupted : Revealing
the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (and Why We Don't Know About
Them) β Β© Bart D. Ehrman (HarperOne, 2009). "Ehrman skillfully
demonstrates that the New Testament is riddled with contradictory views
about who Jesus was and the significance of his life. Ehrman reveals
that many of the books were written in the names of the apostles by
Christians living decades later, and that central Christian doctrines
were the inventions of still later theologians. Although this has been
the standard and widespread view of scholars for two centuries, most
people have never learned of it." In this book, Ehrman primarily argues
for the higher critical (i.e., historical critical) method, and (using
this method) comments on several textual variants and alleged
contradictions. As with Misquoting
Jesus (above), there are several strengths to this book but also
many problems: Ehrman a) often overlooks significant details when
addressing alleged contradictions (which demonstrate that they are not
contradictory); b) does not give readers a complete or accurate picture
of what is known to scholars (but is very selective in what he tells
readers); c) often misrepresents information (by carefully leaving out
significant information, and by adding misleading comments)
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Exegetical
Resources
Collections
Ancient Hebrew Research Center β
Β© Ancient Hebrew Research Center. "Teaching the Ancient Biblical Hebrew
Language of the Bible Through the Study of the Ancient Hebrew Alphabet,
Culture and Thought"
Hebrew Old Testament β a
very informative list (with links) to numerous online resources for
Hebrew texts, audio recordings of Hebrew texts, textual criticism, the
Hebrew language, introduction (exegesis) and surveys, miscellaneous,
bibliographies, discussions, web directories, etc. Available from Web Directory of Biblical Studies
Greek New Testament β a
very informative list (with links) to numerous online resources for
Greek texts, textual criticism, arguments in favour of the Majority
Text, web directories for textual criticism, the Greek language,
learning Greek, the language of the New Testament, etc. Available from Web Directory of Biblical Studies
Articles of
Interest
Old Testament Apocrypha Controversy
β Β© Don Closson. Available from Probe
Ministries
Book Resources
(select
authors)
A Handbook
of New Testament Exegesis β Β© Craig L. Blomberg with
Jennifer Foutz Markley (Baker Academic, 2010). Includes chapters on Textual Criticism, Translation and Translations, Historical- Cultural Context, Literary Context, Word Studies, Grammar, Interpretive Problems, Outlining, Theology, Application, Summary, and a Checklist for Doing Biblical Exegesis
(Appendix).
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General
Information
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This
area is designed to provide a general overview of archæology, its
history, its dating methods (including pros and cons), and links to
some general archæological resources.
If you are interested in archæological resources that are
relevant to the Biblical narrative, then please check out some of the
resources below or in the next two sections (Old Testament and Intertestamental
or New Testament and
Early Church).
What is
Archæology?
Archaeology
for Kids β Β© Lin and Don Donn. An excellent resource
that introduces children to the world of archaeology. Includes links to
free games and activities, powerpoint presentations, clipart and templates by various
contributors, including clipart by Phillip
Martin. Available from the Mr. Donn
collection
Ask Dr. Dig : Frequently Asked
Questions β Β© Cobblestone Publishing. Check out
some additional Ask Dr. Dig topics. Available on
dig : the archaeology magazine for kids
What is
Archaeology? What do archaeologists really do? β Β© Council
for British Archaeology
What is Archaeology? β Β©
Andrea Vianello
What is Archaeology? β Β©
University of Alabama
What is Archaeology? β Β©
MATRIX. This particular article discusses anthropological archaeology.
Available on Making Archaeology Teaching Relevant in the
XXI Century (M.A.T.R.I.X)
History of
Archæology
How Archaeology Works : The
History of Archaeology β Β© HowStuffWorks, Inc.; by Sarah Dowdey
History of Archaeology β
Β© MATRIX. Available on Making Archaeology Teaching Relevant in the
XXI Century (M.A.T.R.I.X)
History of Archaeology β
Β© ULC Institute of Archaeology
Dating
Methods
and some critiques
(some
links will be added, when time permits)
Archæological
Websites
Society for Historical Archaeology
(SHA) β Β© University of Montana. "Formed in 1967, the Society
for Historical Archaeology (SHA) is the largest scholarly group
concerned with the archaeology of the modern world (A.D. 1400-
present). The main focus of the society is the era since the beginning
of European exploration. SHA promotes scholarly research and the
dissemination of knowledge concerning historical archaeology. The
society is specifically concerned with the identification, excavation,
interpretation, and conservation of sites and materials on land and
underwater. Geographically the society emphasizes the New World, but
also includes European exploration and settlement in Africa, Asia, and
Oceania"
The Archaeology Channel β
Β© Archaeological Legacy Institute. Includes archaeological videos,
audios, news, events, and more
Biblical Archaeological Society
(BAS) β Β© Biblical Archaeological Society. Includes links to daily articles, free eBooks, their magazine (Biblical Archaeological Review;
scroll down for some free articles), and much more
Great Archaeology : History of Archaeology β
Β© Greatarchaeology. This website
provides a brief overview of
archaeology, and sections on archaeological discoveries, history, disciplines, region study, methods, museums and more. Although some
good things can be said about this site, it also attempts to present
some discredited "discoveries"
(including Java Man and Peking Man) as though they were credible
missing links in "human evolution." The fragments of Java Man include a skullcap, a
femur (discovered 50 feet away and a year later), and three teeth,
which were found in close proximity to two human skulls (i.e. the
Wadjak skulls). Although the Selenka Expedition set out to
prove the credibility of Java Man, they failed. Evidence suggests that
the human femur is unrelated
to the scullcap and teeth, which may have belonged to a gibbon whose
brains became a meal for humans (since monkey brains remain a delicacy
in that area). The fragments of Peking
Man originally consisted of a single tooth (1927), which was
later connected with the discovery of fourteen skulls (broken at their
base)
and a collection of tools and teeth that were discovered before the
outbreak of
world war two. Although the skulls went missing before the end of the
second world war, photos and plaster casts of the missing skulls
remained. Based on this evidence, the skulls were likely broken at the
base by the same tools that were found with them, and the skulls
likely belonged to monkeys whose brains became a meal for humans (who
used the tools that were found). As for Turkana
Boy, an article by Daniel Anderson is worth reading
and considering
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Old
Testament & Intertestimental
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This is an
example of "Where should I put this section?" Originally it was under
Biblical Resources, but now that I have an Archæology section, it
seems more reasonable to stick it here.
This section features mostly papyri and other manuscript
evidences for
the Old Testament and Intertestimental writings, but I also intend to
add links to archæological sites.
If you are interested in general information on
archæology, its history, dating methods, etc., then please check out
the general
information section (above).
Dead Sea Scrolls
The
Orion
Center for the Study of Dead Sea Scrolls and Associated Literature
β "established in 1995 as part of the
Institute for Jewish Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem"
providing "many resources for the study of the Scrolls, as well as
information about the Center's activities and programs"
Dead Sea Scrolls β
features a translation or student paraphrase of several scrolls and
fragments. Available on Jewish
and Christian Literature
The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls β
Β© The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Features photos and translation for
numerous scrolls, including the Great Isaiah Scroll, War Scroll, Temple Scroll, Commentary on the Habakkuk Scroll
and Community Rule Scroll. See also
their information video
Scrolls from the Dead Sea : The
Ancient Library of Qumran and Modern Scholarship β available
from Library of Congress Exhibitions
The Dead Sea Scrolls β
features a timetable of discovery & debate, as well as several
useful links
Educational
Site: Dead Sea Scrolls β available from West Semitic
Research Project
Dead Sea Scrolls & Qumran β
features several useful academic links. A backup of the site (8 Oct
2010) is available on Internet Archive
Codex: Resources for Biblical, Theological,
and Religious Studies β Β© Tyler F. Williams (Kings
College; Edmonton, AB). Previously known as [email protected]. The
previous website's description is absent, but still applies to the new
one: "This site contains various resources for Biblical Studies, Old
Testament Hebrew, religion & popular culture, theology, film, and
more β¦ including Old Testament, classical Hebrew, Dead Sea Scrolls,
Septuagint, biblical studies software, the Bible & film, religion
& popular culture, biblical interpretation and hermeneutics, among
other things related to the academic study of the Bible." A list
containing critical editions of the Dead Sea Scrolls
is also available
Notes on the Septuagint β
Β© 2000 R. Grant Jones. Available from R. Grant Jones' Home Page
Archæological
Sites
(includes
artifacts and discoveries)
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New
Testament & Early Church
|
This section
was also originally part of the Biblical Resources section, but has
been moved here. In general, this section features links to papyri and
manuscript evidences from the New Testament and various Early Church
documents, but I also intend to add links to various archaeological
sites.
If you are interested in general information on
archæology, its history, dating methods, etc., then please check out
the general
information section (above).
New Testament
Papyri, Etc.
The
Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM) β
"The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM), under
the umbrella of The Center for the Research of Early Christian
Documents (CRECD), exists for the following purposes: 1) To make
digital photographs of extant Greek New Testament manuscripts so that
such images can be preserved, duplicated without deterioration, and
accessed by scholars doing textual research. 2) To utilize developing
technologies (OCR, MSI, etc.) to read these manuscripts and create
exhaustive collations. 3) To analyze individual scribal habits in order
to better predict scribal tendencies in any given textual problem. 4)
To publish on various facets of New Testament textual criticism. 5) To
develop electronic tools for the examination and analysis of New
Testament manuscripts. 6) To cooperate with other institutes in the
great and noble task of determining the wording of the autographa of
the New Testament"
New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room
β Β© UniversitΓ€t MΓΌnster Institut fΓΌr
neutestamentliche Textforschung (i.e. Muenster University Institute for
New Testament Textual Research). This website is primarily in German
(but contains both German and English articles, information, etc.) and
is designed to be viewed using Firefox, Opera and Safari browsers
(Google Chrome also works great, even when German text is translated
into English; but Microsoft's Internet Explorer does not display
properly). This website provides access to images of many significant
New Testament manuscripts
Institute of Papyrology β
Β© UniversitΓ€t Heidelberg (i.e. University of Heidelberg). This website
is in German, but Google Chrome provides a relatively decent English
translation of the text. This website provides access to images of many
Greek, Arabic, Coptic and Demotic papyri (including Septuagint and NT)
Complete List of Greek NT Papyri
β an informative chart listing most, if
not all, known NT papyri, their content, and location (as of 2008);
also features image links to most of these papyri and an abundance of
other unseful biblical links
Catalogue of New Testament Papyri and
Codices (2nd β 10th century) β Β© K. C. Hanson,
Fortress Press. An excellent resource featuring dates, locations, etc.
of papyri known to date (not many images, though)
Ancient Greek Manuscripts on the WWW
β features "information about Ancient
Greek Manuscripts. These sites contain either images of significant
manuscripts or machine readable forms of those documents"
Archæological
Sites
(includes
artifacts and discoveries)
Media Resources
Unearthed : The Talpiot Tomb β
Β© Legacy Pictures. This informative documentary investigates
Jacobovici's claims in The Lost Tomb
of Jesus film
(below). This film highlights several significant facts and details
that Jacobovici overlooked (or ignored), and critiques his claims and
conclusions with known facts. Several experts (including some that
Jacobovici interviewed and misrepresented) are interviewed to give
viewers an accurate, true and clearer picture of what is known about
this tomb, what was found there, the markings and inscriptions on the
ossuaries, etc. PLEASE NOTE: This film is no longer available from Legacy
Pictures
 Expedition Bible : The Jesus Tomb Unmasked β Β©
2008 SourceFlix, Inc. Very similar to Unearthed:
The Talpiot Tomb (above). You can purchase the DVD from
SourceFlix, or watch the video available on Dr.
William Lane Craig's YouTube videos
The Lost Tomb of Jesus β
Β© 2007. Film maker and journalist Simcha Jacobovici (aka The Naked
Archaeologist) connects the James ossuary with nine others discovered
in the 1980s (which seems plausible). Believing that these ossuaries
belong to a family tomb (which also seems likely), this film pretty
much falls apart when he desperately tries to argue that the ossuary of
"Yeshua bar Yosef" belongs to Jesus of Nazareth, "Maria" belongs to his
mother Mary, "Mariameme e Mara" belongs to Mary Magdalene (who is said
to be his wife), "Matia" belongs to his disciple Matthew, "Yose"
belongs to his brother Jose (aka Joseph), "Yehuda bar Yeshua" belongs
to Jesus' son Judah, and the remaining three unlabelled ossuaries
belong to three unnamed relatives. While Jacobovici makes use of DNA
testing, he only tested the ossuaries of Yeshua and the alleged
"Mariameme," not the son of Jesus to see if he is related to
"Mariameme." Attempts to link a symbol on the tomb entrance to an
ancient Christian symbol lacks adequate proof, and other evidence
suggests that it is nothing more than a masonry mark to keep ossuaries
with their appropriate lids. Jacobovici's claim that "Yose" is
shorthand for "Joseph" is valid; but his attempt to twist and turn the
alleged name "Mariameme e Mara" into Mary Magdalene does not work. (An
expert in the field, featured in the film Unearthed:
The Talpiot Tomb, points out that the alleged name
"Mariameme e Mara" is actually being misread and contains two names:
"Maria kai Mara," thus this ossuary contained the bones of at least two
people (which is also a common practice). Jacobovici's attempt to make
"Matia" into Matthew is also problematic, since Matthew has no reason
to be there (if he is claimed to be Jesus' disciple). While Judah is
unquestionably the son of the man named Jesus buried in this tomb, this
does not imply that this particular Jesus is the Jesus of the New
Testament. Since DNA testing was NOT done on any of the other
ossuaries, there is no evidence to prove (either way) who is related to
whom; even so, ossuaries were commonly emptied out (on the ground of
the tomb) and reused for later descendents. (Bones for over 30 people
were found on the ground near the ossuaries of this particular tomb.)
Jacobovici downplays the fact that names like "Maria," "Yeshua,"
"Yosef," etc. are commonly found together in family tombs, but many
experts disagree with him (there is significant evidence to support the
experts). Jacobovici throws some other insignificant things into the
mix, but they seem to be intended as a distraction so he can start
calling his theories "facts." In the end, Jacobovici offers an
interesting conspiracy theory but it is fatally flawed and
unconvincing. Even some scholars who love conspiracy theories will
point out that the tomb is unlikely that of Jesus of Nazareth (e.g.,
according to one Gnostic writing, Jesus had a daughterβ not a son). Additional
resources are available on The
Discovery Channel. I highly recommend watching Unearthed: The Talpiot Tomb (above)
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Other
Ancient Civilizations
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Okay, so
what about other civilizations and nations that are mentioned in the
Bible? Are there any archaeological finds that tell us anything about
them? The answer is yes, and I will be adding links as time permits. If
you
come across any links or have any suggestions, please send me an email.
Egyptian

Hittite

Canaanite

Mesopotamian

Philistine

Assyrian

Babylonian

Persian

Greek

Roman

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Fossils
& Living Fossils
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Have
you ever heard of something called "living fossils"? In general, living
fossils are living organisms (plants, animals, birds, insects, marine
life, etc.) that appear in the fossil record
and were thought to be extinct for millions or billions of yearsβ only
to be recently discovered alive and relatively unchanged from the
fossil records. This section provides links to many
living
fossils from various sites.
Living-
Fossils.com β Β© Harun Yahya International. Muslim.
"The number of living fossils that literally silence Darwinism is in
the millions. Some of these are stored in warehouses. Only a very few
are on display in various museums. This site has been prepared in order
to put an end to the mentality that causes these fossils, that
represent a complete response to Darwinism, to be hidden away, and that
prevents them from being placed before the public." An excellent
resource featuring numerous photos that compare 'ancient' fossils with
their living counterpart
Living Fossils β Β©
Northwest Creation Network. "'Living fossils' are plants or animals
that closely resemble species known from fossils. Many β¦ were
considered extinct and only known through fossil evidence, but were
later discovered to still be alive. β¦ In fact, most living fossils are
almost identical to their fossilized ancestors." An informative
resource containing links (both 'secular' and 'creationist') to
numerous articles, photos, etc. on living fossils
Living Fossils β Β© 2008
Popular Science; by Matt Ransford. "These mysterious creatures exist
today more or less unevolved from the forms they had hundreds of
millions of years ago." A photo gallery with a selection of living
fossils
Coelacanth
: The Fish Out of Time β Β© Third Wave Media, Inc.
"This is the astounding coelacanth ('see- la- kanth'), the fusion of
life and time, that following a supposed extinction of 65 million
years, head- lined into human consciousness with its discovery alive in
1938. Called 'Old Four Legs' and the 'Living Fossil,' the Coelacanth
quickly became the continuing obsessive focus of journalists, crypto
biologists, scientists, eccentric explorers, aquariums, and divers"
Living Fossils : Animals From Another Time
β Β© Discovery Communications; by Talal
Al- Khatib. A photo gallery with a selection of living fossils
Living Fossils β Β©
Answers in Genesis. Numerous resource links that respond to the
question, "Do fossilized plants and animals really look all that
different from animals we see today?"
15 Animals That Are Living Fossils
β Β© Mother Nature Network; text by Bryan
Nelson. "A living fossil is an organism that has retained the same form
over millions of years, has few or no living relatives, and represents
a sole surviving lineage from an epoch long past. Many living fossils
alive today have bizarre, eccentric traits that make them seem more
like aliens than anything from this world. They have often survived
several mass extinctions, and many scientists consider them to be a
rare glimpse at how life on Earth was long ago"
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Interesting
Finds
|
Now
this section, I hope, will be interesting. While looking up some links
for Creationism, I came across some weird discoveries which I thought
was really interesting (especially their implications). One find
includes a fossilized boot with a foot in it from the 1800s, which
demonstrates that fossilization can take place over a relatively short
period of time and only requires certain conditions to be in place.
Some other finds include footprints (beside human footprints), cave
drawings, pottery, mosaics, carvings, embroidery, etc. of what
distinctly appears to be (to modern eyes) dinosaurs that scientists
claim have been extinct for millions or billions of years. However,
most of these depictions were made between 600β 2,500 years ago,
centuries before archaeology even existed; and the footprints are
limited by the durability of mud (which had hardened to stone) and are
prone to the elements. I find it interesting because it suggests that
at least some dinosaurs co- existed with humans before becoming
extinct, and may be the source of "dragon" and similar myths found
throughout Europe and Asia. Scientists have been wrong before (see
fossils and living fossils, above), so why should we be surprised by,
in denial of, or even opposed to the very real possibility that
scientists are wrong again?
Stegosaurus Carving β Ta
Prohm Temple, Cambodia (Google Maps). The builders of this temple
(dedicated 1186 C.E.) carved images of various creatures found locally.
Among these carvings is one that looks like a stegosaurus. Since
paleontology (as a science) did not exist until the late 18th century
C.E. and stegosauruses are fairly distinct in appearence, it is highly
likely that one of these creatures was still alive during that time

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A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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Apologetics vs.
Early Schisms & Heresies
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Writings
of the Early Church
(before 31
October 1517)
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History
of the Early Church
Chart of Early Church Fathers β
Β© ReligionFacts.com. "This chart provides basic facts on the early
church fathers, including the Apostolic Fathers, the Apologists, the
Cappadocian Fathers, and other important early Greek and Latin
fathers." Available from ReligionFacts.com
A Dictionary of Christian Biography and
Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the
Principle Sects and Heresies β Β© 1999 Henry Wace and
William C. Piercy. An outstanding, informative, and fairly detailed
resource on people (orthodox and heretical), documents, and events of
the first six hundred years. Available from Christian Classics Ethereal
Library
Foxe's Book of Martyrs β
Β© John Foxe, edited by William Byron Forbush. Quaker. Available from
Christian Classics Ethereal Library. See also Foxe's Book of Martyrs
from the Internet Sacred Text Archive. Learn more about John Foxe from the Christian
Cyclopedia or this book from the Catholic
Encyclopedia
Notes on Church History β
Compiled by R. Grant Jones. "A timeline of Church history. Emphasis is
on the first few centuries." Available from R. Grant Jones' Home Page
Writings of the
Early Church
some links include pseudepigraphal writings
Compiled
Allusions to the NT in the Ante- Nicene Fathers β
available from e-Catena
Cross
Reference Table: Writings & Authorities β
available from The Development of the
Canon of the New Testament
The Apostolic Fathers β
Β© Kirsopp Lake (Loeb Classical Library). Includes the Greek texts of 1 & 2 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Didache, Barnabas, The Shepherd of Hermas, The Martyrdom of Polycarp, and the Epistle of Dionetus. "Based on the
text of the Loeb Classical Library." Available from Christian Classics
Ethereal Library
Writings of the Apostolic Fathers
β Orthodox (Greek). An English
translation of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Available from
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Writings of the Early Church Fathers
β Β© Alexander Roberts, James
Donaldson, and Philip Schaff. Ante- Nicene, Nicene, and Post- Nicene
Fathers. Available from Christian Classics Ethereal Library. See also Church Fathers from Catholic
First (Roman Catholic)
Early Church Fathers: Additional Texts
β edited by Roger Pearse. These
texts supplement the 39 volume Writings
of the Early Church Fathers (above) with additional translated
material
The Fathers of the Church β
Roman Catholic. Available from New Advent
Early Church Documents β
this resource is no longer available from The Ecole Initiative
The St. Pachomius Library β
contains numerous links to "uncopyrighted English translations of the
Church Fathers, the acts of the Christian martyrs, the proceedings of
the Councils, the lives of the early saints, etc."
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Pseudepigraphal
& Non- Canonical Writings
(before 31
October 1517)
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This
section provides additional resources from the intertestimental time
period (written between the Old and New Testaments) and contemporaries
of the early Church (mostly written between 90 C.E. and
600 C.E.). These writings are generally considered
apocryphal, pseudepigraphal or heretical (e.g., Gnostic writings). Also
added to this section are some significant recent developments that
attempt to bring historical matters into doubtβ usually by advocating
relatively new beliefs or conspiracy theories in its place. These
beliefs and theories generally vary because they often rely on select
apocryphal, pseudepigraphal or heretical (often Gnostic) writings for
support, but some rely on alleged parallels in pagan religions. Also in
this section are some more recent developments that claim to have their
source in these writings.
While many of these claims are quite fascinating, it must
be said that most authors of these beliefs and conspirary theories are
not being completely honest with their readers. Often authors read more
into the text than what is written and being conveyed by the Hebrew,
Aramaic or Greek text; or they overlook key details which often clarify
alleged problems that they believe exists in certain texts; or they
place unrealistic expectations and demands on Biblical texts when doing
textual criticism (which they do not apply to other texts); or they
over- generalise similarities while ignoring significant differences
between Christian teachings and pagan beliefs.
Old Testament Apocrypha β
includes 1 & 2 Esdras; 1, 2, 3 & 4 Maccabees; Baruch; Bel and the Dragon; Daniel and Susanna; Additions to Esther; Judith; Letter of Jeremiah; Prayer of Azariah; the Prayer of Manasseh; Psalm 151; Sirach; Tobit; Wisdom of Solomon. Available from
Wesley Center Online
Old Testament Pseudepigrapha β
includes 1 & 2 Enoch; 4 Burach (a.k.a. Paraleipomena Jeremiou); Books of Adam and Eve; Life of Adam and Eve; Story of Ahikar; Apocolypse of Abraham; Apocolypse of Moses; Joseph and Aseneth; the Book of Jubilees; Letter of Aristeas; Martyrdom of Isaiah; Psalms of Solomon; Pseudo- Phoclides; Revelation of Esdras; Second Treatise of the Great Seth; Sibylline Oracles; Testament of Abraham; Testament of Job; Testament of Solomon; Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
Available from Wesley Center Online
Apocryphal New Testament Acts β
includes the Acts of Andrew; Acts
and Martyrdom of Andrew; Acts
of Andrew and Matthew; Acts
of Barnabas; Martyrdom of
Bartholomew; Acts of John;
Acts of John
the Theologian; History of
Joseph the Carpenter; Book of
John Concerning the Death of Mary; Passing of Mary; Acts and Martyrdom of Matthew; Martyrdom of Matthew; Acts of Paul; Acts of Paul and Thecla; Acts of Peter; Acts of Peter and Andrew; Acts of Peter and Paul; Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles;
Acts of Philip;
Report of
Pontius Pilate to Tiberius; Giving
Up of Pontius Pilate; The
Death of Pilate; Acts of
Thaddaeus; Acts of Thomas;
Book of
Thomas the Contender; Consummation
of Thomas. Available from Wesley Center Online
Apocryphal New Testament Apocalypse
β includes the Apocalypse of Adam; Revelation of Esdras; First & Second Apocalypse of James; Revelation
of John the Theologian; Revelation
of Moses; Apocalypse of Paul;
Revelation of
Paul; Apocalypse
of Peter; Vision of Paul;
Revelation of
Peter; Apocalypse of Peter.
Available from Wesley Center Online
Apocryphal New Testament Gospels
β includes the Infancy Gospel of Thomas;
Gospel of James; Gospel of the Nativity of Mary; Gospel of Mary
[Magdalene]; Gospel of Pseudo- Matthew; Gospel of Nicodemus (a.k.a.,
Acts of Pilate); Gospel of Bartholomew; Gospel of Peter; Gospel of
Thomas; Gospel of Philip; Gospel of the Lord (by Marcion); Secret
Gospel of Mark. Available from Wesley Center Online
Pseudonymous Writings β
includes the Teachings of Addeus the
Apostle; Epistle of the
Apostles; Community Rule;
Apocryphon of
James; Correspondence
of Jesus and Abgar; Sophia of
Jesus Christ; John
the Evangelist; Apocryphon of
John; Narrative of Joseph of
Arimathaea; Epistle to the
Laodiceans; Correspondence of
Paul and Seneca; Prayer of
the Apostle Paul; Letter of
Peter to Philip; Letter of
Pontius Pilate to the Roman Emperor; Report of Pilate to Caesar; Report
of Pilate to Tiberius; Excerpts
from
Pistis Sophia; Avenging of
the Saviour; Three Steles of
Seth; Book of Thomas the
Contender. Available from Wesley Center Online
Miscellaneous
collections
from non- Christian sites
New Testament Apocrypha: complete index
β an excellent collection of most, if
not all, New Testament apocryphal and pseudepigraphal writingsβ even
those not available online from the links above. Available from
Comparative Religion: Religions of the World
Nag Hammadi Codics β "a
collection of thirteen ancient codices containing over fifty texts, was
discovered in upper Egypt in 1945. This immensely important discovery
includes a large number of primary Gnostic scripturesβ texts once
thought to have been entirely destroyed during the early Christian
struggle to define 'orthodoxy'β scriptures such as the Gospel of
Thomas, the Gospel of Philip, and the Gospel of Truth." Available from
The Gnosis Archive
The Gnostic Society Library β
a collection of Gnostic writings, several interesting links, etc.
