1
Q
catechetical schools
A
Schools begun by early Christians to teach the faith to the young. The most prominent was begun in the 2nd century in Alexandria. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–220) and Origen (c. 185–c. 254) were each head of this school.
2
Q
catechetics
A
(Gr. katechein, “to teach,” “to instruct”) A term that emerged in the 20th century within the Roman Catholic tradition for the study of methods by which the Christian faith may be taught. It refers to the process of forming persons in a faith community.
3
Q
catechism
A
(Gr. katechein, “to instruct,” “to teach”) A means of instruction, often in question-and-answer form, that conveys a summary of Christian theological beliefs.
4
Q
catechist
A
(Gr. katechein, “to instruct,” “to teach”) One who gives instruction in Christianity. The term is now often used for one who instructs children.
5
Q
catechumen
A
(Gr. katechoumenos, “one who is being instructed”) One who is being instructed in the Christian faith, usually in preparation for church membership. The term originated in the early church with the instruction anticipating Christian baptism.
6
Q
Categories
A
Used in classical philosophy to denote basic classifications in being (ontology). Used in systematic theology to indicate major types of questions or theological issues.
7
Q
catena
A
(Lat. “chain”; Gr. seira) A type of biblical commentary from the 5th century onward marked by explanations of the biblical text through a chain of passages derived from earlier commentators. More widely, it refers to any collection of passages on a subject from various writers.
8
Q
Cathari
A
(Gr. katharos, “pure”) Name for various groups in church history that have emphasized purity of life. These have included Novatianists, Manicheans, and the medieval Albigensians.
9
Q
catharsis
A
(Gr. “a cleansing”) The events and processes that can cleanse and free one from impediments to union with God or true human existence.
10
Q
cathedral
A
(Gr. kathedra, Lat. cathedra, “chair, throne”) The church containing the “throne” or official “seat” (Lat. sedes) of a bishop of a diocese. Here the bishop presides over the liturgy and, by extension, the diocese.
11
Q
cathedral office
A
Form of morning and evening prayer focused on psalmody and intercession, performed daily in cathedrals and parish churches.
12
Q
cathedral schools
A
Schools established during the Middle Ages and later to educate choirboys for singing in cathedral churches. They also served as grammar schools and as a source of free education for the poor boys of a cathedral city.
13
Q
catholic
A
(Gr. katholikos, “universal,” “general”) Term used since the 2nd century to designate the Christian church throughout the world. It is opposed to “sectarian,” which refers to those who have separated from the worldwide church. It is a mark of the church along with “one,” “holy,” and “apostolic.” See also church.
14
Q
Catholic Church, Roman
A
See Roman Catholicism
15
Q
Catholic Epistles/Letters
A
Also “General Epistles.” Seven NT letters addressed to a general audience (“catholic”; Gr. katholikos, “universal”) and not to specific churches. These are James; 1 and 2 Peter; 1, 2, and 3 John; and Jude.
16
Q
Catholic social teachings
A
The body of teachings promulgated by the Roman Catholic Church and focused on political, social, and economic problems and conditions. These teachings are set forth in various papal encyclicals as well as materials from other bodies such as councils and synods.
17
Q
catholic spirit
A
A term used by John Wesley (1703–91) to describe an approach to Christianity that stressed a unity on the essentials of Christian faith while showing toleration for those elements and practices that are nonessentials, i.e., that are not necessary for Christian salvation.
18
Q
Catholic spirituality
A
Central to Roman Catholic spirituality is the church and its liturgy accompanied by a life lived in the church’s sacraments. Practices in the tradition include the veneration of Mary, angels, and saints; prayers for the dead; prayers of intercession; etc., all carried out within the church’s structured hierarchy, which safeguards the tradition and church practices.
19
Q
Catholic Worker Movement
A
The movement begun in New York City by Dorothy Day (1897–1980) and Peter Maurin (1877–1949) that focused on helping the poor and on issues of social justice. Through the Catholic Worker newspaper, the social implications of the gospel were proclaimed. The commandments to love God and neighbor were central as well as the mandate to do small things for others in love and faith.
20
Q
Catholicism, conventional
A
Roman Forms of Roman Catholicism that support the traditional positions promulgated at the Council of Trent (1545–63).
21
Q
catholicity
A
(Gr. katholikos, “universal”) Term used to designate the universal nature and spread of the Christian church.
