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Ishmael

2010-06-18T16:18:29Z

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[[Image:Expulsion of Ishmael and His Mother.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael by Gustave Dore]]
[[Ishmael]] ([[Hebrew]] '''יִשְׁמָעֵאל''', ''Yišmāʿêl''; [[Arabic]]: '''إسماعيل''', ''Ismā'īl''; "[[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] will hear") (2094 AM–2231 AM, or 1910 BC-1774 BC) was the first, but illegitimate, son of [[Abraham]], credited to [[Sarah]] but actually born to [[Hagar]]. He is the progenitor of many [[Arab]] tribes. [[Islam]]ic tradition holds that he is the direct ancestor of [[Muhammad]] and also that he, not [[Isaac]], was the son that Abraham nearly sacrificed on [[Mount Moriah]].

== Life==
=== Birth ===
He was born in the eleventh year of Abraham's sojourn in [[Canaan (land)|Canaan]]. His birth mother, [[Hagar]], had joined Abraham's camp during Abraham's brief stay in [[Egypt]]. [[Sarah]], despairing of having a child of her own, asked Hagar to act as her surrogate. The [[Bible]] states that Abraham was 86 years old when Ishmael was born.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=16|verses=15-16}}</ref>

The dispute on the year of Ishmael's birth follows from the more fundamental [[Biblical chronology dispute#The Birth of Abraham|dispute]] concerning the year of the birth of Abraham.

=== Expulsion ===
When he was thirteen years old, he underwent the ceremony of [[circumcision]], as part of Abraham's own covenant with [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]].<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=17|verses=26}}</ref> Then, within a year, a true miracle occurred: [[Isaac]] was born to Abraham and Sarah.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=21|verses=2}}</ref> Thus Ishmael's position in the household was compromised. Ishmael arguably made his position untenable by openly mocking Isaac during the ceremony of Isaac's weaning, when Isaac was five years old and Ishmael nineteen. Sarah was much displeased, and Abraham, following further instruction from [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], expelled Ishmael and Hagar from his camp.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=21|verses=12-14}}</ref>

The two exiles had between them a loaf of bread and a bottle of water. In the then wilderness region of [[Beersheba]], the water gave out. Hagar placed Ishmael a bowshot away from her, because she did not want to watch him die. But the pre-incarnate [[Jesus Christ]] visited her, assured her that they would both live, and even provided water from a miraculous well.

Thus they crossed the desert. Eventually Ishmael became an archer and married an Egyptian woman and had twelve sons.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=21|verses=15-21}}</ref>

== Descendants and Death ==
[[Image:Judah.jpg|200px|right]]
Ishmael had twelve sons, whose names are given in {{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=25|verses=12-16}}. Altogether Ishmael lived for 137 years, and then died.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=25|verses=17-18}}</ref>

=== 12 Tribes of Ishmael ===

* '''[[Nabajoth]]''': Nabataean Arabs.
* '''[[Kedar]]''': Saudi Arabians and Iraqis.
* '''[[Adbeel]]''': Sinai Bedouins.
* '''[[Mibsam]]''': Eastern Saudi Arabians (merged with Mishma).
* '''[[Mishma]]''': Mesha in Yemen. (merged with Mibsam).
* '''[[Dumah]]''': Dumat al-Gandal.
* '''[[Massa]]''': Jordanians and Northern Arabians.
* '''[[Hadar]]''': [[Christian]] Jordanians, Syrians, and Hadramites in southern Arabia.
* '''[[Tema]]''': Taima in northern Arabia.
* '''[[Jetur]]''': Bahraini Arabs.
* '''[[Naphish]]''': Tunisian/Libyan Arabs (originally from Central Arabia merged with [[Carthage|Carthaginians]]/[[Berbers]]).
* '''[[Kedemah]]''': Algerian/Moroccan Arabs (originally from Central and South Arabia merged with Berbers).

=== Wider symbolism ===
[[Paul]] mentioned, in writing to the [[Galatians]], that Ishmael was a son "born after flesh," while Isaac was a "son of promise." Thus Ishmael, according to Paul, is a type of the original Abrahamic covenant, while Isaac is a type of the [[Christian]] covenant, the covenant of grace.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Galatians|chap=4|verses=21-31}}</ref>

== Ishmael in Islam ==
:''Main Article: [[Qur'an]]''

The name of Ishmael nowhere appears in the [[Qur'an]]. However, later generations of Muslims came to insist that Ishmael, not Isaac, was the son that Abraham almost sacrificed on Mount Moriah.

=== Ishmael in popular culture ===
The name Ishmael is also familiar as that of the narrator of [[Herman Melville]]'s novel ''[[Moby-Dick]]'', the first sentence of which – "Call me Ishmael" – is one of the most famous in American literature.