Available from The Gnosis Archive
Gospel of Judas β Β© 2006
The National Geographic Society. Translation by Rodolphe Kasser, Marvin
Meyer and Gregor Wurst, in collaboration with FranΓ§ois Gaudard. A Coptic manuscript and an English translation of this
manuscript are available (only in PDF). Learn more about this Gnostic
writing (and others) from an article by Jeffrey Kloha ("Jesus and the Gnostic Gospels," Concordia Theological Quarterly 71
(Apr 2007): 121β144; link is to a PDF of article)
The Gospel of Jesus's Wife : A
New Coptic Gospel Papyrus β Β© 2012 President and Fellows of
Harvard College. "Resources about the fourth- century papyrus fragment
available here are images of the fragment and a translation of the
text; information (in question- and- answer format) about the fragment;
and a draft of Karen L. King's article
about the gospel papyrus." This fragment has spurred debate and several
responses, including one from Francis Watson ("The Gospel of Jesus' Wife : How a fake
Gospel- Fragment was composed")
Pseudepigrapha,
Apocrypha and Sacred Writings β Latter Day Saints
(LDS). Numerous unique and useful links are available here, but be
aware that the webmaster is influenced by the doctrines of the Latter
Day Saints
Book Resources
(select authors)
Lost Christianities : The
Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew β Β© Bart D.
Ehrman (Oxford Press, 2003). "The early Christian Church was a chaos of
contending beliefs. Some groups of Christians claimed that there was
not one God but two or twelve or thirty. Some believed that the world
had not been created by God but by a lesser, ignorant deity. Certain
sects maintained that Jesus was human but not divine, while others said
he was divine but not human. In Lost
Christianities, Bart D. Ehrman offers a fascinating look at
these early forms of Christianity and shows how they came to be
suppressed, reformed, or forgotten. All of these groups insisted that
they upheld the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, and they all
possessed writings that bore out their claims, books reputedly produced
by Jesus's own followers. Modern archaeological work has recovered a
number of key texts, and as Ehrman shows, these spectacular discoveries
reveal religious diversity that says much about the ways in which
history gets written by the winners. Ehrman's discussion ranges from
considerations of various 'lost scriptures'β including forged gospels
supposedly written by Simon Peter, Jesus's closest disciple, and Judas
Thomas, Jesus's alleged twin brotherβ to the disparate beliefs of such
groups as the Jewish- Christian Ebionites, the anti- Jewish
Marcionites, and various 'Gnostic' sects. Ehrman examines in depth the
battles that raged between 'proto- orthodox Christians'β those who
eventually compiled the canonical books of the New Testament and
standardized Christian beliefβ and the groups they denounced as
heretics and ultimately overcame. Scrupulously researched and lucidly
written, Lost Christianities
is an eye- opening account of politics, power, and the clash of ideas
among Christians in the decades before one group came to see its views
prevail"
Lost Scriptures : Books that Did
Not Make It into the New Testament β Β© Bart D. Ehrman (Oxford
Press, 2005). "A companion volume to Bart Ehrman's Lost Christianities, this book
offers an anthology of up- to- date and readable translations of many
non- canonical writings from the first centuries after Christβ texts
that have been for the most part lost or neglected for almost two
millennia. Here is an array of remarkably varied writings from early
Christian groups whose visions of Jesus differ dramatically from our
contemporary understanding. Readers will find Gospels supposedly
authored by the apostle Philip, James the brother of Jesus, Mary
Magdalen, and others. There are Acts originally ascribed to John and to
Thecla, Paul's female companion; there are Epistles allegedly written
by Paul to the Roman philosopher Seneca. And there is an apocalypse by
Simon Peter that offers a guided tour of the afterlife, both the
glorious ecstasies of the saints and the horrendous torments of the
damned, and an Epistle by Titus, a companion of Paul, which argues page
after page against sexual love, even within marriage, on the grounds
that physical intimacy leads to damnation. In all, the anthology
includes fifteen Gospels, five non- canonical Acts of the Apostles,
thirteen Epistles, a number of Apocalypses and Secret Books, and
several Canon lists. Ehrman has included a general introduction, plus
brief introductions to each piece. This important anthology gives
readers a vivid picture of the range of beliefs that battled each other
in the first centuries of the Christian era"
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A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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Apologetics vs.
Modern Schisms & Heresies
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Christian
Apologetics
(addressing
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions)
|
This
section includes links to resources or collections that address quasi-
and pseudo- Christian religions (including cults and certain schisms),
their beliefs, creeds and teachings which conservative Christian
apologists consider to be problematic, erroneous, or heretical.
Additional material may be found under creeds or catechisms (left
column), or under a specific denomination (right column). If you are
searching for apologetic material on other religious beliefs unrelated
to Christianity, links are available in the next section (below).
For an examination of the beliefs, creeds and doctrines of these
schisms, cults and pseudo- Christian religions, links may be available
under the Other Side of the Fence section (below).
Collections
various quasi-
and pseudo- Christian religions
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
β "to support, expand, and enhance the
preaching and teaching ministry of Ravi Zacharias, distinctive in its
strong evangelistic and apologetic foundation, intended to touch both
the heart and the intellect of the thinkers and opinion- makers of
society with the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ"
Issues,
Etc. β Confessional Lutheran (LCβMS). Features
numerous topics on both recent and historical events; guest speakers
are either apologists or representatives from various conservative
denominations. "Defending the faith β¦ teaching the truth." An On- demand audio archive (2008β
current) is available "on demand" from Issues, Etc. The older MP3 and WMA audio archive (2003β
2008) is no longer available
from KFUO AM radio. A journal and other links are also
available
SoundWitness
β Confessional Lutheran (LCβMS). "A
Lutheran apologetics ministry dedicated to keeping the 'false' out of
doctrine." Primarily addresses Watchtower / Jehovah's Witnesses, but
now also extends into addressing the erroneous beliefs and teachings of
other sects and cults
Reasonable
Faith with William Lane Craig β Β© Reasonable Faith.
This website "aims to provide in the public arena an intelligent,
articulate, and uncompromising yet gracious Christian perspective on
the most important issues concerning the truth of the Christian faith
today, such as: the existence of God; the meaning of life; the
objectivity of truth; the foundation of moral values; the creation of
the universe; intelligent design; the reliability of the Gospels; the
uniqueness of Jesus; the historicity of the resurrection; [and] the
challenge of religious pluralism. Reasonable Faith features the work of
philosopher and theologian Dr. William Lane Craig in order to carry out
its three-fold mission: to provide an articulate, intelligent voice for
biblical Christianity in the public arena; to challenge unbelievers
with the truth of biblical Christianity; [and] to train Christians to
state and defend Christian truth claims with greater effectiveness"
(cf. About Reasonable Faith).
Includes links to scholarly articles, popular articles, select debate transcripts, questions and answers, videos and audios (of debates,
talks, interviews), podcasts (Reasonable Faith and Defenders), current events blog, open forums and more. Also check
out their YouTube sites (Reasonable Faith and Dr Craig videos)
Walter
Martin's Religious InfoNet β "to provide answers to
those searching for spiritual direction in their lives, as well as
encourage and educate Christians to stand up for their faith"
Answers
in Action (AIA) β "a dynamic non- profit,
evangelical, Christian organization based in Costa Mesa, California,
which trains individuals to think logically and reasonably about all
things"
Christian
Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM) β "to
equip Christians with good information on doctrine, various religious
groups (Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.), cults, Evolution, New
Age, and related subjects"
Alpha & Omega Ministries β
Β© Alpha & Omega Ministries
Department of Christian Defense β
Β© Edward L. Dalcour. "The purpose of the Department of Christian
Defense is to proclaim and defend the gospel of Jesus Christ against
those who controvert the essentials of historic biblical faith. Also to
provide information to educate and equip Christians to reasonably and
confidently share their faith with members of non- Christian cults and
anyone that denies the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith:
The doctrine of the ontological Trinity; one eternal God; Jesus as the
eternal God; the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, justification
through faith alone, Scripture as the sole infallible authoritative
regula fidei ('rule of faith') for the church 'sufficient above all
things,' (cf. Athanasius, De Synodis 6); virgin birth; etc."
Cult
Awareness & Information Centre β "CAIC educates
the public about the technique used by ALL cults and spiritually
abusive churches, and how to counteract them. If you have a family
member of a friend involved in a cult make sure you learn to identify a
cult by it's behavior (not doctrinal differences). β¦ We have read
message after message from confused individuals, many of whom spent
years on their own trying to figure their way out of the traps of
oppressive religious groups until one day stumbling upon the CAIC web
site. They tell us that the information on our web site was like a
'light bulb' that turned on and helped them to find their way out of a
mental maze"
Reasoning from the Scriptures β
Β© Ron Rhodes. Reformed (Calvinist). This is "a discipleship ministry
that exists to help you grow strong in the Word of God and equip you to
become knowledgeable in the application of biblical wisdom"
Spotlight Ministries β
"dedicated to upholding and defending the Christian faith. This site
contains information on various new religious movements, cults, the
occult, and the New Age Movement, and examines them from a Christian
perspective. There are also many articles of general religious
interest, apologetics, and theology"
Stand to Reason Commentaries: Apologetics
β "working to build active, equipped,
engaging ambassadors for Jesus Christ." Available from Stand to Reason
Watchman
Fellowship, Inc. β "a ministry of Christian
discernment, focusing on cults and new religious movements. Watchman
Fellowship serves the Christian and secular community as a resource for
education, counseling, and non- coercive intervention and evangelism
training." Also see their article on Heresies : Then and Now.
Available on Watchman Fellowship, Inc
FactNet
β designed "to protect the most
universal and basic constitutional freedom, the single freedom that is
an essential prerequisite to the meaningful exercise of all of our
other freedomsβ freedom of mind! Factnet focuses on protecting freedom
of mind from harms caused by all forms of mind control and unethical
influence. In its earlier years (1993β 2001) Factnet focused on mind
control and unethical influence as was commonly found in destructive
cults. In 2002 it has expanded its mission to also cover mind control
and unethical influence as found in governments, corporations, social
organizations, advertising / marketing, political organizations, the
military and family groups"
Apologetics Index β
"This site offers information that a) helps equip Christians to
logically present and defend the Christian faith, and that b)
encourages Christians and non- Christians to understand, evaluate and
compare various religious claims"
Cults.co.nz (New Zealand Cults,
Sects, Religions, Christian Organisations, and other groups) β
Β© Ian Mander. "Although called 'The New Zealand Cult List', the list is
now much broader than just a list of the cults in this country. It
contains both religious and secular groups, Christian and non-
Christian groups. Some individuals are also included. The list is
written from a Christian perspective and is primarily intended as a
resource for New Zealand Christians. However, it may still be of some
use to non- Christians, and people in other countries"
The
Rick A. Ross Institute β Β© Rick Ross. "The Rick A.
Ross Institute (RI) of New Jersey is a nonprofit, tax- exempt 501(c)(3)
organization devoted to public education and research. RI's mission is
to study destructive cults, controversial groups and movements and to
provide a broad range of information and services easily accessible to
the public for assistance and educational purposes. RI maintains a
large archive on the Internet and is available to assist researchers,
the media, professionals and those concerned with accurate information
about various cults, groups and movements and related issues of
interest. RI is an institutional member of the New Jersey Library
Association" (cf. Mission Statement)
The
Cult News Network β "The Cult News Network is a
daily listing of interesting links about cults, controversial groups
and ideological movements.β¦ The purpose of the Network is twofold:
First, it provides a resource for people interested in controversial
groups.β¦ The second purpose of the Network is to be fun! The Network
encourages users to participate through free membership, and offers an
interesting, often amusing source of ever- changing content. Registered
users can submit links, comment on articles, and vote on the value /
interest of each item" (cf. Help page)
The Center for Apologetics Research
β
designed "to equip Christian leaders and laymen in the Former Soviet
Union (FSU) for discernment, defense of the faith and cult evangelism
(1 Peter 3:15, Jude 3, 2 Timothy 2:25) by providing training and
resource materials in their national languages." This website is
originally in Russian, but the link I have provided is to the English
translation. Some links may take you to articles in the Russian
language, but if you use Google Chrome (or similar resources that
translate websites) you should be able to read them
equip.org β Β© Christian
Research Institute (CRI). "Exists to provide Christians worldwide with
carefully researched information and well- reasoned answers that
encourage them in their faith and equip them to intelligently represent
it to people influenced by ideas and teachings that assault or
undermine orthodox, biblical Christianity." Also features The Bible Answer Man, with Hank
Hanegraaff. Also see their CRInstitute Channel on YouTube. Please Note:
While I believe Hanegraaff is fairly solid in his evaluation,
refutation and teachings on most issues, it has come to my attention
that he now supports the Local Church
movement of Watchman Nee, which is recognised as being heretical. His
support of this movement seems to be based primarily on their
convictions and teachings on the Christian lifestyle, but Hanegraaff seems to
overlook significant problems with their theology including their modalistic understanding of God
(which they erroneously claim to be the doctrine of the Trinity)
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Specifics
specific quasi-
and pseudo- Christian religions
Christian
Science
(pantheism; aka Church of Christ, Scientist)
(not Scientology)
Christian
Way β Β© Christian Way, Inc. "If you are a Christian Scientist: We
care deeply about you! Mrs. Eddy said, 'The time for thinkers has
come.' We challenge you to browse this site and think about the
evidence it offers. β¦ If you are
reading Science and Health and considering becoming a Christian
Scientist: We hope you'll read this site carefully and balance
it against the claims and promises that you are reading about in Science and Health and hearing from
the Christian Science Church. It's your decision whether or not to
become a follower of Mary Baker Eddy, but we want you to have enough
information to make an informed
choice. β¦ If you are a former
Christian Scientist: We are here for you! Let us know how we can
be a spiritual or emotional encouragement to you. If you are a Christian sharing with a
Christian Scientist: We are delighted that you have found us and
hope that you will find our materials helpful. If you have questions or
concerns about sharing with your Christian Science friends and loved
ones, we would be happy to help you in any way we can. Feel free to
contact us with questions, concerns, or prayer requests"
Christian Science β a
collection of writings addressing Christian Science. "Christian Science
teaches that reality is an interpretation of Divine Mind, that Jesus
was not the Christ, that His sacrifice did not clean from sin, that
sickness and evil are illusions, and that the Bible can only be
understood correctly through its teachings." Available from Christian
Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM)
Christian Science β Β©
2000 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. A brief profile on Christian Science
including an overview of its history, problematic doctrines, and a
Biblical response to those doctrines. Available from Watchmen
Fellowship, Inc
Jehovah's
Witnesses
(henotheism; polytheism; quasi- Arianism;
aka JW)
Quotes.Watchtower.CA β
"A collection of quotes from literature published by the Watch Tower
Bible & Tract Society: 'β¦ delightful, correct words of truth β¦' " Please Note:
This is a mirror site of the original Canadian site, which was shut
down after it was sued & acquired by the Watch Tower Bible &
Tract Society. Read more about this case and its outcome from
ReligiousNewsBlog.com. A PDF copy of the settlement
is also available
JW Facts
β Β© Paul Grundy
Six Screens of the Watchtower β
Β© SixScreensoftheWatchtower.com. "Our mission is to expose the real
truth behind the destructive cult known as the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Active Witnesses are discovering the real 'truth' and are now realizing
that there is life after The Watchtower"
The Watchtower Lies β Β©
Watchtowerlies
Beyond Jehovah's Witnesses β
"This site contains information for: People who have left the
Witnesses; People who are thinking of leaving; People who have been
forced to leave; People who are thinking of joining. We are not here to
'de- convert' you. If you are happy as a Jehovah's Witness, then this
site is of only academic interest to you"
Free
Minds β "promoting awareness of the Watchtower and
its authoritarian tactics." Numerous audio and video files are also
available from RandyTV.com
Jehovah's Witnesses β
Numerous detailed and useful articles that examine the doctrines of
Jehovah's Witnesses, some of their doctrinal pamphlets, and their New
World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Includes grammatical
considerations. Available from the Department of Christian Defense
Jehovah's Witnesses β a
collection of writings addressing Jehovah's Witnesses. "The Jehovah's
Witnesses go door- to- door, want you to do 'book' studies with them,
and teach doctrines not in line with the Bible. They are persistent and
well trained by the Watchtower Organization." Available from Christian
Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM)
Watchtower
Information Service β "your source for info on
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society." See also their links
to other (ex-) JW sites section
Jehovah's Witnesses β
"Jehovah's Witnesses consider themselves to be the
only true Christians. However, their organizationβ the Watchtower Bible
& Tract Societyβ denies and / or contradicts several of the
essential doctrines of the Christian faith." Available on Apologetics
Index
JW
Files:
Research on Jehovah's Witnesses β contains numerous
scans from and articles addressing Watchtower doctrines
Jehovah's Witnesses (Articles) β
"articles on Jehovah's
Witnesses are available from The Watchman Expositor. Many terms in
these articles are linked to the Index of Cults and Religions for
easier reading and research." Available from Watchmen Fellowship, Inc
Jehovah's Witnesses β an
introductory summary on the origin, world view, teaching, preaching,
rules and regulations of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Available from the Dialog Center
Latter Day
Saints, and
Reorganised
Latter Day Saints, and
Fundamentalist
Latter Day Saints
(polytheism;
Gnosticism; aka LDS, RLDS, FLDS, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, Mormonism)
Mormons in Transition β
Β© Institute for Religious Research. "A non- denominational, non- profit
Christian foundation devoted to the study of religious claims in light
of history and the Bible." Indepth and includes abundant resources in
response to the Book of Abraham, Book of Mormon, Alleged References to the First Vision,
Gospel Principles (Teaching Manual),
Joseph Smith, Doctrine and the Bible, Mormon History, and more. Other
resources include the Book of Mormon (1830), scanned
images of the entire Book
of Commandments (1833) and Doctrines & Covenants
(1835), Book Reviews, Personal Stories, Salvation Information, links
to Support Groups and
more. Available from the Institute for Religious Research
Mormonism β Numerous
detailed and useful articles that examine the doctrines of the Church
of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (LDS), the Book of Mormon, and
some other considerations. Available from the Department of Christian
Defense
Mormonism
β a collection of writings addressing
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). "The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon
church, teaches doctrines in direct opposition to historic
Christianity, yet it claims to be the true church of Jesus Christ. Is
Mormonism really Christian? We hope to help you answer that question
here." Available from Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry
(CARM)
Local Church /
Witness Lee
(modalism;
includes Watchman Nee)
Cult Awareness & Information Centre:
Local Church of Witness Lee β includes articles on
their history, practices, strategies for evangelism, exclusiveness,
certain doctrines, and controversies with Christians. Available from
the Cult Awareness and Information Centre
The Local Church β
includes an overview of
Witness Lee's "Local Church" and related organisations, their
translation of Scriptures (The Recovery Version β RcV) and numerous
articles. Available on Apologetics Index
'Local
Church' Information Site β Β© 2003 Daniel Azuma. "The
purpose of this web resource is to provide a free library of
information and research materials on the 'Local Church' of Witness
Lee, including articles, essays, personal testimonies both from current
and former members, and web links." This site is primarily an
information site rather than an apologetics site, though some
apologetic material may be found. Includes a website list of their "critics"
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Oneness
(modalism;
quasi- Sabellianism)
Oneness Pentecostals β
Numerous detailed and useful articles that examine the doctrines of
Oneness Pentecostalism. Includes grammatical considerations. Available
from the Department of Christian Defense
Oneness
Pentecostal β a collection of writings addressing
Oneness Pentecostalism. "Oneness Pentecostal theology is a false
doctrine that denies the Trinity, states there is only one person in
the Godhead, that you must be baptized to be saved, and that speaking
in tongues is a necessary sign for salvation. Oneness Pentecostal
theology is not biblical." Available from Christian Apologetics &
Research Ministry (CARM)
Oneness Pentecostalism β
Β© 2000 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. A brief profile on Oneness
Pentecostalism including an overview of its history, problematic
doctrines, and a Biblical response to those doctrines. Available from
Watchmen Fellowship, Inc
Refuted: 60 Questions on the Godhead
β a response to the "60 Questions on the
Godhead" published by the United Pentecostal Church International.
Available from the Interactive Bible
Roman
Catholicism
(Scripture interpreted using traditions,
councils, magistrates, ex cathedra)
Examination of the Council of Trent
(1565β 1573) β Martin Chemnitz. Confessional Lutheran. See
Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent
(4 vols.; translated by Fred Kraemer; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia
Publishing House, 1971β 1986)
"Chemnitz analyzed the canons and decrees of the Council of Trent in
four books and showed by exhaustive evidence from Scripture and from
both the most ancient and the purer among the more modern teachers of
the church where the Council of Trent had departed from the teaching of
Scripture. In the first of these volumes, in the section on Scripture
and Tradition, he worked out the so- called formal principle of the
Reformation, that the Scripture, and not tradition or a combination of
the Scripture and tradition, is the source and norm of doctrine in the
Christian church.
"[The] first volume, which appeared in 1565, covers the
chief articles of the Christian faith. In the remaining three volumes
he treats with equal clarity the sacraments and the abuses in the Roman
Catholic Church, which the Council of Trent had sought to defend.
"The Examen
became famous at once. It was translated into German by Georg Nigrinus,
into French by M. Vassorius, and by 1582 the section concerning
traditions had been translated and published in English. The Examen is widely acknowledged not
only as a masterful polemic against the canons and decrees of the
Council of Trent but also as a thorough exposition of the faith and
teaching of the adherents of the Augsburg Confession. It has earned not
only the highest praise of Lutherans but also the respect of noted
Roman Catholics." Martin Chemnitz, "Biographical Sketch of Martin
Chemnitz," in Part 1 (4 vols.; vol. 1 in Examination of the
Council of Trent; translated by Fred Kraemer; St. Louis, Mo.:
Concordia Publishing House, 1971), 1:21β 22
|
Novus
Ordo Watch β Catholic (Old Roman). "Novus Ordo Watch
has one simple purpose: it is that of an educational resource. Our
purpose is to document, collect, archive, and preserve articles, news
reports, historic and modern photographs, books, diaries, translations,
historic audio and video tape footage on the Catholic Church both pre-
1958 and post- 1958. This activity on our part to archive and preserve
important documents will prove of grave historical importance in the
future. It will consitute a historical record of current primary
sources dealing with the Catholic Church." See their section on Benedict XVI
True
Catholic β Catholic (Old Roman). "It is likely that
most of you think that the 'Catholic Church' now centered in Rome, in
the Vatican, is the Catholic Church. Since 1958 (after the death of
Pope Pius XII on October 9, 1958), the holders of offices there, have
usurped the name of the Catholic Church from which they of their own
free will departed. They left the faith, and therefore they left the
Church that was founded by Christ on the apostles with Peter as its
head. Their defection from the faith is something we must prove and
that is the burden of much of the literature that you will find in this
website"
Patrick Pollock β Β©
Patrick John Pollock. Catholic (Old Roman). This website used to
include numerous tracts and writings (by Patrick Pollock), but many of
them have been turned into books which he now sells online. These
writings include 101 Heresies of Anti-
Pope John Paul II (aka Karol Wojtyla) and 101 Heresies of Anti-
Pope Benedict XVI (aka Joseph Ratzinger), which compares the
heretical teachings of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI with what
the Catholic Church has historically taught (up until Vatican I)
|
Society of
Friends
(post-
modern, anything goes; unity is generally based on non- violent social
justice rather than commonality of beliefs; aka Quakers)
Unification
Church
(polytheism; aka Moonies)
The Unification Church β
a fairly detailed overview of the Unification Church, its history,
beliefs, doctrines, and some other interesting information. Available
from The Religious Movements Page. PLEASE
NOTE: The founding editor of this project (Jeffrey K.
Hadden) died in 2003. The new editor- in- chief (Douglas E. Cowan) is
updating and moving the entire project from the University of Virginia
website (now offline) to its new home on the University of Waterloo
(not yet available). A backup of the site (11 Dec 2007) is available on
Internet Archive
Holy Spirit Association for the Unification
of World Christianity β a brief overview of the
history, beliefs and doctrines of the Unification Church, along with
Scriptural responses to several of its more problematic beliefs and
doctrines. Another informative link is The Unification Church: Moonshine for the
Soul. Available from Watchman Fellowship, Inc
Unification Church : Christian or Cult?
β Β© John Beardsley (Biblical Discernment
Ministries). Available on The Beardsley Ministry Homepage
The Unification Church β
Β© Matt Slick. A very brief overview of the Unification Church.
Available from Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM)
About the Unification Church β
A brief overview of the Unification Church, with links to numerous
articles that demonstrate (from Scripture) that it "isβ at bestβ a cult
of Christianity." Available on Apologetics Index
Reverend Moon β Β© Let Us
Reason Ministries. This article continues for several linked pages
(i.e. parts 2 and 3)
United Church
(modalism;
beliefs are confused, vague, post- modern and all- inclusive)
Universalism
(belief that everyone will be saved)
Universalism β a
collection of writings addressing Universalism. "Universalism is the
teaching that through the atonement of Jesus, every person who ever
lived will ultimately be saved. It is a relatively small movement in
America. But this error can have some serious ramifications. Does the
Bible teach that everyone who has ever lived will be saved? No. It
doesn't. Find out why here." Available from Christian Apologetics &
Research Ministry (CARM)
Word
Faith Movement
(most claim divine revelation, all
emphasise prosperity theology, but their teachings and so- called
revelations often conflict on significant points)
Jesse Duplantis and Mormonism β
a brief article noting some parallels between the doctrines of Jesse
Duplantis and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Available from the Department of Christian Defense
Heresies of the Word Faith Movement
β a list of Scripturally problematic or
heretical quotes from various Word Faith leaders. A backup copy
(19
April 2008) of this page is available on Internet Archive
Heresies of the Word Faith Movement
β Β© Damon Whitsell. Contains a list of
quotes from numerous Word Faith leaders, along with Scripture passages
that they contradict
The Lamp Ministry: Word of Faith Movement
β Β© Hughie Seaborn. Available from The
Lamp Ministry
The Word of Faith Movement β
an introductory summary of the Word of Faith Movement's history,
beliefs and teachings, etc. Please Note:
This webpage is published in Danish and requires Google Translate (or
similar) to roughly translate it into English. Available from the (now closed and archived)
Dialogcentret
Christianity in Crisis (book) β
Β© Hank Hanegraaff. An audio resource (with recordings of Word Faith
leaders) is also available on YouTube (parts 1, 2, 3 and 4), which can be used to
supplement the book. A more recent update of this resource is Christianity in Crisis : The 21st Century
by the same author
|
|
|
Modern
Schisms & Heresies
(beliefs of quasi- and pseudo-
Christian religions)
|
"Other Side
of the Fence" is divided into two areas. The first area provides
resources from quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions (including cults
and certain schisms of Christianity), which contain problematic,
erroneous and even heretical beliefs, creeds (confessions of faith),
doctrines (teachings) and / or practices from a conservative Christian
perspective. The second area provides resources from non- Christian
religions. Granted, members or advocates of any of the quasi-, pseudo-,
or non- Christian religions listed below may view conservative
Christianity as being on the "other side of the fence."