22
Q
catholicizing tendency
A
The movement of the early Christian church becoming more institutional in nature with the establishment of church offices and practices. This occurred through the latter part of the 1st century when the return of Jesus Christ (Parousia) became less expected.
23
Q
catholicos
A
(Gr. katholikos, “universal”) Title of the heads or patriarchs of the Armenian, Georgian, and Nestorian churches. Originally the term was used for the chief bishop of a local church, who was subordinate to a patriarch.
24
Q
causality, divine
A
Philosophically, the question of how a divine agent may effect action. In Christian theology, in the doctrine of providence, the actions of God in nature and history, including personal and public providence. See also providence, divine.
25
cause, first
A philosophical term referring to God as the primary and final source of the whole created universe.
26
CE
“Common Era.” A term used to designate the years since the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not make the same religious claim as AD (Lat. anno Domini, the “year of the Lord”), yet it recognizes this as the common calendar dividing point in the Western world. Earlier years are designated BCE (“before the Common Era”). See also anno Domini, BC, BCE.
27
celebrant
(Lat. celebrare, “to fill,” “celebrate”) One who officiates at a service of worship. In the Roman Catholic tradition it has meant the presider at the Eucharist. Because all worshipers celebrate in worship, “presider” is now a preferred term in the Roman Catholic Church.
28
celebration
Praise to God (e.g., Psalms; Luke 15:11–32) for various acts and blessings. Liturgically, the enactment of sacraments, the Divine Liturgy, or other occasions for focusing on God and what God has done. See also praise.
29
celebritism, Christian
The practice of exalting well-known Christians to a celebrity status.
30
celestial flesh Christology
A term associated with Menno Simons (1496–1561) and others who taught that Jesus did not receive his human nature from the Virgin Mary. He was born “out of,” not “from,” Mary. This view sought to maintain Christ’s sinlessness. John Calvin (1509–64) considered it Docetism. See also Christology; Docetism.
31
celibacy
(Lat. caelebs, “unmarried”) State of being unmarried, often due to religious convictions.
32
celibacy of the clergy
(Lat. caelebs, “unmarried”) Clergy living in an unmarried state.“This has been the historical requirement of the Roman Catholic Church"
33
cell
(Lat. cella) A private room or apartment of a person dedicated to a religious vocation. Also used for small groups of Christians who have dedicated themselves to a purpose, often the spreading of the Christian gospel in the midst of their secular surroundings.
34
cell group
A small group of individuals who form part of a larger institutional structure but who are gathered for a specific purpose or task. The term appears in 20th-century religious, political, and psychological contexts.
35
Cenaculum
(Lat. “upper room”) The “upper room” in which the Last Supper was celebrated (Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12) and where the apostles stayed at the time of Pentecost (Acts 1:13). See also Lord’s Supper; Pentecost.
36
cenobite
(Gr. koinobios) One who has taken religious vows and lives in community, as distinct from a hermit. See also hermit.
37
censer
(Old French encens, “incense”) A container in which incense is burned. Also called a thurible (Lev. 16:2, 12–13; Num. 4:5–8; Rev. 8:3–5). See also thurible.
38
censures
(Lat. censura, “censor’s office,” “judgment”) Reprimands or punishments by the church of violators of church laws. Their purposes are corrective and in some churches they may be lifted when reform has occurred. They may include excommunication, suspension, or interdiction.
39
centering prayer
A word or phrase that is repeated to focus meditation on being in the presence of God (similar to a mantra).
40
ceremonial
(Lat. caerimonia, “sacredness,” “religious rite”) Prescribed actions or movements as part of a liturgical rite.
41
ceremonial laws
In the OT, laws pertaining to religious sacrifices and purification rather than moral laws.
42
certainty
In philosophy, a claim to knowledge about particular beliefs or truth claims. Different criteria for such claims have been established, taking into account also the problem of doubt.
43
certainty/certitude, theological
(Lat. certitudo theologica) Also certitudo fidei, “the certainty of faith.” Theological certainty is not something to be demonstrated or proved by self-evident principles. It is an absolute and infallible certainty that rests on God’s revelation as received by faith.
44
chaburah
(Heb. haber, “friend”) In Judaism, friends joined for a religious purpose. Some see this as a description of Jesus and his disciples, the Last Supper being a regular, common meal rather than a Passover meal (John 18:28; 19:14). Early Christians continued this practice (Acts 2:46; 20:7). See also Lord’s Supper; Passover.