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== Related Links ==
* [http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p141.htm Ishmael] in AboutBibleProphecy.com
* [http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/ishmael.htm Ishmael] at Keyway.ca
* [http://nabataea.net/12tribes.html The 12 Tribes of Ishmael] at Nabataea.net

== See Also ==
* [[Hagar]]
* [[Biblical chronology dispute]]

{{nb hebrews}}

[[Category:Book of Genesis Persons]]

Constantine

2010-06-18T16:17:39Z

FSMaster:

{{Rome}}'''Constantine''' (274 - May 22, 337 AD) was a [[Rome|Roman]] [[Emperor]] famous for being the first Christian Emperor of Rome, and legalizing [[Christianity]].

He is often held up by the [[Church]] as the ideal religious [[King]], ruling at the will of the just [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] who ended the persecution of Christians.

==Struggle for Political Power==

Constantine's early life did not show what he was to become as Constantine is well-known to have considered many different religions. He had shown no particulare revulsion to the last great persecution of Christians under the Emperor [[Diocletian]]. He became Caesar of the West upon the death of his father in 306 AD<ref>Who’s Who in Christianity, Lavinia Coh-Sherbok, 1998</ref> and ruled the region of Gaul while Severus became the Augustus of the West, a higher designation than Caesar. Maximian usurped the power of Augustus and his son Maxentius, who had also assumed the title of Caesar, had Severus executed. Maximian had a falling out with his son and feared Galerius, who was Augustus of the East; Maximian sought Constantine's protection. Continued bickering eventually saw Constantine given the title of Augustus in 310. Maximian tried to revolt and was killed by Constantine. Galerius died of disease in 311 and his nephew Maximinus Daia, who had also been made an Augustus, took his lands. Continued difficulties with Maxentius led to open warfare between him and Constantine. Constantine invaded Italy to face Maxentius and then had the event that proved to be the turning point of his life.

==Victory and embracing of Christianity==

While preparing for battle against Maxentius, Constantine is said to have seen in the sky the [[Chi Ro]], an early Christian symbol, which the Latin words "IN HOC SIGNO VINCES," or, "under this sign shall you conquer." He ordered his troops to paint the Chi Ro on their shields and won a crushing victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge the next day (Oct 28th, 312) as recorded by the historian and bishop of Caesarea [[Eusebius]]. Maxentius drowned while trying to escape. Constantine met with Licinius in Milan in early 313 and together they signed the Edict of Milan which gave equal rights for all religions<ref>An Encyclopedia of World History, Kingsport Press, 1948</ref> and made Christianity legal for the first time and after almost 300 years of persecution. Property that had been confiscated from Christians was restored. An effort by Maximinus Daia to attack Licinius later that year met in failure and he fled and died soon after. Constantine was now the sole leader of the West while Licinius was the sole leader of the East. After a brief war in 314 AD, the two made peace agreeing on the boundaries between them. In 316, at the invitation of the newly legalized Christian church, Constantine tried to settle the Donatist schism. Tensions between Constantine and Licinius grew when Licinius again started persecuting Christians in 320 and led to all out civil war in 324, which ended with Licinius' surrender and imprisonment. Later that year, Constantine accused Licinius of conspiracy and had him killed. Constantine had become sole Emperor and would remain so until his death in 337 AD

==Constantine as sole Emperor==

In 324 Constantine began building a new city on the site of the village of Byzantium, on the Bosporous. The city was completed six years and given the name of Nova Roma (New Rome), and made his new capital. After Constantine's death, the city would be renamed [[Constantinople]] after him.

With his authority over the entire Empire safely secured, one of Constantine's first actions was to call together a meeting of Christian leaders. After years of never being able to all meet together openly, Constantine encouraged Christian leaders from all over the Empire to come together and draw up common understandings of their beliefs. This became the [[Council of Nicaea]] in 325 AD

Upon Constantine's death in 337 AD, his Empire was divided between his three sons. They would not work together peacefully and open warfare would soon ensue as they would each seek to consolidate power for themselves.

==Archaeology==

It is worth noting that much of Constantine's earlier religiosity remains in the archaeological record. For example, Roman coins from the time period of Constantine I can be found, emblazoned with the legend,

"IMP CONSTANT AUG, SOL INV.," expanded as, "Imperator Constantine Augustus, to Sol Invictus," and translated as, "Commander Constantine, Augustus, dedicated to the [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] of the Unconquered Sun."

==References==
<References/>

[[category:Roman emperors]]
[[Category:Early Christians]]

Canaan

2010-06-18T16:16:55Z

FSMaster:

'''Canaan''' is an ancient term for a geographical area that encompassed modern day [[Israel]], the [[West Bank]], and some land east of the [[Jordan River]]. The people who inhabited the region, the Canaanites, were an abomination in the sight of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], engaging in all forms of detestable practices including human sacrifice. The land was promised to the descendants of [[Abraham]] by [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]. The land of Canaan became the kingdom of Israel as the Hebrews, under [[Joshua]], came to take the land they had been promised around 1400 B.C.