Regardless, it is encouraged that everyone read the
following document (which I think is valuable to consider, regardless
of your background) before venturing on to examine the links provided
in this section (or any section, for that matter). The short film is
also useful, but certain points are so vague that they overlap into
authentic Christianity (e.g., guilt from sin: While guilt should
accompany and follow sin, many quasi-, pseudo- and non- Christian
religions use guilt as a means of controlβ like when they demand so
many hours, repetitions or acts of 'good works' to either 'atone' for
sin or 'prove' genuine repentance, etc.; however, this distinction
isn't made clear in the film).
Recommended
Are
you the Victim of Mind Control? β Β© 2003 Spotlight
Ministries, Vincent McCann. "The purpose of this article is to give you
the chance to test yourself to see if you are the victim of well known
manipulative mind control techniques." This article also helps readers
recognise "well known manipulative mind control techniques" so they can
avoid being deceived by them
|
Mind Control Made Easy: How to Become a
Cult Leader β Β© Free Minds, Inc. A short 12Β½ minute
film that demonstrates some mind control and peer pressure techniques
normally (but not exclusively) used by cults. Available only in RAM format from RandyTV.com
The Big Religion Chart β
Β© ReligionFacts. "The ReligionFacts 'Big Religion Chart' is an attempt
to summarize all the complexities of religions and belief systems into
tiny little boxes on a single, quick- reference comparison chart. Yes,
of course this is impossible. As we always warn with our comparison
charts, this is no substitute for reading about religions in greater
detail, talking with religious adherents, etc. But this religion
comparison chart can (hopefully) be a useful and accessible way to 'get
the gist' of some unfamiliar groups and compare basic beliefs and
practices of the world's religions and belief systems. Currently, 43
belief systems are listed" (as of 10 January 2011)
|
Quasi- and
Pseudo- Christian Religions
Christian Science
(pantheism;
aka The Church of Christ, Scientist)
(not
Scientology)
Science and Health with Key to the
Scriptures β Β© 1875, 1906 Mary Baker Eddy. Christian
Science. Available from Healing Unlimited
A Manual of the Mother Church: The First
Church of Christ Scientist β Β© 1895, 1910 Mary Baker
Eddy. Christian Science. Available from Healing Unlimited
Other
Published Writings of Mary Baker Eddy β Christian
Science. Available from Healing Unlimited
The
Christian
Science Monitor β Christian Science. "An
international daily newspaper published Monday through Friday. Founded
in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, it's now also a multimedia website, an
e-mail edition, a personal digital assistant (PDA) edition, and a
downloadable PDF of the print version β¦ published by a churchβ The
First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Mass., USA. Everything in
the Monitor is international and US news and features, except for one
religious article that has appeared each day in The Home Forum section
since 1908, at the request of the paper's founder, Mary Baker Eddy"
endtime.org
β Β© Christian Science Endtime Center.
Christian Science. A very informative website dedicated to Christian
Science and the doctrines of Mary Baker Eddy. The Introduction to Christian Science
includes a brief subject listing
Christian Science β Β©
Ontario Consultants of Religious Tolerance. Includes a brief history
and an overview on their beliefs, healing, and practices. Available
from Religious Tolerance
Jehovah's
Witnesses
renamed by J. F. Rutherford after C. T.
Russell's death
(became a schism of Millennium Dawnism)
(henotheism; polytheism; quasi- Arianism;
aka JW)
Millions Now Living Will Never Die!
β Β© Joseph Franklin Rutherford.
Jehovah's Witness
Archived Watchtower Publications
(1879β 1985) β Β© International Bible Students Association,
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, and others.
Jehovah's Witness (and Millennium Dawnism). Most of these publications
are scanned (PDF), no longer
under copyright and are available from Archive.org. Watchtower Magazine (1879β
1949); Golden Age (1919β 1937), Consolation
(1938) and Awake (1939β 1969) magazines;
misc booklets (1889β 1961); misc books (1918β 1981); misc manuals (1945β 1955); first
edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
(1950β 1960); misc song books (1908β 1950); Kingdom News tracts (1918, 1939β
1946); Everybody's Paper tracts (1912);
Informat tract (1952); misc
other tracts (1911β 1931); year books (1927β 1959). Another
collection (1877β 1959) contains
scanned books, booklets, manuals, and song books mixed together, but it
also has some material unavailable in aforesaid sections: Some debates,
Studies in the
Scriptures (vols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), Photo Drama of Creation booklet
(1914), and more. Also available are a collection of publications by C.
T. Russell (Harvest Gleanings); John &
Morton Edgar's Great Pyramid Passages
vols 1
(1910) and 2 (1913), and Morton Edgar's The Great Pyramid trilogy: Its Spiritual Symbolism
(1924), Its Scientific Features
(1924), and Its Time Features
(1924). A scanned copy of The Kingdom Interlinear
Translation of the Greek Scriptures (1969 and 1985) is also available
Watchtower β Jehovah's
Witness. "Official Web Site
of Jehovah's Witnesses"
Jehovah's
Witnesses: Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information
β Jehovah's Witness. The contents of
this link have been updated and moved to the main Watchtower website
(above)
Jehovah's
Witnesses United β Β© Jehovah's Witnesses United.
Jehovah's Witness. "Created so that scholarly information supporting
the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society's teachings and the New World
Translation could be collected in one location on the web. This site is
not meant as a substitute for Society literature, but as a further
resource for those who would like to 'dig deeper' "
The Watchman's Post β
Jehovah's
Witness. "Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society in Prophecy"
Scriptural Truths β
Jehovah's Witness. "Removing the bias from the Scriptures"
In Defense of the New World Translation
β Jehovah's Witness. Features numerous
articles by Jehovah's Witnesses who, like certain advocates of the Authorised (1611) King James Version, argue that
their translation is the only authoritative and undefiled English
translation of Scriptures given to us by God
Jehovah's Witnesses β Β©
Ontario Consultants of Religious Tolerance. A menu includes links to JW
beliefs & practices, medical teachings, conflicts, handling child
abuse, and additional resources. Available from Religious Tolerance
Latter
Day Saints, and
Reorganised Latter Day Saints, and
Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints
(organised under Joseph Smith)
(polytheism; Gnosticism; aka LDS, RLDS,
FLDS, The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints; Mormonism)
The
Scriptures β Latter Day Saints
(LDS). Features links to the most recent edition of the Book of Mormon,
The Doctrines and
Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.
Also features a Guide to the Scriptures,
a Bible Dictionary
(LDS), Bible maps,
and more
Center
Place β Reorganised Latter Day Saints (RLDS).
Features the RLDS Book of Mormon
(1908), Doctrines &
Covenants, and Lectures on Faith.
Also features the History of the
Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Millennium
Dawnism
organised
and named by C. T. Russell
(aka
International Bible Students Association)
(henotheism;
polytheism; quasi- Arianism)
Archived Publications (1879β 1959) β
Β© International Bible Students Association, Watch Tower Bible and Tract
Society of Pennsylvania, and others. Millennium Dawnism. Most of these
publications are scanned (PDF),
no longer under copyright and are available
from Archive.org. Includes Herald of the Morning (1874β
1879); Watchtower Magazine (1879β
1949); misc booklets (1889β 1961); misc song books (1908β 1950); Everybody's Paper tracts (1912);
misc other tracts (1911β 1931), Millennial Dawn (6 vols, 1891β
1904). Another collection
(1877β 1959) contains scanned books, booklets, manuals, and song books
mixed together, but it also has some material unavailable in aforesaid
sections: Some debates with C. T. Russell, Studies in the Scriptures (vols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), Hymns of Millennial Dawn (1905),
Daily Heavenly Manna (1907), Photo Drama of Creation booklet
(1914), Old Testament Comments (1916), Biography of Russell (1916), and
more. Also available are N. H. Barbour's The Three Worlds
(1875, funded by C. T. Russell); C. T. Russell's The Object and Manner
of Our Lord's Return (1877); John & Morton Edgar's Great Pyramid Passages vols 1 (1910) and 2 (1913); a collection of
publications by C. T. Russell (Harvet Gleanings); J. C. Largent
& C. E. Stewart's The School of Prophets
(1922); Morton Edgar's The Great
Pyramid trilogy, Its Spiritual Symbolism (1924), Its Scientific Features
(1924), and Its Time Features
(1924); the booklet The Seven Thunders of Millennial Dawn
(1928)
International Bible Students Association
β Β© International Bible Students.
Millennium Dawnism. Designed to connect users to some introductory
articles and resources located mostly on their other websites (which
contain even more articles, resources and links). "The association of
International Bible Students has existed continuously since the days of
Pastor Charles Taze Russell to the present. In Brother Russell's day,
the IBSA was a cooperative association of Bible Student congregations
worldwide, all united by the common beliefs taught in Brother Russell's
Studies in the Scriptures series. The Watchtower was merely a
publishing house and lecture service, with NO central control over
these thousands of associated, but independent congregations. After the
death of Brother Russell in 1916, J.F. Rutherford took control of the
IBSA, acting in violation of Brother Russell's Will and the Watchtower
Bylaws. By 1931 J. F. Rutherford had radically changed and reorganized
the Watchtower into a different organization. He named his new
organization 'Jehovah's Witnesses,' in order to distinguish it from the
various groups formed by the 75% of original Bible Students no longer
connected. Hundreds of these Bible Student congregations worldwide have
continued to the present, thus constituting a continuation of the
original IBSA. These Bible Students remain united in the original early
Watchtower beliefs taught by Brother Russell" (see original). Many of their beliefs
are very similar to what Jehovah's
Witnesses believe and teach
Harvest Truth DataBase (HTDB) β
Β© International Bible Students (IBS). Millennium Dawnism. A database of
various "study materials," "devotional guides" and other links. The
study materials include the Old and New Testaments, Charles Taze
Russell's Tabernacles Shadows of
Better Sacrifices (1881), 6- volume Studies in the Scriptures (1886β
1904), Zion's Watch Tower and Herald
of Christ's Presence (1879β 1916; i.e. the original magazine),
expanded Bible comments (similar to notes in a Study Bible), and some
other resources. The devotional guides include Daily Heavenly Manna (with
archive of past daily devotions), a collection of Hymns of Millennial Dawn with
coinciding commentary (Songs in the
Night), a collection of Poems
of Dawn, and some other resources
Charles Taze Russell β
Millennium Dawnism. Numerous positive articles about Charles Taze
Russell and his doctrines
Studies in the Scriptures β
Β© 1916 Charles Taze Russell. Millennium Dawnism. Available from the
North Seattle Bible Students
Oneness
(modalism;
quasi- Sabellianism)
The Oneness of God β Β©
1993 David K. Bernard. Oneness (Pentecostal). A theological work that
examines Christian monotheism, the nature of God, the names and titles
of God, Jesus is God, the Son of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Old
Testament explanations, New Testament explanations, oneness believers
in church history and trinitarianism
60 Questions on the Godhead β
Β© United Pentecostal Church International. Oneness (Pentecostal). An
article designed to debunk the doctrine of the Trinity while promoting
modalism using "answers to sixty questions concerning the Godhead as
found in the Bible." Available from United Pentecostal Church
International
The Oneness of God β Β©
Ken Raggio. Oneness (Pentecostal). "Both Moses and Jesus Christ taught
this doctrine above all others. There can be no denying that the
Oneness of God is a controversial subject. Yet most people are grossly
misinformed about its meaning. The most commonly heard objections are
not even based on true Oneness definitions. Everyone NEEDS this
understanding ahead of all other spiritual revelation"
Roman Catholicism
See under Roman
Catholicism (right
column, in Denominations section) β¦
Society of
Friends
(post- modern,
anything goes; unity is generally based on non- violent social justice
rather than commonality of beliefs; aka Quakers)
The
Religious Society of Friends β Contains links to
numerous articles
Quakers
Canada : Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends β
Β© Canadian Yearly Meeting. "Officially we are called the Religious
Society of Friends (Quakers). Unofficially, we call ourselves either
Quakers or Friends. To begin with, we are a religious society." Follows the
beliefs and teachings of George Fox, who taught that a "human being can
have direct communion with God, without the intervention of another
human being (a minister), an institution (the church), or a book (the
Bible). Ordinary people sit together anywhere in silent worship,
without clergy, liturgy, or sacraments (all of life is sacred). There
we can feel a Presence and listen for the voice of God in our own
lives. We are seekers of Truth, and that Truth is based on direct
experience. Each of us has 'that of God' within usβ the indwelling
spirit of Christ, the Light withinβ which links us to God and to each
other. Rank, race, religion, political persuasion, all these things
become unimportant. We are equal, and can speak to 'that of God' in
others" (cf. An Introduction)
QuakerInfo.com
β Β© Bill Samuel. "Your online source for
information about the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)." Contains
reference material, informational articles and essays, as well as links
to forums, etc.
Quaker
Information Center : A Gateway to Quakerism β "The
Quaker Information Center works on behalf of the Religious Society of
Friends to answer questions from Friends and non- Friends alike,
directing inquirers to information and resources from and about the
Society of Friends. The Center was located in Philadelphia and under
the capable leadership of Chel Avery until July 2010. The Quaker
Information Center is now a virtual center provided as a service of the
Earlham School of Religion"
The Religious Society of Friends
: The Quakers β Β© Ontario Consultants of Religious Tolerance. A
menu includes Quaker history in Europe and North America, Beliefs and
practices, Quaker meetings (groups), service organizations, church
finder and resources, and various viewpoints on the Society of Friends
and homosexuality
Unification
Church
(polytheism; aka Moonies)
Family
Federation for World Peace and Unification β Β© HSA-
UWC. "The Unification Church is comprised of families striving to
embody the ideal of true love and to establish a world of peace and
unity among all peoples, races, and religions as envisioned by Rev. Sun
Myung Moon. Members of the Unification Church accept and follow
Reverend Moonβs particular religious teaching, the Divine Principle"
Unification
Home Page β "A presentation of the life, teachings,
and public work of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife Mrs. Hak Ja Han
Moon"
The Unification Church founded by Rev. Sun
Myung Moon β Β© Ontario Consultants of Religious
Tolerance. A brief description of their history, beliefs and practices
United
Church
(modalism; beliefs are confused, vague,
post- modern and all- inclusive)
See under United
Church (right column, in Denominations section)
Universalism
(belief that everyone will be saved)
Christian
Universalism (Universal Reconciliation) and Related Concepts
β Universalism. A large collection "of
sources, including speeches, articles, tracts, and other presentations"
that "have been composed over a period of time." Available from Ken Allen's webpage on the
website of Auburn University
Pastor Russell Writes Concerning the
Universal Reconciliation β Universalism. An
insightful correspondence between A. E. Knoch (Universalism) and C. T.
Russell (Millennial Dawnism). A backup of this correspondence (16 Dec 2010) is available on
Internet Archive
Tentmaker
Ministries β Universalism. A website dedicated to
Universalism
God's Truth for Today! β
Universalism. A main library archive (by
numerous authors) advocating Universalism is also available from this
site
Word Faith
Movement
(most
claim divine revelation, all emphasise prosperity theology, but their
teachings and so- called revelations often conflict on significant
points)
William
Branham β Β© William Branham.com.
Oneness (Word Faith). Some of his doctrines include the denial of the Trinity, the
belief that baptism is in the name of Jesus alone
(not in name of the "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," Matt 28:19), and
that original sin involved Eve's fornication
with Satan in Eden (by equating the tree of life with Jesus
and tree of knowledge of good and evil with Satan), among numerous
other ditties. See also another website (Cloverdale
Bibleway) dedicated to
William Branham
Charles
Capps Ministries β Β© Charles Capps Ministries. Word
Faith. Doctrines include the assertion that humans are embodied spirit
creatures (cf. Annette Capps, Do You
Know Who You Are?, (13 Feb 2009) Internet Archive)
and a misuse of God's Word to evidence a "believe it to receive it"
doctrine that emphasises faith- healing, etc.: "God's Word will get you
saved, healed or filled with the Holy Ghost the same way that the
miraculous conception [of Jesus in the virgin Mary] took place! Any
believer that will conceive God's Word concerning healing in their
spirit, it will eventually manifest itself in their physical body! If
you conceive God's Word concerning prosperity, then prosperity will
manifest itself in your business affairs. When you conceive God's Word
concerning the Holy Spirit, He will manifest Himself in your spirit"
(Charles Capps, Jesus, The Word Made
Flesh, (21 May 2009) Internet Archive).
A media library with numerous
doctrinal issues is available, but no concise statement of faith is
otherwise available
Morris Cerullo World Evangelism β
Β© Morris Cerullo World Evangelism. Word Faith. "Not only does God speak
to him but his prophetic annunciations come with a special anointing of
God's Presence. He received a divine, supernatural call from God to
preach at the age of fifteen when God took him into the heavens and
revealed Himself to him by a supernatural vision. From that time until
now, Morris has never wavered in his commitment and zeal to fulfill the
Great Commission to bring in a harvest of souls from around the world" (A Prophet to the Nations).
A statement of faith, mission statement, Cerullo's
teaching objectives and some additional information are also
available
David Cho Evangelic Mission β
Β© David Cho Evangelic Mission. Word Faith. A statement of faith is not
available, but an archive of DCEM Journal is available and
their "Core of Messages" section outline doctrines like "The Fivefold Gospel" and "The Threefold Blessing"
Kenneth
Copeland Ministries β Β© Eagle Mountain International
Church, Incorporated; a.k.a. Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Word Faith;
Dispensational. Some teachings are ambiguous (e.g., will all believers
speak in tongues, or only some?), many stretch God's Word beyond its
intended audience or meaning
(as demonstrated by its immediate or broader contexts). Usually this is
done in an attempt to evidence a "believe and proclaim it to receive
it" doctrine which emphasises a very broad understanding of faith
healing (including physical, spiritual and financial; e.g., How To Receive Healing).
To lack healing (physical, mental, spiritual, financal) is said to
originate from a lack of faith or action (e.g., What to Do When Healing
Doesn't Manifest). Resources include what we believe (includes statement of faith and mission), various topics (salvation, health & healing, relationships, prayer, finance), various media (videos, MP3, PDF) and
other resources
Jesse
Duplantis Ministries β Β© Jesse Duplantis Ministries.
Word Faith. Some of his teachings have been modified to be more in line
with Scripture, and they no longer mention that baptism with the Holy
Spirit is evidenced by speaking in tongues (though they might still
believe and teach it elsewhere). However, they continue to misuse God's
Word in an attempt to evidence a "believe and proclaim it to receive
it" doctrine that emphasises material and financial prosperity (as a
result of investing in his ministry in particular). Some random
articles (scattered around the website), a vision statement, statement of faith and a current
edition of Voice of
the Covenant magazine are available
RHEMA β Β© RHEMA (Kenneth
Hagin). Word Faith. Includes Kenneth Hagin Ministries. In mid- 2003,
Kenneth E. Hagin passed away and his firstborn son, Kenneth W. Hagin,
has inherited the ministry. Some doctrines include belief that baptism
with the Holy Spirit is evidenced in
all Christian believers by speaking
in tongues, that financial
and material prosperity reflect spiritual
prosperity (the lack of these things reflect a deficiency), and
that God will physically heal
every Christian who receives it by
faith and proclamation (the lack of healing reflects a lack of
faith). A study center, section on what we believe, a magazine archive and a Canadian website (among other
things) are also available
Norvel Hayes Ministries β
Β© Norvel Hayes Ministries. Word Faith. A statement of faith and other
doctrinal resources are not available, but they do offer an online bookstore which sells
resources on faith healing (physical, financial, etc.) using a "believe
and proclaim it to receive it" method
Marilyn
Hickey Ministries β Β© Marilyn Hickey Ministries.
Word Faith. Unfortunately, they have taken most of their resources
offline. However, based on previously available resources, many of
their beliefs and teachings are influenced by William Branham (see backup of their
article (11 Nov 2006) on Internet
Archive). They teach that
believers are not born again
until after they have
'invited Jesus into their heart,' that the Holy Spirit is only given to believers upon request and
will manifest Himself in born again believers through
speaking in tongues (cf. Empowered by the Holy
Spirit, V:C, D; see backup of article (13 Dec 2006) on Internet
Archive). They also misrepresent Scripture in order to
promote a "believe it to receive it" view of financial and material
prosperity (cf. Miracles
for Your Money Outline; see backup of article (20 Dec 2006) on Internet
Archive), etc., but no clear description or
belief is provided online concerning God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit or
similar matters. Resources include a vague statement of faith, television and audio archives; their Bible Study resources are no
longer free
Benny Hinn Ministries β
Β© Benny Hinn Ministries. Word Faith. Some doctrines are unclear (e.g.,
"the one true God has revealed Himself β¦ as embodying the principles of
relationship and association, i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," and
"deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the
privilege of all believers"), while other doctrines include the belief
that baptism of the Holy Spirit will be evidenced by speaking in
tongues, the misapplication of God's Word to a hyper- extended "believe
it to receive it" premise that concludes by emphasising faith healing,
slaying in the spirit, etc. A statement of faith and other
resources are available
Ever
Increasing Faith Ministries β Β© Ever Increasing
Faith Ministries (Frederick K. C. Price). Word Faith. Doctrines
emphasise tithing for financial and
material prosperity, the belief that the Holy Spirit will be given to believers only upon request
and evidence Himself by speaking in
tongues, etc. Frederick Price also claims himself to be an apostle, and was "influenced by
several books and tapes by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin" (Biography).
A statement of faith, vision statement, magazine archive and other
resources are available
Richard Roberts : Oral Roberts Ministries
β
Β© Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. Word Faith. A statement of faith and mission statement are now
available, as well as links to Miracles Magazine,
teachings on healing Scriptures, salvation, and numerous other
resources and media (including a point of contact prayer cloth)
Jerry Savelle International Ministries
β Β© Jerry Savelle International
Ministries. Word Faith. A statement of faith and other doctrinal
writings are not available, but a mission statement, daily devotions and some other
resources have been added
Success N Life β Β©
Success N Life (Robert Tilton). Word Faith. Includes Robert Tilton
Ministries and Robert Tilton Outreach. A statement of faith and other
doctrinal writings are not available, but a mission statement and a featured
weekly broadcast reflecting his doctrines are available.
Doctrines include a misuse of God's Word to evidence a "believe it to
receive it" doctrine that emphasises the idea that by investing in his
ministry financially God must repay
it with interest
World
Impact Ministries β Β© World Impact Ministries (Peter
Youngren). Word Faith. Doctrines include the belief that baptism of the
Holy Spirit will be evidenced by speaking in tongues, a misuse of God's
Word to evidence a "believe it to receive it" doctrine that emphasises
miracles (esp. physical healings): "My experience β¦ has been that a
miracle settles the question of whether or not Jesus is the Son of God.
Before non- Christian audiences around the world, the power
demonstrations of God verify the teaching of the gospel. Miracles give
authenticity to that claim that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh,"
and "I resolve β¦ to actively believe for and pursue the miracles God
has
promised so that my life can be a channel by which people will find
Christ" (Peter Youngren, "Where Are the Miracles?" Is Jesus Satisfied? A Missions Manifesto
for the 21st Century, 39β 40, 42). A statement of faith is also
available online
Unclassified
(not yet determined)
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|
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A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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Apologetics vs.
Unbelief & Other Religions
|
|
Christian
Apologetics
(addressing
beliefs of non- Christian religions)
|
This
section of "Christian Apologetics" includes links to resources or
collections that address religions and their beliefs, creeds and
doctrines that are not listed in the previous section (above), and that
conservative Christian apologists consider to be problematic,
erroneous, heretical, or otherwise non- Christian. Additional
apologetic material may be found below under creeds or catechisms (left
column), or under a specific denomination (right column). If you are
searching for apologetic material regarding schisms, cults and common
pseudo- Christian religions, links are available in the previous
section (above).
For an
examination of the beliefs, creeds and doctrines of these religions,
links may be available in the next section (below).
Agnosticism
(belief
God cannot be known even if God exists)
Atheism &
New Atheism
(belief God does
not exist)
Darwinism & Neo- Darwinism
(belief
in macro- evolution)
See under Creation & Science, et al. (below,
in Apologetics
vs. Unbelief & Other Religions section) β¦
Deism
(belief God is
removed from creation)
vs. Thomas Jefferson
vs. Thomas Paine
Finite Godism
(belief
God is finite in power or goodness)
vs. Peter Bertocci
vs. William James
vs. John Stuart Mill
Monotheism
(belief
in only one true God)
Islam
Answering
Islam β Β© Answering Islam. This website provides
dozens of articles and resources that helps to inform and equip
Christians for dialog with Muslims
Creed 2:6 β Β© ?
Muslim
Hope β Β© Christian Debater. "If you are a Muslim you
might question the need for such hope" (i.e. "of eternal life with God
available to Muslims, when they leave Islam and turn to Jesus, our
Messiah"). "[I]f you have never explored the problems, contradictions,
and ungodly teaching in Islam. This web page is for you. You might have
heard of problems Muslims have said they see in the Bible. This web
site answers those. Dear Muslim reader, my prayer is that as you browse
through the material on this site, that you would see Islam for what it
really is, a corruption and counterfeit of truth, and the Bible for
what it really is, the Word of God that He is able to preserve. My hope
for you, dear Muslim, is that you will put your faith in Jesus for
salvation. I hope that you and I will together please God as we dwell
together in Heaven, saved through the precious blood of Jesus"
TheReligionofPeace.com β
Β© TheReligionofPeace.com. This website "is a pluralistic, non- partisan site concerned with
Islam's true political and religious teachings according to its own
texts. We present the threat that Islam poses to human dignity and
freedom, and document the violence that ensues as a direct consequence
of this religion's supremacist teachings. We are not associated with
any organization. We do not promote any religion, but we are not
hostile to religion. We generally support the rights of atheists,
Christians, Hindus, Jews, homosexuals, woman, Muslims and anyone else
on the planet to live as
they wish without violating the rights of others" (cf. About website). The resources on
this website focus on the 'dark side' of Islam, its teachings and
practices, both from the Qu'ran and from history (past and present).
The information contained on this website can be used in dialogue with
Muslims, but be mindful of liberal- minded Muslims who generally
disagree with various teachings of the Qu'ran (and anyone who puts them
into practice)
Answering
Muslims β Β© Acts17 Apologetics. "On this website, we
engage Muslims and the foundations of Islam without trying to be 'PC'.
