Including Things and Events that Helped Shape
Modern Theology
To learn new words or verify a meaning click on the word or start at the top and work through the weekly assignments Important Theological Terms and Definitions In random Order Other Theological Terms and Definitions
In alphabetical order The more complex terms include a lengthy definition and are followed by “In a nutshell” which is a short definition. [1st Week] 1. Exegesis [ek-si-jee-sis]: Exegesis is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text. Traditionally the term was used primarily for exegesis of the Bible, however in contemporary usage it has broadened to mean a critical explanation of any text and the term Biblical exegesis is used for greater specificity. Exegesis includes a wide range of critical disciplines: textual criticism is the investigation into the history and origins of the text, but exegesis may include the study of the historical and cultural backgrounds for the author, the text, and the original audience. Other analysis includes classification of the type of literary genres present in the text, and an analysis of grammatical and syntactical features in the text itself. The terms exegesis and hermeneutics have been used interchangeably. However, hermeneutics is a more widely-defined discipline of interpretation theory: hermeneutics includes the entire framework of the interpretative process, encompassing all forms of communication: written, verbal and nonverbal, while exegesis focuses primarily on the written text. In a nutshell: The goal of Biblical exegesis is to explore the meaning of the text which then leads to discovering its significance or relevance. 2. Eisegesis [ahy-si-jee-sis]: While exegesis attempts to determine the historical context within which a particular verse exists eisegetes often neglect this aspect of Biblical study. In the field of Biblical exegesis scholars take great care to avoid eisegesis. In this field, eisegesis is regarded as "poor exegesis." Many Christians are known to employ eisegesis — albeit inadvertently — as part of their own experiential theology. Modern evangelical scholars accuse liberal Protestants of practicing Biblical eisegesis, while mainline scholars accuse fundamentalists of practicing eisegesis. Catholics say that all Protestants engage in eisegesis, because the Bible can be correctly understood only through the lens of Holy Tradition as handed down by the institutional Church. Jews counter that all Christians practice eisegesis when they read the Hebrew Bible as a book about Jesus. Exactly what constitutes eisegesis remains a source of debate among theologians, but most scholars agree about the importance of determining the authorial intentions. Still, to determine the author's intent can often be difficult, especially for books which were written anonymously. In a nutshell: Eisegesis an interpretation, esp. of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text. Back to the top 3. Hermeneutics [hur-muh-noo-tiks]: Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation theory, and can be either the art of interpretation, or the theory and practice of interpretation. Traditional hermeneutics — which includes Biblical hermeneutics — refers to the study of the interpretation of written texts, especially texts in the areas of literature, religion and law. Contemporary, or modern, hermeneutics encompasses not only issues involving the written text, but everything in the interpretative process. This includes verbal and nonverbal forms of communication as well as prior aspects that affect communication, such as presuppositions, preunderstandings, the meaning and philosophy of language, and semiotics. In a nutshell: Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation theory [in our application] of Scripture. 4. Homiletics [hom-uh-let-iks]: (Gr. homiletikos, from homilos, to assemble together), in theology the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. The one who practices or studies homiletics is called a homilist. Homiletics is the study of the composition and delivery of a sermon or other religious discourse. It includes all forms of preaching, viz., the sermon, homily and catechetical instruction. It may be further defined as the study of the analysis, classification, preparation, composition and delivery of sermons. The formation of such lectureships as the Lyman Beecher course at Yale University resulted in increased attention being given to homiletics, and the published volumes of this series are a useful source of information regarding the history and practice of the discipline. In a nutshell: Homiletics is the art or science of preaching. [2nd Week] 5. Theology [thee-ol-uh-jee]: Augustine of Hippo defined the Latin equivalent, theologia, as "reasoning or discussion concerning the Deity.” Richard Hooker defined "theology" in English as "the science of things divine.” The term can, however, be used of a variety of different disciplines or forms of discourse. Theologians use various forms of analysis and argument (philosophical, ethnographic, historical, spiritual and others) to help understand, explain, test, critique, defend or promote any of myriad religious topics. In a nutshell: Theology is the study of God or, more generally the study of religious faith, practice, and experience, or of spirituality. Back to the top 6. Inductive [in-duhk-tiv] Bible Study True inductive Bible study never starts with a hypothesis. And it has only one presupposition, which is: The Word of God alone is inerrant, authoritative over all ideas, and informative in faith, practice and doctrine. Thus it is the only qualified source of interpretation of scripture. Inductive Bible study is learning how to exegete the Bible for all its worth with your best efforts. Inductive Bible Study enhances the exegesis process by enabling one to read the Bible for more impact, value, and significance. In practice, we first examine the ideas and words of the text; this then leads to the meanings and interpretations, and then to the conclusions and applications. Inductive Bible study begins with the raw text of scripture, and encourages participants to read the text and draw conclusions directly from the text itself says. This is an important learning method that uses questions to elicit thought and learning. It also trains people to study the Bible better, since it teaches them to ask questions which help them understand what is going on, what is being said, and how that relates to the rest of the passage. In a nutshell: Inductive Bible study means to approach the study with an open mind ready to receive with on preconceived ideas on the subject. 7. Deductive [di-duhk-tiv] Bible Study Deductive Bible Study is to derive at a conclusion by reasoning; specifically: inference in which the conclusion about particulars follows necessarily from general or universal premises A "deductive" Bible study begins from a point that the preacher is trying to make, and then uses a number of scripture verses and examples to support that conclusion. Most sermons and Bible studies are conducted this way. There is nothing wrong with deductive study if the subject is already clearly established using correct hermeneutics. Back to the top 8. Example of Deductive Bible Study Hypothesis: I believe that the earth is square; therefore, I will teach that the earth is square and support it with the Bible. I search for Scripture passages that support my hypothesis. Ezekiel 7:2 -- “…the end is come upon the four corners of the land.“ I determine, okay. “Four corners,” that must mean the earth is square. It also supports my teaching Isaiah 11:12 -- I find another reference that reads “…gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” Once more “four corners” is mentioned. Job 37:3 -- But more scriptures will make me more convincing.”…his lightning unto the ends of the earth.” I conclude that “ends of the earth” again confirms that the earth is square. Otherwise how could it have “ends?” Job 38:13 -- One final search brings. “…take hold of the ends of the earth,” Again I am reinforced, “ends of the earth.” So, by deduction, I have proven that the earth is square. 9. Example of Inductive Bible Study Hypothesis: There is a lot of debate on whether the earth is square or round so I will find the correct answer to preach. I search for any passages that deal with the physical aspects of the earth Isaiah 40:22 “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth,…” Well, here is very clear that the earth is in a circle. Now, I have Passages that seem to lean both ways, but I know there is no contradiction in the Bible so there must be a logical explanation. I will do a word search to see why there seems to be two different views presented by the Bible. I do not have a preconceived opinion, I just want to know. I find that the Hebrew word kanaph means extremity. I also find that the same word is translated in Numbers 15:38 as borders. In Ezekiel 7:2 and Isaiah 11:12 the same word is translated as four corners. In Job 37:13 and Job 38:13 the same word, kanaph, is translated as ends. Now, I have induced that all of the passages agree that corners, et.al. means the extremity of the earth or the earth as a whole. Not the shape of the earth. Back to the top [3rd Week] 10. Tyndale [tin-dl] Bible The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (the Old Testament) and koine Greek (the New