Christian Glossary

anathema (Greek, lit. something [such as a statuette] "set up" as dedicated to a deity; thence off limits for normal use)
Something or someone considered "anathema" is strongly forbidden, under a curse. The formal curse itself can be called an "anathema."
angel (Greek, lit. "messenger") Came to be used specifically for a class of extrahuman ("spiritual") beings, both good (usually) and bad ("demons", "the devil"/Satan) who become involved in human affairs; common to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. A leader or special functionary among the angels is sometimes called an "archangel" (e.g. Michael, Gabriel).

Anglicans, Anglicanism (from Anglo, "English")
Refers to the results of the Reformation movement in England under Henry the 8th, which developed largely separate from the protestant movements on the European continent. Also called "Church of England," which gave rise to what came to be called the "Episcopal" church in the USA.

antichrist (Greek, "against [the] Christ")
Term used in Jewish and early Christian eschatology to designate an evil person or force opposed to the Messiah (Christ) in the last days of the earth.

apocalypse (adj. apocalyptic)
From the Greek, meaning "revelation." A genre of literature (attested in
Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions) in which the author claims to have received revelation(s), usually about the end -time, and expresses them in vivid symbolism. The intertestamental Jewish and the early Christian apocalypses are often pseudepigraphical. The final book of the Christian NT is sometimes called (in accord with its Greek title) "the Apocalypse" (it is also known as "the book of Revelation").

apology A formal defense of the Christian faith. Several such writings were issued by Christian "apologists" such as Justin the Martyr during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, addressed to the Roman rulers.

apostle Greek for "ambassador, legate"; compare Arabic rasul. In early Christian circles, it was used to refer especially to the earliest missionaries sent out to preach the gospel message concerning Jesus/Joshua, among whom Paul included himself (although he had not been an associate of Jesus/Joshua); traditionally, twelve of Jesus' close associates come to be called "the 12 Apostles" (also "the 12 disciples").

Apostles' Creed Name given to one of the earliest known Christian creeds (prior to the "Nicene creed"), used extensively among protestant groups as well as classical Christians.

Arminius, Arminianism Jacob(us) Arminius (1560-1609) was a Dutch Calvinist protestant Christian teacher and pastor whose interpretation of predestination caused much unrest and discussion.

ascetic (from Greek, to hold oneself under control), asceticism
A general term for one who follows rigorous bodily and spiritual discipline to enhance spiritual experiences and rewards. Often connected with mysticism.

assimilation The process of becoming similar to something; used in discussion of regligious and cultural developments to describe the process in which the characteristic traits of a person or group may be lost or modified during adaptation to differing surroundings or conditions. See syncretism.

assumption (of Mary)
A term used technically to indicate the "taking up" of a human to heaven(e.g. Enoch or Moses or Elijah in some Jewish traditions), applied specifically in classical Christianity to the belief that the body of the Virgin Mary was not allowed to decay on earth after death, but was "assumed" into heaven.

atheism (from Greek, "no deity")A general term for the position that there is no God/deity (compare agnosticism, theism).

Augustine Famous Christian thinker/author around the year 400 CE, who was influenced by Manicheism and neo-Platonism, but especially by Paul. He was himself very influential for Luther.

baptism In earliest Christianity, the rite of ritual immersion in water which initiated a person (usually as an "adult") into the Christian church. Very soon, pouring or sprinkling with water came into use in some churches, and the practice of baptizing infants. See also initiation, circumcision.

belief (see also creed, doctrine, dogma, faith, emuna, iman)
A term with multiple applications, from general assent or fidelity to a
religious idea or position (constituting someone as a "believer"), to
specific reference to well defined religious conceptual objects (beliefs).
In Islam, along with the general ideal of pious adherence (iman), five or
six central beliefs are traditionally listed: monotheism, revelatory
scriptures, angels, prophets, eschatology, and (not always included in the list) predestination. For classical Judaism, see the thirteen principles. Christianity has tended to be more preoccupied with defining beliefs (see orthodox) than have classical Judaism or Islam (see orthopraxy).

Bible (adj. biblical; from the Greek biblos meaning "book")
Designation normally used for Jewish scriptures (TaNaK = Protestant
Christian "Old Testament"; plus the Apocrypha in classical Christianity) or Christian scriptures ("OT" plus the Christian "New Testament"). See also canon, Quran, Septuagint, Vulgate

bishop (see also episkopos) The rank in the clergy of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches above a priest, with authority to ordain priests as well as perform other sacraments. In the early church, an elected head of the church for an entire city; now, an appointed head of a diocese (or "See"). (A few other churches, such as the Methodist and Mormon, also have the office of bishop.)

blasphemy (Greek, "speak ill, defame") A general term for speaking against the deity or things associated with the deity. See sacrilege, shirk.

born again In modern Christianity, having experienced a true conversion and/or total dedication to Christ, usually in an intense emotional experience. Such language is usually used by "evangelical" Christians.

Byzantium (adj., byzantine)The old Greek name for what in 330 CE became the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul), the "new Rome" and capital city of the eastern Roman Empire from the early 4th century (see Constantine) through the mid 15th (see Ottomans).
This predominantly Greek speaking half of the Roman Empire comes to be called the "Byzantine" Empire by western historians. It was highly
structured and bureaucratic in its political organization, thus giving rise
to the modern adjective "byzantine," with the sense of excessively complex and rigid.

calendar In general, Christianity operates on a "solar" calendar based on the relationship between the sun and the earth (365.25 days per year). The main Christian observances are Easter, Pentacost, and Christmas. The Islamic calendar is "lunar," based on the relationship of earth and moon (354 days in a year). Thus every 100 solar years are equal to about 103 lunar years.