45
chain of being
A popular metaphorical description developed during the Renaissance to express the order, unity, and completeness of the universe. God was seen at the top of the chain with decreasing levels of being emerging from God down to the smallest realities. Thus it was hierarchical in nature.
46
Chalcedon, Council of (451)
Fourth ecumenical council, held at Chalcedon in Asia Minor, which reaffirmed the christological statements of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381). It confessed Jesus Christ as “one person with two natures,” human and divine, which are united but not mixed. This became the orthodox Christian theological description of the person of Jesus Christ. See also Christology.
47
Chalcedonian Christology
Teachings about the person of Christ that accord with the teachings of the Council of Chalcedon (451).
48
Chalcedonian Definition
Teachings about the person of Jesus Christ established by the Council of Chalcedon (451). It reaffirmed the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople and rejected the views of the Nestorians and Eutychians by asserting Jesus Christ as fully God and fully human.
49
Chaldean Christians
Those churches descended from ancient Nestorian churches who are adherents of the Chaldean Catholic Church, which was originally The Church of Seleucia and Ctesiphon (central and southern Iraq). It entered into communion with the Roman Catholic Church in the sixteenth century.
50
Chaldee
An archaic term for the Aramaic language
51
chalice
(Lat. calix, “a cup”) The cup used in the Lord’s Supper to hold the wine, which Jesus Christ said was his blood (Mark 14:23–24; 1 Cor. 11:25).
52
chancel
(Lat. cancellus, “a screen”) The part of the church in which the altar or Communion table, clergy, and choir are found. A screen often separated this area from the nave in medieval times.
53
chancel, split
A term for the front of a church sanctuary that features a pulpit on one side of the chancel and a lectern or reading stand on the other. It is a common form in church architecture.
54
chancellor, diocesan
A bishop’s chief administrative representative in diocesan matters. The person is the principal archivist of a diocesan curia and must be a notary.
55
chancery, papal
The office in charge of papal correspondence and archives.
56
chant
(Lat. cantare, “to sing”) A melody sung to unmetrical verses as a liturgical part of a worship service.
57
chantry
A chapel, separate from a church or monastery, often containing a tomb of someone associated with the church or monastery. Also the duty of a Roman Catholic priest to celebrate Mass for a deceased person.
58
chaos
(Gr. “gap,” “chasm”) Description of the formless primal matter before God brought it to order (Gen. 1:1–5).
59
chapel
(Lat. capella, shrine containing the cape [cappa] of St. Martin of Tours [c. 316–397]) Usually the designation for part of a church set apart as an additional area for holding religious services.
60
chapter
(Lat. caput, “head”) Divisions of a book, such as the Bible. Also members of a special religious group dedicated to certain purposes. It originated from the monastic practice of daily gathering to hear a chapter of the monastic rule read.
61
character, moral
(Gr. charaktēr, “graving tool,” or its mark) Features and traits forming a person’s nature and thus a clue to moral or ethical qualities. It includes ways of acting, responses, and ways of perceiving situations. It is the enduring personality on which morality is evaluated.
62
character, sacramental
(Gr. charaktēr, “graving tool,” or its mark) In Roman Catholic theology the belief that sacraments, especially baptism, confirmation, and holy orders, make an indelible imprint of divine grace in one’s life. Thus these sacraments may not be repeated.
63
charge
An address made on a special occasion, often at ordinations, which may be exhortatory in nature. At a service of installation for a pastor in a new congregation a charge may be given both to the pastor and to the congregation.
64
charismatic gifts
(Gr. charismata, “gifts of grace”) Gifts of grace given by God’s Spirit for the upbuilding of the Christian church (1 Cor. 12:1–31, esp. 8–10).
65
charismatic movement
A transdenominational movement originating in the 1950s that emphasizes the charismatic gifts of the Spirit, particularly speaking in tongues (glossolalia), words of wisdom, knowledge, healings, prophecy, and the interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:4–11). See also glossolalia; Pentecostalism.
66
charismatic spirituality
The emphasis on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit within the believer and church community. In Pentecostal traditions, the gifts and experiences of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, healing, and anointing by the Spirit are important elements. See also Pentecostalism.
67
charismatics
Term for those who have been given charismatic gifts (all Christians), but especially used for those who emphasize the spiritual gifts, often particularly speaking in tongues (glossolalia).
68
charity
(Lat. caritas, Gr. agapē, “love”) Old English term for God’s love and the love placed by God in human hearts. The term was frequently used in the KJV (1611) for “love” (see 1 Cor. 13; 1 John 4). It is the greatest of the theological virtues. Also, more broadly, giving to individuals or groups in need.