We feel honesty is better than disguised language. As you can read on
our FAQ, this is out of love, not out of hatred. Thanks, and we're
looking forward to seeing your comments!" This blog is awkward to
describe. On the positive side, it provides some useful information and
external videos; on the negative side, their methods for evangelism and
defending the Christian faith (even as seen in some internal videos)
seem to cause more harm than good (i.e. by going into sensitive
situations and being intentionally controversial, provocative, et al.)
Aramaic Broadcasting Network
(ABN) β "ABN is a non- denominational ministry committed to
presenting the Word of God and its transforming message of Jesus Christ
to Arabic and Aramaic speaking people worldwide through media"
Judaism
Jews
for Jesus β Β© Jews for Jesus
Panentheism
(belief God is
in all)
vs. Shubert Ogden
vs. Charles Hartshorne
vs. Alfred North Whitehead
Pantheism
(belief God is all and all is God)
Divine
Light Mission
Hare
Krishna
Hinduism
New Age Movement
Transcendental
Meditation
Vedanta
Society
Wicca
(neo- paganism)
Zen
Buddhism
Polytheism
(belief in two or more true gods)
Ancient
Egyptian
Ancient
Greek
Confucianism
Hinduism
See under Pantheism
(above) β¦
Jainism
Satanism
Scientology
(not Christian Science)
Operation
Clambake: The Inner Secrets of Scientology β "the
fight against the Church of Scientology on the Net"
Shinto
Taoism
Vedanta
Society
See under Pantheism
(above) β¦
Wicca
(neo- paganism)
See under Pantheism
(above) β¦
Zoroastrianism
(aka Parsiism)
Unclassified
(not yet determined)
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Creation
& Science, et al.
(Intelligent Design and Creationism)
|
When
examining the biological and biochemical details of life, as well as
the fossil evidences of palaeontology, the layers of strata in geology
and scientific data from other fields of science, there are at least
three ways one can examine and evaluate it:
One is to presume (a priori) that there is no creator and everything in
nature is the product of micro- and macro- evolution. This is known as Darwinism or Neo- Darwinism, and is a form of naturalistic science (sometimes
called secular science, since
it is taught in public schools). Its primary advocates are Atheists and
New Atheists, but also includes mostly nominal (e.g., titular) or
liberal Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people who are generally from
other religious beliefs. The weakness of this method is that it is
generally subjective rather than objective. If scientific data suggests
intelligent design or a creator- God, then these possibilities are (a
priori) rejected and claimed to be the result of natural selection.
Another weakness is that no distinction is made between micro-
evolution (which is observable and empirical) and macro- evolution
(which is not observable and not empirical, but presumed).
Another way is to presume (a priori) that there is a creator of some kind and that
everything in nature is the product of creation and micro- evolution.
This is known as Creation Science
or Creationism. Its primary
advocates are fundamentalist Christians, but also includes some other
conservative Christians, Jews and Muslims. Unlike the previous method,
a distinction is made between micro- evolution and macro- evolution.
The weakness of this method is that it is generally subjective rather
than objective. If scientific data suggests macro- evolution, then this
possibility is (a priori) rejected and claimed to be the result of a
Creator- God.
A third way is to presume (a priori) that there may or may not be a creator (or intelligent designer) of some kind,
and that things in nature may be the product of micro- evolution,
macro- evolution, or intelligent design (depending on what the evidence
suggests is the best conclusion). This is known as The Wedge or Intelligent Design, and its
methodology to evaluate the evidence is similar to forensic
science. Its primary advocates are conservative Christians, Jews
and Muslims, but also includes several Deists, Agnostics, people
from other religious beliefs and some atheists. This method recognises
a distinction
between micro- evolution and macro- evolution; it also attempts to
evaluate the scientific data objectively rather than subjectively.
This section addresses Creationism
and Intelligent Design. It is
worth mentioning that in spite of the weakness of Creationism, it does
offer sseveral fascinating and noteworthy considerations that
Intelligent Design does not address. Some of these are addressed under Fossils & Living
Fossils and Interesting Finds (right column,
in the Archæology section).
Links to Atheism and Darwinism are available in Creation & Science,
et al. (right column, under Other
Side of the Fence section)
Intelligent
Design
(aka ID; originally called The
Wedge)
Access
Research Network (ARN) β Intelligent Design. "A non-
profit organization dedicated to providing accessible information on
science, technology and society. We focus on such controversial topics
as genetic engineering, euthanasia, computer technology, environmental
issues, creation / evolution, fetal tissue research, AIDS, and so on.
Through our publications and product offers, we give you the
information you need to orient yourself in today's scientific and
technological world and make informed decisions"
Design
Inference Website β Β© William A. Dembski.
Intelligent Design. The writings of William A. Dembski
Intelligent
Design Undergraduate Research Center β Intelligent
Design. A "student organization dedicated to: 1) investigating
intelligent design as a viable scientific theory; 2) promoting
education and critical thinking about neo- Darwinism; 3) supporting
efforts of those trying to revise school standards to include
discussion of the controversy surrounding evolutionary theory; 4)
providing a forum for high school and college students to present,
debate, and discuss their ideas about intelligent design and neo-
Darwinism; 5) clarifying the debate concerning neo- Darwinism,
intelligent design, and creationism; 6) encouraging creative
exploration of the aesthetic dimensions of design"
The
International Society for Complexity, Information, and Design
(ISCID) β Intelligent Design. A "cross- disciplinary
professional society that investigates complex systems apart from
external programmatic constraints like materialism, naturalism, or
reductionism. The society provides a forum for formulating, testing,
and disseminating research on complex systems through critique, peer
review, and publication. Its aim is to pursue the theoretical
development, empirical application, and philosophical implications of
information- and design- theoretic concepts for complex systems"
Intelligent
Design the Future β Intelligent Design.
"Exploring issues central to the case for intelligent design, from the
Big Bang to the bacterial flagellum and beyond"
Intelligent
Design and Evolution Awareness Center (IDEA) β
Intelligent Design. A "non- profit organization dedicated to promoting
intelligent design theory and fostering good- spirited discussion and a
better understanding over intelligent design theory and the creation-
evolution issue among students, educators, churches, and anyone else
interested"
Intelligent
Design Network β Intelligent Design. "A nonprofit
organization that seeks institutional objectivity in origins science.
Objectivity results from the use of the scientific method without
philosophic or religious assumptions in seeking answers to the
question: Where do we come from? We believe objectivity in the
institutions of science, government and the media will lead not only to
good origins science, but also to constitutional neutrality in this
subjective, historical science that unavoidably impacts religion. We
promote the scientific evidence of intelligent design because proper
consideration of that evidence is necessary to achieve not only
scientific objectivity but also constitutional neutrality"
Book Resources
(Intelligent Design)
I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist
β Β© 2004 Norman L. Geisler and Frank
Turek (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books). The first seven
chapters of this book address matters relevant to science and are
presented in a manner that reflects intelligent design (as explained
above). It contains updated information and explanations that are very
well organised, reasoned, and are written in a manner that is
relatively easy to follow. Chapter eight and the remaining chapters
lead the reader into a Christian Apologetic based on further
considerations and evidences, both from within and without Holy
Scriptures
Media Resources
(Intelligent
Design)
The Case for a Creator β
Β© Lee Strobel. Also available on YouTube
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
β Β© Ben Stein. Also available on YouTube
Creation Science
(aka
Creationism)
Institute of Creation Research
(ICR) β Creation Science. "We believe God has raised up ICR to
spearhead Biblical Christianity's defense against the godless and
compromising dogma of evolutionary humanism. Only by showing the
scientific bankruptcy of evolution, while exalting Christ and the
Bible, will Christians be successful in 'the pulling down of
strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ' (II Corinthians
10:4, 5)"
Answers in Genesis (AiG) β
Creation Science. "An apologetics (i.e., Christianity- defending)
ministry, dedicated to enabling Christians to defend their faith, and
to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus
particularly on providing answers to questions surrounding the book of
Genesis, as it is the most- attacked book of the Bible. We also desire
to train others to develop a biblical worldview, and seek to expose the
bankruptcy of evolutionary ideas, and its bedfellow, a 'millions of
years old' earth (and even older universe)"
Creation Ministries International
(CMI) β Creation Science. "We provide real- world answers to
the most- asked questions in the vital area of creation / evolution,
where the Bible is most under attack todayβ Genesis"
Creation Truth Ministries β Creation
Science. It is "dedicated to defending the authority of the Bible
starting in Genesis. Creation Truth Ministries is a Christian ministry
that seeks to enable believers to defend their faith in an increasingly
secular age." Includes sections (with photos) on their travelling museum exhibits, answers to some challenges and
questions, and some other sections
Article
Archive β Creation Science and Intelligent Design.
Numerous articles covering a wide variety of subjects by several
authors (including scientists from various fields) who are advocates of
either Intelligent Design or Creation Science. Available from Twin Cities Creation
Science Association
CreationDigest.com β
Creation Science. "This site
articulates the worldview that life exists as a result of 'intelligent
design' put in place by the miraculous power of an all- powerful, all-
loving, all- wise Godβ the Designer and Creator of life and the author
of all true science." A backup copy (11 June 2008) is available on
Internet Archive
Book
Resources
(Creation Science)
Refuting Evolution 2 β
Β© 2010 Jonathan Sarfati (Australia: Creation Ministries International).
"Respected CMI scientist Dr Jonathan Sarfati, author of the best-
seller Refuting Evolution,
has written a sequel that comprehensively refutes arguments to support
evolution (as presented in TV documentaries and Scientific American).
Read world- leading evolutionists in their own words, and then find
straightforward answers from science and the Bible. Refuting Evolution 2 will prepare
you to answer the best arguments thrown at you by peers, teachers,
neighbours and sceptics." An updated edition (2011) is also
available
Refuting Evolution β Β©
2007 Jonathan Sarfati (Australia: Creation Ministries International).
"Refuting Evolution is a hard-
hitting critique of the most up- to- date arguments for evolution, to
challenge educators, students and parents. It is a powerful, yet
concise summary of the arguments against evolution and for creation. It
will stimulate much discussion and help students and teachers think
more critically about origins. This top- selling book has over 450,000
copies in print." Also available online with study guide
Refuting Compromise β Β©
2004, 2011 Jonathan Sarfati (Green Forest, Ark.: Master Books). "With
his usual brilliant clarity, Jonathan Sarfati, author of the best-
selling Refuting Evolution
(Vols. 1 and 2) has produced a comprehensive and resounding refutation
of the position of 'progressive creationist' Hugh Ross, whose views are
causing massive confusion about science and the Bible. The most
powerful and scientific defence of a straightforward view of Genesis
creation ever written." Updated and expanded (2011)
Thousands β¦ Not Billions β
Β© Don DeYoung. "Radiometric dating is one of the linchpins of
evolutionary education today. Dr. Don DeYoung shatters this and other
dating methods employed by evolutionists to cast doubt on the
reliability of the Bible and its chronology of Earth history.
Evolutionists seek to undermine faith in Genesis as the true
documentary of the history of the universe. When people are told that a
dinosaur bone has been determined to be tens of millions of years old,
that obviously doesn't square with the biblical record of man being
created on Day 6 with the land animals. But Dr. DeYoung now
demonstrates that Christians no longer have to puzzle over this glaring
contradiction"
Media
Resources
(Creation Science)
Undetermined
(may
reflect intelligent design, creation science, both, or neither)
Other Articles by Jonathan Wells
β Undetermined. A collection of articles
for various publications by Jonathan Wells. Available from Icons of Evolution
Center for Science and Culture β
Undetermined. "A Discovery Institute
program which: *supports research by scientists and other scholars
challenging various aspects of neo- Darwinian theory; *supports
research by scientists and other scholars developing the scientific
theory known as intelligent design; *supports research by scientists
and scholars in the social sciences and humanities exploring the impact
of scientific materialism on culture; *encourages schools to improve
science education by teaching students more fully about the theory of
evolution, including the theory's scientific weaknesses as well is its
strengths"
Origins β Undetermined.
"Features scholarly and popular resources concerning intelligent design
and philosophical theism"
The
True.Origin Archive β Undetermined. "The TrueOrigin
Archive comprises an intellectually honest response to what in
fairness can only be described as evolutionismβ
the doctrine of strict philosophical naturalism as a necessary
presupposition in matters of science history (i.e., origins). β¦ The
question of origins is plainly a matter of science historyβ not the domain of
applied science. Contrary to the unilateral denials of many
evolutionists, one's worldview does indeed play heavily on one's
interpretation of scientific data, a phenomenon that is magnified in
matters concerning origins, where neither repeatability, nor
observation, nor measurementβ the
three immutable elements of the scientific methodβ may be
employed. Many proponents of evolutionism nevertheless persist in
claiming exclusive 'scientific' status for their popularized beliefs,
while heaping out- of- hand dismissal and derision upon all doubters,
spurning the very advice of Darwin himself"
Apologetics Press: Creation vs Evolution
β Undetermined. An informative
apologetics website containing numerous articles covering a wide
variety of subjects including everything from the historicity of
Scripture to scientific matters. A backup copy of the Examine the Evidence multimedia
section (19 Nov 2010) is available on
Internet Archive. Available from Apologetics Press
Book
Resources
Not By Chance β Β© 1998
Lee M. Spetner (Judaica Press)
Media
Resources
Icons in Evolution β Β©
2002 (Randolf Productions)
Darwinism &
Neo- Darwinism
(belief in macro- evolution)
See under Creation and Science, et al. (right
column, in the Other
Side of the Fence: Unbelief & Other Religions section) β¦
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|
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Unbelief
and Other Religions
(beliefs of non- Christian
religions)
|
"Other Side
of the Fence" is divided into two areas. The first area provides
resources from quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions (including cults
and certain schisms of Christianity), which contain problematic,
erroneous and even heretical beliefs, creeds (confessions of faith),
doctrines (teachings) and / or practices from a conservative Christian
perspective. The second area provides resources from non- Christian
religions. Granted, members or advocates of any of the quasi-, pseudo-,
or non- Christian religions listed below may view conservative
Christianity as being on the "other side of the fence."
Regardless, it is encouraged that everyone read the
following document (which I think is valuable to consider, regardless
of your background) before venturing on to examine the links provided
in this section (or any section, for that matter). The short film is
also useful, but certain points are so vague that they overlap into
authentic Christianity (e.g., guilt from sin: While guilt should
accompany and follow sin, many quasi-, pseudo- and non- Christian
religions use guilt as a means of controlβ like when they demand so
many hours, repetitions or acts of 'good works' to either 'atone' for
sin or 'prove' genuine repentance, etc.; however, this distinction
isn't made clear in the film).
Recommended
Are
you the Victim of Mind Control? β Β© 2003 Spotlight
Ministries, Vincent McCann. "The purpose of this article is to give you
the chance to test yourself to see if you are the victim of well known
manipulative mind control techniques." This article also helps readers
recognise "well known manipulative mind control techniques" so they can
avoid being deceived by them
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Mind Control Made Easy: How to Become a
Cult Leader β Β© Free Minds, Inc. A short 12Β½ minute
film that demonstrates some mind control and peer pressure techniques
normally (but not exclusively) used by cults. Available only in RAM
format from RandyTV.com
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Non- Christian
Religions
Agnosticism
(belief God cannot be known even if God
exists)
Atheism &
New Atheism
(belief God does not exist)
See under Creation
& Science, et al. (below,
in Other Side of
the Fence section) β¦
Darwinism
& Neo- Darwinism
(belief in macro- evolution)
See under Creation & Science, et al. (below,
in Other Side of
the Fence section) β¦
Deism
(belief God is removed from creation)
Finite Godism
(belief God is
finite in power or goodness)
Monotheism
(belief in only
one true God)
Islam
Qur'an β Β© Quran.com.
"The goal of this website is to make easily available, the Holy Qur'an
text in many languages with features that allow users to browse verses,
search and listen to recitations of the glorious Qur'an in an
easy-to-use interface"
Quran
Explorer β Β© Quran Explorer Inc. "Our goal is to
spread the message of the Holy Quran to all mankind (Muslims and
non-Muslims) throughout this world free of cost. Furthermore, we want
to advocate peace and tranquility by making people cognizant of the
true message of Islam"
Judaism
Navigating the Bible II (The
Torah) β MT. Online bar / bat mitzvah tutor: Study (with
optional audio) translation, Torah, Haftarot, Brachot, Divrei Torah. Several other
tools are also available through this awesome resource
Judaism 101 β Judaism.
"Judaism 101 is an online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering Jewish
beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays,
practices and customs. My goal is to make freely available a wide
variety of basic, general information about Judaism, written from a
traditional perspective in plain English. This web site has grown
continually for more than 10 years and continues to be updated
periodically. The information in this site is written predominantly
from the Orthodox viewpoint, because I believe that is a good starting
point for any inquiry into Judaism. As recently as 300 years ago, this
was the only Judaism, and it still is the only Judaism in many parts of
the world. Be aware, however, that many Jews do not follow all of the
traditions described here, or do not follow them in the precise form
described here. The Conservative movement believes that these laws and
traditions can change to suit the times, and Reform / Liberal /
Progressive movements believe that individuals can make choices about
what traditions to follow. However, what I present here is the starting
point, the traditions that are being changed or chosen. On some pages,
I have identified variations in practice or belief in other movements"
Works of Flavius Josephus β
Judaism. Includes Antiquities of the
Jews, War of the Jews,
Discourse
to the Greeks concerning Hades, Against Apion, and the Life of Flavius Josephus. Available
from Wesley Center Online
|
Jewish Encyclopedia β Β©
1901β 1906. Judaism. "This online version contains the unedited
contents of the original encyclopedia. Since the original work was
completed almost 100 years ago, it does not cover a significant portion
of modern Jewish History (e.g., the creation of Israel, the Holocaust,
etc.). However, it does contain an incredible amount of information
that is remarkably relevant today"
Babylonian
Talmud β Judaism. Includes a readable scanned image
of each page (in Hebrew) and an audio commentary, which is available in
English (includes Hebrew which is then translated and explained), Ou
and Yiddish. Each audio commentary is available in several audio
formats (MP3 / WMA / RA). Also includes some other useful links.
Available from E-DAF.com
Jews for Judaism β
Judaism. This is "an international organization that provides a wide
variety of counseling services, along with education, and outreach
programs that enable Jews of all ages to rediscover and strengthen
their Jewish heritage." It is primarily a response designed to reach
"out to individuals who have been lured away from Judaism by other
belief systems or through assimilation" by "cults and evangelical
Christians who target Jews for conversion"
Panentheism
(belief God is in all)
Pantheism
(belief
God is all and all is God)
Hinduism
Divine Life Church of Absolute Oneness
β Β© Miro International Pty Ltd.
"Absolute Monism (Advaita Vedanta) means absolute oneness with God. It
teaches the underlying harmony and essential oneness of all life and
all religions; it emphasizes how to achieve the realization of oneness.
β¦ The Divine Life Church of Absolute Oneness is a nonsectarian,
autonomous spiritual organization that upholds the principles and
philosophy of Absolute Oneness, or Advaita Vedanta"
Polytheism
(belief
in two or more gods)
Scientology
(not
Christian Science)
Official
Church of Scientology β "Scientology follows a long
tradition of religious practice. Its roots lie in the deepest beliefs
and aspirations of all great religions, thus encompassing a religious
heritage as old and as varied as man himself. Though drawing upon the
wisdom of some 50,000 years, Scientology is a new religion, one which
has isolated fundamental laws of life and, for the first time,
developed a workable technology that can be applied to help one achieve
a happier and more spiritual existence. Scientology is therefore
something one does, not merely something one believes in." More
information is available in their section on What is Scientology?
Unclassified
(not yet
determined)
Religious Tolerance β Β©
Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. "This website is unlike
almost all other religious sites: It promotes religious freedom, and
diversity as positive cultural values. We do not promote our own
religious beliefs. We can't because we are a multi- faith group. We try
to explain the full diversity of religious belief in North America,
from Asatru to Zoroastrianism, including Christianity, Hinduism, Wicca
and others. We try to describe all viewpoints on controversial
religious topics objectively and fairly. We cover everything from
abortion access to equal rights and protections for homosexuals and
bisexuals, including same- sex marriage, and dozens of other 'hot'
topics"
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Creation
& Science, et al.
(Darwinism & Neo- Darwinism)
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When
examining the biological and biochemical details of life, as well as
the fossil evidences of palaeontology, the layers of strata in geology
and scientific data from other fields of science, there are at least
three ways one can examine and evaluate it:
One is to presume (a priori) that there is no creator and everything in
nature is the product of micro- and macro- evolution. This is known as Darwinism or Neo- Darwinism, and is a form of naturalistic science (sometimes
called secular science, since
it is taught in public schools). Its primary advocates are Atheists and
New Atheists, but also includes mostly nominal (e.g., titular) or
liberal Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people who are generally from
other religious beliefs. The weakness of this method is that it is
generally subjective rather than objective. If scientific data suggests
intelligent design or a creator- God, then these possibilities are (a
priori) rejected and claimed to be the result of natural selection.
Another weakness is that no distinction is made between micro-
evolution (which is observable and empirical) and macro- evolution
(which is not observable and not empirical, but presumed).
Another way is to presume (a priori) that there is a creator of some kind and that
everything in nature is the product of creation and micro- evolution.
This is known as Creation Science
or Creationism. Its primary
advocates are fundamentalist Christians, but also includes some other
conservative Christians, Jews and Muslims. Unlike the previous method,
a distinction is made between micro- evolution and macro- evolution.
The weakness of this method is that it is generally subjective rather
than objective. If scientific data suggests macro- evolution, then this
possibility is (a priori) rejected and claimed to be the result of a
Creator- God.
A third way is to presume (a priori) that there may or may not be a creator (or intelligent designer) of some kind,
and that things in nature may be the product of micro- evolution,
macro- evolution, or intelligent design (depending on what the evidence
suggests is the best conclusion). This is known as The Wedge or Intelligent Design, and its
methodology to evaluate the evidence is similar to forensic
science. Its primary advocates are conservative Christians, Jews
and Muslims, but also includes several Deists, Agnostics, people
from other religious beliefs and some atheists. This method recognises
a distinction
between micro- evolution and macro- evolution; it also attempts to
evaluate the scientific data objectively rather than subjectively.
This section addresses Darwinism
and Neo- Darwinism. Attempts
to find links for naturalistic science (without Atheist or New Atheist
religious agendas) have more or less failed, therefore I have decided
to place all links to Atheism
and New Atheism in this
section. Links to Creationism and Intelligent Design are available
under Creation
& Science, et al. (left column, in Apologetics vs. Unbelief & Other
Religions section)
Atheism &
New Atheism
(belief God does
not exist)
American
Atheists β Β© American Atheists
American Humanist Association β
Β© American Humanist Association
Atheist
Alliance International β Β© Athiest Alliance
International
British
Humanist Society β Β© British Humanist Society
Freedom
from Religion Foundation β Β© Freedom from Religion
Foundation
The
Secular Web β Β© Internet Infidels
Rationalist International β
Β© Rationalist International
The
Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science β
Β© The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science
Book Resources
(Atheism & New Atheism)

Darwinism &
Neo- Darwinism
(belief in
macro- evolution)

Book Resources
(Atheism & New Atheism)

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A note on colour schemes used here.
Some may wonder about the colour schemes that were first introduced in
June 2006 and have been developing since then. In short, areas with
blue background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively safe (orthodox) in
content since they generally do not
promote, advocate, or defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous or heretical material (however, see disclaimer at top of this web
page).
red background contain
links to material that can be considered relatively dangerous (unorthodox)
in content since they generally do
promote, advocate and defend significantly questionable, problematic,
erroneous and even heretical material. Included are resources from
quasi- and pseudo- Christian religions, cults, agnosticism, atheism,
philosophical religions, the occult and other (non- Christian)
religions.
purple background
contain links to material that can be considered relatively confused in content
since they generally provide both
safe (orthodox) and dangerous (unorthodox) material, but for
whatever reason they do not
make any distinction between them. (See disclaimer at top of page.)
Included in this section are Bibles containing the Apocryphal
(Deuterocanonical) writings.
Some may
disagree with the colour schemes I have given to one or more resources,
but that is to be expected. Also, for the sake of clarity, resources
with blue backgrounds do not necessarily reflect my beliefs.
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Councils, Canons
& Statements of Faith
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Councils,
Canons & Statements of Faith
(organised by
date)
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This section offers links to various
church councils, canons and statements of faith. While many Christian
denominations claim that they do not hold to any creeds, their claims
are false because the term 'creed' comes from the Latin word 'credo',
which means "I believe." In other words, a creed is a confession of
common beliefs, and all Christian denominations, pseudo- and quasi-
Christian religions, schisms, sects, cults, and all other religions of
the
world (including atheism and new atheism) hold to a common set of
beliefs which they may openly confess.
All of the dates listed below are Anno Domini (A.D.),
i.e., from the Common Era (C.E.). Due to their clarity
(and to avoid garble from incompatible fonts), I highly recommend that
you download and install the Greek font GentiumAlt.
Note: You may need to close your browser or reboot your computer for
these fonts to take effect.
Christianity Outlawed & Persecuted
in
Roman Empire; no longer seen as sect of Judaism
(ca. 70β 312)
Apostles' Creed (2ndβ 3rd
century) β ecumenical (i.e., recognised universally, by both
the Eastern and Western Churches). This confession of faith is
connected with Holy Baptism, both in the act of being baptised and in
remembering one's baptism:
Formula Marcelli Ancryani
about A.D. 340
Ξ ΞΉΟΟΞ΅α½»Ο Ξ΅αΌ°Ο ΞΈΞ΅α½ΈΞ½ ΟΞ±Ξ½ΟΞΏΞΊΟΞ¬ΟΞΏΟΞ±.
ΞΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΈΞ½ αΌΈΞ·ΟΞΏαΏ¦Ξ½, Οα½ΈΞ½ Ο
αΌ±α½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½ΟΞΏαΏ¦ Οα½ΈΞ½ μονογΡναΏ, Οα½ΈΞ½ ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ αΌ‘ΞΌαΏΆΞ½,
Οα½ΈΞ½ γΡννηθένΟΞ± αΌΞΊ Ξ Ξ½Ξ΅α½»ΞΌΞ±ΟΞΏΟ αΌΞ³α½·ΞΏΟ
ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΞΞ±Οα½·Ξ±Ο ΟαΏΟ ΟΞ±ΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΞΏΟ
, Οα½ΈΞ½ αΌΟα½Ά
Ξ ΞΏΞ½Οα½·ΞΏΟ
Ξ ΞΉΞ»α½±ΟΞΏΟ
ΟΟΞ±Ο
ΟΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ± ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟΞ±Οα½³Ξ½ΟΞ±, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟαΏ ΟΟα½·ΟαΏ αΌ‘ΞΌα½³ΟαΎ³ αΌΞ½Ξ±ΟΟα½±Ξ½ΟΞ±
αΌΞΊ ΟαΏΆΞ½ νΡκΟαΏΆΞ½, αΌΞ½Ξ±Ξ²α½±Ξ½ΟΞ± Ξ΅αΌ°Ο ΟΞΏα½ΊΟ ΞΏα½ΟΞ±Ξ½ΞΏα½ΊΟ, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά καθὡμΡνον αΌΞ½ δΡξιᾷ ΟΞΏαΏ¦
ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟ, α½ΞΈΞ΅Ξ½ Ξ΅αΏ€ΟΞ΅ΟΞ±ΞΉ ΞΊΟίνΡιν ΞΆαΏΆΞ½ΟΞ±Ο ΞΊΞ±α½Ά νΡκΟΞΏα½»Ο.
ΞΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΞ³ΞΉΞΏΞ½ Ξ Ξ½Ξ΅αΏ¦ΞΌΞ±, αΌΞ³α½·Ξ±Ξ½ αΌΞΊΞΊΞ»Ξ·Οα½·Ξ±Ξ½, αΌΟΞ΅ΟΞΉΞ½ αΌΞΌΞ±ΟΟΞΉαΏΆΞ½, ΟΞ±ΟΞΊα½ΈΟ
αΌΞ½α½±ΟΟΞ±ΟΞΉΞ½, [ΞΆΟὴν Ξ±αΌ°α½½Ξ½ΞΉΞΏΞ½].
Philip
Schaff, "Chapter XII: The Development of Catholic Theology in Conflict
with Heresy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed.; vol. 2 in History of the Christian Church;
1858; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 535 Β§141
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Formula Romana
from the 3rd or 4th century
Credo in DEUM PATREM
omnipotentem.
Et in CHRISTUM JESUM, Filium
ejus unicum, Dominum nostrum; qui natus est de Spiritu Sancto et Maria
Virgine; cruicifixus est sub Pontio Pilato, et sepultus; tertia die
resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit in cΕlos; sedet ad dexteram Patris; inde
venturus judicare vivos et mortuos.
Et in SPIRITUM SANCTUM;
Sanctam Ecclesiam; remissionem peccatorum; carnis resurrectionem.
Philip
Schaff, "Chapter XII: The Development of Catholic Theology in Conflict
with Heresy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed.; vol. 2 in History of the Christian Church;
1858; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 535 Β§141
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The Received Text
since
the 6th or 7th century
I
believe in GOD THE FATHER
Almighty, [Maker of heaven and earth].
And in JESUS CHRIST, his
only begotten Son, our Lord; who was [conceived] by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary; [suffered] under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, [dead], and buried. [He descended into Hades]; the third day
He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven; and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father [Almighty]; from thence He shall come to
judge the quick and the dead.
[I believe] in the HOLY GHOST;
the holy [catholic] church, [the communion of saints]; the forgiveness
of sins; the resurrection of the body; [and the life everlasting. Amen].
Philip Schaff, "Chapter XII: The
Development of Catholic Theology in Conflict with Heresy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.;
5th ed.; vol. 2 in History of the
Christian Church; 1858; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson,
2006), 535 Β§141
The Apostles' Creed
I
believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into
hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into
heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From
thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Paul Timothy McCain, Edward Andrew
Engelbrecht, Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith, eds., Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions
(2nd ed.; revised, updated and annotated based on the translation by
William Hermann Theodore Dau and Gerhard Friedrich Bente; St. Louis,
Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 2006), 16
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More
information on the Apostles' Creed is available
from Christian
Cyclopedia. For background information on the Apostles' Creed
and creeds before it, see Philip Schaff, "The Rule of Faith and the
Apostles' Creed," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed.; vol. 2 in History of the Christian Church;
1858; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 528β 534 Β§140.
Additional information on the Old Roman, Gallican (6th century) and modern editions of the Apostles'
Creed along with Scripture references are available on Believe:
Religious Information Source
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Canons of the Seven Ecumenical Councils
β includes documents of all seven
ecumenical councils accepted by the Eastern & Western Churches, and
also includes the Quinisext Council (see below)
which is accepted only by the Eastern Church
Church Councils β
includes links to documents of all
seven ecumenical councils accepted by the Western & Eastern
Churches, the other eleven councils accepted
by Roman Catholicism, and some additional councils. Available on the
Internet Midieval Sourcebook
Council of Carthage held under Cyprian
(257) β mentioned by name by the Quinisext Council in Trullo and said
to be accepted by the Church catholic. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 515β 519. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Christianity Legalised
under
Constantine the Great
(ca. 313)
Council of Ancyra (ca. 314) β
addresses Christians who, for various reasons, rejected or denied the
faith in times of persecution (offering sacrifices to idols and pagan
gods, etc.), but later repented and returned to the Christian faith
after persecution had ended. Also addresses those guilty of bestial
lusts, digamy, adultery, fornication, abortion, murder, homicide,
divination, etc. The canons of this council were ambiguously
acknowledged by the Fourth
Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon, but clearly reaffirmed by the Quinisext Council in Trullo. An excursus on digamy is also
available. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 61β 75. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Council of NeocΓ¦saea (ca. 315) β
deals with several scenerios involving marriage, catechumens who sin,
laymen or ordained ministers who have an adulterous wife, church
workers guilty of a carnal sin, some scenarios involving baptism, the
minimun age for ordination, etc. The canons of this council were
ambiguously acknowledged by the Fourth
Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon, but clearly reaffirmed by the Quinisext Council in Trullo. See
Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 77β 86. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Council of NicΓ¦a (325) β
First
Ecumenical Council. Addressed and condemned Arius and his
doctrines (which includes his assertion that Jesus was a created being
who is of a similar substance
[homoiousion]
rather than of the same
substance [homoousion]
with God the Father). The original Nicene Creed was recorded and
recognised by both the Eastern and Western Churches:
The Nicene Creed of 325
Ξ ΞΉΟΟΡύομΡν Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΞ΅α½ΈΞ½, ΟΞ±Οα½³ΟΞ±
ΟΞ±Ξ½ΟΞΏΞΊΟα½±ΟΞΏΟΞ±, ΟάνΟΟΞ½ α½ΟΞ±ΟαΏΆΞ½ ΟΞ΅ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞΏΟα½±ΟΟΞ½ ΟΞΏΞΉΞ·ΟΞΞ½.
ΞΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ αΌΈΞ·ΟΞΏαΏ¦Ξ½ Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΈΞ½, Οα½ΈΞ½ Ο
αΌ±α½ΈΞ½ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΞΡοῦ⧠γΡννηθένΟΞ± αΌΞΊ ΟΞΏαΏ¦
ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟ [μονογΡναΏβ§ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ΟαΎΏ αΌΟΟΞΉΞ½ αΌΞΊ ΟαΏΟ ΞΏα½Οα½·Ξ±Ο ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟβ§ ΞΞ΅α½ΈΞ½ αΌΞΊ ΞΡοῦ
ΞΊΞ±α½Ά] ΟαΏΆΟ αΌΞΊ ΟΟΟα½ΈΟ, ΞΞ΅α½ΈΞ½ αΌΞ»Ξ·ΞΈΞΉΞ½α½ΈΞ½ αΌΞΊ ΞΡοῦ αΌΞ»Ξ·ΞΈΞΉΞ½ΞΏαΏ¦β§ γΡννηθένΟΞ±, ΞΏα½
ΟΞΏΞΉΞ·ΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ±, α½ΞΌΞΏΞΏα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ ΟαΏ· ΟΞ±ΟΟί⧠δι᾿ ΞΏα½ Οα½° Οα½±Ξ½ΟΞ± αΌΞ³α½³Ξ½Ξ΅ΟΞΏ [Οα½± ΟΞ΅ αΌΞ½ ΟαΏ·
ΞΏα½ΟΞ±Ξ½αΏ· ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οα½° αΌΞ½ ΟαΏ Ξ³αΏβ§] Οα½ΈΞ½ δι᾿ αΌ‘ΞΌαΎΆΟ ΟΞΏα½ΊΟ αΌΞ½ΞΈΟΟΟΞΏΟ
Ο ΞΊΞ±α½Ά διὰ Οὴν
αΌ‘ΞΌΞ΅Οα½³ΟΞ±Ξ½ ΟΟΟΞ·Οα½·Ξ±Ξ½ ΞΊΞ±ΟΡλθόνΟΞ± ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟΞ±ΟΞΊΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ±, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞ½Ξ±Ξ½ΞΈΟΟΟὡΟΞ±Ξ½ΟΞ±β§
ΟΞ±ΞΈα½ΉΞ½ΟΞ± ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞ½Ξ±ΟΟα½±Ξ½ΟΞ± ΟαΏ ΟΟα½·ΟαΏ αΌ‘ΞΌα½³ΟαΎ³, αΌΞ½Ξ΅Ξ»ΞΈα½ΉΞ½ΟΞ± Ξ΅αΌ°Ο ΟΞΏα½ΊΟ ΞΏα½ΟΞ±Ξ½ΞΏα½ΊΟ,
αΌΟΟόμΡνον ΞΊΟα½·Ξ½Ξ±ΞΉ ΞΆαΏΆΞ½ΟΞ±Ο ΞΊΞ±α½Ά νΡκΟΞΏα½ΊΟ.
ΞΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο Οα½Έ αΌ
Ξ³ΞΉΞΏΞ½ ΟΞ½Ξ΅αΏ¦ΞΌΞ±.
[Ξ€ΞΏα½ΊΟ Ξ΄α½² Ξ»α½³Ξ³ΞΏΞ½ΟΞ±Ο, α½
ΟΞΉ αΌ¦Ξ½ ΟΞΏΟΞ΅ α½
ΟΞ΅ ΞΏα½ΞΊ αΌ¦Ξ½β§ ΞΊΞ±α½Άβ§ ΟΟα½ΆΞ½ γΡννηθαΏΞ½Ξ±ΞΉ ΞΏα½ΞΊ αΌ¦Ξ½β§
ΞΊΞ±α½Ά α½
ΟΞΉ αΌΞΎ ΞΏα½ΞΊ α½Ξ½ΟΟΞ½ αΌΞ³α½³Ξ½Ξ΅ΟΞΏβ§ αΌ’ αΌΞΎ αΌΟα½³ΟΞ±Ο α½ΟΞΏΟΟα½±ΟΞ΅ΟΟ αΌ’ ΞΏα½Οα½·Ξ±Ο Οα½±ΟΞΊΞΏΞ½ΟΞ±Ο
Ξ΅αΌΆΞ½Ξ±ΞΉβ§ αΌ’ ΞΊΟΞΉΟΟα½ΈΞ½, αΌ’ ΟΟΞ΅ΟΟα½ΈΞ½, αΌ’ αΌΞ»Ξ»ΞΏΞΉΟΟα½ΈΞ½ Οα½ΈΞ½ Ο
αΌ±α½ΈΞ½ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΞΡοῦβ§
αΌΞ½Ξ±ΞΈΞ΅ΞΌΞ±Οί΢Ρι αΌ‘ αΌΞ³α½·Ξ± καθολικὴ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΟΞΏΟΟολικὴ αΌΞΊΞΊΞ»Ξ·Οα½·Ξ±.
Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX:
Theological Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical
Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 667β 668 Β§129;
cf. Rodney J. Decker, Greek Creeds:
Nicene, Chalcedonian, (PDF, 2004)
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The Nicene Creed
Credimus in unum deum patrem omnipotentem
visibilium et invisibilium factorem. Et in unum dominum Iesum Christum
filium dei, natum de patre, hoc est de substantia patris, deum de deo,
lumen de lumine, deum verum de deo vero, natum non factum, unius
substantiae cum patre, quod Graeci dicunt homousion, per quem omnia
facta sunt sive quae in caelo sive in terra; qui propter nos homines et
propter nostram salutem descendit, incarnatus est, homo factus est,
passus est et resurrexit tertia die, ascendit in caelos venturus
iudicare vivos et mortuos. Et in spiritum sanctum.
Eos autem qui dicunt: erat quando non erat, et: priusquam nasceretur
non erat, et quia ex nullis extantibus factus est, quod Graeci
exuconton dicunt, vel alia substantia, dicentes mutabilem et
convertibilem filium dei, hos anathenatiat catholica et apostolica
ecclesia.
Jaroslav Pelikan and
Valerie Hotchkiss, eds., Early,
Eastern, & Midieval (vol 1 of Creeds and Confessions of Faith in the
Christian Tradition; New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003), 158
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The Nicene Creed of 325
"We believe in one God, the Father
Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible.
"And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of
the Father [the only- begotten, i.e., of the essence of the Father, God
of God, and] Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made
[in heaven and in earth]; who for us men, and for our salvation, came
down and was incarnate and was made man; he suffered, and the third day
he rose again, ascended into heaven; from thence he cometh to judge the
quick and the dead.
"And in the Holy Ghost.
["And those who say: there was a time when he was not;
and: he was not before he was made; and: he was made out of nothing, or
out of another substance or thing, or the Son of God is created, or
changeable, or alterable;β they are condemned by the holy catholic and
apostolic church.]"
Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX:
Theological Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical
Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 668β 669 Β§129;
cf. Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 3
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See
an
article on the Nicene Creed from Christian Cyclopedia
for more information. For background information on the Nicene Creed,
see Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological Controversies, and
Development of the Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.;
5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History
of the Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.:
Hendrickson, 2006), 618β 632 Β§Β§119β 120. Cf. Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 1β 56. To examine several key words that were used in the Greek
and their meaning, see Rodney J. Decker, Greek Creeds: Nicene,
Chalcedonian (PDF, 2004)
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Council of Gangra (ca. 325β 381)
β the canons of this council were
ambiguously acknowledged by the Fourth
Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon, but clearly reaffirmed by the Quinisext Council in Trullo. A synodical letter from this
council is also available. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 87β 101. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Synod of Antoich in Encæniis
(ca. 341) β the canons of this council were ambiguously
acknowledged by the Fourth Ecumenical
Council in Chalcedon, but clearly reaffirmed by the Quinisext Council in Trullo. A synodical letter from this
council is also available. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 103β 121. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Council of Sardica (343 or 344) β
mentioned by name by the Quinisext
Council in Trullo and said to be accepted by the Church
catholic. Other
acts of this council and excursus as to whether this council was
ecumenical are also available. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 411β 436. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Synod of Laodicea (ca. 343β 381)
β the canons of this council were
ambiguously acknowledged by the Fourth
Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon, but clearly reaffirmed by the Quinisext Council in Trullo. An
excursus on the choir offices, worship, vestments, and the minor orders of the early church
are also available. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 123β 160. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
First Council of Constantinople
(381) β Second Ecumenical
Council. Addressed and condemned Macedonius and his doctrines
(which rejected and opposed the divinity of the Holy Spirit). The
conclusions of Nicæa were reaffirmed, the Nicene Creed was expanded on
the subject of the Holy Spirit (this creed is thus known, technically,
as the "Niceno- Constantinopolitan Creed"), and except for the filioque clause (see below) is
recognised as ecumenical
The Nicæno- Constantinopolitan Creed
of 381
Ξ ΞΉΟΟΡύομΡν Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΞ΅α½ΈΞ½, ΟΞ±Οα½³ΟΞ±
ΟΞ±Ξ½ΟΞΏΞΊΟα½±ΟΞΏΟΞ±, ΟΞΏΞΉΞ·Οὴν ΞΏα½ΟΞ±Ξ½ΞΏαΏ¦ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Ξ³αΏΟ, α½ΟΞ±ΟαΏΆΞ½ ΟΞ΅ Οα½±Ξ½ΟΟΞ½ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞΏΟα½±ΟΟΞ½.
ΞΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ αΌΈΞ·ΟΞΏαΏ¦Ξ½ Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΈΞ½ Οα½ΈΞ½ Ο
αΌ±α½ΈΞ½ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΞΡοῦ Οα½ΈΞ½ μονογΡναΏβ§ Οα½ΈΞ½
αΌΞΊ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟ Ξ³Ξ΅Ξ½Ξ½Ξ·ΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ± ΟΟα½Έ Οα½±Ξ½ΟΟΞ½ ΟαΏΆΞ½ Ξ±αΌ°α½½Ξ½ΟΞ½β§ ΟαΏΆΟ αΌΞΊ ΟΟΟα½ΈΟ, ΞΞ΅α½ΈΞ½
αΌΞ»Ξ·ΞΈΞΉΞ½α½ΈΞ½ αΌΞΊ ΞΡοῦ αΌΞ»Ξ·ΞΈΞΉΞ½ΞΏαΏ¦, γΡννηθένΟΞ±, ΞΏα½ ΟΞΏΞΉΞ·ΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ±, α½ΞΌΞΏΞΏα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ ΟαΏ·
ΟΞ±ΟΟὢ⧠δι᾿ ΞΏα½ Οα½° Οα½±Ξ½ΟΞ± αΌΞ³α½³Ξ½Ξ΅ΟΞΏβ§ Οα½ΈΞ½ δι᾿ αΌ‘ΞΌαΎΆΟ ΟΞΏα½ΊΟ αΌΞ½ΞΈΟα½½ΟΞΏΟ
Ο ΞΊΞ±α½Ά διὰ Οὴν
αΌ‘ΞΌΞ΅Οα½³ΟΞ±Ξ½ ΟΟΟΞ·Οα½·Ξ±Ξ½ ΞΊΞ±ΟΡλθόνΟΞ± αΌΞΊ ΟαΏΆΞ½ ΞΏα½ΟΞ±Ξ½αΏΆΞ½, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟΞ±ΟΞΊΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ± αΌΞΊ
ΟΞ½Ξ΅α½»ΞΌΞ±ΟΞΏΟ αΌΞ³α½·ΞΏΟ
ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΞΞ±Οα½·Ξ±Ο ΟαΏΟ ΟΞ±ΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΞΏΟ
, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞ½Ξ±Ξ½ΞΈΟΟΟὡΟΞ±Ξ½ΟΞ±β§
ΟΟΞ±Ο
ΟΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ± ΟΞ΅ α½Οα½²Ο αΌ‘ΞΌαΏΆΞ½ αΌΟα½Ά Ξ ΞΏΞ½Οα½·ΞΏΟ
Ξ ΞΉΞ»α½±ΟΞΏΟ
, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟΞ±ΞΈα½ΉΞ½ΟΞ±, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟΞ±Οα½³Ξ½ΟΞ±,
ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞ½Ξ±ΟΟα½±Ξ½ΟΞ± ΟαΏ ΟΟα½·ΟαΏ αΌ‘ΞΌα½³ΟαΎ³ ΞΊΞ±Οα½° Οα½°Ο Ξ³ΟΞ±Οα½°Ο, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞ½Ξ΅Ξ»ΞΈα½ΉΞ½ΟΞ± Ξ΅αΌ°Ο ΟΞΏα½ΊΟ
ΞΏα½ΟΞ±Ξ½ΞΏα½ΊΟ, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά καθΡ΢όμΡνον αΌΞΊ δΡξιῢν ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟ, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οάλιν αΌΟΟόμΡνον
ΞΌΞ΅Οα½° Ξ΄α½ΉΞΎΞ·Ο ΞΊΟα½·Ξ½Ξ±ΞΉ ΞΆαΏΆΞ½ΟΞ±Ο ΞΊΞ±α½Ά νΡκΟΞΏα½ΊΟβ§ ΞΏα½ ΟαΏΟ Ξ²Ξ±ΟΞΉΞ»Ξ΅α½·Ξ±Ο ΞΏα½ΞΊ αΌΟΟΞ±ΞΉ ΟέλοΟ.
ΞΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο Οα½Έ ΟΞ½Ξ΅αΏ¦ΞΌΞ± Οα½Έ αΌ
Ξ³ΞΉΞΏΞ½, Οα½Έ ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½, Οα½Έ ΞΆΟΞΏΟΞΏΞΉα½ΈΞ½, Οα½Έ αΌΞΊ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟ
αΌΞΊΟΞΏΟΞ΅Ο
όμΡνον, Οα½Έ Οα½ΊΞ½ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½Ά ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Ο
αΌ±αΏ· ΟΟΞΏΟΞΊΟ
νούμΡνον ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟΟ
νδοξα΢όμνον,
Οα½Έ λαλαΏΟΞ±Ξ½ διὰ ΟαΏΆΞ½ ΟΟΞΏΟΞ·ΟαΏΆΞ½.β ΞαΌ°Ο ΞΌα½·Ξ±Ξ½ αΌΞ³α½·Ξ±Ξ½ καθολικὴν ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΟΞΏΟΟολικὴν
αΌΞΊΞΊΞ»Ξ·Οα½·Ξ±Ξ½β§ α½ΞΌΞΏΞ»ΞΏΞ³ΞΏαΏ¦ΞΌΞ΅Ξ½ αΌΞ½ Ξ²α½±ΟΟΞΉΟΞΌΞ± Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΟΞ΅ΟΞΉΞ½ αΌΞΌΞ±ΟΟΞΉαΏΆΞ½β§ ΟΟΞΏΟδοκῢμΡν
αΌΞ½α½±ΟΟΞ±ΟΞΉΞ½ νΡκΟαΏΆΞ½ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΞΆΟὴν ΟΞΏαΏ¦ μέλλονΟΞΏΟ Ξ±αΌ°αΏΆΞ½ΞΏΟ. αΌΞΌα½΅Ξ½.
Philip
Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological Controversies, and Development of the
Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti-
Nicene Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 667β 668 Β§129;
cf. Rodney J. Decker, Greek Creeds:
Nicene, Chalcedonian (PDF, 2004)
|
The Nicæno- Constantinopolitan Creed
Credimus in unum deum patrem omnipotentem,
factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium; et in unum
dominum Iesum Christum filium dei unigenitum, ex patre natum ante omnia
saecula, deum ex deo, lumen ex lumine, deum verum ex deo vero, natum
non factum, omousion patri, hoc est eiusdem cum patre substantiae, per
quem omnia facta sunt, qui propter nos homines et nostram salutem
descendit et incarnatus est de spiritu sancto et Maria virgine
humanatus est et crucifixus pro nobis est sub Pontio Pilato et sepultus
et tertia die resurrexit et ascendit in caelis et sedit ad dexeram
patris et iterum venturus cum gloria iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius
regni non erit finis; et in spiritum sanctu, dominum et vivificatorem,
ex patre procedentem, cum patre et filio coadorandum et
conglorificandum, qui locutus est per prophetas; in unam catholicam et
apostolicam ecclesiam; confitemur unum baptisma in remissionem
peccatorum et expectamus resurrectionem mortuorum et vitam futuri
saeculi. amen.
Jaroslav Pelikan and
Valerie Hotchkiss, eds., Early,
Eastern, & Midieval (vol 1 of Creeds and Confessions of Faith in the
Christian Tradition; New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003), 162
|
The Nicæno- Constantinopolitan Creed
of 381
(without
filioque)
"We
believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and
of all things visible and invisible.
"And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only- begotten Son of
God, begotten of the Father before all worlds (Γ¦ons), Light of Light,
very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with
the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our
salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost
of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; he was crucified for us under
Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose
again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and
sitteth on the right hand of the Father; from thence he cometh again,
with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have
no end.
"And in the Holy Ghost, who is Lord and Giver of life, who
proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is
worshipped and glorified, who spake by the prophets.β In one holy
catholic and apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the
remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the
life of the world to come. Amen."
Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX:
Theological Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical
Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 668β 669 Β§129;
cf. Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 163
The Nicene Creed
(with
filioque)
I
believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only- begotten Son of
God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of
Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance
with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for
our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy
Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for
us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day
He rose again according to Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits
at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to
judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of
Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with thr Father and
the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge
one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection
of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Paul Timothy McCain, Edward
Andrew Engelbrecht, Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith,
eds., Concordia: The Lutheran
Confessions (2nd ed.; revised, updated and annotated based on
the translation by William Hermann Theodore Dau and Gerhard Friedrich
Bente; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 2006), 16
|
The
controversial filioque clause
(i.e., "And in the Holy Ghost β¦ who proceedeth from the Father and the
Son") was likely influenced by Augustine's trinitarian theology and had
its roots in Spain (against the Arian heresy). It was first added at
the Council of Toledo (589), but was not widely used in the Western
Church until about the beginning of the ninth century, under the reign
of Charlemagne. It was not recognised by the Pope of Rome until about
the eleventh century, and it was not officially sanctioned until the
Second Council of Lyons (1274). The filioque
clause (among other issues) contributed to the Great Schism between
Eastern and Western Churches (which lasted until the late 20th century,
but the filioque remains unrecognised by the Eastern Church to this
day).
More information on the Nicæno-
Constantinopolitan Creed is available from the Christian Cyclopedia
(see under Nicene Creed). For additional
background information on this council and creed, see Philip Schaff,
"Chapter IX: Theological Controversies, and Development of the
Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed.,
revised; vol. 3 in History of the
Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson,
2006), 632β 689 Β§Β§121β 131, 705β 714 Β§Β§135β 136; Philip Schaff, NPNF2, XIV: 161β 190 (both are available
on Christian Classics Ethereal Library). To examine several key words
that were used in the Greek and their meaning, see Rodney J. Decker, Greek Creeds: Nicene,
Chalcedonian (PDF only). Traditional
and modern English translations with additional information are
available on Believe: Religious Information Source
|
Council of Constantinople held
under Nectarius (394) β mentioned by name by the Quinisext Council in Trullo and said
to be accepted by the Church catholic. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 511β 514. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Code of Canons of the African Church,
a.k.a. Canons
of the 217 Blessed Fathers who Assembled At Carthage (419) β
mentioned by name by the Quinisext
Council in Trullo and said to be accepted by the Church
catholic. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 437β 510. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Council of Ephesus (431) β
Third
Ecumenical Council. Addressed and condemned Nestorius (a bishop
of Constantinople) and his doctrines; the true personal unity of Christ
was defined, the virgin Mary was declared the Mother of God (θΡοΟα½ΉΞΊΞΏΟ, theotokos),
and the condemnation of Pelagius along with his doctrines was
reaffirmed. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 191β 242; for background information to this council, see Philip
Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological Controversies, and Development of the
Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti-
Nicene Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History
of the Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.:
Hendrickson, 2006), 632β 689 Β§Β§121β 131, 714β 733 Β§Β§137β 139, 785β 856
Β§Β§146β 158. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
First Council
of Orange (441) β deals with "the administration of the
sacraments (canons i- iv, xii- xvii), the right of sanctuary (v- vi),
mutual episcopal relations (viii- xi), catechumens (xviii- xx), bishops
(xxi, xxx), the marriage of clerics (xxii- xxv), deaconesses (xxvi),
widowhood and virginity (xxvii- xxviii), the holding of councils
(xxix)." Learn more about the first and second Councils of Orange from the
Catholic Encyclopedia
Second Council of Ephesus, a.k.a. Council of Robbers (449) β
reaffirmed condemnation of Nestorius, but Dioscorus of Alexandra
"presided, with brutal violence, protected by monks and an armed
soldiery" (HCC 3:736) to force
his erroneous rejection of the two natures in Christ (Dyophysitism) and
promotion of the erroneous teachings of Eutyches (Monophysitism). This
council was nullified by the Council of Chalcedon (451). For more
background information, see Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological
Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.;
5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History
of the Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.:
Hendrickson, 2006), 734β 747 Β§Β§140β 141
|
Council of Chalcedon (451) β
Fourth
Ecumenical Council. Addressed and condemned Eutyches and his
doctrines; the two natures in Christ were also defined (Dyophysitism).