Calvin, Calvinist, Calvinism
John Calvin (1509-1564) was an influential French protestant thinker and churchman who spent most of his adult life leading the Swiss Reformation in Geneva. His famous work called "Institutes of the Christian Religion" remains influential among conservative Presbyterian and related groups.

chastity or continence:
A chaste individual is no longer dominated by the desire to have sensually pleasing experiences. Rather than trying to please himself, he tries to please God.

cardinal An official in the Roman Catholic Christian church next below the pope, appointed by the pope as a member of the "college" of cardinals which was formed in the middle ages to assist the pope and elect new popes.

catechism In early Christian usage, oral instruction (Greek, catechesis) in doctrine, especially prior to baptism; can mean any official summary of doctrine used to teach newcomers to the faith.
catholic, catholicism (from Greek meaning "universal, worldwide")
A self designation used in early Christianity to suggest universality over
against factionalism (see orthodoxy, heresy); thence it became a technical name for the western, Roman Catholic church.

celibacy The practice of refraining from sexual relationships in the interest of religious purity, known in Judaism among the Essenes and developed extensively in Christianity (see monk, priest).

CE or ce = "common era" An attempt to use a neutral term for the period traditionally labeled "AD" or "year of the Lord" by Christians. Thus 1992 CE is identical to AD 1992.

Christ: Greek translation of meshiah (see messiah). Applied to
Jesus/Joshua of Nazareth by his followers as a title, but soon came to be treated as a sort of second name.

Christian(ity) One who self-identifies or is identified as a follower of Jesus/Joshua the Christ (thus an adherent of the broadly defined abstract classification "Christianity").

Christendom The totality of the Christian world (with focus on extent, whereas "Christianity" emphasizes outlook/perspective).

Christmas (mass for birth of Christ) A relatively late developing annual Christian festival (see calendar), now held on the fixed date of 25 December in most churches. In earlier times (by the 4th century), the celebration of Jesus' birth tended to be in the spring, around the time of Easter. Its observation in proximity to the winter solstice (shortest day of the year) encouraged the inclusion and development of many aspects that were not present or important in this celebration.

church (Greek ekklesia, "summoned group"; see "ecclesiastical," etc). The designation traditionally used for a specifically Christian assembly or body of people, and thus also the building or location in which the assembled people meet, and by extension also the specific organized sub-group within Christianity (e.g. Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, etc.). Similar to synagogue and kahal in Judaism. See also mosque.

circumcision (from Latin, to cut around) The minor surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. In Judaism, it is ritually performed when a boy is eight days old in a ceremony which indicates that the ritual establishes a covenant between God and the individual. In Islam, it is performed at any time up to the age of puberty, depending on the cultural tradition (e.g. birth, 7 years, puberty, etc.). See also initiation, baptism.

clergy In Christian contexts, the body of ordained men (and in some churches women) in a church, permitted to perform the priestly and/or pastoral duties, as distinct from the laity to whom they minister. In Judaism, the rabbinate (see rabbi).

commandments (Heb., mitzvot; sing, mitzvah). According to rabbinic Jewish tradition, there are 613 religious commandments referred to in the Torah (and elaborated upon by the rabbinic sages). Of these, 248 are positive commandments and 365 are negative.

communion; also, "holy communion" A term used especially in Christian Protestant circles for the sacrament of receiving bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ (or as symbols thereof), also known as the Lord's supper or the eucharist.

confirmation (from Latin, "to firm up, establish") A Christian rite admitting a baptized person into full church membership, originally by anointing with oil.

Congregationalism One of the types of protestant Christian denominations, in which church government is conducted primarily by the membership (the "congregation"), rather than by some leadership level. Early American Puritan Christianity was congregationalist.

consecrate To bless formally, especially in the context of classical Christian sacraments.

Constantine Co-emperor and then (from 324) sole emperor of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century CE, under whom the city of Constantinople (formerly Byzantium) was established (in 330) as the "new Rome" and capital of the Empire. He publicly embraced Christianity near the beginning of his rule, granted Christians official toleration for the first time, and was instrumental in convening the council of Nice a in 325 and in developing Constantipole as a
"Christian" city. Thus he was very important for the establishment of an
"officially" sanctioned Christian orthodoxy.

Constantinople (Greek, "Constantine's city"; see also Byzantium)
The city on the Bosphorus strait at the southwestern tip of the Black Sea that became Constantine's "new Rome" in 330 CE. The modern name of the site, in Islamic Turkey, is Istanbul.

conviction In modern Christianity (especially of the "evangelical" sorts), the state in which one recognizes one's sinfulness and guilt before God, preliminary toexperiencing conversion.

covenant A pact between two parties. The major covenants in Jewish scriptures are God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15), and the Sinai/Moses covenant (Exodus 19-24) between God and Israel.
times, superseding the "old covenant" (thus, "old testament") with Moses at

creed(s) A general term (from Latin) for "belief" declarations or summaries such as the Christian apostles' or Nicene creeds, or in Judaism the shema affirmation, or in Islam the shahada (kalima).
crucifix, crucifixion (from the Latin, to affix to a cross) In Christian symbolism, the cross-form (crucifix, with or without Jesus attached) is an expression of the death of Jesus/Joshua on the cross (crucifixion) and its theological significance.

deification, or divinization, or in Greek, theosis: God incarnated himself as the Son of Man, so that men might become sons of God.

deify (see deity) To make something or someone God-like.

deity (from Latin deus = God) See God.

denomination Subdivision within a religious movement, especially with reference to mainstream Protestant Christianity where Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc. are called "denominations." Usually distinguished from "sects" or "cults" which by implication have less "official" status.

doctrine A general term for a formally defined belief (e.g. the doctrine of the resurrection in Christianity), or for the total system of beliefs
("Christian doctrine").

dogma In Christianity, an authoritative statement of belief; official doctrine; can also be used as a general term.