'''Canaan''' is also the name of one of the sons of [[Ham (son of Noah)|Ham]]. He was [[Noah]]'s grandson and his descendants settled in the land that came to bear his name. He was cursed by Noah, apparently for his evil ways. ([[Genesis]] 9:25)

==Etymology==
Canaan opposed to Aram is the term used to describe lowlands in Ancient Semitic West Arabian dialects ([[Amorite]]).

The ancient West Arabians ([[Amorite]]s) branched into three main groups:

Aramean meaning the highlanders of the North (Syria and Interior Lebanon)
West Cannanites the lowlanders of [[Phoenicia]] and [[Philistine|Philistia]] (Modern Israel, Coastal [[Lebanon]] and [[Jordan]])
East Cannanites the lowlanders of the old Babylonian kingdom (Modern Western/Southwest [[Iraq]])

The East Canaanites will move to the lands of the West Canaanites in the 17th century BC, after the fall of the Old Babylonian kingdom. Some will stay in Canaan and some will dwell into Egypt ([[The Hyksos]]). [[Moses]] will escape into the promised land around the 1540s settling Southern Canaan in the 1400s BC.

[[Category:Biblical Places]]
[[Category:Book of Genesis Persons]]

St. Thomas Aquinas

2010-06-18T16:15:28Z

FSMaster:

{{Christianity}}
[[Image:Saint Thomas Aquinas.jpg|left|thumb|St. Thomas Aquinas]]
'''St. Thomas Aquinas''' (1225-1274) "The Angelic Doctor" was a [[Dominican]] friar who wrote [[Summa Theologica]]. Many consider this to be the most perfect and complete summary of [[Christian]] [[theology]], and he established an entire type of Christian [[philosophy]] known as "Thomism", which is followed to this day. Aquinas was somewhat controversial during his life, but was quickly revered by the [[Catholic Church]] after his death. Many of the controversies surrounding Aquinas stem from his synthesis of [[Aristotle]]an philosophy with Christian philosophy, causing him to break with many of the traditionally held philosophical and theological positions espoused by the dominant Augustinian synthesis of Neoplatonic philosophy and Christianity.

He developed five proofs for the existence of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] using logic. The first three were "cosmological" proofs rather than the "ontological" approach of [[St. Anselm]]. A cosmological proof deals with the natural order of the universe. Aquinas' most famous cosmological argument was that whatever is in motion (for example, us) must have been put in motion by something else (our parents). They, in turn, must have been put in motion by something else (their parents). But this sequence cannot go on to infinity. There must have been a first mover. This we call "[[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]".

Saint Thomas had a different view of the fall than [[Calvin]] or [[Luther]]. He did not view man as totally depraved, but rather that his will was weakened and his intellect clouded. Nonetheless, his nature was not totally corrupted, for as created by [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] he remained essentially good. Nevertheless, man cannot attain [[salvation]] on his own, but is in need of [[grace]]. Though human intellect is imperfect, unassisted human reason can still understand many of the truths about [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]. For instance: the existence of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] can be shown from the nature of the created [[universe]]. However, certain things are only knowable through [[Divine Revelation]] such as the [[Catholic doctrine|doctrine]] of the [[Blessed Trinity]]. Because of his view of the power of the human mind, though harmed by the fall but not totally destroyed, the works of the classical, secular philosophers could be brought into the service of Christian theology. [[Charles Murray]] wrote, "Aquinas made the case, eventually adopted by the Church, that human intelligence is a gift from [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], and that to apply human intelligence to understanding the world is not an affront to [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] but is pleasing to him." <ref>http://www.amconmag.com/11_17_03/review.html</ref>

Saint Thomas wrote many theological and philosophical books and composed several beautiful hymns. Hailed as a masterpiece, his works [[Summa Theologica]] gives humanity a child like revelation of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]. The book was never completed, though it contains more than 2 million words. <ref>[http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=3266 Second Chance for Thomas] Religion-Online.org</ref> After a religious vision / experience, he stopped writing explaining, “All that I have written seems to me like straw compared to what has now been revealed to me.”<ref>[http://www.philosophyofreligion.info/?page_id=103], Philosophy of Religion- Historic Figures</ref> He died three months later at the monastery of Fossanova, one mile from Sonnino, on March 7, 1274

The entire ''Summa'' provides simple and direct illuminations into the nature of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]: '''"It can be proved in five ways that [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] exists."''' <ref>[http://www.catholicism.org/thomas-aquinas.html], Saint Thomas Aquinas Biography</ref> The basic format of the arguments in the ''Summa'' begin with a few brief postulates about the nature of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] followed by a series of reasonable objections to those assertions. A flaw in the [[logic]] of the objections is raised and the objections are systematically answered by logical counterarguments, bringing the argument to a conclusion supporting the original postulates.