Includes what is known as the Chalcedon Creed:
The Symbol of Chalcedon
(22 October 451)
αΌΟόμΡνοι ΟΞΏα½·Ξ½Ο
Ξ½ ΟΞΏαΏΟ αΌΞ³α½·ΞΏΞΉΟ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½±ΟΞΉΞ½
αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ α½ΞΌΞΏΞ»ΞΏΞ³Ξ΅αΏΞ½ Ο
αΌ±α½ΈΞ½ Οα½ΈΞ½ ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ αΌ‘ΞΌαΏΆΞ½ αΌΈΞ·ΟΞΏαΏ¦Ξ½ Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΈΞ½
ΟΟ
ΞΌΟα½½Ξ½ΟΟ αΌ
ΟΞ±Ξ½ΟΞ΅Ο αΌΞΊΞ΄ΞΉΞ΄α½±ΟκομΡν, ΟέλΡιον Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ αΌΞ½ ΞΈΞ΅α½ΉΟΞ·ΟΞΉ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΟέλΡιον
Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ αΌΞ½ αΌΞ½ΞΈΟΟΟα½ΉΟΞ·ΟΞΉ, ΞΈΞ΅α½ΈΞ½ αΌΞ»Ξ·ΞΈαΏΆΟ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά αΌΞ½ΞΈΟΟΟΞΏΞ½ αΌΞ»Ξ·ΞΈαΏΆΟ Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½, αΌΞΊ
ΟΟ
ΟαΏΟ λογικαΏΟ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οα½½ΞΌΞ±ΟΞΏΟ, α½ΞΌΞΏΞΏα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ ΟαΏ· ΟΞ±ΟΟα½Ά ΞΊΞ±Οα½° Οὴν ΞΈΞ΅α½ΉΟΞ·ΟΞ±, ΞΊΞ±α½Ά
α½ΞΌΞΏΞΏα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ αΌ‘ΞΌαΏΞ½ ΞΊΞ±Οα½° Οὴν αΌΞ½ΞΈΟΟΟα½ΉΟΞ·ΟΞ±, ΞΊΞ±Οα½° Οα½±Ξ½ΟΞ± α½
ΞΌΞΏΞΉΞΏΞ½ αΌ‘ΞΌαΏΞ½
ΟΟΟα½ΆΟ αΌΞΌΞ±ΟΟα½·Ξ±Οβ§ ΟΟα½Έ Ξ±αΌ°α½½Ξ½ΟΞ½ ΞΌα½²Ξ½ αΌΞΊ ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΟΞ±ΟΟα½ΈΟ Ξ³Ξ΅Ξ½Ξ½Ξ·ΞΈα½³Ξ½ΟΞ± ΞΊΞ±Οα½° Οὴν
ΞΈΞ΅α½ΉΟΞ·ΟΞ±, αΌΟαΎΏ αΌΟΟα½±ΟΟΞ½ Ξ΄α½² ΟαΏΆΞ½ αΌ‘ΞΌΞ΅ΟαΏΆΞ½ Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ δι᾿ αΌ‘ΞΌαΎΆΟ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά διὰ Οὴν
αΌ‘ΞΌΞ΅Οα½³ΟΞ±Ξ½ ΟΟΟΞ·Οα½·Ξ±Ξ½ αΌΞΊ ΞΞ±Οα½·Ξ±Ο ΟαΏΟ ΟΞ±ΟΞΈα½³Ξ½ΞΏΟ
ΟαΏΟ θΡοΟα½ΉΞΊΞΏΟ
ΞΊΞ±Οα½° Οὴν
αΌΞ½ΞΈΟΟΟα½ΉΟΞ·ΟΞ±, αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΉΞ½, Ο
αΌ±α½ΉΞ½, ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½, μονογΡνὡ, αΌΞΊ Ξ΄α½»ΞΏ
Οα½»ΟΞ΅ΟΞ½ [or αΌΞ½ Ξ΄α½»ΞΏ Οα½»ΟΞ΅ΟΞΉΞ½], αΌΟΟ
Ξ³Οα½»ΟΟΟ, αΌΟΟα½³ΟΟΟΟ, αΌΞ΄ΞΉΞ±ΞΉΟα½³ΟΟΟ, αΌΟΟΟα½·ΟΟΟΟ,
Ξ³Ξ½ΟΟι΢όμΡνον⧠οα½Ξ΄Ξ±ΞΌΞΏαΏ¦ ΟαΏΟ ΟαΏΆΞ½ Οα½»ΟΞ΅ΟΞ½ διαΟΞΏΟαΎΆΟ αΌΞ½αΏΟΞ·ΞΌα½³Ξ½Ξ·Ο Ξ΄ΞΉα½° Οὴν
αΌΞ½ΟΟΞΉΞ½, ΟΟΞΆΞΏΞΌα½³Ξ½Ξ·Ο Ξ΄α½² μᾢλλον ΟαΏΟ ἰδιόΟΞ·ΟΞΏΟ αΌΞΊΞ±Οα½³ΟΞ±Ο Οα½»ΟΞ΅ΟΟ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Ξ΅αΌ°Ο αΌΞ½
ΟΟα½ΉΟΟΟΞΏΞ½ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά ΞΌα½·Ξ±Ξ½ α½Οα½ΉΟΟΞ±ΟΞΉΞ½ ΟΟ
Ξ½ΟΟΞ΅ΟΞΏα½»ΟΞ·Ο, ΞΏα½Ο Ξ΅αΌ°Ο Ξ΄α½»ΞΏ ΟΟα½ΉΟΟΟΞ±
ΞΌΞ΅Οι΢όμΡνον αΌ’ διαιΟούμΡνον, αΌΞ»Ξ»αΎΏ αΌΞ½Ξ± ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οα½ΈΞ½ Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΞ½ Ο
αΌ±α½ΈΞ½ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά μονογΡναΏ,
ΞΈΞ΅α½ΈΞ½ Ξ»α½ΉΞ³ΞΏΞ½, ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΞ½ αΌΈΞ·ΟΞΏαΏ¦Ξ½ Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΉΞ½β§ ΞΊΞ±ΞΈα½±ΟΞ΅Ο αΌΞ½ΟθΡν ΞΏαΌ± ΟΟΞΏΟαΏΟΞ±ΞΉ ΟΞ΅Οα½Ά
Ξ±α½ΟΞΏαΏ¦ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Ξ±α½Οα½ΈΟ αΌ‘ΞΌαΎΆΟ α½ ΞΊα½»ΟΞΉΞΏΟ αΌΈΞ·ΟΞΏαΏ¦Ο Ξ§ΟΞΉΟΟα½ΈΟ αΌΞΎΞ΅ΟαίδΡΟ
ΟΞ΅ ΞΊΞ±α½Ά Οα½Έ ΟαΏΆΞ½
ΟΞ±Οα½³ΟΟΞ½ αΌ‘ΞΌαΏΞ½ ΟΞ±ΟΞ±Ξ΄α½³Ξ΄ΟΞΊΞ΅ Ούμβολον.
Philip Schaff, ed. "III.
Symbolum Chalcedonense," in The
Greek and Latin Creeds (rev. by David S. Schaff; 3 vols.; sixth
ed.; vol. 2 in The Creeds of
Christendom; 1889, 1931; repr. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker,
2007), 62β 63
|
Symbolum Chalcedonense
(22
October 451)
Sequentes igitur sanctos patres, unum
eundemque confiteri FILIUM et DOMINUM
NOSTRUM JESUM
CHRISTUM
consonanter omnes docemus, eundem perfectum in deitate et eundem
perfectum in humanitate; Deum verum et hominem verum eundem ex anima
rationali et corpore; consubstantialem Patri secundum deitatem,
consubstantialem nobis eundem secundum humanitatem; 'per omnia nobis
similem, absque peccato' (Heb. iv.): ante secula quidem de Patre
genitum secundum deitatem; in novissimis autem diebus eundem propter
nos et propter nostram salutem ex Maria virgine, Dei genitrice secundum
humanitatem; unum eundemque Christum, filium, Dominum, unigenitum, in
duabus naturis INCONFUSE, IMMUTABILITER, INDIVISE, INSEPERABILITER agnoscendum: nusquam sublata differentia
naturarum propter unitionem, magisque salva proprietate utriusque
naturæ, et in unam personam atque subsistentiam concurrente: non in
duos personas partitum aut divisum, sed unum eundemque Filium et
unigenitum, Deum verbum, Dominum Jesum Christum; sicut ante prophetæ de
eo et ipse nos Jesus Christus erudivit et patrum nobis symbolum
tradidit.
Philip Schaff, ed. "III.
Symbolum Chalcedonense," in The
Greek and Latin Creeds (rev. by David S. Schaff; 3 vols.; sixth
ed.; vol. 2 in The Creeds of
Christendom; 1889, 1931; repr. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker,
2007), 63
|
The Chalcedonian Creed
We,
then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to
confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect
in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a
reasonable [rational] soul and body; consubstantial [coessential] with
the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us
according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin;
begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in
these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin
Mary, the Mother of God, according to the Manhood; one and the same
Christ, Son, Lord, Only- begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of
natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the
property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person
and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one
and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus
Christ, as the prophets from the beginning [have declared] concerning
him, and the Lord Jesus Christ himself has taught us, and the Creed of
the holy Fathers has handed down to us.
Philip Schaff, ed. "III.
Symbolum Chalcedonense," in The
Greek and Latin Creeds (rev. by David S. Schaff; 3 vols.; sixth
ed.; vol. 2 in The Creeds of
Christendom; 1889, 1931; repr. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker,
2007), 62β 63
|
More
background information on this council and the Chalcedonian Creed is available
from
the Christian
Cyclopedia. See also Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological
Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.;
5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History
of the Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.:
Hendrickson, 2006), 734β 762 Β§Β§140β 142; Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 243β 295 (both are available on Christian Classics Ethereal
Library). To examine several key words that appear in the Greek and
their meaning, see Rodney J. Decker, Greek Creeds: Nicene,
Chalcedonian (PDF only)
|
Athanasian Creed (ca. 5th
century) β ecumenical. Ascribed to Athanasius, but unlikely
since early councils do not mention this creed, its original form is
Latin (whereas Athanasius wrote in Greek), and it reflects the
trinitarian theology of Ambrose (d. 397), Augustine (writings on The Trinity, 415), and Vincentius
of Lerinum (Commonitorium,
434). Likely originated in southern Gaul (France)
The Athanasian Creed
(Quicunque
Vult)
Quicunque
vult salvus esse, ante omnia opus est, ut teneat catholicam fidem. [2] Quam nisi quisque integram inviolatamque
servaverit, absque dubio in Γ¦ternum peribit.
[3] Fides autem catholica hæc est, ut unum
Deum in trinitate, et trinitatem in unitate veneremur; [4] Neque confundentes personas; neque
substantiam seperantes.
[5] Alia est enim persona Patris: alia Filii:
alia Spiritus Sancti. [6] Sed Patris, et Filii et Spiritus Sancti
una est divinitas: æqualis gloria, coæterna maiestas.
[7] Qualis Pater, talis Filius, talis (et)
Spiritus Sanctus. [8] Increatus Pater: increatus Filius:
increatus (et) Spiritus Sanctus. [9] Immensus Pater: immensus Filius: immensus
(et) Spiritus Sanctus. [10] Γternus Pater: Γ¦ternus Filius: Γ¦ternus
(et) Spiritus Sanctus. [11] Et tamen non tres Γ¦terni: sed unus
Γ¦ternus. [12]
Sicut non tres increati: nec tres immensi: sed unus increatus et unus
immensus. [13]
Similiter omnipotens Pater: omnipotens Filius: omnipotens (et) Spiritus
Sanctus. [14] Et
tamen non tres omnipotentes; sed unus omnipotens.
[15] Ita Deus Pater: Deus Filius: Deus (et)
Spiritus Sanctus. [16] Et tamen non tres Dii; sed unus est Deus.
[17] Ita Dominus Pater: Dominus Filius:
Dominus (et) Spiritus Sanctus. [18] Et tamen non tres Domini; sed unus est
Dominus. [19] Quia
sicut singulatim unamquamque personam et Deum et Dominum confiteri
christiana veritate compellimur: [20] Ita tres Deos, aut (tres) Dominos dicere
catholica religione prohibemur.
[21] Pater a nullo est factus; nec creatus;
nec genitus. [22]
Filius a Patre solo est: non factus; nec creatus; sed genitus. [23] Spiritus Sanctus a Patre et Filio: non
factus; nec creatus; nec genitus (est); sed procedens. [24] Unus ergo Pater, non tres Patres: unus
Filius, non tres Filii: unus Spiritus Sanctus, non tres Spiritus
Sancti. [25] Et in
hac trinitate nihil prius, aut posterius: nihil maius, aut minus. [26] Sed totæ tres personæ coæternæ sibi sunt
et coæquales. [27]
Ita, ut per omnia, sicut jam supra dictum est, et unitas in trinitate
et trinitas in unitate veneranda sit. [28] Qui vult ergo salvus esse, ita de
trinitate sentiat.
[29] Sed necessarium est ad Γ¦ternam salutem,
ut incarnationem quoque Domini nostri Jesu Christi fideliter credat. [30] Est ergo fides recta ut credamus et
confiteamur quod Dominus noster Jesus Christus, Dei Filius, Deus
pariter et Homo est. [31] Deus ex substantia Patris, ante sacula
genitus, et Homo ex substantia matris, in seculo natus. [32] Perfectus Deus: perfectus Homo, ex anima
rationali et humana carne subsistens. [33] Γqualis Patri secundum divinitatem: minor
Patre secundum humanitatem.
[34] Qui licet Deus sit et Homo; non duo
tamen, sed unus est Christus. [35] Unus autem, non conversione divinitatis
in carnem, sed assumtione humanitatis in Deum. [36] Unus omnino, non confusione substantiæ,
sed unitate personæ. [37] Nam sicut anima rationalis et caro unus
est homo: ita Deus et Homo unus est Christus.
[38] Qui passus est pro salute nostra:
descendit ad inferos: tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. [39] Ascendit ad cΕlos: sedet ad dexteram
(Dei) Patris omnipotentis: [40] Inde venturus (est), judicare vivos et
mortuos. [41] Ad
cuius adventum omnes homines resurgere habent cum corporibus suis; [42] Et reddituri sunt de factis propriis
rationem. [43] Et
qui bona egerunt, ibunt in vitam Γ¦ternam; qui vero mala, in ignem
Γ¦ternum.
[44] Hæc est fides catholica, quam nisi
quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit, salvus esse non poterit.
Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX:
Theological Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical
Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 690β 695 Β§132
|
The Athanasian Creed
Whosoever
will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the
catholic [true Christian] faith [2] Which faith except
every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish
everlastingly.
[3] But this is the catholic faith: That we
worship one God in trinity, and trinity in unity; [4]
Neither confounding the persons; nor dividing the substance.
[5] For there is one person of the Father:
another of the Son: another of the Holy Ghost. [6] But the
Godhead of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all
one: the glory equal, the majesty coΓ«ternal.
[7] Such as the Father is, such is the Son,
and such is the Holy Ghost. [8] The Father is uncreated:
the Son is uncreated: the Holy Ghost is uncreated. [9] The
Father is immeasurable: the Son is immeasurable: the Holy Ghost is
immeasurable. [10] The Father is eternal: the Son eternal:
the Holy Ghost eternal. [11] And yet there are not three
eternals; but one eternal. [12] As also there are not three
uncreated: nor three immeasurable: but one uncreated, and one
immeasurable. [13] So likewise the Father is almighty: the
Son almighty: and the Holy Ghost almighty. [14] And yet
there are not three almighties: but one almighty.
[15] So the Father is God: the Son is God: and
the Holy Ghost is God. [16] And yet there are not three
Gods; but one God. [17] So the Father is Lord: the Son
Lord: and the Holy Ghost Lord. [18] And yet not three
Lords; but one Lord. [19] For like as we are compelled by
the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God
and Lord: [20] So are we forbidden by the catholic religion
to say, there are three Gods, or three Lords.
[21] The Father is made of none; neither
created; nor begotten. [22] The Son is of the Father alone:
not made; nor created; but begotten. [23] The Holy Ghost is
of the Father and the Son: not made; neither created; nor begotten; but
proceeding. [24] Thus there is one Father, not three
Fathers: one Son, not three Sons: one Holy Ghost, not three Holy
Ghosts. [25] And in this Trinity none is before or after
another: none is greater or less than another. [26] But the
whole three Persons are co- eternal together, and co- equal. [27]
So that in all things, as aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity, and the
Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. [28] He therefore
that will be saved, must thus think of the Trinity.
[29] Furthermore, it is necessary to
everlasting salvation, that we believe also rightly in the incarnation
of our Lord Jesus Christ. [30] For the right faith is, that
we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is
God and Man. [31] God, of the substance of the Father,
begotten before the worlds: and Man, of the substance of his mother,
born in the world. [32] Perfect God: perfect Man, of a
reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. [33] Equal to
the Father as touching His Godhead: and inferior to the Father as
touching His Manhood.
[34] And although He be God and Man; yet He is
not two, but one Christ. [35] One, not by conversion of the
Godhead into flesh; but by assumption of the Manhood into God. [36]
One altogether, not by confusion of substance; but by unity of person. [37]
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man; so God and Man is one
Christ.
[38] Who suffered for our salvation: descended
into hades: rose again the third day from the dead. [39] He
ascended into heaven: He sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father
almighty: [40] From whence He shall come to judge the quick
and the dead. [41] At whose coming all men must rise again
with their bodies; [42] And shall give account for their
own works. [43] And they that have done good shall go into
life everlasting; but they that have done evil, into everlasting fire.
[44] This is the catholic faith; which except
a man believe truly and firmly, he can not be saved.
Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX:
Theological Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical
Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 690β 695 Β§132
The Athanasian Creed
Whoever
wants to be saved must, above all, hold the catholic faith. Whoever
does not keep it whole and inviolate will doubtless perish eternally.
This, however, is the catholic faith: that we worship one
God in trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons
nor dividing the substance.
For the person of the Father is one, that of the Son
another, and that of the Holy Spirit still another, but the deity of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is oneβ equal in glory,
coequal in majesty.
What the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy
Spirit. The Father is uncreated; the Son is uncreated; the Holy Spirit
is uncreated. The Father is unlimited; the Son is unlimited; the Holy
Spirit is unlimited. The Father is eternal; the Son is eternal; the
Holy Spirit is eternalβ and yet there are not three eternal beings but
one who is eternal, just as there are not three uncreated or unlimited
beings, but one who is uncreated and unlimited. In the same way, the
Father is almighty; the Son is almighty; the Holy Spirit is almightyβ
and yet there are not three almighty beings but one who is almighty.
Thus, the Father is God; the Son is God; the Holy Spirit
is Godβ and yet there are not three gods but one God. Thus, the Father
is Lord; the Son is Lord; the Holy Spirit is Lordβ and yet there are
not three lords, but one Lord. For just as we are compelled by the
Christian truth to confess that each distinct person is God and Lord,
so we are forbidden by the catholic religion to say there are three
gods or three lords.
The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten by
anyone. The Son is from the Father alone, not made or created but
begotten. The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son, not made or
created or begotten but proceeding. Therefore there is one Father, not
three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy
spirits. And in this Trinity none is before or after, greater or less
than another, but all three persons are in themselves coeternal and
coequal, so that (as has been stated above) in all things the Trinity
in unity and the Unity in trinity must be worshiped. Therefore, who
wants to be saved should think thus about the Trinity.
But it is necessary for eternal salvation that one also
faithfully believe the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore
it is the true faith that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, is at once God and a human being. He is God,
begotten from the substance of the Father before all ages, and a human
being, born from the substance of his mother in this age. He is perfect
God and a perfect human being, composed of a rational soul and human
flesh. He is equal to the Father with respect to his divinity, less
than the Father with respect to his humanity.
Although he is God and a human being, nevertheless he is
not two but one Christ. However, he is one not by the changing of the
divinity in the flesh but by the taking up of the humanity in God.
Indeed, he is one not by a confusion of substance but by a unity of
person. For, as the rational soul and the flesh are one human being, so
God and the human being are one Christ.
He suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose
from the dead, ascended into the heavens, is seated at the right hand
of the Father, from where he will come to judge the living and the
dead. At his coming all human beings will rise with their bodies and
will give an account of their own deeds. Those who have done good
things will enter into eternal life, and those who have done evil
things into eternal fire.
This is the catholic faith; a person cannot be saved
without believing this firmly and faithfully.
Robert Kolb and Timothy J.
Wengert, eds., The Book of Concord:
The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (translated
by Charles Arand, Eric Gritsch, Robert Kolb, William Russell, James
Schaaf, Jane Strohl, Timothy J. Wengert; Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg
Fortress Press, 2000), 24β 25
|
More
information on the Athanasian Creed is available
from the Christian
Cyclopedia. For additional background information on this creed,
see Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological Controversies, and
Development of the Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.;
5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History
of the Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.:
Hendrickson, 2006), 689β 698 Β§132 (available on Christian Classics
Ethereal Library). The Latin and English versions with
some additional information are available on Believe: Religious
Information Source
|
Second Council of Orange (529) β
addressed and condemned semi- Pelagianism. See Philip Schaff, "Chapter
IX: Theological Controversies, and Development of the Ecumenical
Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene
Christianity (8 vols.; 5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History of the Christian Church;
1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 857β 870 Β§Β§159β 160
(available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library). Also available here on the Eternal Word
Television Network (ETWN)
Second Council of Constantinople
(553) β Fifth Ecumenical
Council. Addressed and condemned the errors of "the Three
Chapters"β i.e., Theodore (bishop of Mopsuestia and teacher of Nestorius), the anti-
Cyrillian writings of
Theodoret (bishop of Cyros [Cyrrhus | Cyr]), and the letter of Ibas (bishop of Edessa
and friend of Nestorius).
Also reaffirmed the condemnation of "Arius, Eunomius, Macedonius,
Apollinaris, Nestorius, Eutyches and Origen, as well as their impious
writings" (NPNF2,
314). The canons and conclusions of the first four ecumenical councilsβ
especially from the Council of
Chalcedon (431), which were challenged by some hereticsβ were
reaffirmed. See Philip Schaff, "Chapter IX: Theological Controversies,
and Development of the Ecumenical Orthodoxy," in Anti- Nicene Christianity (8 vols.;
5th ed., revised; vol. 3 in History
of the Christian Church; 1867; repr. Peabody, Mass.:
Hendrickson, 2006), 762β 783 Β§Β§143β 145; Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 297β 323. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Council of Toledo (675) β
a small local council. "The official value of this document consists in
the fact that in subsequent centuries it was kept in highest regard and
considered a genuine expression of the Trinitarian faith; it is one of
the important formulas of doctrine. In fact, hardly anywhere is the
reflection of the early Church on the Trinitarian mystery and on Christ
expressed with such precision and acumen as in this Creed which sums up
the tradition of the earlier Councils and patristic theology of the
West." Recognised only by the Western Church. Available on the Eternal
Word Television Network (ETWN)
Third Council of Constantinople
(680β 681) β Sixth Ecumenical
Council. Addressed and condemned Sergius, Pyrrhus, Paul,
Macarius, all their followers, along with their doctrines; the doctrine
of the two wills in Christ (divine and the human) was defined as two
distinct principles of operation (Dyothelitism) to end Monothelitism;
also condemned Pope Honorius I (of Rome, 625β 638) and his Monothelite
teachings. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 325β 353. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Council of Trullo, a.k.a. Quinisext Council (692 or 697) β
detailed canons and rulings are approved by name in Canon 2 of this
synod. Recognised only by the Eastern Church. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 355β 408, 589β 615. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal
Library
Second Council of NicΓ¦a (787) β
Seventh
Ecumenical Council. The veneration of holy images was
authoritised. See Philip Schaff, NPNF2,
XIV: 521β 587. Available on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Ecumenicalism Ends
between Eastern and Western Churches
Fourth Council of Constantinople
(869β 870) β Eighth Council. "Consigned to the flames the Acts
of an irregular council (conciliabulum)
brought together by Photius against Pope Nicholas and Ignatius the
legitimate Patriarch of Constantinople; it condemned Photius who had
unlawfully seized the patriarchal dignity. The Photian Schism, however,
triumphed in the Greek Church, and no other general council took place
in the East" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent).
Recognised only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
The Great Schism
between
Eastern and Western Churches
(16 July 1054)
Waldensian
Confession of Faith
(ca. 1120 / 1544) β Anabaptist (Waldenses). The beliefs,
teachings and
writings of Peter Waldo mixed with those of Arnold of Brescia, Pierre
de Bruys, and others. Anabaptists and denominations with Anabaptist
roots claim to have their roots in these early reformers. Available on The Reformed Reader
|
First Lateran Council (1123) β
Nineth Council. "It abolished the right claimed by lay princes, of
investiture with ring and crosier to ecclesiastical benefices and dealt
with church discipline and the recovery of the Holy Land from the
infidels" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent).
Recognised only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Second Lateran Council (1139) β
Tenth Council. "Its object was to put an end to the errors of Arnold of
Brescia" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent). For
information on Arnold of Brescia, see Philip Schaff, "Chapter IV: The
Papacy from the Concordat of Worms to Innocent III. A. D. 1122β 1198,"
in The
Middle Ages (8 vols.; 1st ed.; vol. 5 in History of the Christian Church;
1907; repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2006), 96β 102 Β§26. Recognised
only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Third Lateran Council (1179) β
Eleventh Council. "It condemned the Albigenses and Waldenses and issued
numerous decrees for the reformation of morals" (The 21 Ecumenical
Councils, available on New Advent). Recognised only by the Western
Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Fourth Lateran Council (1215) β
Twelfth Council. "It issued an enlarged creed (symbol) against the
Albigenses (Firmiter credimus),
condemned the Trinitarian errors of Abbot Joachim, and published 70
important reformatory decrees. This is the most important council of
the Middle Ages, and it marks the culminating point of ecclesiastical
life and papal power" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New
Advent). Recognised only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
First Council of Lyons (1245) β
Thirteenth Council. "It excommunicated and deposed Emperor Frederick II
and directed a new crusade, under the command of St. Louis, against the
Saracens and Mongols" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New
Advent). Recognised only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Second Council of Lyons (1274) β
Fourteenth Council. "It effected a temporary reunion of the Greek
Church with Rome. The word filioque
was added to the symbol of Constantinople and means were sought for
recovering Palestine from the Turks. It also laid down the rules for
papal elections" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent).