Easter The most ancient Christian annual special day, commemorating the (death and) resurrection of Jesus/Joshua in the spring, at the time of Jewish Passover/Pesach (thus not a fixed day on the solar calendar). See also lent.

ecclesiastical (Greek <g>ekklesia</>, "summoned group")
Pertaining to the Christian church and things associated with its governance and activities.

ecumenical (from Greek for "household," thus considering the world as a household) Having to do with the whole Christian church. The Christian Ecumenical Councils of the 4th (see Nicea) through the 7th centuries were representative bodies that helped formulate classical Christian beliefs.

elect In early Judaism and Christianity, refers to those considered to be chosen by God for a specific purpose; in some Christian predestinarian schemes (e.g. Calvinistic), "the elect" are those whom God has chosen (in advance) to have eternal life.

episkopos/episcopos (adj. episcopal; from Greek "overseer")
Became a technical term for the chief clergyman in charge of a city or
district in classical Christian church organization. Thence the modern
denominational name "Episcopal" to signify that authority is viewed as the responsibility of the bishops, not the general membership (*laity) or a single pope figure.

eucharist (from Greek for "prayer of thanks") The Christian sacrament of receiving bread (usually unleavened) and wine as the body and blood of Christ (or as symbols thereof). This term is more often used for the sacrament in the Roman Catholic (see also mass) and Eastern Orthodox churches, while communion or "Lord's supper" is more common in the Protestant traditions.

evangelical, evangelizing, evangelistic (from Greek for "gospel," thus,
gospel-centered) Those Christian churches or movements that emphasize preaching that leads to repentance and conversion; in modern Christianity, evangelical beliefs usually include salvation by faith based on a personal conversion experience and emphasis on the authority of the canonical scriptures (see also fundamentalism).
In the context of Germany or Lutheran Christianity, "Evangelical"
(Evangelische) refers to the Lutheran Church.

excommunication The act of religious authorities to deprive a person of membership or participation in the group; in Christianity, specifically exclusion from holy communion.

fundamentalism A term originally applied to conservative, Bible-centered Protestant Christians (many of whom now prefer to call themselves "evangelicals"), but more recently extended to apply to the religiously authoritarian of all sorts (including classical Christians, Jews, and Muslims) who interpret their scriptures literally and in general favor a strict adherence to certain traditional doctrines and practices.

Gabriel An angel or archangel from Jewish tradition who is closely associated with the virgin birth in Christianity, and with the revelation of the Quran in Islam.

gnostic, Gnosticism Derived from the Greek <g>gnosis</>, meaning "knowledge." Refers to various systems of belief characterized by a dualistic view of reality -- the God who created the material, phenomenal world (see demiurge), is different from (often antithetical to) the ultimate (hidden) God of pure spirit. Possession of secret gnosis frees a person from the evil material world and gives
access to the spiritual world. Gnostic thought had a great impact on the
eastern Mediterranean world in the 2nd to 4th century CE, often in a
Christian form.

God A general designation for the deity (Hebrew Elohim, Yhwh; Greek Theos; Arabic Allah).

gospel (from the German for "good news" = Greek <g>euaggelion</>; see evangelical) A term used in *early Christianity for the message about Jesus, and fairly soon (by extension) for writings that contained information about Jesus ("gospel according to Mark," etc., became "gospel of Mark"); the NT contains 4 "gospels" (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), and there are other noncanonical gospels as well. In the Muslim Quran, "gospel" is the main term for Christian scripture.

Gospel Name given to the early 20th century Protestant Christian movement or perspective that placed its emphasis on the application to modern society of the principles of the Gospel. see also Liberal, Modernist.

grace In Christian thought, unmerited divine assistance on one's spiritual path; often conceived as a special blessing received in an intense experience, but also may include a sense of special direction in one's life.

great schism The "split" between the western Latin (Roman Catholic) Christian church and the eastern Orthodox churches, culminating in 1053 CE when mutual excommunications were hurled.

heaven A term used variously to designate such locations as the abode of deity, or the place where those favored by God will ultimately arrive, or an area of (spiritual) activity above the material earth, or the place where spiritual/ideal realities abide. See also paradise.

Hebraic Law: This refers to the law that the Jewish people received from God through the person of Moses. It provides moral guidance.

hell (also hades [Greek]) Place of punishment for the departed dead who do not attain to heaven, especially in Christian eschatology.

heresy (from Greek for "sub-group, sect")See minim, heterodox, bid`a; also orthodoxy.

hesychast: Someone who experiences hesychia in prayer.

heretic, heretical See heterodox, orthodox, schismatic, birkat.

host (from Latin for a "sacrifice") Christian liturgical term for the element (normally unleavened bread or a bread-host.

hymn (from Greek, to sing praise) A general term for poetic chants or songs of praise (usually to God).

icon: Usually (in Eastern Orthodox Christianity) a painted religious image -- for example of Jesus Christ, his mother Mary, or a saint -- understood in Eastern Orthodoxy to be a copy of a heavenly image.