Testament) which were, of their day, the vernacular. Koine was the form of Greek spoken from the end of the Classical period until Byzantine times. The Scriptures were then retranslated by Saint Jerome in the fourth century. His version is known as the Vulgate [see below] (having been translated into the Vulgar tongue - the language of the people). Between 1530 to 1534 William Tyndale published the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament. He was burnt as a heretic in Belgium. The Tyndale Bible’s greatest impact on society today is that it heavily influenced and contributed to the creation of the King James Version, which is one of the most popular and widely used Bibles in the world today. Scholars tell us that around 90% of the King James Version is from Tyndale’s works with as much as one third of the text being word for word Tyndale. Many of the popular phrases and Bible verses that people quote today are mainly in the language of Tyndale. An example of which is Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The importance of the Tyndale Bible in shaping and influencing the English language is paramount. According to one scholar Tyndale is “the man who more than Shakespeare even or Bunyan has molded and enriched our language.” Matthew 6:19-21 in the Tyndale Bible Se that ye gaddre you not treasure vpon the erth, where rust and mothes corrupte, and where theves breake through and steale. But gaddre ye treasure togeder in heven, where nether rust nor mothes corrupte, and where theves nether break up nor yet steale. For where soever youre treasure ys, there will youre hertes be also. In a nutshell: Tyndale's was the first English translation to draw directly from Hebrew and Greek texts, and the first to take advantage of the new medium of print, which allowed for its wide distribution. It was a great influence for the creation of the King James Version Bible. Back to the top 11. Gutenberg [goot-n-burg] Bible The Gutenberg Bible was the first substantial book printed with movable type. Gutenberg made a trial of colored printing for a few of the page headings, present only in some copies. A later work, the Mainz Psalter of 1453, presumably designed by Gutenberg but published under the imprint of his successors Johann Fust and Peter Schöffer, had elaborate red and blue printed initials. There are only five complete Gutenberg Bibles in the United States. During the Renaissance era, printing methods based on Gutenberg's printing press spread rapidly throughout first Europe and then the rest of the world. It eventually replaced most versions of block printing, making it the most used format of modern movable type, until being superseded by the advent of offset printing. In a nutshell: The Gutenberg Bible, printed in Latin, was the first substantial book printed with movable type. 12. Wycliffe [wik-lif] John Wycliffe was an early advocate for translation of the Bible into the common tongue. He completed his translation directly from the Vulgate into vernacular English in the year 1382, now known as Wyclif's Bible. It is probable that he personally translated the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; and it is possible he translated the entire New Testament, while his associates translated the Old Testament. Wyclif's Bible appears to have been completed by 1384, with additional updated versions being done by Wycliffe's assistant John Purvey and others in 1388 and 1395. Wycliffe was an English theologian and religious reformer. His rejection of the biblical basis of papal power and dispute with the doctrine of the transubstantiation of the host anticipated the Protestant Reformation. Matthew 6:19-21 in the Wycliffe Bible Nile ye tresoure to you tresouris in erthe, where ruste and mouyte destrieth, and where theves delven out and stelen; but gadere to you tresouris in hevene, where nether ruste ne mouyte destrieth, and where theves delven not out, no stelen. For where thi tresoure is, there also thin herte is. The first English version was translated by John Wycliffe in 1395 a.d., 216 years before the King James Version. The Wycliffe, along with the Vulgate and the Septuagint are some of the early Bibles that included the Apocrypha. In a nutshell: John Wycliffe was an early advocate for translation of the Bible into the common tongue. It was translated 216 years before the King James Version. Back to the top [4th Week] 13. Vulgate [vuhl-geyt] The Latin translation of the Bible, largely deriving from Jerome, upon which medieval theology was largely based. Strictly speaking, "Vulgate" designates Jerome's translation of the Old Testament (except the Psalms, which was taken from the Gallican Psalter); the apocryphal works (except Wisdom, Ecclesiastes, I and II Maccabees, and Baruch, which were taken from the Old Latin Version); and all the New Testament. The recognition of its many inaccuracies was of fundamental importance to the Reformation. The Vulgate Bible was printed in the common speech of a people; the vernacular. Thus, it was called the Vulgate is translated into the Vulgar language of the people. Matthew 6:19-21 in the Vulgate Bible 19. nolite thesaurizare vobis thesauros in terra ubi erugo et tinea demolitur ubi fures effodiunt et furantur 20. thesaurizate autem vobis thesauros in caelo ubi neque erugo neque tinea demolitur et ubi fures non effodiunt nec furantur 21 ubi enim est thesaurus tuus ibi est et cor tuum Back to the top 14. King James Version The King James Version is an English translation of the Christian Bible begun in 1604 and completed in 1611 by the Church of England. It was revised (or edited) 1629, 1762 and 1769. The King James Version came largely from the Tyndale translation rather than the Greek and Hebrew texts The original King James Version had the entire Apocrypha. In fact, the King James regularly included the Apocrypha until the 1800’s. The Apocrypha began to be excluded from most King James Bibles after 1824. The following quote is by Adam Nicholson, author of The Making of the King James Bible. The 1611 version was littered with misprints, 'hoopes' for 'hookes,' 'she' for 'he,' three whole lines simply repeated in Exodus, and alarmingly 'Judas' for 'Jesus' in one of the Gospels. None of these was quite so catastrophic as a misprint that would appear in a 1631 edition, the so-called Wicked Bible, which failed to put the word 'not' in Exodus 20:14, giving the reading, 'Thou shalt commit adultery,' but the degree of muddle is scarcely what a modern scholarly text would tolerate. When, finally, in the nineteenth century, Dr. F. Scrivener, a scholar working to modern standards, attempted to collate all the editions of the King James Bible then in circulation, he found more than 24,000 variations between them. The curious fact is that no one such thing as 'The King James Bible' -- agreed, consistent, and whole-- has ever existed. The KJV was not popular when first produced. The English world did not immediately embrace the KJV; the Geneva Bible was still far more popular, even after it was no longer allowed to be printed in England; only after 1660, in the attempt to return to the status quo from before the social upheaval of the Protectorate, did the KJV begin to become popular. The translators themselves continued to use other Bibles. Even after 1611 we find that the major translators were still quoting from the Geneva Bible. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 in the original 1611 version: Though I speake with the tongues of men & of Angels, and haue not charity, I am become as sounding brasse or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I haue the gift of prophesie, and vnderstand all mysteries and all knowledge: and though I haue all faith, so that I could remooue mountaines, and haue no charitie, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestowe all my goods to feede the poore, and though I giue my body to bee burned, and haue not charitie, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 in the current 1611 version: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. From 1769, the text of the Authorized Version has largely remained unchanged In a nutshell: The King James Version of the Bible has been a trusted version for hundreds of years. Its poetic and beauty of the Scripture makes it a favorite among many English speaking Christians. No knowledgeable person would claim that the King James Version is without errors. Since it was not translated from the original languages, it becomes a second generation Bible. But, one should have no fear of using it as their basic of theology, nevertheless, one should keep in mind that there are other excellent translations available. Back to the top More Theological Terms (In alphabetical order) [5th Week] 15. Anabaptism [an-uh-bap-tism] A term derived from the Greek word for "re-baptizer," and used to refer to the radical wing of the sixteenth-century Reformation, based on thinkers such as Menno Simons or Balthasar Hubmaier. 16. Apocrypha [uh-pok-ruh-fuh] The Apocrypha is a group of 14 books, not considered canonical, included in the Septuagint and the Vulgate as part of the Old Testament, but usually omitted from Protestant editions of the Bible but is included in the Catholic versions. 