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THE QUESTION: RE40: What is the religious/cultural significance of the temporary skin-painting done on the hands and arms of Indian women? I desire as detailed an answer as possible. POSTED APRIL 30, 1998 L.A., 29, white female, Boston, MA ANSWER 1: Indian women, like many other Eastern women (Arabs, for example), consider the hand painting a sign of beauty and …

THE QUESTION: RE50: I am Jewish and have a question for (at least) Catholics: What is the necessity for trans-substantiation in the Eucharist? Why is the symbolism of the wine and bread not enough? POSTED MAY 12, 1998 Michael <TheMartian@juno.com>, Houston, TX ANSWER 1: We are simply doing what we believe Jesus told us to do: “Do this in memory …

THE QUESTION: RE60: Why do Mormons believe in a man whose predictions were false, whose book was rewritten and who believed in marrying many women? It seems to me that this is a self-centered religion, in which whatever the current “head of the church” says goes. Anyone can say they’ve been chosen by God and then make others believe in …

THE QUESTION: RE70: Islam is the second-largest religion in America, and growing fast. It accepts all the Jewish prophets and Jesus. Why is it then, that many Jews and Christians have an aversion to Islam, even though most Muslims are peaceful? POSTED JUNE 26, 1998 Brad, Honolulu, HI ANSWER 1: 1) Islam does not accept Jesus as Christians understand him …

THE QUESTION: RE80: Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses accept blood products, even if it means saving their or a family member’s life? POSTED JULY 26, 1998 Tina S. <beaniejet27@yahoo.com>, New Haven, MI ANSWER 1: Blood is sacred. We believe God forbid us to commit murder. Matthew l9:l6-l8 and Exodus 21:22,23 show this. Jehovah God told Noah and his family that the …

THE QUESTION: RE90: My understanding is that it is quite difficult to convert to Judaism. Why is this? POSTED AUG. 12, 1998 Mireille, 26 <mireille2000@hotmail.com>, Washington, DC ANSWER 1: I don’t think it is difficult to convert to Judaism. It will require some degree of study and thought. I’ve heard that the teachers are supposed to discourage the student from …