idolatry A Greek term for t he worship of what are perceived to be "idols" or false "gods," forbidden in the biblical traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

image: In Christian literature the word, image, refers to the biblical passages which states that man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Consequently God is regarded as the image's Archetype.

immaculate conception In classical Christianity, the claim that the Virgin Mary was conceived under a special dispensation of God so that she remained pure, without the original sin usually transmitted through the sexual act. Feasts celebrating her conception were popular in the middle ages, although the act of recognizing this as an official doctrine (dogma) of the Roman Catholic church was not formalized by the pope until 1854. Not to be confused with the doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus.

incarnation (Latin) A term in Christianity applied to the "becoming flesh" (human birth) of Jesus Christ.

incensive power: The incensive power is said to be one of the soul's three powers. It is often manifested as wrath or anger, but can be more generally defined as the force provoking vehement feelings.

indulgence In classical Christian doctrine, an indulgence can be obtained to help remove the required "temporal" punishment for sin, of oneself or of another; one of the catalysts of the reformation was Luther's objection to the inappropriate sale of indulgences.

initiation See circumcision, baptism.

inquisition Refers especially to the Christian Roman Catholic court for investigating and punishing heresy. The first papal inquisitions began in the late twelfth century and were centralized under pope Innocent III; another notable court was the Spanish inquisition in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Intellectual sun, and intellectual light: Christ is the "intellectual sun" who gives off an "intellectual light." This sun is said to be "intellectual" to make it clear that the light it gives off is not a physical light which is perceived through the senses. Instead the vision of this light is perceived directly by the intellect, where the intellect (or nous) is regarded not as the seat of discursive thought, but as the organ which passively receives spiritual visions.

Jerusalem From the religious viewpoints of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the main city in ancient Palestine (= modern Israel), where the Temple of David/Solomon had been located, Jesus/Joshua had been crucified/resurrected,

Jesuit(s) Common designation for (members of) the Roman Catholic order called the Society of Jesus (abbreviated SJ), founded in the 16the century by Ignatius of Loyola.

Jesus/Joshua ("Jesus" is the Greek attempt to transliterate the Semitic name "Joshua") The somewhat mysterious Palestinian popular figure from the 1st century CE whose death and alleged resurrection as God's Messiah/Christ became foundational for an early Jewish sub-group known as Nazarenes, from which "Christianity" ultimately developed as a separate religion.

John, beloved of Christ: This is a reference to one of Christ's twelve disciples. During the Last Supper, John is described as leaning his head against Christ's chest or breast. See John 13:23.

Judas Iscariot: The disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 silver pieces by identifying Jesus to his would-be captors with a kiss. When Judas learned that as a consequence of this betrayal Jesus had been condemned to death, Judas, full of remorse, returned the 30 silver pieces and killed himself.

Kingdom of God The state of the world in which God's will is fulfilled; expected to be brought into being at the end of time when Christ returns.

The Last Supper: This refers to the last meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before being arrested and crucified. Also known as
the "Passover Seder"

lent In the Christian liturgical calendar, the period of 40 days between "Ash Wednesday" and Easter.

liturgy (adj. liturgical) Rites of public worship, usually institutionalized in relation to temple, synagogue, church, kaba, or mosque locations and traditions, but also in other formalized observances (see, e.g., pillars of Islam, calendar). See also eucharist, hajj, hymn, mass, passover, prayer, shema, sukkot, siddur.

logos (Greek, "word," "speech"; divine reason)A Greek term found in various connections in hellenistic thought, includingthe philosophy of Philo the 1st century CE Alexandrian Jew where it iscomparable to the Hebrew hokmah ("wisdom"; Greek sofia). In the Christian Gospel of John, is equated with the divine functions of Jesus Christ (John 1.1-18).

Lord's Prayer (or "the Our Father") A familiar Christian prayer attributed to Jesus/Joshua (NT Matthew 6.9-13)

Logos: Jesus Christ is the Logos, the Word spoken by the Father. In speaking this Word, the unknowable God reveals Himself. He reveals Himself both in His human incarnation and throughout all of creation, for everything that has come into being has done so through the mediation of the Word (cf John 1:1-5). And Christ is all in all.

lust: In patristic writings, lust signifies much more than sexual desire. As the driving principle in fallen life, lust directs behavior toward self-pleasing experiences and away from potentially unpleasant experiences. When in Colossians 2:18 Paul speaks about the fleshly mind (KJV), the sensuous mind (RSV), the unspiritual mind (NRSV), or the mind of one's flesh (literal translation from the Greek), Paul is referring to a mind dominated by such broadly-defined lust. Compare to chastity.

Luther Martin Luther (1483-1546, Germany) was the most celebrated of the protestant Christian reformers, who is credited with igniting the reformation by challenging Roman Catholic positions in his "95 theses" posted in 1517 at Wittenberg, Germany. The Lutheran denominations take their name from him. See also indulgence, consubstantiation.

mainstream Refers to what now appears to be, or to have been, the influential majority (or dominant authority) in a continuum; see classical, orthodox, traditional.

