The Jewish religion from the time of Moses until about the 14th Century permitted a Jewish man to have more than one wife.  For example, if a Jewish man had a wife who had a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, he could keep the first wife and marry the second wife to have children. Please give me the canon of the church and its date that prohibited a second wife.

What does the LCMS say about prayer labyrinths?

What is the Synod's view about reading self-help books, such as  Dr. Phil's McGraw's book "Self Matters:  Creating Your Life From the Inside Out"?  It talks about your "authentic self" and "becoming so much more successful in your life by being who you want to be."  By using his self-help suggestions, am I putting more emphasis on me fixing me rather than just praying and letting God take care of things (stress, anxiety)?

What is the Christian/LCMS position on the idea of ESP, or extra-sensory perception?  I just had someone tell me that he has it.  Is that regarded as a sign of demon possession, or is it a special gift from God?

I always love to visit your wonderful website for your insight into Christian doctrine.  I do have a question today that I don't see addressed anywhere:  Does the Lutheran church have an opinion regarding the Shroud of Turin?  Many Christian churches do not seem to take either side of the debate and so good information on the issue is hard to come by.

Please give me biblical information to help explain why consulting mediums or a spiritus is wrong. My friend said she's a Christian, never had a chance to say goodbye to her dad who was killed in a car accident, and when she saw a medium the spiritus told her things about her family "that only God could know," reassuring things, and she had a joyful exchange with her dad. She said, "How can this be wrong if it encouraged her faith in God and heaven and gave her a joyful peace?"

How does the Lutheran Church see the Emmaus Community and the Walk to Emmaus? Are there any conflicts between the Lutheran Church and its teachings with the Emmaus Community?

Given the Eastern origins of acupuncture, does it have occult connections, or is it something a Christian can freely use without harm?

I have a question regarding the book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." I have read numerous articles denouncing it as quasi-New Age and I am not sure what to think about it. I know that some Lutherans endorse the book, but others consider it to be heresy. Certainly the introspection and do-it-yourself attitudes of the book concern me, and I want to know what the Church's point of view on the matter is.

What is the LCMS view on "gothic" style dressing so popular with youth today? (Black clothing, eye makeup, etc.) Is this wrong? What scriptural support, if any, can be used to argue against this?

I've been reading a book about Feng Shui, which is a trend in home decorating. According to this book Feng Shui has its origins in ancient Chinese culture and Taoism. Is using principles of Feng Shui in your house a type of religious practice? Can you tell me the LCMS views on Feng Shui?

I was wondering what the LCMS view is on "near death experiences."  Do we as a church validate the spirituality claims made for such experiences (e.g., bright lights in a tunnel, talking to supreme beings, etc.)?  Just what do we believe on this subject?

What is the Synod's position on tattoos and body piercing?  If my so or daughter asks to have a tattoo or pierced lip or tongue, what Scripture may I rely on?

Please discuss the use of the term "What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)." My children are exposed to it daily, even from their teachers. They go to an LCMS school. It seems to me that we need to be careful with the use of this term so that we don't forget something even more important--What Has Jesus Done (WHJD)?

What is the LCMS view on modern-day revelation? Does God still send revelation and new teachings to His chosen leaders today as in the time of Abraham and Moses? And if he does not, why?

My question concerns public prayer in restaurants.  Some Christians seem to use this as a measure of faith and whether or not we are ashamed of Christ. They also claim it's a way to witness for Christ. I don't know of any verses commanding us to pray in public but I am aware of one in Matthew 6:5 telling us not to pray in public to be seen among people.  It has been my experience that the general public views this behavior as a self-righteous act since people can pray silently without anyone knowing what's taking place. Does this practice really provide an effective witness (some people in non-Christian religions also pray in restaurants)?  And should prayer which is communication with God be used as a "tool" to show others we are Christians?

Does the Synod have a position on the Harry Potter book series? Is it appropriate reading material for our children?

Recently many people have been reading the "Left Behind" series of books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. While these are fiction books, they discuss the "end times" within a biblical context. What is the LCMS position on these books and their portrayal of the end times?

I'm interested in Yoga and the practice of meditation (meditation meaning the quieting of the mind to allow the "voice of God" to enter). Is there anything in the church guidelines that discourages or forbids these practices?

What is the LCMS position on the selling of raffle tickets for raising funds for an LCMS church or school?

A friend of mine insists that Christmas trees are pagan and false idols because of scripture in Jeremiah 10---any thoughts?

What is the church's position on ghosts and whether they appear today?  Are the spirits caught in between heaven and hell  trying to communicate with loved ones or are they manifested by the powers of darkness?

Has the LCMS said anything officially on the celebration of Halloween? May we permit children to dress as goblins and ghosts, etc.,? What should we teach our children concerning this celebration?

I recently received an e-mail that states the president of Procter and Gamble appeared on a television show this summer and vowed allegiance to Satan. Is there any truth in this?

What is the Synod's official statement regarding horoscopes?

What is the position of the LCMS on role-playing games such as "Dungeons & Dragons" and "Magic: The Gathering"? Some people object because they say they encourage idol worship

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