[[Summa Theologica]] is divided into three parts and contains 27 questions:

The first part ''Prima Pars'' ([[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] and what precedes from Him)

The second part ''Prima Secundae and Secunda Secundae'' (Law and Grace, Charity and Justice)

The third part ''Tertia Pars'' (Christ who as man is our way to [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]])

Concerning the nature of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], Aquinas found that the best approach, commonly called the "via negativa", is to consider what [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is not. This led him to propose five positive statements about the divine qualities:

*1. [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is simple, without composition of parts, such as body and soul, or matter and form.
*2. [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is perfect, lacking nothing. That is, [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is distinguished from other beings on account of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s complete actuality.
*3. [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is infinite. That is, [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is not finite in the ways that created beings are physically, intellectually, and emotionally limited. This infinity is to be distinguished from infinity of size and infinity of number.
*4. [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is immutable, incapable of change on the levels of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s essence and character.
*5. [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is one, without diversification within [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s self. The unity of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] is such that [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s essence is the same as [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s existence. In Aquinas's words, "in itself the proposition '[[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] exists' is necessarily true, for in it subject and predicate are the same."

St. Thomas Aquinas is further known for his famous observation that the [[Devil]] cannot withstand mockery.

July 18, 1323, Thomas Aquinas was canonized as a Saint by Pope John XXII at Avignon

In 1567, St. Thomas Aquinas received the title Doctor of the Church or 'Angelic Doctor'. In the 2000 year history of Christ, he is one of only 33 with that designation.

==Early in Life==
As a young child, his parents sent him to study at a monastery when five years old.

Thomas studied and earned his Masters degree at the University of [[Paris]], the year 1245.

== See also ==

*[[Christianity in Conservapedia]]

==External links==
*[http://www.amconmag.com/11_17_03/review.html Culture's Bell Curve] - a review of [[Charles Murray]]'s ''[[Human Accomplishment]]
*[http://www.qfrases.com/english/thomas_aquinas.php Thomas Aquinas quotes]

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aquinas, St. Thomas}}

[[Category:Saints]]
[[Category:Theologians]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Philosophers]]

Anselm of Canterbury

2010-06-18T16:14:07Z

FSMaster:

[[Image:Anselm.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|Anselm of Canterbury was the originator of the [[ontological argument]]]]

'''Saint Anselm of Canterbury''' (b. 1033; d. April 21, 1109) was one of the most important [[Christian]] philosophers of the eleventh century, also called the ''Scholastic Doctor'' for founding [[scholasticism]]. St. Anselm is famous for the first formal presentation of the [[ontological]] argument, which was a highly influential proof of the existence of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] based on definition of God. A [[Latin scholar]], a monk and the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], [[England]], St. Anselm produced great works in defense of Christ. He became a [[Doctor of the Church]] by [[Pope Clement]] XI in 1720.

==Early Life==
St. Anselm was born to noble parents at Aosta, [[Italy]]. His father Gundulph was born a Lombard and was noted for overwhelming presence and harsh temper. His pious mother Ermenberga, took care to give him an early tincture of piety, and the impressions her instructions made upon him were as lasting as his life. <ref>[http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=548 St. Anselm] Catholic Online</ref> At age 15, he requested to enter the monastery. His father would not approve and the abbot fearing the father's displeasure, refused to accept him. The rejection didn't seem to effect young Anselm as he went on in life as a nobleman. During this time his mother died. He studied for a time in Burgundy, then went on to the school of Bec in Normandy, which was under the direction of the renowned Lanfranc. <ref>[http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/ANSELM.HTM SAINT ANSELM OF CANTERBURY] EWTN</ref> On his father's death Anselm consulted his superior as to whether he should return to Italy and manage the estates he had inherited, or remain in [[France]] and enter the Church. On the advise of Lanfranc he became a monk. Lanfranc became abbot of St. Stephen's and Anselm was rapidly promoted to prior of Bec. During his leadership, the monastery grew in both reputation and wealth. After the Norman Conquest had acquired considerable property in England, it became the duty of Anselm to visit this property occasionally. The people of England fell in love with Anselm that he was looked upon as the natural successor to Lanfranc as Archbishop of Canterbury.

==Independent Thinking==
Anselm became the most learned [[theologian]] of his generation. His writings are regarded as the best since [[St. Augustine]]. Anselm's predecessors would assume out of faith that the fundamental principle of the [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] whom they loved and worshiped had real existence. Anselm's approach would be very different. He never doubted, he nevertheless wished to satisfy his mind with proof. "I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this too I believe, that unless I first believe, I shall not understand." His great understanding led to such explanations as the aspects and the unity, our knowledge and understanding of the divine nature, the complex nature of the will and its involvement in free choice, the interworkings of human will and actions of divine grace, the nature of truth and justice, the nature and origins of virtues and vices, the nature of evil as negation plus the condition and implications of original sin. Anselm also authored a number of other arguments for the existence of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], based on cosmological and teleological grounds.