Marcion(ites) A 2nd century Christian (and his followers) who was considered heretical by his opponents because of certain dualistic and gnostic ideas.

mass (from Latin for "send") In classical (Roman Catholic) Christianity, the entire set of liturgical prayers and ceremonies surrounding the eucharist. See also Christmas.

materialism A modern perspective in which everything is considered to be actually or potentially reducable to physical matter.

messiah Lit "anointed one"; Greek christos. Ancient priests and kings (and sometimes prophets) of Israel were anointed with oil. In early Judaism, the term came to mean a royal descendant of the dynasty of David who would restore the united kingdom of Israel and Judah and usher in an age of peace, justice and plenty; the redeemer figure. The concept developed in many directions over the centuries. The messianic age was believed by some Jews to be a time of perfection of human institutions; others believed it to be a time of radical new beginnings, a new heaven and earth, after divine judgment and destruction. The title came to be applied to Jesus/Joshua of
Nazareth by his followers, who were soon called "Christians" in Greek and Latin usage. Jesus is also "Messiah" in Islam (e.g. Quran 3.45).

millenarian From the Latin for "1000" (see also chiliastic). Having to do with the expected millennium, or thousand-year reign of Christ prophesied in the NT book of Revelation ("the Apocalypse"), a time in which the world would be brought to perfection. Millenarian movements often grow up around predictions that this perfect time is about to begin. See esch atology.

miracle A general term for special events that seem inexplicable by normal (rational) means. Miracle reports are frequent in Jewish and Christian scriptures and early traditions, while in Islam, the only "miracle" associated with Muhammad is said to be the reception and transmission of the Quran.

modernism A general term used in discussions of religion to indicate the perspective that focuses on modern applicability of religious principles. See also liberal, conservative. monarchianism (from Greek, for "sole ruler") An early Christian position that took various forms in the attempt to protect monotheistic ideals (the unity and soverignty of God). "Dynamic" monarchians saw Jesus Christ as God's adopted son (see adoptionism), while "modal" monarchians considered the different names used in trinity discussions to be convenient designations for ways in which the deity was perceived under various historical conditions.

monastery (adj. monastic; from Greek for "secluded dwelling") Especially in Christianity, an isolated institution in which monks (or nuns) gather and often live communally, in a disciplined quest of religious fulfilment. See also Abbot.

monasticism
The way of life or tradition of Christian monastics (monks or nuns) living
in monasteries.

monk (from Greek, "a loner, a solitary person") Especially in Christianity, persons (normally male) who pledged their
existence to what they considered to be God's highest purposes, to be
pursued in relative isolation from otherwise usual human pursuits (e.g. in a monastery, practicing celibacy and religious discipline).

monolithic (Greek, composed of a single stone) Usually used with reference to rigid, fixed, unchanging systems -- often in
negative statements, such as "Judaism was by no means monolithic."

monophysite (Greek, "one nature") A post-Nicea Christian position holding that Jesus Christ had but one, divine nature (rather than both human and divine natures, as classical Christianity decided).

monotheism (Greek, one deity) The belief that there is only one real and ultimate deity.

montanism An early Christian group (followers of the prophet Montanus and his female prophet companions, Priscilla and Maximilla, in Asia Minor, around 160 CE) that believed that divine revelations took place in their midst, looked for the arrival of the end times (see eschatology) and resisted the growing influence of emerging classical Christianity. Tertullian became a montanist in his later Christian life.

morals (Latin, "customs") See ethics.

mortal sin See sin.

Moses The great biblical personality (c. thirteenth century BCE) who is credited with leading the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and teaching them the divine laws at Sinai. He is also described as first of the Jewish prophets. Throughout Jewish history he is the exalted man of faith and leadership without peer.

mystic, mysticism (adj. mystical; from Greek for "initiant" into religious
"mysteries") A vaguely used term to indicate certain types of behavior or perspective that goes beyond the rational in the quest of what is considered to be the ultimate in religious experience (often described as union or direct communion with deity). See also kabalah, gnostic, sufi/sufism, hikma, tariqa.

neo-orthodoxy Designation for a modern Christian approach began among liberal thinkers who saw the need to revive commitment to traditional protestant ideas such as the centrality of God's word (both written and living) and of faith and of God's grace in providing salvation from sin without withdrawing from serious rational discussion of contemporary issues.

neo-Platonism
A line of development from the philosophy of Plato that emphasized the
mystical dimensions of its dualistic view of reality, so that union with the
ultimate One was a major goal. Influenced the development of mysticism in each of the three religious traditions.

New Testament (= NT) The collection of Christian canonical writings that together with "the Old Testament" (see also Apocrypha) constitute the Christian Bible.

Nicea A place in northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey) where the first "ecumenical" council of Christendom was held in 325. See also creed (Nicene), Arius,Athanasius.

nihilism A modern position that holds that ultimately nothing (Latin nihil) can be known or understood; life has no "meaning."

nun See monk, monastic, monastery.

observance, observant Refers primarily to religious rules and practices, and to those who are rigorous about keeping them; see calendar, cult, liturgy, commandments, halaka, law, sharia, torah, tradition (etc.).

Old Testament (= OT) The name traditionally given by Christians to the Jewish biblical writings that together with "the New Testament" constitute the Christian Bible. For most Protestant Christians, OT is identical to the classical Jewish Bible, while for classical (Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, etc.) Christianity, OT also includes "the Apocrypha."

orders In classical Christianity, one of the sacraments is the taking of "holy orders," or entering full-time institutional service to God and the church.See priest, monk, nun, ordination.

ordination In Christianity, the ceremony of "investing" a person with ministerial or priestly office and authority. Rabbinic Judaism has a similar process. See also orders, apostolic succession , semikah.

original sin In classical Christian thought, the fundamental state of sinfulness and guilt, inherited from the first man Adam, that infects all of humanity but can be removed through depending on Christ and the grace he provides (e.g. in baptism).

orthodox From the Greek for "correct opinion/outlook," as opposed to heterodox or heretical. The judgment that a position is "orthodox" depends on what are accepted as the operative "rules" or authorities at the time. Over the course of history, the term "orthodox" has come to denote the dominant surviving forms that have proved themselves to be "traditional" or "classical" or "mainstream" (e.g. rabbinic Judaism; the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Christian churches; sunni Islam), although new, relative "orthodoxies" constantly emerge (and often disappear). See also neo-orthodoxy, orthopraxy.

