Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

PROSTITUTION In the ancient world, as in the modern, prostitution was widespread (Gen 38:15; Jos 2:1; Jdg 11:1; Jdg 16:1; 1Ki 3:16; Pro 2:16; Pro 6:26; Luk 15:30). In Israelite law the penalty for prostitution was death, usually by stoning (Lev 19:29; Lev 21:7; Lev 21:9; Deu 22:21; Joh 8:5). Prostitutes bring lasting damage to … Continue reading “Prostitution”

Prostitute (a) female, in Hebrew , , (on the last see Gesen. Thes. 3, 1197); (b) male, in Hebrew . While all sexual intercourse between others than married persons was forbidden by the Mosaic law, especial prohibition was laid upon Israelitish women from hiring themselves as prostitutes (Lev 19:29; comp. 21:9); and, with special reference … Continue reading “Prostitute”

Prosser, Lorenzo D. a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a native of New York State, and was born in 1805. He was early converted, and joined the Church as a mere youth. In 1827 he was received into the Pittsburgh Conference, and successively appointed to the following circuits, namely: Butler, Grand River, Mercer, … Continue reading “Prosser, Lorenzo D.”

Prosphora (Gr. , i.e. on oblation), one of the words by which some of the early ecclesiastical writers designate the Lord’s Supper. The literal meaning of the word is a sacrificial offering, and especially the matter for a sacrifice: it has this signification in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In Christian antiquity it is used … Continue reading “Prosphora”

PROSPERITY-ADVERSITY (A) PROSPERITY(1) Of the Wicked, general references to Job 12:6; Psa 37:35; Psa 73:3; Psa 73:12; Jer 5:28; Jer 12:1 –SEE Worldly Fulness, PROSPERITY (2) Perils ofForgetfulness of God Deu 6:10-12 Rebellion Deu 32:15 Destruction Pro 1:32 Denial of God Pro 30:9 –SEE Worldliness, WORLDLINESS Pride, PRIDERiches Perilous, RICHES (3) Examples of the Evil … Continue reading “PROSPERITY-ADVERSITY”

PROSPERITY A state wherein things succeed, according to our wishes, and are productive of affluence and ease. However desirable prosperity be, it has its manifest disadvantages. It too often alienates the soul from God; excites pride; exposes to temptation; hardens the heart; occasions idleness; promotes effeminacy; damps zeal and energy; and, too often has a … Continue reading “Prosperity”

Prosper, St., a native of Aquitaine Prosper (4), St., a native of Aquitaine, not certainly known to have been in holy orders; probably born c. 403. About 426-429 he removed to Marseilles, where he lived as a monk until 440. Some time between 420 and 427 John Cassian put forth in his Collationes a doctrine … Continue reading “Prosper, St., a native of Aquitaine”

Prosper of Aquitaine, Tiro The first sure date in the life of Prosper is that of his letter to St. Augustine written under the following circumstances. In 428 or 429 a certain Hilary wrote to St. Augustine in reference to difficulties raised against his doctrine in Marseilles and the neighbourhood. Hilary distrusted his own ability … Continue reading “Prosper of Aquitaine, Tiro”

Prosper of Aquitaine, Saint Also known as Tiro. Confessor of the faith. Born c.400 in Gascony; died c.463. A layman, he lived in Provence (where he probably died). Here his teachings on grace and free will were opposed by the monks of Marseilles and neighborhood. He was an ardent disciple of Saint Augustine, whom he … Continue reading “Prosper of Aquitaine, Saint”

Prosper Louis Paschal Gueranger Liturgist, born Sable-sur-Sarthe, France, 1805; died Solesmes, 1875. Ordained, 1827, he labored, 1831-1837, to reestablish the Rule of Saint Benedict at Solesmes, and was appointed Superior general of the Benedictines of France by Pope Gregory, 1837. An ardent servant of the Church, Dom Gueranger tried to establish more filial relations between … Continue reading “Prosper Louis Paschal Gueranger”