==Archbishop of Canterbury==
Upon Lanfranc's death, king [[William Rufus]] II seized the possessions of Lanfranc and offered no replacement. About four years later in 1092, at the invitation of Hugh, Earl of Chester, Anselm crossed to [[England]] but was refused permission by the king. The following year king William fell ill and feared death was near. Eager to reconcile his sin, he nominated Anselm to the vacant see in Canterbury and was consecrated Archbishop in 1093. This would be the beginning of strain between Anselm and English kings. The King would refuse Anselm from leaving England to visit Rome. King William would refuse to recognize Pope Urban in the schism of anti-Popes. When Anselm finally did receive permission to visit Rome, the king seized all revenues and assets of his archbishopric. In 1100, king William was killed and his successor king [[Henry I]], at once invited Anselm to return to England. Life under king Henry would be no easier. Henry refused to give back possessions seized by King William. Conflict over lay investiture now broke out and Anselm refused to consecrate bishops and abbots nominated by the king. <ref>[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Anselm.html Saint Anselm] High Beam Encyclopedia</ref> Once again, Anselm was banished while appealing to Rome. During this period, Anselm would attend the Council of Bari (1098) Anselm ably defended the Filioque of the creed in the East-West controversy on the procession of the Holy Spirit. Also, was opposed to the [[Crusades]]. The long dispute as to investiture was finally settled with a compromise in 1107. Henry relinquished his right to invest his bishops and abbots, Anselm was allowed to return to England. He remained in his bishopric until he died two years later in 1109.

==Works==
*Cur Deus Homo (Why did [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] become Man?")
*Monologion (rational proofs for [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s existence )
*Proslogion (ontological proof, [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s existence of a perfect being in whom nothing is lacking)
*De Fide Trinitatis (defended universals against the nominalist Roscelin)
*De Conceptu Virginali (the Immaculate Conception of Mary)
*Epistola de Incarnatione Verbi (the Incarnation of the Word)
*De Conceptu Virginali et de Originali Peccato (on the Virgin Conception and Original Sin)
*De Processione Spiritus Sancti (on the Procession of the Holy Spirit
*De Casu Diaboli (problem of the origin of evil and divine responsibility for evil)
*De Libertate Arbitrii (human will and its relation to justice or rightness of will)
*De Veritate (a correspondence theory of truth)
*De Grammatico (focuses on solving some problems of language, qualities, and substances)

==External Links==
*[http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/God%2C_Arguments_for_the_Existence_of Proofs for the Existence of God]
*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/a/anselm.htm The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy]

== See Also ==
*[[Philosophy]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Saints]]
[[Category:Theologians]]

Abraham

2010-06-18T16:13:14Z

FSMaster:

[[Image:abraham_sacrificing_isaac.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Abraham Sacrificing Isaac'' by Rembrandt]]

'''Abraham''' ([[Hebrew]]: '''אברהם''', ''ʾAḇrāhām''; [[Arabic]]: '''ابراهيم''', ''Ibrāhīm'', "father of a multitude") or '''Abram''' ("exalted father") (2008 AM–2183 AM, or 1996 BC-1821 BC) was the father of the [[Israel]]ites, the [[Arab]]s, and several other races. He is considered a [[prophet]], and the details of his life are recorded in [[Genesis]].

[[Judaism|Jews]], [[Christianity|Christians]], and [[Islam|Muslims]] respect Abraham for his outstanding faith in [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]].<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Hebrews|chap=11|verses=8-12}}</ref>

== Abraham’s life ==
Abraham, originally called Abram until [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] changed his name in a covenant when Abraham was 99 years old,<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=17|verses=5}}</ref> was born in [[Ur of the Chaldees]] in [[Mesopotamia]]. His father was [[Terah]], and he had two elder brothers named [[Haran]] and [[Nahor]]. His wife was [[Sarah]] (who actually was his niece and daughter of Haran), and his sons were [[Isaac]] and [[Ishmael]].

[[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] told him to leave his country and journey to a new land, where he would become the founder of a new nation. Abraham obeyed [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], and when he was 75 years old he journeyed with his wife Sarah (Sarai), his nephew [[Lot]], and many others to the land of [[Canaan (land)|Canaan]] between [[Syria]] and [[Egypt]]. At each stop along the way he set up an altar and tent-shrine.

The date of his departure is 15 Abib 2083 AM (25 April 1921 BC), as per the following verses:{{Bible quote|Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.|book=Exodus|chap=12|verses=40-41|version=KJV}}

The date of the Exodus was 15 Abib 2513 AM (12 April 1491 BC); therefore the date of Abram's departure from Haran is precisely 430 years earlier. (See below.)