Orthodoxy: Broadly speaking, the Christian religion consists of three distinct groups of believers: Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant.
The first schism occurred in 1054 when the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic church split with each other over doctrinal issues. Later during the Reformation, Protestants broke off from the Roman Catholic church. As the name suggests, Orthodox Christians believe they have preserved the Christian faith intact as it has been handed down since the days of the apostles.

pacifism A modern term for positions opposed to warfare (e.g. Quakerism).

pagan (from Latin for villiage peasant) In a general sense, neither Jewish nor Christian (nor Muslim), traditionally with negative connotations (an irreligious person, heathen); see gentile, kafir. The term also has come to be adopted by some modern persons or
movements that dissociate themselves from the "Judeo-Christian" tradition.

Palestine (Greek form representing "Philistines," for the seacoast
population encountered by early geographers) An ancient designation for the area between Syria (to the north) and Egypt (to the south), between the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan; roughly, modern Israel.

papal See pope.

Paraclete: The Holy Spirit, who is one of the members of the Trinity.

paradise (Greek, "park, garden"; possibly derived from Heb. pardes)
Term used to describe the location of the creation of humankind (see garden of Eden) as well as the destination where those favored by God will ultimately arrive (especially in Islam). Also used in apocalyptic texts for one of the heavens or levels above the inhabited earth, near God.

parousia (Greek, "presence") A technical term in Christian scholarship for the "second coming" or "return" of Jesus Christ in the end times (see eschatology).

passion (Latin, "suffering") A technical term in Christian circles for Jesus' suffering and crucifixion. A Passion Narrative is the part of each Gospel that tells the story of Jesus' passion. It's usually considered to begin with the anointing at Bethany and includes the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemene, the trials before the High Priest, Herod, and Pilate, the crucifixion, and the burial. A Passion Play is a play that tells the story of the Passion.

patriarchs 1.A common designation for the early founding figures of ancient Semitic tradition (before Moses) such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribal figureheads of Israel (Judah, Benjamin, etc.). 2. One of the bishops of the four major early Christian centers (or Sees) -- Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, or Alexandria, with Constantinople later added as a fifth. After the break with Rome (see great schism), the term may refer to the head of any of the national divisions of the Eastern church.

penance The sacramental rite, in Christian Roman Catholicism, consisting of repentance, confession to a priest, payment of the temporal penalty for one's sins, and forgiveness.

penitent Especially in classical Christianity, one who does penance; also one involved in a special prolonged period of seeking forgiveness through prescribed acts.

Pentecost (Greek for "50th [day]") See Shabuot/Shavuot, calendar.

piety A general term for religious devotion.

pilgrimage A general term for religiously motivated visit to a site considered religiously significant. In Islam, this is a central pillar (see hajj, also umra), but the practice is also extended in various directions in all three traditions (see aliya, Jerusalem, Rome); often pilgrimages are made to sites associated with saints or relics of veneration.
pope (adj. papal; from the Latin for "father") In Christian history, a mode of addressing important church leaders, and especially the bishop of Rome; thence it became a technical term for that bishop, as leader of the entire Catholic (universal) Church. The term is still used less restrictively in eastern orthodox Christianity. For a collection of writings and pronouncements by Roman Catholic Popes.

prayer A general term used for addressing petitions (or praise) to the deity. See amida, birkat, dhikr, dua, eucharist, Fatiha, kaddish, Lord's Prayer, maariv, mincha, salat, shemoneh esreh. See also hymn, liturgy, siddur.

predestination The idea that one's eternal destiny is determined beforehand, from the
beginning of time, by the will and plan of the deity.

presbyter (from Greek for "elder person") In *early Christianity, one of the leaders of a community/church, sometimes synonymous with episkopos. In Protestant Christianity, the Presbyterian denomination follows the guidance of the representatives (called presbyters, the presbytery) of the affiliated congregations. posse (Latin for can or to be able): Term adopted by Nicholas of Cusa to refer to the potentiality inherent in a created thing, sentient or insentient. Or to put it somewhat differently, it refers to what that thing is capable of being.

priest (see also kohen) A functionary usually associated, in antiquity (including early Judaism), with temples and their rites (including sacrifice). In classical Christianity, the office of priest was developed (see ordination, clergy) in connection with celebration of the mass and eucharist, and with celibacy as an important qualification especially in Roman Catholicism.

priesthood of believers A principle of Luther and the protestant Christian reformation, that each individual believer has direct access to deity, without needing special intercession by a priest.

primacy A general term for precedence, used especially in Christianity to refer to the position of the pope in relation to other bishops (he is sometimes called the "primate").

prophet (from Greek, to "speak for" or "speak forth") Name given to accepted spokespersons of God (or their opposites, "false prophets"). Became a designation for a section of the Jewish scriptures; see
nabi, rasul, TaNaK.

protestant The name given to the Christian groups produced by the reformation, as opposed to Roman Catholicism (and classical Christianity in general).

prepossession, or predisposition: The ingrained influence of habits running counter to virtue. When this is operative over a long period, it exerts a pressure which drags the intellect down towards earthly things.

purgatory In classical (Roman Catholic) Christian thought, an intermediate state after death where one can finish satisfying the temporal punishments for one's sins and purify one's soul before being admitted to heaven.

puritan The name given to a movement in early 17th century English Christianity that aimed at "purifying" the church (along Calvinistic lines), which was perceived to be failing in certain respects. Some puritans left England for the "new world" in search of greater religious freedom and founded the Massachusetts colony. See also congregationalism.