Recognised only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Council of Vienne in France
(1311β 1313) β Fifteenth Council. It "dealt with the crimes and
errors imputed to the Knights Templars, the Fraticelli, the Beghards,
and the Beguines, with projects of a new crusade, the reformation of
the clergy, and the teaching of Oriental languages in the universities"
(The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent). Recognised only
by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Early Attempts to Reform Western Church
(England, ca. 1378; Bohemia, ca. 1402)
Council of Pisa (1409) β
this council was intended to bring the Great Schism of the Western
Church, caused by the election of two rival popes 31 years earlier
(1378), to an end. Instead, this council resulted in greater confusion
when a third pope was elected to dispose of the aforesaid, but they
rejected the validity of both his election and this council. Learn more
about the Council of Pisa from the
Catholic Encyclopedia
(available on Catholic City)
|
Council of Constance (1414β
1418) β Sixteenth Council. It "was held during the great Schism
of the West, with the object of ending the divisions in the Church. It
became legitimate only when Gregory XI had formally convoked it. Owing
to this circumstance it succeeded in putting an end to the schism by
the election of Pope Martin V, which the Council of Pisa (1409) had
failed to accomplish on account of its illegality. The rightful pope
confirmed the former decrees of the synod against Wyclif and Hus. This
council is thus ecumenical only in its last sessions (42β 45 inclusive)
and with respect to the decrees of earlier sessions approved by Martin
V" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent). Recognised
only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Council of Basle (1431β 1445) β
Seventeenth Council. "Its object was the religious pacification of
Bohemia. Quarrels with the pope having arisen, the council was
transferred first to Ferrara (1438), then to Florence (1439), where a
short- lived union with the Greek Church was effected, the Greeks
accepting the council's definition of controverted points. The Council
of Basle is only ecumenical till the end of the twenty- fifth session,
and of its decrees Eugene IV approved only such as dealt with the
extirpation of heresy, the peace of Christendom, and the reform of the
Church, and which at the same time did not derogate from the rights of
the Holy See" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent). A
backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive. An article is also available on the
Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Recognised only by the Western
Church
Fifth Lateran Council (1512β
1517) β Eighteenth Council. "Its decrees are chiefly
disciplinary. A new crusade against the Turks was also planned, but
came to naught, owing to the religious upheaval in Germany caused by
Luther" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent).
Recognised only by the Western Church. A backup of the site (21 July 2011) is available on
Internet Archive
Reformation of the Western Church
(Germany,
31 October 1517)
95 Theses (1517) β
Martin Luther. Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran). Intending to hold
an academic debate on indulgences, Martin Luther nailed these 95 Theses against the abuse of
indulgences to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on 31
October 1517 (written in Latin, against John Tetzel's abusive sale of
indulgences). From there, people translated his Theses into German, copied it at a
local printing press (a recent invention), and distributed copies
throughout Germanyβ thus setting events in motion that would bring
about the Reformation of the Western Church
67 Articles (1523) β
Ulrich Zwingli. Swiss Reformed (Zwinglian). Prepared for a public
disputation in Zurich, and was influencial in the repudiation of Roman
Catholicism in Zurich
The Schleitheim Articles
(January 1527) β Anabaptist. The Articles reflect the united
beliefs, teachings and practices of Anabaptists, which resulted from a
secret meeting known as the Schleitheim synod or conference. These
Articles address 1) baptism (requires a confession of faith and
commitment to Christ; infant baptism considered invalid, those baptised
as infants were to be rebaptised); 2) Lord's Supper (reserved for those
who committed themselves to Anabaptist beliefs); 3) separation of
church and state; 4) choosing pastors (from among those gathered, often
quickly due to persecution); 5) use of weapons and violence (rejected
any use of violence); and 6) oaths (which they rejected). Adopted by
the Swiss Brethren Conference and the Mennonite Church. Available on The Reformed Reader
Discipline of the Church (1527) β
Anabaptist. "The church of the Anabaptists was unique in that it was a
disciplined and regulated church. The discipline was accepted
voluntarily by the individual, as it concerned how he should live in
the brotherhood; and by the church, as it concerned how the fellowship
should be maintained if the principles of the Sermon on the Mount were
to be applied practically. A church-order (Gemeinde- Ordnung) or 'discipline'
thus was called for as a set of rules. The Schleitheim Articles
was the first such discipline, and Robert Friedmann has identified
another, from the same period, long concealed in the Hutterian
chronicle (Geschicht- Buch der
Hutterischen Bruder). The section of the Geschicht- Buch containing twelve
brief articles seems to have come from the pre- Hutterian period
(before 1528, when part of the movement began to practice communism and
pacifism in Moravia). The brief document gives the impression of being
a first or preliminary draft. A finished draft may never have appeared
because the Tyrolean government broke up the Anabaptist congregation at
Rattenberg. Many members lost their lives and the others fled to
Moravia. The Discipline was carried with the refugees, preserved, and
its instructions were observed faithfully." Available on The Reformed Reader
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The Marburg Articles (1β 4
October 1529) β Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran) and Swiss
Reformed (Zwinglian). Initiated by Landgrave Philip of Hesse, who
sought doctrinal unity between Evangelicals and the Swiss Reformed so
that the latter could be included in a proposed federation. (It was
agreed that full doctrinal unity was essential for inclusion in a
proposed federation.) Doctrinal agreement was reached between Luther,
Melanchthon, Zwingli, Oecolampadius, Andreas Osiander, Johann Brez, and
Stephan Agricola on fourteen (14) articles, but they disagreed on one
(1) articleβ i.e., whether the body and blood of Christ are present in
the bread and wine in a real and
substantial manner (Evangelical) or in a spiritual manner (Swiss Reformed).
The Evangelical understanding
is tied in with the two natures in Christ. Thus the body and blood of
Christ cannot be present in a
merely
spiritual (i.e., metaphysical,
divine)
manner, but must also be
present in a true, substantial, and physical manner (both divine and human natures); not by conversion (Eastern Church),
nor
by transubstantiation (Roman Catholicism), nor by consubstantiation (falsely
attributed to Evangelicals), but Sacramentally
(taken from Latin, meaning 'mystery'). Thus, in accord with the Words
of Christ and the distribution of the elements (bread and wine), the physical body of Jesus is supernaturally (i.e., mysteriously; sacramentally) present and eaten with the bread,
while the physical blood of
Jesus is likewise supernaturally
(i.e., mysteriously; sacramentally) present and consumed with the wine
(Matt 26:26β 28; Mark 14:22β 24; Luke 22:19β 20; 1 Cor 11:23β 29). This
is practiced in accord with God's Word, in remembrance of Him (1 Cor 11:24β
25) and with the proclaimation of
His death until He comes (1 Cor 11:26). Believers therefore receive in this
cup the benefits and promises
of His blood for the forgiveness of
their sins (Matt 26:27β 28; cf. Isa 53:5), while unbelievers receive judgement (1 Cor 11:27β 29).
Therefore, because of these promises
and benefits, Evangelicals consider the Lord's Supper to be an essential article of faith for
Christian unity. However, because of the warnings of guilt and judgement
against any who do not share
in the unity of this faith and who do
not recognise His body and blood in this Sacrament (1 Cor 10:16β
17; 11:27β 29), Evangelicals (i.e. Confessional Lutherans) do not give this Sacrament to
everyone but practice close(d) communion.
The Swiss Reformed
understanding ignores
the two natures in Christ. Thus the body and blood of Christ can be present (and is present) in a merely spiritual (i.e., metaphysical, divine) manner, devoid of any true,
substantial, or physical presence. Furthermore, the flesh is understood to be of no benefit, but it is the Spirit
who gives life, and it is the words of Jesus that are spirit and life
(John 6:63; Zwingli understood the flesh
to be Christ's flesh;
however, Scripture disagrees with Zwingliβ e.g., Isaiah 53; cf. 1 Peter
2:24). Therefore, since the physical
body and blood of Christ are allegedly of no benefit, and it is the Spirit
who gives life, and Jesus' words are spirit and life, it is reasoned
(based on John 6:63, Zwingli argued) that Jesus' words cannot be literal but must be metaphorical. All benefits
or promises connected with the Lord's Supper are not received in or with the
bread or the wine itself, but are received "spiritually" by faith through the
remembrance of Christ's death. Therefore, the Swiss Reformed do not consider the Lord's Supper
to be an essential article of
faith for Christian unity.
Thus, what Evangelicals considered essential, the Swiss Reformed
considered non- essential.
Consequently, since full doctrinal unity was not reached with the
Evangelicals, the Swiss Reformed were excluded
from the proposed federation (which fell apart at Schmalkalden
(Novemberβ December 1529) when the importance of doctrinal unity was emphasied over
the importance of social unity).
These Marburg Articles reflect
the articles of faith that Luther and theologians at Wittenberg
prepared for the colloque in Schwabach (see Schwabach Articles, below), but
Zwingli abandoned most of these tenets of faith (which he claimed to
agree with) when he wrote his Ratio
fides (see Ground of Faith,
below). See Robert Kolb and James A. Nestingen, eds., "The Marburg
Articles," in Sources and Contexts of
The Book of Concord (translated by William R. Russell;
Minneapolis, Minn.: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2001), 88β 92. A detailed
historical account of the events at Marburg and the formation of these
articles is detailed in the book by Hermann Sasse, This is My Body
(revised Australian edition; Adelaide: Openbook Publishing, 1977)
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The Schwabach Articles (16
October 1529) β Martin Luther and theologians at Wittenberg.
Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran). These seventeen (17) articles of
faith were drafted between ca. 25 July and 14 September 1529 and
reflected in The
Marburg Articles (above). They were then presented on 16 October
at Schwabach to government representatives from several German cities
interested in forming a united federation, discussed and decided upon
at Schmalkalden in Novemberβ December 1529 (emphasis on the importance
of doctrinal unity brought the federation to an end), and were used by
Melanchthon in preparing the Augsburg
Confession (below). A backup of the site (17 July 2006) is available on
Internet Archive. See Robert Kolb and James A. Nestingen,
eds., "The Schwabach Articles," in Sources and Contexts of
The Book of Concord (translated by William R. Russell;
Minneapolis, Minn.: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2001), 83β 87
The Torgau Articles (27 March 1530) β
Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran). In January 1530, Emperor Charles V
issued a summons for a Diet in Augsburg, and demanded from princes (who
supported Luther and Lutheran reforms) an explanation for changes being
made in their churches. Upon receiving the summons (11 March 1530),
Elector John of Saxony commissioned to have a suitable response
produced by his theologians at Wittenberg. Thus, John the Constant
brought Luther, Melanchthon, Johann Bugenhagen, and Justus Jonas
together in Torgau to deliberate articles of faith and practices. Soon
afterward, on 27 March 1530, The Torgau Articles were completed. (Note:
Nothing seems to remain of these Articles except an incomplete draft of
the manuscript with editing notes in both Latin and German.) See Robert
Kolb and James A. Nestingen, eds., "The Torgau Articles," in Sources and Contexts of
The Book of Concord (translated by William R. Russell;
Minneapolis, Minn.: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2001), 93β 104
The Augsburg Confession (25 June
1530) β Philipp Melanchthon. Evangelical (Confessional
Lutheran). This confession sets forth and clarifies the Evangelical
(Lutheran) doctrine as nothing new but consistant with the true Church
from the time of the apostles, emphasising personal salvation through
justification by faith alone, and distinguishing itself from the
problematic and even heretical beliefs and teachings of Anabaptists,
Zwingli, and numerous other heretics and 'Protestants' that arose. It
also calls attention to several abuses that had entered Roman
Catholicism (many of which were recent), offering suggestions for
reform. Philipp Melanchthon continued to modify the document over the
next several years, even publishing a version (known as the Variata
edition of 1540) which found approval with John Calvin and numerous
others due to its well- worded ambiguity. By the late 1570s, however,
the original Augsburg Confession of 1530 was deemed authoritative over
the later variations. This confession was initially presented to the
Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg (1530). See Paul Timothy
McCain, Edward Andrew Engelbrecht, Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene
Edward Veith, eds., Concordia: The
Lutheran Confessions (2nd ed.; revised, updated and
annotated
based on the translation by William Hermann Theodore Dau and Gerhard
Friedrich Bente; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 2006),
[21β] 27β 63. A detailed overview of the history and events surrounding
the formation of the Augsburg Confession, including several letters,
drafts and revisions of various significant documents (including the
Variata edition), is detailed in the book by Johann Michael Reu, ed., The Augsburg Confession: A Collection of
Sources with a Historical Introduction (St. Louis, Mo.:
Concordia Publishing House, 2005)
Ground of Faith (1530) β
Ulrich Zwingli. Zwinglian. Also known by its Latin title Ratio fidei, this confession sets
forth the beliefs and teachings of Ulrich Zwingli and Swiss Reformed
churches. This statement of faith was intended for Emperor Charles V at
the Diet of Augsburg (1530), but may have been ignored since
Evangelicalism (Confessional Lutheranism) was considered a greater
threat to the Holy Roman Empire. The articles of this Ground of Faith
convey significant differences from what Zwingli claimed to believe at
Marburg, less than a year earlier (see The
Marburg Articles, above). A
copy of the 1530 Latin
manuscript is available online (PDF). For an English
translation of this document, see Jaroslav Pelikan and Valerie
Hotchkiss, eds., "Ulrich Zwingli, A Reckoning of the Faith, 1530," in Reformation Era (vol 1 of Creeds and Confessions of Faith in the
Christian Tradition; New Haven: Yale University Press,
2003), 252β 271
The Confutation of the
Augsburg Confession
(3 August 1530) β Proto- Roman Catholicism. Also know by its
Latin title Confutatio pontificia
(aka, Responsio pontificia).
This is Rome's response to the Augsburg Confession (above). It uses
several quotes from the Scripture, Apocrypha and select writings from
the Church, demonstrating "marks of the thinking of traditional
scholastic theologians, such as Eck and Cochlaeus, as well as those
under the influence of Erasmian humanist reform ideas, such as Julius
Pflug." Robert Kolb and James A. Nestingen, eds., "The Confutation of
the Augsburg Confession," in Sources and Contexts of
The Book of Concord (translated by Mark D. Tranvik;
Minneapolis, Minn.: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2001), 105. See Kolb, Sources
and Contexts, 105β 139. An English translation of the first
draft of the Confutation (8 July 1530, transl. by J. Becker and J.
Bodensieck) and the Confutatio Pontificia (3 August 1530, transl. by H.
E. Jacobs) are published in Johann Michael Reu, ed., The Augsburg Confession: A Collection of
Sources with a Historical Introduction (St. Louis, Mo.:
Concordia Publishing House, 2005), *326β *343, *348β *383
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Prima delineatio
apologiae (22 September 1530) β Philipp Melanchthon.
Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran). Based on notes taken by J.
Camerarius during the reading of the Confutation (1530), Melanchthon
wrote the Prima delineatio apologiae
as a preliminary response which was then presented to Charles V through
BrΓΌck on behalf of the Evangelicals. Charles V, however, refused it.
After the public release of the Roman Catholic Confutation, Melanchthon
acquired a copy and continued to work on his response; he then had it
published as a private document entitled Apologia confessionis (aka, Apology
[Defence] of the Augsburg Confession) in 1531 (see below)
The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
(1531, 1537) β Philipp Melanchthon. Evangelical (Confessional
Lutheran). A detailed and somewhat exhaustive defense of the Augsburg
Confession. It uses Scriptures and the Biblically- sound teachings of
both the Early Church Fathers and numerous councils to address and
clarify matters disputed within the Confutation of the Augsburg
Confession (above). The Apology also addresses the Confutation's
deceitful nature, its misapplication of both Scriptures and early
Church writings, etc. See Paul Timothy McCain, Edward Andrew
Engelbrecht, Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith, eds., Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions
(2nd ed.; revised, updated and annotated based on the translation by
William Hermann Theodore Dau and Gerhard Friedrich Bente; St. Louis,
Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 2006), 69β 251
The First Helvic Confession, a.k.a. Second Confession of Basel
(1536) β Johann Heinrich Bullinger, Simon GrynΓ€us, Leo Jud,
Kasper Megander, and Oswald Myconius. Swiss Reformed (Zwinglian).
German version consisted of 27 articles (27 or 28 articles in the
Latin); written as a result of Martin Bucer and Wolfgang Fabricus
Capito's attempts to unite Evangelicals (Confessional Lutherans) and
Swiss Reformed, and to bring about a general council. Over time it was
considered too short and was replaced by the Second Helvic Confession
(1566)
Wittenberg Concord (26 May 1536) β
Martin Bucer. Bucer, Simon GrynΓ€us, Wolfgang Fabricus Capito
Institutes of
the Christian Religion (1536) β John Calvin.
Calvinism.
A Latin treatise of Calvin's theology addressed to Francis I, written
on behalf of persecuted Protestants in France. A second edition was
published in 1539, the first French edition was published in 1540, and
the final definitive edition was published in 1559. Calvin's theology
appears to have been influenced by Martin Luther, but is distinct from
Luther in his approach to Christianity (Calvin takes a formal and
legalistic approach), his overall emphases (eg., the sovereignty,
honour and glory of God; God as spiritual legislator), and in several
of his beliefs and teachings (which reflect logical deductions using
Scripture but do not always fit the conclusions presented by Scripture;
eg., Calvin's spiritual view of 'real presence' in the Lord's Supper;
predestination and election, whereby Calvin concluded many to be
reprobate; God's universal grace, which Calvin applied only to the
'elect'). Calvin's theology also reflects the influences of Guillaume
Farel and Martin Bucer
The Smalcald Articles (1537β
1538) β Martin Luther. Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran).
Includes a confession on the doctrine of the Trinity, Christ's atoning
work and the concept of trust in contrast to various abuses in Roman
Catholicism, and various other matters of concern and doctrinal
clarification (e.g., sin, Law, repentance vs. penance, Gospel, Baptism,
Sacrament of the Altar, Office of the Keys, confession,
excommunication, ordination and vocation, marriage of priests, the
Church, justification and good works, monastic vows, human regulations
/ traditions). See Paul Timothy McCain, Edward Andrew Engelbrecht,
Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith, eds., Concordia:
The Lutheran Confessions (2nd ed.; revised, updated and
annotated based on the translation by William Hermann Theodore Dau and
Gerhard Friedrich Bente; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House,
2006), 255β 285
Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the
Pope (1537) β Philipp Melanchthon. Evangelical
(Confessional Lutheran). Written to suppliment the Smalcald Articles
(above). See Paul Timothy McCain, Edward Andrew Engelbrecht, Robert
Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith, eds., Concordia:
The Lutheran Confessions (2nd ed.; revised, updated and
annotated based on the translation by William Hermann Theodore Dau and
Gerhard Friedrich Bente; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House,
2006), 291β 306
Ridemann's Rechenschaft (1540) β
Anabaptist. "This most pretentious Anabaptist document, which enjoyed
widespread use among the Hutterites and helped their struggling
communities to survive, deserves far more serious study than it can
receive here. It shows indebtedness to Hubmaier's writings,
especially on the subjects of baptism and the Lord's Supper. While it
does not have direct bearing upon the modern Baptist denomination, it
did contribute directly to the Anabaptist movement in Western Europe,
with segments of which the Hutterites were in communication at various
times during the 16th and 17th centuries." Available on The Reformed Reader
The Augsburg Interim (1548) β
Roman Catholicism. Enforced upon Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran)
lands by the imperial troops of Emperor Charles V after his army
successfully defeated the Evangelical forces of the Smalcald League and
imprisoned the two Evangelical princes (Landgrave Phillip of Hesse and
Elector John Frederick of Saxony) who led them. This Interim sacrificed
the doctrine of justification, recognised seven sacraments and
transubstantiation, and interpreted the mass as a thank offering.
Luther was unaffected since he had died two years earlier in 1546,
while Melanchthon submitted to the Leipzig Interim (below) after
opposing the Augsburg Interim for a short time. It was negated in 1552
with the Peace of Passau, which gave adherents of the Augsburg
Confession inferior but legal status within the Holy Roman Empire. See
Robert Kolb and James A. Nestingen, eds., "The Augsburg Interim," in Sources and Contexts of
The Book of Concord (translated by Oliver K. Olson;
Minneapolis, Minn.: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2001), 144β 182
The Leipzig Interim (1548β 1549) β
Roman Catholicism and Evangelical (Lutheran). In exchange for giving
support to Emperor Charles V and his Roman Catholic brother King
Ferdinand against the Evangelical (Lutheran) forces of the Smalcald
League, Duke Moritz of Saxony was promised that he would not have to
abandon his Evangelical beliefs. However, after their victory (see
above), the Augsburg Interim was insisted even upon his lands. The
Leipzig Interim is a compromise between the Augsburg Interim and the
Lutheran confession of faith which Moritz had his secular counselors
and theological staff draft in an attempt to avoid imperial invasion
while keeping the pulpits safe for Evangelical preachers. This Interim
compromised the doctrine of justification by faith; reintroduced Roman
Catholic ceremonies with Baptism, Corpus Christi; and included other
rules favouring Roman Catholicism. Luther was unaffected since he had
died two years earlier in 1546, while Melanchthon submitted to the
Leipzig Interim after opposing the Augsburg Interim (above) for a short
time. It was negated in 1552 with the Peace of Passau, which gave
adherents of the Augsburg Confession inferior but legal status within
the Holy Roman Empire. See Robert Kolb and James A. Nestingen, eds.,
"The Leipzig Interim," in Sources and Contexts of
The Book of Concord (translated by Oliver K. Olson;
Minneapolis, Minn.: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2001), 183β 196
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Concensus of Zurich, aka Concensus
Tigurinus (1549) β
John Calvin, annotated by Johann Heinrich Bullinger. Calvinism and
Swiss Reformed (Zwinglian). Contains 26 articles of faith reflecting
Calvin's teachings modified to fit Swiss Reformed beliefs, in
particular the teaching on the Lord's Supper (in which Christ's body
and blood are now received by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the
elevation of our souls to heaven, but its internal effect appears only
in the elect); adopted by various Swiss centres, the beliefs and
teachings of both Calvin and Zwingli were unified; thus Reformed
(Calvinism) begins
WΓΌrttemberg Confession (1552) β
Johann Brenz. Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran)
Forty- Two
Articles of Religion
(1553) β Church of England. Issued seven weeks before the death
of Edward VI, these Articles are largely the work of Archbishop Thomas
Cranmer
Rise of Roman Catholicism
clearly
declares its beliefs, teachings and alleged authority
(1563)
Council of Trent (1554β 1563) β
Roman Catholicism. "It was convoked to examine and condemn the errors
promulgated by Luther and other Reformers, and to reform the discipline
of the Church. Of all councils it lasted longest, issued the largest
number of dogmatic and reformatory decrees, and produced the most
beneficial results" (The 21 Ecumenical Councils, available on New
Advent)
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Gallican Confession, a.k.a. French Confession of Faith (1559) β
John Calvin, revised by Antoine de la Roche Chandieu. Reformed
(Calvinism). Contains 40 articles of faith summarising Calvin's
teachings; was adopted by synod at Paris (1559), then revised and
ratified by synod at La Rochelle (1571)
The Scottish Confession of Faith
(1560) β John Winram, John Spottiswoode, John Willock, John
Douglas, John Row, and John Knox. Reformed (Calvinism). "A supplication
was laid before the Parliament by the Protestant nobility, decrying the
corruptions of Roman Catholicism, and seeking the abolition of Popery.
β¦ In response, the Parliament directed the Protestant noblemen and
ministers to draw up 'in plain and several heads, the sum of that
doctrine which they would maintain, and would desire that present
Parliament to establish as wholesome, true, and only necessary to be
believed and received within that realm.' Over the next four days, the
Scottish Confession was drafted by six ministers: John Winram, John
Spottiswoode, John Willock, John Douglas, John Row, and John Knox"
The Belgic Confession (1561,
revised 1619) β Guy de Bres. Reformed (Calvinism). Contains 37
articles of faith, similar order to the Gallican Confession (1559) but
less polemical and more elaborate (especially on the Trinity,
incarnation, church, and Sacraments). Adopted by synods at Antwerp
(1566), Wesel (1568), Emden (1571), Dordrecht (1574), Middelburg
(1581), and again at Dordrecht (1619)
Thirty- Nine Articles of Religion
(1563) β Church of England. These Articles are a revision of
the Forty- Two Articles of Religion (1553). "The Articles are not as
comprehensive as many of the Continental creeds. Neither do they have
the full authority that was given to the creeds in Lutheran and
Reformed churches. They are moderate in theological expression and are
designed to provide a minimal basis for a comprehensive, national
church that sought to preserve both the Catholic and Protestant
traditions" (John H. Leith, Creeds
of the Churches: A Reader in Christian Doctrine from the Bible to the
Present (3d ed.; Louisville, Ky.: Westminster, 1982), 266)
Examination of the Council of Trent
(1565β 1573) β Martin Chemnitz. Evangelical (Confessional
Lutheran). See Martin Chemnitz, Examination
of the Council of Trent (4 vols.; translated by Fred
Kraemer;
St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 1971β 1986)
"Chemnitz analyzed the canons and decrees of the Council of Trent in
four books and showed by exhaustive evidence from Scripture and from
both the most ancient and the purer among the more modern teachers of
the church where the Council of Trent had departed from the teaching of
Scripture. In the first of these volumes, in the section on Scripture
and Tradition, he worked out the so- called formal principle of the
Reformation, that the Scripture, and not tradition or a combination of
the Scripture and tradition, is the source and norm of doctrine in the
Christian church.
"[The] first volume, which appeared in 1565, covers the
chief articles of the Christian faith. In the remaining three volumes
he treats with equal clarity the sacraments and the abuses in the Roman
Catholic Church, which the Council of Trent had sought to defend.
"The Examen
became famous at once. It was translated into German by Georg Nigrinus,
into French by M. Vassorius, and by 1582 the section concerning
traditions had been translated and published in English. The Examen is widely acknowledged not
only as a masterful polemic against the canons and decrees of the
Council of Trent but also as a thorough exposition of the faith and
teaching of the adherents of the Augsburg Confession. It has earned not
only the highest praise of Lutherans but also the respect of noted
Roman Catholics." Martin Chemnitz, "Biographical Sketch of Martin
Chemnitz," in Part 1 (4 vols.; vol. 1 in Examination of the
Council of Trent; translated by Fred Kraemer; St. Louis, Mo.:
Concordia Publishing House, 1971), 1:21β 22
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The Second Helvic Confession
(1566) β Johann Heinrich Bullinger. Swiss Reformed (Zwinglian).