In [[Canaan (land)|Canaan]], [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land from the Nile to the river Euphrates and have it for ever. Although Sarah was childless, and apart from [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s promise she would have no reason to believe that she would ever have children, Abraham trusted [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] to fulfill His promise to give them children.<ref name=Ussher>[[James Ussher]], ''[[The Annals of the World]]'', [[Larry Pierce]], ed., Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2003 (ISBN 0890513600), pghh. 72-75, 77-80, 82-83</ref>

=== Visit to Egypt ===
Early in Abraham's journey, famine struck the land of Canaan. Abraham went to [[Egypt]] to escape its effects. There, Abraham instructed Sarah to say that she was his sister—which was not quite true, because Sarah was Abraham's niece. The then-reigning [[Pharaoh]] took Sarah, who was quite attractive despite her advanced age, into the palace. [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], however, directly warned Pharaoh against being intimate with Sarah, who was another man's wife. Pharaoh returned Sarah to Abraham and politely asked Abraham to leave Egypt, which he did. However, Abraham left Egypt with many gifts and presents. Among these was a handmaid named [[Hagar]].<ref name=Ussher2>Ussher, ''op. cit.'', pgh. 74</ref>

=== Family Strife ===
At first, Abraham was accompanied by his nephew, [[Lot]], who had a household comparable in size to that of Abraham, with livestock to match. Inevitably, their wranglers fought over the scarce resources of the region. So Abraham and Lot agreed to separate. Lot decided to live in the plains of the Valley of Siddim (the [[Dead Sea]]), while Abraham stayed in the hill country. This happened in the spring of 2084 AM.<ref name=Ussher3>Ussher, ''op. cit.'', pgh. 75</ref>

Eight years after that, Lot fell prisoner to [[Chedorlaomer]] in the [[War of the Ten Kings]]. Abraham heard about Lot's capture from an escapee from [[Sodom]], where Lot had gone to live. Abraham armed 318 men of his household, called on three local Amorite confederates to help him, and gave chase. He successfully rescued Lot and recaptured all the plunder that Chedorlaomer had taken. Abraham took no spoil beyond his own troops' rations.<ref name=Ussher4>Ussher, ''op. cit.'', pgh. 77</ref> Scripture does not record that Abraham would ever see Lot again.

Abraham then made what some have considered a mistake. Not willing to believe that a seventy-five-year-old woman (Sarah's age at the time) could conceive, Abraham allowed Sarah to prevail upon him to accept Hagar as her surrogate. By her he had a son, [[Ishmael]] ("[[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] hears"). Ishmael was not, however, the son that [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] had promised that Abraham ''and Sarah'' would have.

=== The Covenant ===
[[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] established his covenant with Abraham on 2107 AM (1897 BC). On that occasion [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] told Abraham that he and Sarah ''would'' have a son, and that the descendants of that son would be too numerous to count.<ref name=Ussher5>Ussher, ''op. cit.'', pgh. 82</ref> And not only was Abraham to be the father of multitudes of physical descendants, he would also be the spiritual father of all who believe in the true [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]].

But [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] also warned Abraham that the Hebrews would sojourn in a land that was not theirs, that some group of persons, identified only as "they," would "afflict" them, and that after a span of four hundred years, [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] would see that the Hebrew people would despoil those who had ill used them.

In this same year came the destruction of [[Sodom]] and [[Gomorrah]]. Abraham interceded for Sodom, for Lot's sake. Instead of forbearing to destroy the city, [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] sent two angels to make sure that Lot and his household would leave Sodom. (They barely escaped in time, and Lot's wife, because she looked back, did not survive.)

Abraham did have his son, [[Isaac]] ("he shall laugh"), by his wife [[Sarah]] when he was 100 years old and Sarah 90 years old.

=== The Expulsion of Ishmael ===
When Isaac was five years old, Abraham held a feast in his honor. Ishmael, who was nineteen, mocked Isaac. This prompted Sarah to demand that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, and he did.

Many commentators, among them [[James Ussher]], [[Larry Pierce]], and [[Floyd Nolen Jones]], date the four hundred years' persecution of the Hebrew people from this incident. But other commentators point out that the Ishmaelites were not the Egyptians, nor did any systematic persecution begin until after the Israelites had all entered Egypt.

== Abraham's faith ==
The most famous story of Abraham dealt with his son [[Isaac]], when Abraham was told by [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] to take him up onto Mount Moriah and sacrifice him. ({{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=22|verses=1-14}}) Abraham did as he was told, but at the last moment an angel of the Lord told him to stop and another sacrifice was there to be put in his place, "for now I know that thou fearest [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]], seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son] from me." ({{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=22|verses=12}} [[Christians]] see this as a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of [[Jesus]].

In response to Abraham's display of love for [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] by being willing to sacrifice his only beloved son,{{Bible quote|The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said: I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.|book=Genesis|chap=22|verses=15-18}}

== Abraham’s character ==
Abraham was a man with many admirable characteristics. He was a righteous man, wholeheartedly committed to [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]. He was a man of peace, compassionate when working to persuade [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] to spare the people of [[Sodom and Gomorrah]], hospitable in welcoming three visiting [[angels]], and quick to act when rescuing Lot and his family from attackers.

Although he was a man of great spiritual depth, he also had common human weaknesses. To save his life, he twice passed off Sarah as his sister to foreign kings, allowing them to choose her for their harems.