Quakerism Nickname for "the Society of Friends," a form of protestant Christianity first associated with George Fox and his followers in 17th century England, with emphasis on the subjective spiritual aspects of religion. See also pacifism.

rationalism A general term for the perspective that holds that everything is actually or potentially understandable by human reason. See also agnosticism, atheism, mysticism.

redemption A term from ancient economic vocabulary concerning the freeing of slaves by purchasing (manumission), applied to the religious concept (especially in Christianity) of salvation from slavery to sin (being "redeemed").== in judaism?

reformation Name given to the protestant Christian movements (and the period itself) in the 16th century in which Roman Catholicism was opposed in the interest of "reforming" Christianity to what was considered its earliest known form (found in the New Testament). See Luther, Calvin, Anabaptists.

relics In popular Christian religiousity, objects or parts of the body (e.g., clothing, teeth, bones) left behind after the decay of the corpse, which are venerated for saints of the Roman Catholic and Eastern churches.

religion A general term for a system of beliefs and/or practices thought to enhance human contact with realities otherwise inaccessible or unperceived.

renaissance (Latin) Name usually given to the "rebirth" of classical knowledge that erupted in the 15th century and provided background for the protestant reformation and associated events in Europe. The term is also used in other connections.

repentance A term used especially in protestant Christianity to indicate the subjective state of sorrow and concern over sin, on the way to salvation. See also penance.

resurrection The idea that dead persons who have found favor with the deity will ultimately (in eschatological times) be raised from the dead, with restored bodily form.

revelation A general term for self-disclosure of the divine (God reveals to humans), which is often considered to be focussed in the revealed scriptures. Also the name of a specific Christian biblical book, the "Apocalypse" (Greek, "uncovered") or "Revelation" (Latin).

revivals Events of spiritual awakening or high religious involvement; specifically in modern Christianity, commonly in evangelical circles, special meetings to encourage such awakening or interest.

romanticism A term to describe the modern perspective that focusses on subjective feeling in relating to art and nature.

sacrament Especially in classical Christianity, a formal religious rite (e.g. baptism, eucharist) regarded as sacred for its perfect ability to convey divine blessing; in some traditions (especially Protestant), it is regarded as not effective in itself but as a sign or symbol of spiritual reality or truth.

sacrifice (Latin, "perform a sacred act") A general term for the giving up of things of value for religious purposes, such as (1) liturgical sacrifices of animal life or of other valuables (grain, wine, etc.), and (2) personal sacrifices of time or money or talents or potential (e.g. taking holy orders). In classical Christianity, the death of Jesus is interpreted as a sacrifice for sin on behalf of humankind. Islam retains a liturgical use of animal sacrifice especially in connection with the hajj (see also calendar).

sacrilege A general term for violation of that which is considered sacred. See blasphemy, shirk.

Sadducees An early Jewish sub-group whose origins and ideas are uncertain. It probably arose early in the 2nd century BCE and ceased to exist when the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. Sadducees supported priestly authority and rejected traditions not directly grounded in the Pentateuch, such as the concept of personal, individual life after death. They are often depicted as in conflict with the Pharisees.

saint Name given to persons considered to be "holy." Used in a special sense in Roman Catholicism for deceased persons who are believed to have entered God's presence (see heaven) and thus can provide special benefits to humankind (e.g. intercession by the saints). Used more generally in protestant Christianity for all believers. See also wali, zaddik.

salvation In Christian thought, most generally, liberation from the power and effects of sin; often refers to an experience or series of experiences leading to a sense of liberation; sometimes refers to the expected liberation of a Christian after death.

self-emptying, or in Greek, kenosis: As God the Word is full, and it is from His own fullness that He bestows gifts on His creatures (Jn 1:16). In contrast man is an impoverished being; everything that man possesses has been received as a gift (1 Cor. 4:7). To
at manhood.

scriptures General designation for canonical or biblical writings.

sect A general designation for a definable sub-group, often with negative overtones. See also cult, denomination.

secular (Latin, "of this world") A general term for non-religious, or the opposite of religious.

See (from Latin, "seat") A term used in Christianity to refer to the ecclesiastical location of a bishop's authority (e.g. "the See of Rome"), and by extension to the authority itself.

sequent: God is the Cause of every created thing, so each thing is said to be sequent to God, i.e. follows from God.

sin Transgression or offense against God's laws or wishes;; more generally in Christian belief, a continuing state of estrangement from God. See also original sin, shirk.

Spiritual Marriage:
In Interior Castle, St. Teresa of Avila says that the union of Spiritual
Marriage takes place when God brings the soul into the Seventh Mansion of the castle, the mansion where He Himself dwells. At this point the soul experiences an infusion of brilliant light, and from then on the soul feels that it shares in the ongoing companionship of God.

stigmata (Greek, "puncture marks") Used technically in some Christian groups and traditions to refer to the miraculous appearance on a living believer of wounds like those attributed to Jesus (especially nail imprints in the hands).

stoicism An ancient Greek philosophical position contemporary with early Platonism and Aristotleianism that emphasized the close relationship between human activity and nature, governed by reason and law. Influenced early Judaism

subjectivism A modern position that emphasizes the personal nature of truth. See also existentialism.

stillness, or in Greek, hesychia: St. John the Solitary (c. 425 AD) is describing stillness (or hesychia) when he states that: ... this spiritual prayer is more interior than the tongue, more deeply interiorized than anything on the lips, more interiorized than any words or vocal song. When someone prays this kind of prayer he has sunk deeper than
all speech, and he stands where spiritual beings and angels are to be found; like them, he utters "holy" without any words...

