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What is the actual birthday of Jesus Christ?

Luke's account of Jesus' birth says shepherds were watching their flocks outside at night. Scholars argue this was likely in spring or summer as flocks would shelter indoors in the winter months.\nIn 2008, astronomer David Reneke suggested Jesus' birthday was June 17, 2 B.C., according to accounts of the Star of Bethlehem and its correlation to planetary positions on that date.\nSome theologians believe Jesus was born in late September based on historical calculations of John the Baptist's conception.

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Who was Saul of Tarsus?

Saul was born in Tarsus to Jewish parents. He studied literature, philosophy and ethics in the city of Jerusalem. Saul's initial reaction to the newly established Christian movement was to persecute its early followers and attempt to destroy the whole movement. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus changed him, and he became a dedicated supporter of the Christian movement. Paul's epistles form the vital roots of the theology, worship and pastoral life in the Christian culture.

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What is the story of Lucifer?

Lucifer means "light bearer," and as a fallen angel he is referred to as Satan or the Devil. In Christopher Marlowe's classic play "Doctor Faustus," published in the early 1600s, a German scholar wants to learn black magic and sells his soul to the devil, whose master is Lucifer. Many other works of art, including novels, movies and songs, have used this Faustian legend to create stories in which a character exchanges his morality for worldly power and success.\n\nLucifer is typically depicted with horns and a demonic expression, sometimes standing in a fiery hell and carrying a pitchfork..

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How do you get rid of nerves?

Various techniques may prove more effective than others depending on the severity of nervousness and the nerve-inducing situation. Exercise reduces general anxiety by eliminating stress-induced hormones and by raising the number of neurotransmitters that help the body relax.\nRelaxed breathing patterns work wonders to calm nerves in high-stress and fight-or-flight scenarios. Lengthening the period of exhalation triggers the vagus nerve, which communicates with the brain to engage the parasympathetic nerve system that ultimately calms the body.\nLack of sleep makes a person more susceptible to ..

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What is the definition of "neo-Malthusian theory"?

Sociologist Paul Erlich and economist Thomas Keynes both shaped the neo-Malthusian movement. Their ideas are based on the theories of Thomas Malthus, an 18th century minister who warned that exponential population growth not held in check by natural attrition like disease leads to famine as population outstrips food supply. The neo-Malthusians are enthusiastic proponents of birth control; their theory is that birth control prevents a population explosion, particularly among the poor, and thus avoids a new Dark Age because of the chaos and war brought by famine.\nNeo-Malthusianism, like its ori..

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What type of government did Plato promote?

In the Republic and Laws, Plato lays out ideal states, not necessarily ones that can be implemented in reality, but ones that could be used as guiding forms. Plato's dialogues describe different types of governing that might lead to peace based on its value, not on its factional benefits. Plato believed that conflicting interests could be harmonized in an ideal society, without the expense of one or another faction. Each social class has different values, concerns and claims to rule, but Plato had observed, in his own time, the damage that unchecked governments of any type could cause the..

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Who was Pythagoras?

Historians believe Pythagoras was born on the island of Samos in 570 B.C., but little written information about him has survived. Most information about him comes from secondhand sources long after his death. It is believed that he may have traveled widely through Europe and Northern Africa in his youth, and it is known that he settled in Croton in 530 B.C. and formed the religion named after him. No direct writings by Pythagoras are known to exist. His followers Porphyry and Iamblichus left detailed writings about his school, but as they regarded Pythagoras as a divine figure, their historica..

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How do you convert to Islam?

The sentence for converting, or reverting as Muslims prefer to call it, is called the Shahada. Upon saying this sentence, however, it is expected that the new convert become very dedicated to learning about the tenets of the Muslim faith and practicing them. There are six articles of belief in Islam and five pillars of faith. The six articles of belief are that Allah is the one true God, Muhammad is his prophet, the holy books are true, the angels sent by God are real, a final judgment is coming and there are no other gods worthy of worship. The pillars of faith are practices that help Muslims..

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What are some coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations?

Being assertive in a stressful situation is healthier than keeping emotions bottled up. Communicating issues in a respectful way is more likely to result in positive outcomes for everyone involved. A breakdown in communication can complicate problems and lead to increased negativity between people, while open communication clarifies each person's position and makes it easier to discuss possible solutions.\nLimiting exposure to stressful situations can sometimes be an appropriate response to stress. Decreasing contact with people who are negative or abusive helps limit stressful situations..

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Why is rice thrown at weddings?

Many venues do not allow rice to be thrown at a wedding because it becomes slippery when it is wet and may cause accidents. Popular alternatives include flower petals, leaves or even sunflower seeds. Wedding guests in France throw wheat and people in Italy throw candy to symbolize sweetness between a wedding couple. Some couples prefer that guests do not throw anything that will make a mess outside and ask that guests blow bubbles at them instead.

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