Originally written in 1562 for private use as a suppliment for The
First Helvic Confession (1536), but was later copied and made
publically available in Zurich (1566)
Thirty- Nine Articles of Religion
(1571) β Church of England
Correspondence
between the TΓΌbingen Theologians and Patriarch Jeremiah II of
Constantinople on the Augsburg Confession (1573β 1581) β
Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran) and Eastern Church (Greek
Orthodox). An excellent resource and translation of this correspondence
can be found in George Mastrantonis, Augsburg
and Constantinople (Brookline, Mass.: Holy Cross Orthodox
Press, 1982). A brief summary of this
correspondence is available on Orthodox Christian Information Center
Formula of Concord: Epitome
(1576) β Jakob AndreΓ€. Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran). A
summary of the Solid Declaration (below). Paul Timothy McCain, Edward
Andrew Engelbrecht, Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith,
eds., Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions
(2nd ed.; revised, updated
and annotated based on the translation by William Hermann Theodore Dau
and Gerhard Friedrich Bente; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing
House, 2006), [443-] 461β 502
Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration
(1577) β Martin Chemnitz, Jakob AndreΓ€, Nikolaus Selnecker,
Andreas Musculus, Christophorus Cornerus, and David Chytraeus.
Evangelical (Confessional Lutheran). Primarily written to bring unity
in Evangelicalism (Confessional Lutheranism) while both addressing and
opposing deceitful, erroneous, and heretical doctrines of Philippists
and Crypto- Calvinism. Those who favoured the synergism of Philipp
Melanchthon and his later compromising statements on the Lord's Supper
were called 'Philippists,' or sometimes they were called 'Interimists'
because they, like Melanchthon, agreed to the Leipzig Interim and
erroneously asserted that it only agreed with Roman Catholicism in
matters of adiaphora (Gk:
"indifferent things"; i.e., Church rites neither commanded nor
forbidden by God, which cease being 'indifferent' when they compromise
the faith by their use or disuse). Crypto- Calvinists were Philippists
who suppressed and replaced Evangelical beliefs, teachings and
practices with those of John Calvin while falsely professing loyalties
to Evangelicalism. See Paul Timothy McCain, Edward Andrew Engelbrecht,
Robert Cleveland Baker, and Gene Edward Veith, eds., Concordia: The
Lutheran Confessions (2nd ed.; revised, updated and
annotated based on
the translation by William Hermann Theodore Dau and Gerhard Friedrich
Bente; St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 2006), 505β 619
A True Description out of the Word of God,
of the Visible Church (1589) β Henry Barrowe and John
Greenwood. English Separatist- Baptist. "By 1562
Dutch exiles on English soil are said to have numbered 30,000; but the
Anabaptist element among these had to lie concealed, for throughout the
reign of Elizabeth the death penalty awaited any who were convicted of
holding Anabaptist sentiments. These sentiments, however, seem to have
penetrated areas of English life where Anabaptists themselves did not
appear, and to have become part of the thought- system of the people
generally, coming into expression in the radical dissent of late
sixteenth and early seventeenth century England. It is difficult to
avoid the conclusion that the interpretation of the scriptures by
certain Englishmen β¦ owed something to the infiltration of Anabaptist
ideas. To this case of ideas came Robert Brown, a
congregationalist, in 1580 to make his beginning. In the Dutch town of
Norwich, Robert Brown and Robert Harrison worked out their
congregational theories without showing any conscious indebtedness to
Anabaptist influences. His experiment failed and his people fled to
Holland where the group disintegrated, and Browne himself later
conformed to the Church of England. However, Seperatists ideas did not
cease. Two leaders of a young Separatist church, Henry Barrowe and John
Greenwood, were imprisoned in 1586, but in 1589 they sent from prison a
simple church creed called A Trve
Description ovt of the Word of God, of the visible Church. The
creed did not concern itself with doctrinal matters since the
congregation was already of one mind in holding Calvinistic views" (cf.
historical context for A True
Confession (1596, below), available on The Reformed Reader)
Treaty of Brest (1595) β
Roman Catholicism. A treaty requiring numerous guarentees prior to the
unity of the Church in Kiev with the Roman Catholic Church. Available
on the Eternal Word Television Network (ETWN)
A True Confession (1596) β
English Separatist- Baptist. Based on A
True Description out of the Word of God,
of the visible Church (1589, above). "In the summer of 1593
there was a change of policy on the part of the government toward the
Separatists. While their leaders remained in prison, the dissenters
left England for Holland. Most of the emigrants reached Holland in 1595
where the church was re- gathered. Desiring to make clear its doctrinal
position and its ecclesiology, in view of the threats of attacks, the
church prepared in 1596 a new creed, the shortened title of which is A Truve Confession. The seven
Particular Baptist Churches of London used this confession as a model
when they drew up their earliest confession in 1644. Thus, the
Separatist Confession entered into Baptist life." Available on The
Reformed Reader
A Short Confession of Faith
(1609) β John Smyth. English Separatist- Baptist. "John Smythe
is one of the
significant early Baptist leaders. This is his personal confession,
never officially published. β¦ Smyth's purpose in composing this
confession seems to have been to stake out a distinct theological
position in relation to both the main body of English separatists, and
the continental Anabaptists with whom he had thrown in his lot."
Available on The Reformed Reader
Five Articles of the Remonstrants
(1610) β Arminian (Remonstrant)
A Short Confession of Faith, aka
Helwys Confession (1610) β
Thomas Helwys. English Separatist- Baptist. "Early in 1610 the Helwy's
party, also
desirous of maintaining friendly relations with the Waterlanders, sent
the Dutch a letter, written in Latin, urging them not to accept the
English into their church. To receive them, Helwys said, would be but
to encourage the erroneous belief of Smyth in a succession in spiritual
things. With the letter went a confession of faith, also in Latin,
consisting of nineteen articles in which the group described itself as
the 'true Christian English church.' The confession was intended to
enable the Dutch to distinguish its authors from the Smythe
congregation, rather than to argue for admission of the Helwys party to
the Mennonite fellowship. The Helwys party did not intend to seek such
admission. Some of the 'Waterlanders, in spite of Helwys' protest, were
favorably disposed toward the Smythe application, and they suggested
that a closer study of doctrinal positions be undertaken. Would the
English examine the popular confession of de Ries and Gerrits of 1580
and afterwards indicate their agreement or disagreement? The Smyth
people being willing, an English translation in somewhat shortened form
was drawn up by de Ries and submitted to them. Soon the names of forty-
three English people, John Smyth's standing first, were affixed to the
document. The confession is practically a reproduction of that of
Gerrits and de Ries of 1580, with articles XIX and XXII omitted. The
English now were willing to accept Menno's views of oaths, war, and
civil magistracy." Available on The
Reformed Reader
A Declaration of Faith of English People
Remaining at Amsterdam (1611) β English Separatist-
Baptist. "When the Smyth party sought admission to the Amsterdam
Waterlander Church in 1610, some resistance was encountered inside the
Mennonite fellowship. Some Waterlanders discouraged haste in the
matter, suggesting that Mennonites in parts of Holland beyond Amsterdam
and even in Prussia and Germany should be consulted to forestall
possible later disharmony and disunity. However, Smyth's party was not
in unanimous agreement. Regarding the question of their baptism, Smyth,
Gerrits, and others of Smyth's close followers stood in a position near
that of the Mennonites, for they now believed their own baptism to have
been unscriptural. Meanwhile, Thomas Helwys was busily writing in 1610
and 1611, and in the latter year he published, in the name of his
church, a confession of faith of twenty- seven articles. It repudiated
the conciliatory views of the Latin articles which he had earlier
submitted to the Waterlanders, particularly renouncing Arminian views
of sin and the will. Mennonite influence is readily seen in the
confession for it shows a departure from the hitherto markedly
consistent Calvinism of the Separatist movement. But it shows also
decided signs of its authors' Calvinistic background. It is anti-
Calvinisitc on the doctrine of the atonement and anti- Arminian in its
views of sin and the will. The confession shows considerable
independence of thought and is rightly judged the first English Baptist
Confession of Faith" (description: The Reformed Reader)
Propositions and Conclusions Concerning
True Christian Religion (1612β 1614) β English
Separatist- Baptist. "After Smyth's death in August, 1612, his party,
now abandoned by the Helwys part, continued to wait for admission into
the Amsterdam Waterlander Church. By this time Helwys had written not
only his Confession of 1611, but also some additional works.
Smyth's followers responded by issuing a confession consisting of one
hundred, two articles. The Confession may have been instrumental in
finally accomplishing union with the Mennonites, which occurred on Jan.
20, 1615. It is principally notable, however, as perhaps the first
confession of faith of modern times to demand freedom of conscience and
seperation of church and state. In these respects it was the pioneer
for later Baptist confessions which almost always contained similar
views. This Confession found its way into John Cotton's hands in
America, and it appears to have been referred to by English General
Baptists as late as 1651." Available on The
Reformed Reader
The Canons of Dordt (1618β 1619)
β Reformed. A document designed to
solidify the beliefs and teachings of Calvinism (Reformed), thus
distinguishing and distancing itself from the recent teachings of
Arminius and his followers (Arminianism)
The Confession of Cyril Lucaris
(1629) β Reformed (or Eastern Church). According to the Eastern
Church (see The Confession of
Dositheus (1672), below), this document is a forgery written and circulated by
Calvinists (i.e., the Reformed Church)
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The Dordrecht Confession (1632) β
Anabaptist (Mennonite). "The most influential of all Mennonite
confessions was adopted at Dordrecht on April 21, 1632, at a peace
conference of Flemish and Frisian ministers. Representation at this
conference was large enough to draw from the Reformed clergy a protest
against 'this extraordinary gathering of Anabaptists from all
provinces.' The confession, whose first draft was written by Adrian
Cornelis, bishop of the Flemish Church in Dordrecht, served
successfully as a basis of union for the Frisian and Flemish bodies. Of
the fifty- one ministers who signed the confession, two were from
Crefeld, Germany, and two from Central and South Germany ('the upper
country'). The confession is still owned by the 'Mennonite Church' and
other conservative Mennonite bodies of America. Its chief significance
to American Mennonites is 'its value as a symbol of the Mennonite
heritage of faith and way of life.' " Available on The Reformed Reader
John Spilsbury and His Confession
(1643) β John Spilsbury. English Baptist Associational
(Particular Baptist). "The personal confession of ten articles
Spilsbury submitted
for the 'Godly reader to judge, what difference there is between him
and me, in the main, that men should be so incensed against me, as to
seek my life, as some have done.' Spilsbury wanted to disarm those who
cast 'reproachful clamors β¦ upon all without exception, that seem to be
of my judgment about baptism' by declaring 'a word of my faith, what I
believe and hold to be truth, and desire to practice the same.' One
year later, Spilsbury would join with the other Particular Baptist
churches in London in publishing and signing the First London
Confession." Available on The Reformed Reader
First London Baptist Confession of Faith
(1644) β English Baptist Associational (Particular Baptist).
First edition. "A confession of
faith of seven congregations or churches of Christ in London, which are
commonly, but unjustly, called Anabaptists; published for the
vindication of the truth and information of the ignorant; likewise for
the taking off those aspersions which are frequently, both in pulpit
and print, unjustly cast upon them." Available on The Reformed Reader
First London
Baptist Confession of Faith (1646) β English Baptist
Associational (Particular Baptist).
Second edition; corrected and enlarged. Available on The Reformed Reader
An Appendix to a
Confession of Faith (1646) β Benjamin Cox. English Baptist
Associational (Particular
Baptist). This appendix is for the First
London Baptist Confession of Faith (1646, above). "Published for
the further clearing of Truth, and discovery of their mistake who have
imagined a dissent in fundamentals when there is none." Available on The Reformed Reader
The
Westminster Confession of Faith with Scripture Proofs (1646)
β Reformed
The Faith and Practice of Thirty
Congregations Gathered According to the Primitive Pattern
(1651) β English Baptist Associational (General Baptist). "The
period of the Commonwealth (1650β 1659) was more productive of
Confessions than any similar period of Baptist history. β¦ A new sense
of liberty challenged the nation early in the sixth decade, and the
churches, for the first time, had full freedom to associate. β¦ An
associational meeting was held in 1651, probably at Leicester, but it
is not certain that this was the first such meeting of the churches. β¦
Thirty churches from an area one hundred miles long and twenty- four
miles wide were represented at the meeting, each by two messengers or
delegates. Probably the most important thing done in the meeting of
1651 was the adoption of a Confession called The Faith and Practice of Thirty
Congregations, Gathered According to the Primitive Pattern. The
Confession is important because it is the first General Baptist
statement representing the views of more than one church, rather than
because of the prominence of its author or signatories. It shows
essential agreement with the first General Baptist Confession (1611).
The first forty- five articles concern the doctrines of the churches;
the remaining thirty demonstrate their practices. No consistently
Arminian system is revealed; rather, some traditional emphases of
Calvinism are set forth." Available on The
Reformed Reader
The True Gospel- Faith Declared According
to the Scriptures (1654) β
English Baptist Associational (General Baptist). "The form which the
Confession of 1654 took is more like that of the Particular Baptist
Confession of 1644 than the Midland Confession of 1651, but even the
form shows complete independence, and the confession possesses some
novel aspects. The articles presenting the theological outlook of the
authors are especially lacking in detail. β¦ The Confession always uses
'dipped' for baptized. It also is the first Baptist Confession to
prescribe the laying on of hands for all baptized believers. This
practice appears to have been but lately brought to the attention of
Baptists, and John Griffith was a leading exponent of it. It was not
yet commonly used among General Baptists. β¦ Perhaps the Confession
steadied all London General Baptists, after making them aware of the
serious danger in which they stood, for it does reflect a certain
stability and maturity of thought which characterized the churches
represented by it. It also gives the best picture of the reaction of
Baptists to the first serious effort of the Quakers to win London."
Available on The Reformed Reader
Midland
Confession of Faith (1655) β English Baptist
Associational (General
Baptist). "In the Midlands in 1655, General Baptists far outnumbered
their Calvinistic Brethren. The General Baptist Confession of 1651 had
been signed by members of thirty congregations of the area, but when
the Particular Baptists met in 1655 to constitute their Midland
Association, there were but fourteen of their churches in the eight
counties, and only seven of them were as yet willing to associate. Two
principal factors led to the formation of the Midland Association in
1655. One was the general trend among Baptists at that time toward
associating. In promoting this trend the London churches took the lead,
and they evidently were concerned with the beginnings of the
organization in the Midlands. β¦ The other factor promoting the
organization of the Association was the great activity of the Quakers
in the Midlands in 1654 and 1655. The Confession was probably modeled
after the London Confession of 1644 but its statements are original. In
spite of its brevity, the theological portion is a careful and
praiseworthy summary of Calvinistic Baptist doctrine of the middle of
the seventeenth century. The primary purpose of the Confession was
instructional rather than apologetic. Its usefulness was not soon lost.
The London Confession of 1689, however, concluded that which was
wanting in breadth in the Midland Confession." Available on The Reformed Reader
A Brief Confession of Faith of the Reformed
Churches of Piedmont (1655) β Waldenses and Reformed
(Calvinism). In part, this statement of faith is an abridgement of the
Gallican Confession (1559) but reflects the beliefs and teachings of
both Reformed (Calvinist) and Waldenses (i.e., Peter Waldo amalgamated
with those of Pierre de Bruys, Arnold of Brescia, and other early
reformers). Available on Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry
(CARM)
The Somerset
Confession of Faith (1656) β Thomas Collier. English
Baptist Associational (General Baptist). "The seventh meeting of the
Association took place at Bridgewater on September 5β 6, 1656, at which
time a Confession of Faith was approved. It was evidently the work of
Thomas Collier, but the fact that decisions in favor of some of the
positions announced in the Confession were made at this meeting, might
indicate that he had help in preparing the Confession. It is evident
from the Epistle Dedicatory that the Quakers were chiefly responsible
for the appearance of the Confession in 1656. The authors said that two
facts caused them to set forth their beliefs. First, they denied the
'general charge' that their churches were not Calvinistic and so were
out of accord with the London Particular churches, and owned both the
London brethren and their Confession. Second, β¦ [t]he Quaker fire was
burning menacingly around the Baptists when their Western (or Somerset)
Association met β¦. The Confession which the churches at that meeting
decided to publish may have been originally drawn up before 1656,
possibly in 1653 when it, like the Midland Particular Association
Confession, would have served as a basis of union β¦. The Confession
bears the mark of careful preparation, and the impress of Collier can
be seen at various points. While an effort is made to approximate the
theological position of the London Confession, there is complete
independence of expression, and there are some noteworthy omissions of
material of the older document. Perhaps there was some ground for the
saying that these Baptists did not quite have the same theological
outlook as their London brethren." Available on The Reformed Reader
A Declaration of Several People Called
Anabaptists (1659) β Anabaptist. "The radical faith
of Anabaptists resulted in frequent persecution; thousands died
gruesome deaths at the hands of their persecutors. Menno Simons
encouraged the persecuted Christians in their faith by preaching and
providing printed materials in support of their faith and way of life.
The people to whom he ministered and provided leadership became known
as 'Mennonites.' " Available on The
Reformed Reader
The Standard Confession (1660) β
English Baptist (General Baptist). "Amidst the general excitement,
shortly preceeding the Restoration, Baptists were remarkably quiet. β¦
The forty men who signed the Confession of 1660 were a fairly
representative group in that they represented the chief General Baptist
districts, however, the Confession did not represent 'all' of the
General Baptists of England and Wales in 1660. β¦ Although Thomas
Grantham was said to have composed the Confession, it should be noted
that he did not even sign the Confession in 1660 and did not become
prominent until some years later. Thomas Monck of Hertforshire and
Matthew Caffyn of Sussex and Kent may have made some contribution to
the Confession. The Standard Confession is more of a confession of
faith and less of a statement of practice than The Faith and Practice of Thirty
Congregations. The poor arrangement of subjects might indicate
the Confession was drawn up hurriedly. Theologically, the Confession is
mildly Arminian. There is a more elaborate eschatology than in any
other Baptist confession of the period, but the language of the three
articles on the subject is strictly scriptural. Though the Confession
was presented to King Charles II on July 26, 1660, along with an
address, it did little to halt the persecution of Baptists, but they
were spared temporarily by the official preoccupation with the more
numberous and important Presbyterian dissenters. At the General
Assembly in 1663, The Standard Confession was slightly rebised and
reaffirmed by a larger circle of General Baptists. In 1678 Thomas
Grantham edited the Confession, with 'a few explanatory supplements,
and the testimony of many ancient writers of Christianity,' and the
changes made by him were approved by the Assembly of 1691. From 1663
and on, it was considered the 'Standard' Confession of General
Baptists." Available on The Reformed Reader
The Confession of Dositheus
(1672) β Eastern Church. Only Chapter VI is available online in
English. This document is also known as The Acts and Decrees of the
Synod of Jerusalem. "The Orthodox authorities gathered for the Synod of
Jerusalem alleged the 1629 Confession to have been a forgery by
Calvinists. β¦ Chapter VI. sets forth the Orthodox faith in eighteen
decrees and four questions β¦ corresponding precisely to the chapters
and questions in the 1629 Confession"
The Orthodox Creed (1678) β
English Baptist. "The example of the Particular Baptists in publishing
a new confession was closely followed by the General Baptists when, in
1678, they drew up their so- called 'Orthodox Creed' to 'unite and
confirm all true Protestants in the fundamental articles of the
Christian religion β¦. Additional inspiration for the Creed lay in the
desire to refute the Hoffmanite Christology which Matthew Caffyn, a
General Baptist messenger, was preaching Kent and Sussex, and in the
fear of a return of popery to England. The Creed was not published in
the name of the General Assembly but of a group of the more earnestly
orthodox General Baptist churches of the Midlands, in the counties of
Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Oxford. On Jan. 30,
1678, fifty- four Messengers, Elders, and Brethren met 'in the name of
many baptized Christians or congregations in the several counties.' The
Creed is supposed to have been particularly the work of Thomas Monck, a
farmer and a Messenger in Buckinghamshire, who in 1673 had published A cure for the cankering error of the new
Eutychains. Theologically, in keeping with its unionistic
purpose, the Confession approaches Calvinism more closely than any
other General Baptist confession. This disposition is
particularly evident in the articles on 'Predestination and Election'
(IX), 'Perseverance' (XXXVI), and 'The Invisible Church' (XXXIX).
Perhaps, indeed, the Creed is principally noteworthy as an early
attempt at compromise between the two great systems of theology, thus
anticipating the work of Andrew Fuller and others of the latter
eighteenth century" (description: The
Reformed Reader)
Second London Baptist Confession of Faith,
aka The Assembly
(1689) β English Baptist (Particular Baptist). "A circular
letter was sent to particular Baptist churches in England and Wales
asking each assembly to send representatives to a meeting in London in
1677. A confession consciously modeled after the Westminster Confession
of Faith was approved and published. It has ever since born the name of
the Second London Confession. The First London Confession had been
issued by seven Baptist congregations of London in 1644. That first
document had been drawn up to distinguish newly organized Calvinistic
Baptists from the Arminian Baptists and the Anabaptists. Because this
second London Confession was drawn up in dark hours of oppression, it
was issued anonymously." Available on The
Reformed Reader. There is also A
Tabular Comparison of the 1646 WCF and the 1689 LBCF available on
Analogical Thoughts
A Short Confession or a Brief Narrative of
Faith (1691) β English Baptist. "In the West Country
during the last quarter of the seventeenth century there was a
remarkable current away from Calvinism among some Particular Baptist
churches founded by Thomas Collier, the 'Apostle to the West.'
Explanation for this drift may be found in Collier's change of views
and his desire to comprehend General as well as Particular Baptists in
his circle. London Particular churches sent deputations to the West to
persuade Collier of his error and to halt the tide of his influence. A
few churches were reclaimed, some joined the Particular Baptist General
Assembly in 1689. Others followed Collier in remaining aloof from it.
These seem to have prepared the Somerset Confession of 1691 in response
to the Assembly Confession of two years earlier, against which Collier
dissented at a number of points.
The Somerset Confession could not have been prepared by a General
Baptist group, as McGlothlin says, in spite of the General Baptist tone
of some of its articles. General Baptists were few in the Somerset area
in 1691, and they do not seem to have had an associational life until
after 1693. What is more important, the Confession clearly shows
its authorβs Calvinistic patterns of thought, and in its longest
chapter (XXIII) it speaks with deliberate criticism of a learned
ministry. The Particular Baptist General Assembly had recently given
much attention to the problem of raising up a trained ministry, and
this article apparently gives the answer of the extra-Assembly
Particular churches of the West to this emphasis. Two reasons were
stated for publishing the Confession: to provide a basis of agreement
for churches in the area and to clear the authors of suspicion in the
eyes of Baptists that they were 'a people degenerated from almost all
other baptized congregations.'
The Confession is notable for its clarity and force of expression. It
is concerned primarily with doctrine, though there is an elaborate and
informative article on the Church. The order and form of the
articles are entirely independent; neither the Westminster nor the 1656
Somerset Confession is followed. The Confession probably did not find
use beyond the West of England. Its significance lies in the departure
shown in it by one Particular Baptist group from the heightening
Calvinism of the late seventeenth century, and in its attempt to speak
for both Particular and General Baptists." Available on The Reformed
Reader
Goat Yard
Declaration of Faith (1729)
The
Philadelphia Confession of Faith (1742) β Reformed
(Baptist). This confession "is identical to the Second London
Confession of Faith (1689), except that chapters 23 and 31 have been
added (with other chapters appropriately renumbered)"
The
Coalheaver's Confession (1745) β English Baptist.
"Written
by William Huntington (1745β 1813) and though there is no claim of
being associated with Baptist General Confessions in particular or
generally accepted by any number of congregations in England at the
time, the confession is still noteworthy to study. The confession
was written and published solely by William Huntington and displays the
theological teaching within his own church which undoubtedly influenced
much of his congregation and others." Available on The Reformed Reader
Declaration of the Faith and Practice of
the Church in Carter Lane, Southwark (1757) β John
Gill. English Baptist Associational (General Baptist). Based on the
Goat Yard Declaration of Faith (1729). Available on The Reformed Reader
Declaration
of the Faith and Practice of the Church of Christ (1757) β
John Gill. English Baptist Associational (General Baptist). Available
on The Reformed Reader
Articles of Religion of the New Connexion
(1770) β English Baptist. "Revival came to the General Baptists
from beyond their own ranks in the second half of the eighteenth
century as a consequence of the Evangelical Awakening. Daniel
Taylor, a young miner of Yorkshire, was converted under Wesleyan
preaching. Disagreeing with Wesley's views on discipline, he
became a minister in 1762 of a little group of Methodist seceders at
Wadsworth, near Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. His study of the
scriptures soon led him to reject infant baptism, and in 1763 he was
baptized at the hands of a General Baptist pastor at Gamston,
Nottinghamshire.
Taylor carried some of his people with him in his change of views, and
he represented them at the Assembly of the Lincolnshire General
Baptists that year. However, Taylor became distressed at the
doctrinal laxity and backwardness of outlook found as he attended the
General Assembly in London.
The primary purpose for the Articles of Religion of the New Connexion
was 'to revive experimental religion or primitive Christianity in faith
and practice.' These articles did not pretend to be a thorough
summary of the Christian faith, but rather to indicate the
distinguishing tenets of the New Connexion. Daniel Taylor gave
further circulation to the Articles when he incorporated their views in
a catechism for children and young people and when, in more elaborate
form, he prepared a confession of faith based upon the Articles for his
London church (1785)." Available on The Reformed Reader
Twenty- Five Articles of Religion
(1784) β Arminian (Methodist)
The Thirty- Nine Articles of Religion
(1801) β Church of England (Protestant Episcopal Church)
The (Twenty- Five) Articles of Religion
(1808) β John Wesley. Arminian (Methodist)
Confession of Faith (1823) β
Arminian (Methodist) and Reformed (Presbyterians of Wales)
Articles of Faith (1824) β
Arminian (Liberty Association)
The New Hampshire Confession
(1833) β Β© 1833 John Newton Brown. Arminian (General Baptist)
The Abstract of Principles
(1858) β Arminian (Southern Baptist)
Documents of Vatican I (1869β
1870) β Roman Catholic. "Besides important canons relating to
the Faith and the constitution of the Church, the council decreed the
infallibility of the pope when speaking ex cathedra, i.e. when as
shepherd and teacher of all Christians, he defines a doctrine
concerning faith or morals to be held by the whole Church" (The 21
Ecumenical Councils, available on New Advent)
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