17. Apostolic [ap-uh-stol-ik] era The period of the Christian church, regarded as definitive by many, bounded by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (c.AD 35) and the death of the last foundational Apostle (c.AD 90?). The ideas and practices of this period were widely regarded as normative, at least in some sense or to some degree, in many church circles. 18. Apocalyptic [uh-pok-uh-lip-tik] A type of writing or religious outlook in general which focuses on the last things and the end of the world, often taking the form of visions with complex symbolism. The second half of the book of Daniel (Old Testament) and Revelation (New Testament) are examples of this type of writing. 19. Apologetics [uh-pol-uh-jet-iks] Apologetics is the area of Christian theology which focuses on the defense of the Christian faith, particularly through the rational justification of Christian belief and doctrines. Back to the top [6th Week] 20. Amillennialism [a-mi-len-ee-uh-liz-uh m] Amillinnialism rejects the notion of a 1,000 year reign of Christ upon this earth. Most "amillennialists" are preterists [pret-er-ist]. They believe that biblical prophecies were fulfilled in the first 300 years of Christian history. 21. Apostasy [uh-pos-tuh-see] To fall away from the truth by embracing false teaching or heresy. 22. Arianism [air-ee-uh-niz-uh m] A major early Christological heresy, which treated Jesus Christ as the supreme of God's creatures, and denied his divine status. The Arian controversy was of major importance in the development of Christology during the fourth century. 23. Atonement [uh-tohn-muh nt] A term originally coined by William Tyndale to translate the Latin term reconciliatio, which has since come to have the developed meaning of "the work of Christ" or "the benefits of Christ gained for believers by his death and resurrection." See pp. 341-60. 24. Augustinianism [aw-guh-stin-ee-uh n] A term used in two major senses. First, it refers to the views of Augustine of Hippo concerning the doctrine of salvation, in which the need for divine grace is stressed. In this sense, the term is the antithesis of Pelagianism [[puh-ley-jee-uh n]. Second, it is used to refer to the body of opinion within the Augustinian order during the Middle Ages, irrespective of whether these views derive from Augustine or not. [7th Week] 25. Calvinism [kal-vuh-niz-uh m] An ambiguous term, used with two quite distinct meanings. First, it refers to the religious ideas of religious bodies (such as the Reformed church) and individuals (such as Theodore Beza) who were profoundly influenced by John Calvin, or by documents written by him. Second, it refers to the religious ideas of John Calvin himself. Although the first sense is by far the more common, there is a growing recognition that the term is misleading. 26. Catechism [kat-i-kiz-uh m] A popular manual of Christian doctrine, usually in the form of question and answer, intended for religious instruction. Back to the top 27. Catholic [kath-uh-lik An adjective which is used both to refer to the universality of the church in space and time, and also to a particular church body (sometime also known as the Roman CatholicChurch) which lays emphasis upon this point. 28. Chalcedon [kal-si-don Chalcedon believes that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451. 29. Charisma, charismatic [kuh-riz-muh] A set of terms especially associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In medieval theology, the term ‘‘charisma’’ is used to designate a spiritual gift, conferred upon individuals by the grace of God. Since the early twentieth century, the term ‘‘charismatic’’ has come to refer to styles of theology and worship which place particular emphasis upon the immediate presence and experience of the Holy Spirit. [8th Week] 30. Charismatic [kuh-riz-muh] Movement A form of Christianity which places particular emphasis upon the personal experience of the Holy Spirit in the life of the individual and community, often associated with various ‘‘charismatic’’ phenomena, such as speaking in tongues. 31. Christology [kri-stol-uh-jee] The section of Christian theology dealing with the identity of Jesus Christ, particularly the question of the relation of his human and divine natures. 32. Canon [kan-uh n] The Canon is the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired. It is an ecclesiastical rule or law enacted by a council or other competent authority and, in the Roman Catholic Church, approved by the pope. 33. Canonical [kuh-non-i-kuh l] Pertaining to, established by, or conforming to a canon or canons. Canonical books are the ones Included in the Bible. 34. Creed [kreed] A formal definition or summary of the Christian faith, held in common by all Christians.The most important are those generally known as the ‘‘Apostles’ Creed’’ and the ‘‘Nicene Creed.’’ Back to the top [9th Week] 35. Cult [kuhlt] Christian researchers are divided over the definition of a cult. Some say cults are only characterized by aberrant teaching, such as denial of the doctrine of the Trinity, while others include in the definition the use of psychological techniques for capturing adherents. 36. Dispensationalism [dis-puh n-sey-shuh-nl-iz-uh m] A Protestant movement, especially associated with North America, placing emphasis upon the various divine "dispensations" with humanity, and stressing the importance of eschatology. 37. Doxology [dok-sol-uh-jee] A form of praise, usually especially associated with formal Christian worship. A ‘‘doxological’’ approach to theology stresses the importance of praise and worship in theological reflection. 38. Ecclesiology [i-klee-zee-ol-uh-jee] The section of Christian theology dealing with the theory of the church. 39. Eschatology [es-kuh-tol-uh-jee] The section of Christian theology dealing with the "last things," especially the ideas of resurrection, hell, and eternal life. [10th Week] 40. Eucharist [yoo-kuh-rist] The term used in the present volume to refer to the sacrament variously known as "the mass," "the Lord's supper," and "holy communion." 41. Evangelical [ee-van-jel-i-kuh l] A term initially used to refer to reforming movements, especially in Germany and Switzerland, in the 1510s and 1520s, but now used of a movement, especially in English language theology, which places especial emphasis upon the supreme authority of Scripture and the atoning death of Christ. 42. Fourth Gospel A term used to refer to the Gospel according to John. The term highlights the distinctive literary and theological character of this gospel, which sets it apart from the common structures of the first three gospels, usually known as the synoptic gospels. Back to the top 43. Fundamentalism [fuhn-duh-men-tl-iz-uh m] A form of American Protestant Christianity which lays especial emphasis upon the authority of an inerrant Bible. 44. Glossolalia [glos-uh-ley-lee-uh] (literal: "tongue-speaking") A biblical experience described in Acts 2: 4; 10: 46; 19: 6; 1 Corinthians 14. Some believe that speaking in tongues ceased during the early ages of the church, but there is no evidence to support this theory. [11th Week] 45. Humanism [hyoo-muh-niz-uh m] In the strict sense of the word, an intellectual movement linked with the European Renaissance. At the heart of the movement lay, not (as the modern sense of the word might suggest) a set of secular or secularizing ideas, but a new interest in the cultural achievements of antiquity. These were seen as a major resource for the renewal of European culture and Christianity during the period of the Renaissance. 46. Icons [ahy-kon] Sacred pictures, particularly of Jesus, which play a significant role in Orthodox spirituality as ‘‘windows for the divine.’’ ideology A group of beliefs and values, usually secular, which govern the actions and outlooks of a society or group of people. 47. Inerrancy [in-er-uh n-see ] (Biblical) The Bible, in all points, is without error. A truth affirmed against 19th century liberalism. 48. Justification [juhs-tuh-fi-key-shuh n] The cardinal doctrine of the sixteenth century Reformation. Luther rediscovered that the "righteousness of God" in Romans 1:17 was not a quality in God but the gift of righteousness which God gives to those who trust Jesus. This righteousness is legally imputed to the sinner and is always outside of the sinner. We cling to Jesus! His righteousness causes us to become acceptable to God. Objective justification means that God has declared the entire world of sinners to be right with him. Subjective justification occurs when the sinner comes to faith in Jesus Christ as a result of the preaching of the word. Back to the top 49. Kinetic [ki-net-ik] energy Kinetic energy is energy of motion. The kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses because of its motion. The kinetic energy of a point is given by [kinetic energy = ½ of the mass times velocity squared] Kinetic energy is an expression of the fact that a moving object can do work on anything it hits; it quantifies the amount of work the object could do as a result of its motion. The total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy. [12th Week] 50. Legalism [lee-guh-liz-uh m] The wrong use of the Law as the basis for righteousness or sanctification. 51. Liturgy [lit-er-jee] The written text of public services, especially of the eucharist. 52. Logos [loh-gos A Greek term meaning ‘‘word,’’ which played a crucial role in the development of patristic Christology. Jesus Christ was recognized as the ‘‘word of God’’; the question concerned the implications of this recognition, and especially the way in which the divine ‘‘logos’’ in Jesus Christ related to his human nature. 