== Final years ==
Sarah died at the age of 127, and Abraham bought a cave at Machpelah in which to bury her. As his own death drew near he made his servant Eliezer swear that he would find a wife for Isaac from his kinfolk near Haran. He did, and Isaac married [[Rebekah]].

Also in Abraham’s advancing years he married [[Keturah]], whose sons became the ancestors of the tribes of Dedan and Midian. The sons of Abraham by Keturah included [[Zimran]], [[Jokshan (son of Abraham)|Jokshan]], [[Medan]], [[Midian]], [[Ishbak]], and [[Shuah]]. ({{Bible ref|book=I_Chronicles|chap=1|verses=32}})

After he gave all he had to Isaac, and gifts to his other sons, Abraham died, having lived for 175 years. [[Isaac]] and [[Ishmael]] buried him in the cave at Machpelah in which Sarah lay.

== Legacy ==
: ''Main Article: [[Abrahamic religion]]''

Jews trace their lineage to Abraham through his son Isaac. One of the core tenets of the Jewish faith is that the [[Hebrews]] are the "chosen people of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]" following [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]]'s covenants with Abraham.

Christians also trace their faith back to Abraham through Isaac, via [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] and his original followers, who were Jewish.

Abraham's descendant Midian is also tied to the Jewish faith through [[Moses]], whose wife, Zipporah, was a Midianite.

[[Arab]] [[Islam|Muslims]] trace their lineage back to Abraham (known as Ibrahim) through his son [[Ishmael]].

== Chronological problems ==
: ''Main Article: [[Biblical chronology dispute]]''

Abraham's life story poses two different problems in [[biblical chronology]]. The first is whether Abraham was born early, or late, in the life of his father [[Terah]]. The age of Terah when Abraham was born is a chronological anchor for the year of Terah's birth. Many commentators believe that Abraham was born when Terah was 70 years old, on the basis of this verse:{{Bible quote|After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.|book=Genesis|chap=11|verses=26}}

However, the Bible describes Abraham's departure from Haran ''after'' the death of his father.<ref name=Ussher5>[[James Ussher|Ussher]], ''[[The Annals of the World|op. cit.'']], pgh. 71-72</ref><ref name=Jones>Jones, Floyd N. ''The Chronology of the Old Testament'', Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2004 (ISBN 9780890514160), pp. 25, 259 and Charts 1 and 6</ref> In addition, Stephen clearly stated to the Sanhedrin that Abraham left Haran after his father died.<ref name=Stephen>{{Bible ref|book=Acts|chap=7|verses=4}}</ref>

The second problem concerns the length of the Sojourn in Egypt. This period serves as an anchor for Abraham's departure from Haran. The book of Exodus tells us that {{Bible quote|Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.|book=Exodus|chap=12|verses=40|version=KJV}}

Interestingly, the [[Samaritan Pentateuch]] adds the phrase "and Canaan" after the name "Egypt" in the above verse. However, [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] seems to say to Abraham that the Egyptians would afflict the Israelites for four hundred years:{{Bible quote|And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;...|book=Genesis|chap=15|verses=13|version=KJV}}

Two problems appear above:

# Does the 430 years refer to the length of time that the Hebrews spent in Egypt, or to the total span of time from Abraham's entry into Canaan to the [[Exodus of Israel]]?
# When does the 400 years begin and end?

With regard to the 430 years, [[Paul]] provides an answer:{{Bible quote|And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.|book=Galatians|chap=3|verses=17}}

The law referred to above is the [[Ten Commandments]], which were given in the same year as the Exodus. Therefore the "covenant" refers to the departure.

In addition, [[Genesis]] tells us that ''four generations'' would elapse during the actual time in Egypt.<ref name=generations>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=15|verses=16|version=KJV}}</ref> Those generations are the lives of [[Levi]], [[Kohath]], [[Amram]], and [[Moses]], which are a direct line of descent. [[Exodus]] gives the lengths of the lives of each of these men, and furthermore states that Amram married his own aunt. (I Chronicles also attests to this.) If the Israelites spent 430 years living in Egypt, this line of descent would be impossible.

With regard to the 400 years, Jones cites E. W. Bullinger's ''Companion Bible'', which points out that the text of {{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=15|verses=13}} is a curious type of text called an ''introversion.'' It states four facts, of which the first and last are related to one another, and the second and third are related to one another, though ''not'' to the other two. Thus the passage should read:

* Thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs,
** and shall serve them;
** and they shall afflict them
* four hundred years.

