We often here people discuss how different theologies exist. Simply put, what does "theology" refer to and how can people have differing theologies?

St Augustine described theology "Rational discussion respecting the Deity". Other theologians refer to Theology as the study of God and of the relations between God and the universe. Simply put, theology is the study of God. It comes from the Greek word theos meaning God and ology (which comes from logos) meaning "study of God". In short, theology is a set of intellectual and emotional commitments, justified or not, about God and humankind which dictate ones beliefs and actions. Neither the word itself is irrelevant, nor the concepts which it seeks to articulate. It is the first pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

Only man ever served as vice-presidential running mate for opposing presidential candidates in the same election. Who was this person and what are the events surrounding this unique situation?

In 1824, John C Calhoun became the only man in U. S history to be chosen as the running mate for the two major candidate who in that year were Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. In 1824, the Democratic-Republican party failed to agree on a candidate and basically, ceased to exist. This left four persons running as independent, one of whom was Calhoun. However, since none of the candidates won a majority in the electoral college, the election was the first-and only one-to be decided by The House of Representatives who decided between the top two vote-getters, Adams and Jackson. The candidate who received the least amount of votes was Henry Clay who withdrew and threw his support to Adams. Thus, no matter whether the winner would have been Adams or Jackson, Calhoun was to become Vice-President.

Listening is often mentioned as important in good communication but "active" listening is essential. What is "active" listening and what does it entail? What is the importance of "active" listening?

"Active" listening is about focusing and concentrating on the person who is speaking. To illustrate "active" listening, one should ask good questions, paraphrase, and empathize with the speaker.