53. Non-Canonical [non-kuh-non-i-kuh l] Not included within a canon or group of rules. Not belonging to the canon of Scripture. Some non-canonical books include first, the Apocrypha, the Didache, Book of Jasher, The Book of Adam and Eve, Chronicles of the Kings of Israel , Chronicles of the Kings of Judah, Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden, The Acts of Solomon [Referenced at 1Kings 11:41], The Annals of King David [Referenced at 1Chronicles 27:24], The Book of Samuel the Seer [Referenced at 1Chronicles 29:29], The Book of Nathan the Prophet [Referenced at 1Chronicles 29:29], The Book of Gad the Seer [Referenced at 1Chronicles 29:29], The History of Nathan the Prophet [Referenced at 2Chronicles 9:29], The Prophecy of Ahijah [Referenced at 2Chronicles 9:29], The Visions of Iddo the Seer [Referenced at 2Chronicles 9:29], The Book of Shemaiah the Prophet [Referenced at 2Chronicles 12:15] and many more. Back to the top 54. Orthodoxy [awr-thuh-dok-see] A term used in a number of senses, of which the following are the most important: orthodoxy in the sense of ‘‘right belief,’’ as opposed to heresy; Orthodoxy in the sense of the forms of Christianity which are dominant in Russia and Greece; Orthodoxy in the sense of a movement within Protestantism, especially in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century, which laid emphasis upon the need for doctrinal definition. [13th Week] 55. Parousia [pahr-oo-see-uh] A Greek term, which literally means "coming" or "arrival," used to refer to the second coming of Christ. The notion of the parousia is an important aspect of Christian understandings of the "last things." 56. Potential Energy [puh-ten-shuh l] Potential energy is energy which results from position or configuration. An object may have the capacity for doing work as a result of its position in a gravitational field (gravitational potential energy), an electric field (electric potential energy), or a magnetic field (magnetic potential energy). It may have elastic potential energy as a result of a stretched spring or other elastic deformation. 57. Pre-millennialism [pree-mi-len-ee-uh-liz-uh m] The end-time belief that Jesus will return physically to the earth to establish a 1000-year reign. Most pre-millennialists are dispensationalists who believe in the Rapture and a literal seven year tribulation in which the anti-Christ will appear. 58. Rapture [rap-cher] The Catching Away or the Parousia. This doctrinal truth is borne out in 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together 4 with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. 59. Sacrament [sak-ruh-muh nt] A church service or rite which was held to have been instituted by Jesus Christ himself. Although Roman Catholic theology and church practice recognize seven such sacraments (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, marriage, ordination, penance, and unction), Protestant theologians generally argue that only two (baptism and Eucharist) were to be found in the New Testament itself. Back to the top [14th Week] 60. Schism [siz-uh m] A deliberate break with the unity of the church, condemned vigorously by influential writers of the early church, such as Cyprian and Augustine. 61. Septuagint [sep-too-uh-jint] The Greek translation of the Old Testament, dating from the third century BC. The abbreviation LXX is generally used to refer to this text. 62. Soteriology [suh-teer-ee-ol-uh-jee] The section of Christian theology dealing with the doctrine of salvation (Greek: soteria) 63. Synoptic [si-nop-tik] gospels A term used to refer to the first three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The term (derived from the Greek word synopsis, "summary") refers to the way in which the three gospels can be seen as providing similar "summaries" of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 64. Tribulation [trib-yuh-ley-shuh n] The tribulation is a seven year period of time in which the anti-Christ will be revealed prior to the coming of Jesus to establish his earthly reign. Most teach that Christian will not experience the tribulation but will be raptured. [15th Week] 65. Trinity [trin-i-tee] Trinity is the distinctively Christian doctrine of God, which reflects the complexity of the Christian experience of God. The doctrine is usually summarized in maxims such as "three persons, one God." 66. Typology [tahy-pol-uh-jee] A way of interpreting the Bible which sees certain Old Testament figures and events as anticipating aspects of the gospel. Thus Noah’s ark is seen as a ‘‘type’’ (Greek typos, ‘‘figure’’) of the church. Back to the top |