The two facts listed in the indented text are a parenthetical note in the broader context of a four-hundred-year period that begins when Isaac was weaned and ends with the Exodus.<ref name=Jones2>Jones, ''op. cit.'', pp. 53-61 and Charts 3, 3A, and 3B.</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}
== See Also ==
* [[Judaism]]
** [[Midrash]]
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Islam]]

== External Links ==
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Timelines/2210-2090%20BC.htm Timeline 2210-2090 BC]
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Timelines/2090-1970%20BC.htm Timeline 2090-1970 BC]
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/OT/Law/Genesis/patriarchal_timeline_from_adam_through_Isaac.htm Patriarchal Timeline from Adam through Isaac]
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/OT/Ages%20Of%20The%20Patriarchs.html Ages Of The Patriarchs]
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/OT/Law/Genesis/Genealogical%20Table%20of%20Abrahams%20Family.htm Genealogical Table of Abraham’s Family]

{{nb patriarch}}
{{nb hebrews}}

[[Category:Book of Genesis Persons]]
[[Category:Ancient History]]
[[Category:Abrahamic Religions]]
[[Category:Jewish People]]

Talk:God

2010-06-14T15:07:54Z

FSMaster:

{{Wikiproject Religion}}

For older discussions, see the archives: [[Talk:God/Archive 1|1]].



==Suggested rewording==
"God is the sovereign creator and eternal ruler of all things and beings that exist, whether in the physical universe or in the spiritual realm (Heaven)."

"God is the sovereign creator and eternal ruler of all things and beings that exist, whether in the physical universe or in the spiritual realm, often times called Heaven."

[[User:DanK|DanK]] 00:00, 4 June 2010 (EDT)

== why (Redirected from Deity) to the page god ==

is it not more logical to send anyone looking for Deity to other gods page (who tells you nothing about the other gods but rather what the bible say about them) or for that matter a page about Deities not the god page if this is the trustworthy encyclopedia would you not try to be some level of open minded --[[User:Kyo|Kyo]] 23:49, 13 June 2010 (EDT)

This page is read-only. I would like to add a description of god by a famous author. Can I get permission?

Creation

2010-06-14T14:58:42Z

FSMaster:

'''Creation''' refers to either that which has been created, e.g. Mark 16:15, “Preach the Gospel to the whole creation,” or to the moment or process by which [[God]] created, e.g. [[Genesis]] is the creation account. This article deals with the second meaning.

Different groups have different views on creation. [[Young Earth creationists]] take the Genesis creation account literally and believe that over six 24-hour days, God separately created each different aspect of creation mentioned ([[Earth]], [[sun]] and [[moon]], plants, etc.). They also consider the list of [[patriarch]]s in the [[Bible]] to be generally accurate, without missing lists or gaps, and so they consider the earth to be 6000 years old, thus “Young Earth.”

[[Old Earth creationists]] may believe in the separate creation of each creature (their views are more varied), but also take the [[creation week]] as non-literal and embrace the idea of a billions-of-years-old [[earth]] (Old Earth).
They include "progressive creationists", who reject evolution and instead believe that God progressively created over the millions of years believed by evolutionists.

[[Theistic evolution]]ists accept an old Earth and believe that evolution occurred, but that it was God’s means of creation.

Pastafarians believe that [[Flying Spaghetti Monster|God]] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1C0erp60fo created] the world like [http://www.venganza.org/fsmdrawing.jpg mountains, trees, and midgets].

[[Atheism|Atheistic]] [[evolution|evolutionists]] attribute evolution to chance, natural selection, and survival of the fittest, believe in an old Earth, and avidly reject a young Earth model.

==Famous Creationists==

The late Dr. [[Henry Morris]] was the founder of the [[Institute for Creation Research]] (ICR), who coined the term “[[creation science]]” and began the modern creation science movement. He was a scientist and held a master's degree and a [[PhD]][[Category:Creationism]][[Category:Christianity]] in hydraulic engineering from the [[University of Minnesota]].
[[Image:Duanegishpic.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Dr. Duane Gish]]
Dr. [[Duane Gish]], now retired, was a scientist ([[chemistry]]), a member of ICR, and a prolific debater for the Young Earth creationist cause.
Dr. [[Henry Morris]] said of Gish, “at least in our judgment and that of most in the audiences, he always wins.”

[[Ken Ham]] is a Young Earth creationist, a founder of the American branch of [[Answers in Genesis]], and prime mover of the Petersburg, Kentucky [[Creation Museum]].

Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] is a scientist (chemistry), [[chess]] champion, and Young Earth creationist, who works for [[Creation Ministries International]] in [[Australia]].
He has written a number of books refuting evolutionary arguments and various theological arguments that try and accommodate evolution or an old Earth.

Dr. [[Hugh Ross]] is a scientist (astronomy), a progressive creationist, and founder of [[Reasons to Believe]].
He considers nature to be the 67<sup>th</sup> book of the Bible.

Dr. [[Kent Hovind]], also known as "Dr. Dino," is a prominent and controversial young Earth creationist. He founded the Creation Science Evangelism Ministry.

[[Bobby Henderson]], whose contribution in the FSM research has found real solutions to global warming by increase of pirate count.

== See also ==
*[[Evolution]]
*[[Flying Spaghetti Monster]]
*[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]

==External Links==
*[http://creation.com/ Creation Ministries International]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}