The Son of God: The Son of God is also known as the Word of God. Once He incarnated Himself, He became known as the Christ.

substance: Considered in its Aristotelian sense, a substance is one of a number of properties which define a particular class. It is not possible to take this property away from a member of the class without causing injury to that member, but if it were possible, the object in question would no longer be a member of the same class. Compare with accident.

synoptic gospels Name given to the first three Christian NT gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), which view the story of Jesus from the same general perspective.

talent: A talent is a coin. This is a reference to the parable of Christ described in Matthew 25:14-30. A Lord who was about to go out of town gave each of his servants money that he expected them to invest for him. When he returned all but one of his servants had increased his holdings through their investments. However one servant merely gave him his coin back, saying that he had buried it while his Lord was away to keep it "safe." When the Lord found out that this servant didn't even try to do anything with the coin, he took the coin away from him and gave it to one of his other servants who had already demonstrated his ability to multiply his Lord's holdings.

testament Term for an agreement between two (or more) parties, such as a "last will and testament."

theism The position that affirms the existence of deity. See also atheism, agnosticism.

theocracy From Greek, "divine rule"; the idea that God should be the ultimate ruler, over or instead of human rulers. See zealots.

theology From Greek, "study of deity"; a general term for discussions and investigations of things pertaining to God(s), and by extension, to
religious matters. One who engages formally in theological studies is called a "theologian."

tithe
Literally, a tenth part, usually with reference to prescribed or voluntary
contributions to one's religious community. "Tithing" is often used to refer in general to systematic giving, without specific reference to the exact percentage. See also zakat.

tongues In Christian charismatic circles, ecstatic utterance while in a state of religious excitation; sometimes regarded as a special spiritual language (see NT Paul's 1 Corinthians 14.9) or ability to speak in different languages (see NT Acts 2.1-15).

The Transfiguration of Christ: Jesus led three of his disciples (Peter, James, and John) up into a mountain. At some point they stopped, and Jesus' body began to give off an intense, white light. And while his entire body was shining, two ancient Hebrew prophets appeared (Moses and Elias) and began speaking with Christ. Then a radiant cloud appeared overhead, and a voice issued from it stating,
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear him."

transubstantiation In Roman Catholic Christian dogma, the change, during the eucharist, of the substance of bread and wine into the substance of Christ's body and blood -- the "accidents" (taste, color, shape) of the elements are believed to remain the same, but the substance or essence (in an Aristotleian sense) changes into the holy elements of the sacrifice. This interpretation was largely
rejected by Protestant reformers.

trinity In classical Christian dogma, God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit exist in perfect unity, as three "persons" in one God. The nature of this union was much debated in classical Christianity, and Western and Eastern expressions differ. See also monarchian, unitarian.

truth That which conforms to reality. For classical Judaism, Christianity and Islam, ultimate truth is defined and determined in relation to the ultimate reality, God. "The Truth" is attested as a way of referring to the deity in Islam (the execution of Hallaj is a memorable example), and to Jesus in Christianity (Gospel of John).

The Word of God, or in Greek, the Logos: The Word is the second person of the Trinity. The Father is said to speak forth the Word in a timeless manner that is beyond our comprehension. The Father and the Word that He speaks are inseparable and consubstantial. Everything that came into created being did so through the mediation of the
Word.The Word of God is also known as the Son of God. The incarnate Word is known as the Christ.

unitarianism A movement with roots in the Radical Reformation of early 16th century protestant Christianity which emphasized the oneness of deity (monotheism, see also monarchianism) by rejecting the traditional doctrine of trinity and pursuing a rationalist approach to religion. It became a distinct denomination in early 19th century England. In the 1960s, American Unitarianism dissocated itself from Christianity.

universalism The idea among some Christians that everyone will ultimately attain to the heavenly reward (salvation).veneration
A general term for religious devotion to a particular object or person. See saint, mawlid, wali, zaddik, icon, relic.

vicar Substitute, representative, proxy; one who takes the place of, or acts instead of, another. In Roman Catholic Christianity, the pope is the vicar of Christ. The pope (and other ecclesiastical authorities) may
designate their own vicar. In the Church of England, the term is used to
designate the priest who acts in a parish in place of the rector.

vicar of Christ Term applied especially to the pope, as the prime "representative" of Jesus Christ in Roman Catholic Christianity.

virgin Mary (Heb., Miriam, Greek Maria), virgin birth The mother of Jesus/Joshua is believed in classical Christian thought to
have conceived and given birth to Jesus without losing her virginity (thus the "perpetual virginity" of Mary). The ideal of virginity became for both women and men as classical Christianity developed (see celibacy, monasticism), but in protestant Christianity (in reaction to Roman Catholicism), there has tended to be much less emphasis on Mary or on virginity.

visionary A general term for one who claims to (or is considered to) be able to see into the future, and/or is committed to changing the future in accord with particular ideals.

vulgate (Latin, "common, popular") The official Roman Catholic Latin version of the Bible, prepared or edited by Jerome (Hieronymus) around the year 400. See also Septuagint.

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