69
chastise/chastisement
A term associated with education and discipline in the OT (Ps. 94:12) pointing broadly to God’s education of Israel to becoming the people of God, as divinely intended. Those who are children of God are chastised out of parental love (Prov. 3:11–12; Heb. 12:6). See also discipline, divine.
70
chastity
(Lat. castus, “clean,” “pure”) Sexual purity in all aspects of existence; violated by “ornication and adultery. As a virtue it is to order human sexuality for its proper purpose.
71
cheap grace
Term popularized by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45) to indicate the desire to accept God’s gift without the corresponding response of repentance and obedience. See also repentance.
72
cherubim
Hebrew term for supernatural beings associated with sacred contexts in the Bible (Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 10:3; Heb. 9:5), including the ark (Exod. 25:18–22).
73
Chi Rho
The first two letters of the Greek XPIΣTOΣ (Christos, “Christ”). Used as a monogram for “Christ.
74
children
Jesus focused on children as model citizens of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:14; Luke 18:16). In Christ, those with faith who are led by God’s Spirit are children of God (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 3:26). Children themselves are vulnerable and as such are those for whom special concern must be given.
75
children of the faithful
(Lat. infantes fidelium) The offspring of believers, usually spoken of in the context of the doctrine of the covenant. See also covenant of grace.
76
Children’s Crusade (1212)
A predominantly legendary account describes the march of children from France and western Germany after the Fourth Crusade (1202–4) for the purpose of recapturing Jerusalem.
77
children’s rights
The recognition that children have inherent rights even though they may themselves be incapable of articulating or defending them. They are vulnerable persons created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26–27), and ethical concern is particularly expressed to protect them and give them dignity.
78
chiliasm
(Gr. chilioi, “thousand”) Another name for millenarianism and the belief that Christ will return to earth for a thousand-year reign prior to the final consummation (Rev. 20:1–5). See also millennial kingdom; millennialism.
79
chiliast
One who adopts the view that Christ will return to earth for a thousand-year reign prior to the final consummation (Rev. 20:1–5).
80
Chinese theologies
Theologies developing on the Chinese mainland or in the diaspora. They take their social and political contexts seriously and read the Bible for ethical and moral direction as they seek to rediscover Scripture in light of indigenous traditions, colonialism, and exploitation.
81
choice
(Lat. arbitrium, “choice, decision, judgment”) The human capacity to choose. Theologically, a choice may be a “bound choice” reflecting enslavement to the power of sin; or “free choice” on the basis of the liberation of one’s will by the power of the Holy Spirit to choose the will of God. See also free choice.
82
choir
(Lat. chorus, “a dance, band of dancers”) The singers who lead the congregation in singing or sing alone during public worship. In church architecture, the area of a church where the clergy are seated.
83
chorbishop
(Gr. chōrepiskopos, “country overseer” or “country bishop”) A rural bishop subject to a bishop in a nearby town. The term is no longer used except as an honorary title for leading presbyters in West Syrian and Maronite churches.
84
chorepiscopus
(Gr. “village bishop”) In the early church, one who had responsibility for country areas (chōra), usually lightly populated. They were prominent in the Eastern church between the 3rd and 5th centuries and were an order of the clergy.
85
choruses
(Gr. choros, Lat. chorus, “a dance”) Simple gospel songs, usually four lines long with repetitive texts or tunes so they are easily learned by rote.
86
chrism
(Gr. chrisma, “anointing”) The holy oil (traditionally, olive oil mixed with perfume) used sacramentally in baptism, confirmation, and ordination and at church dedications in Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, symbolizing the gifts and working of the Holy Spirit.
87
chrismation
(Gr. chrisma, “anointing”) In Eastern churches, the practice of anointing a newly baptized person with oil and the sign of the cross as the priest says, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” More generally, it is anointing with the holy oil or chrism.
88
chrismatory
(Lat. chrismatorium) In Roman Catholic theology, a vessel in which the holy oil (chrism) is kept.
89
Christ
(Gr. Christos, translation of Heb. mashiaḥ, “anointed one”) OT Israel anticipated a coming deliverer “anointed” by God to initiate God’s rule of righteousness and peace. Early Christians saw Jesus as fulfilling this hope and designated him as “Christ” (Mark 8:29; Acts 5:42; Rom. 5:6).
