This book investigates the issue of the singularity versus the multiplicity of ancient Near Eastern deities who are known by a common first name but differentiated by their last names, or geographic epithets. It focuses primarily on the Istar divine names in Mesopotamia, Baal names in the Levant, and Yahweh names in Israel, and it is structured around four key questions: How did the ancients define what it meant to be a god - or more pragmatically, what kind of treatment did a personality or object need to receive in order to be considered a god by the ancients? Upon what bases and according to which texts do modern scholars determine when a personality or object is a god in an ancient culture? In what ways are deities with both first and last names treated the same and differently from deities with only first names? Under what circumstances are deities with common first names and different last names recognizable as distinct independent deities, and under what circumstances are they merely local manifestations of an overarching deity? The conclusions drawn about the singularity of local manifestations versus the multiplicity of independent deities are specific to each individual first name examined in accordance with the data and texts available for each divine first name.

This book investigates the issue of the singularity versus the multiplicity of ancient Near Eastern deities who are known by a common first name but differentiated by their last names, or geographic epithets. It focuses primarily on the Istar divine names in Mesopotamia, Baal names in the Levant, and Yahweh names in Israel, and it is structured around four key questions: How did the ancients define what it meant to be a god - or more pragmatically, what kind of treatment did a personality or object need to receive in order to be considered a god by the ancients? Upon what bases and according to which texts do modern scholars determine when a personality or object is a god in an ancient culture? In what ways are deities with both first and last names treated the same and differently from deities with only first names? Under what circumstances are deities with common first names and different last names recognizable as distinct independent deities, and under what circumstances are they merely local manifestations of an overarching deity? The conclusions drawn about the singularity of local manifestations versus the multiplicity of independent deities are specific to each individual first name examined in accordance with the data and texts available for each divine first name.

Why doesn't God heal amputees? Where is Purgatory in the Bible? Why does the Catholic Church oppose in-vitro fertilization? Catholics were once labeled "mackerel snappers" because of their regular consumption of fish on Fridays. Abstinence from meat is just one of many often misunderstood Catholic teachings. Rather than shy from that old derogatory nickname, this book claims it as a badge of pride as it explains and defends the teachings of God's one, true Church. Section one explores faith and reason, identifying some of the key barriers to passing on the faith. Section two discusses authority, including proofs for the existence of God, the divinity of Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church as God's instrument of grace and truth. From there, the remaining sections examine specific doctrines and practices of the Church, answering typical challenges that Catholics might encounter. Each chapter is concluded with a bullet-point summary. Mackerel Snappers uses personal anecdotes, as well as irrefutable scriptural and logical reasoning, to help readers grasp and explain even the most difficult teachings. In addition, chapters are written to refute the arguments of other groups, such as atheists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons, who regularly attempt to evangelize Catholics. Readers will find the systematic explanations invaluable in their own defense and practice of the faith.