90
Christ, active obedience of
Theological description of the fulfillment of the will of God by Jesus Christ. In some theological systems it refers specifically to Christ’s fulfilling of the law of God in behalf of sinners. It is complemented by his passive obedience.
91
Christ, advent of
(Lat. adventus, “coming”) The coming of Christ. Used by 2nd-century Christians to refer to both Jesus’ birth and his second coming, which the Greek NT calls the parousia (1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:15). See also Parousia.
92
Christ, benefits of
The theological importance of what Jesus Christ has done in his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. These are personally appropriated through faith in Jesus Christ.
93
Christ, blood of
Image referring to the death of Jesus Christ, particularly as it effects atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity (Rom. 3:25; 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14 KJV; 1 John 1:7). See also atonement; reconciliation.
94
Christ, burial of
The preparation of Jesus’ body and placing it into the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, after his crucifixion (Matt. 27:57–61 and parallels). That Jesus was “buried” is mentioned in the Apostles’ Creed in relation to his being “dead.” See also sepulchre.
95
Christ, compassion of
Jesus embodied the character of the God of Israel who is compassionate (Pss. 78:38; 103:13). He had compassion on others (Matt. 9:36; 14:14), was moved with compassion (Matt. 20:34), and taught that compassion is to be extended to all, even to enemies (Matt. 5:43–48; Luke 10:30–37).
96
Christ, death of
According to the NT and the historic Christian church, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the means of salvation, liberation, reconciliation, and forgiveness of sins (cf. Acts 13:39; Rom. 5:8; 8:2; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:14; etc.) See also forgiveness of sins; liberation; reconciliation; salvation.
97
Christ, deity of
Assertion that Jesus Christ is God, as is God the Father. Also termed the “divinity of Christ.” See also Christology.
98
Christ, divinity of
Assertion that Jesus Christ is divine, as is God the Father. Also termed the “deity of Christ.” See also Christology.
99
Christ, doctrine of
See Christology
100
Christ, exaltation of
Theological term for the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ to God the Father and his continuing kingly rule (Acts 2:33; Phil. 2:9; Heb. 7:26). See also ascension of Jesus; resurrection of Jesus Christ.
101
Christ, humanity of
Assertion that Jesus Christ is truly a human being. Jesus’ humanity was in every way like that of other persons except that he did not sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). See also Christology.
102
Christ, humiliation of
Theological term to describe the earthly life, suffering, death, and burial of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:5–8). Some include the “descent into hell,” mentioned in the Apostles’ Creed, as part of this state. It stands in contrast to his exaltation (Phil. 2:9–11).
103
Christ, ignorance of
Jesus, who grew from a child to an adult (Luke 2:52), was fully a human being of his own time and culture. Thus the church has believed that while on earth he was not omniscient: though he shared fully in the general knowledge of his time, he was ignorant of some things.
104
Christ, imitation of
(Lat. imitatio Christi) In popular piety, the attempt to follow the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and live according to his example.
105
Christ, impeccability of
A view of Jesus Christ as being unable to sin.
106
Christ, intercession of
Jesus Christ continus interceding with God the Father on behalf of sinners (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).
107
Christ, intercessory work of
Christ’s work of atonement on the cross on behalf of sinners as well as his interceding with God the Father (Heb. 7:25)
108
Christ, kingship of
The sovereign rule of Jesus Christ over all the universe (Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 2:9–10).
109
Christ, lordship of
Acknowledgment of the authority and power of Jesus Christ over the cosmos, creation, and human life, especially the lives of those who believe in him.
110
Christ, nature of
Who Jesus Christ was and is.
111
Christ, offices of
The work performed by Jesus Christ in his humiliation and exaltation, traditionally ascribed as prophet, priest, and king. See also munus triplex.
112
Christ, passive obedience of
Jesus Christ’s sufferings on the cross. Some have used the term to designate his vicarious suffering that pays the penalty of sin that humans have incurred, and thus his discharging of the debt they owe to God. It complements his active obedience.
113
Christ, person of
Who Jesus Christ is. In the NT, descriptions of who Jesus is are accompanied by descriptions of what he did (Matt. 1:21; John 1:1, 3, 29; Heb. 1:2, 3). See also Christology.
114
Christ, preexistence of
The theological view that Jesus existed before his incarnation as the eternal second person of the Trinity (John 1:1; Phil. 2:6–7). See also incarnation.
115
Christ, preincarnate prophetic ministry of
The view that Jesus Christ ministered prior to his incarnation through the OT prophets.
116
Christ, reign of
The kingly rule of Jesus Christ begun in his incarnation and coming to completion in the final consummation of all things.
117
Christ, sacrificial death of
The view that the death of Jesus Christ was a sacrifice in which he was the victim as were the sacrificial animals in the OT (Heb. 9:26; 10:12).
118
Christ, satisfaction of
The view that Jesus Christ made “satisfaction” or expiation or payment on the cross for the sin of humanity in the sense of paying a debt to the justice or righteousness of God and thus gaining forgiveness for those who have faith but cannot provide needed satisfaction by their own merit.
119
Christ, two natures of
The historic view of the Christian church that Jesus Christ had both a divine and a human nature.
120
Christ, vicarious death of
The view that Jesus Christ’s death was a death on behalf of sinners and that in his death Christ took the place of those who because of their sin deserve themselves to die (Mark 10:45).
121
Christ, work of
Description of the actions of Jesus Christ, focusing particularly on his death, resurrection, and ascension. See also ascension; Christ, death of; resurrection of Jesus Christ.
122
Christ event
A term for the incarnation of Jesus Christ. See also Christology; incarnation.
123
Christ mysticism
Emphasis on the believer’s union with Christ, inspired by Paul’s frequent use of the phrase “in Christ” (e.g., 2 Cor. 5:17). Some, such as Adolf Deissmann, Albert Schweitzer, and James S. Stewart, have viewed this phrase as a central theme in Paul’s theology.
124
Christ of faith
Term used by some to designate the Christ proclaimed by the early Christian church in distinction from the Jesus of history, who is known through historical investigation.
125
Christ the King, Feast of
Church festival celebrating the sovereign reign of Jesus Christ, usually celebrated on the last Sunday prior to the beginning of Advent. See also Advent.
126
Christadelphians
(“Christ’s brethren”) An American sect, originating in the 19th century, that claims to return to the beliefs and practices of the primitive disciples and that stresses the return of Jesus Christ to establish a visible earthly kingdom.
127
Christendom
A collective sense of Christianity itself. Also a description of Christianity as a dominant religion.
128
christening
(Anglo-Saxon cristnian, “to name with a Christian name”) The giving of a Christian name. Also synonymous with baptism (infant).
129
Christian
Name applied originally in Antioch to followers of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26) and now used to designate those who believe in Jesus Christ and seek to live in the ways he taught.
130
Christian beliefs
The theological content of the Christian faith. Different Christian groups and individuals vary in their specific views on a number of Christian doctrines. See also Christian doctrines.
131
Christian calendar
The important dates of the Christian year. These may include not only feasts and festivals of the Christian year but also saints’ days and other commemorative events.
132
Christian doctrines
The teachings of the Christian faith as these have been developed and formulated by the church and its theologians through the centuries.
133
Christian education
(Gr. en Christō paideia) The education and formation of persons in the Christian church in all areas of life in light of the Christian faith.
134
Christian educator
One who is devoted to teaching the Christian faith, usually spoken of as working within a church or a religious setting.
135
Christian ethics
The teachings of Christianity on actions, motives, and behavior that are right or wrong in light of the Christian faith.
136
Christian experience
The personal experience of Christians in relation to their faith.
137
Christian feminism
Variety of views about women in relation to Christian theology, ordination, and women’s participation as professionals in Christian churches. Concerns are for justice and equality, freedom from oppression, and the resistance of sexism and patriarchy. See also feminist theologies.
138
Christian Platonism
The combining of elements of Christian theology with Platonic philosophy. At various points, different dimensions have been emphasized by Christian theologians. These include innate knowledge of God, body-soul dichotomy, concepts of the image of God, and immortality. See also body; image of God; immortality; innate ideas; soul.
139
Christian Science
(Church of Christ, Scientist) Religious body begun by Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910) in 1875 that teaches that only God is real and that evil has no reality. Thus matter, evil, sin, and sickness only receive the reality given them by humans. “Healing” is the spiritual understanding that disease is not real.
140
Christian Socialism
Movement begun in the mid-19th century that sought to apply Christian principles to politics and modern society.
141
Christian theology
The body of beliefs and doctrines that constitute the Christian faith. Theology has been understood as faith seeking understanding (Augustine, Anselm) and the critical reflection on God’s revelation. Various theological methods have been used with differing emphases throughout the centuries.
142
Christianity
The religion founded on the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus Christ.
143
Christianity and culture
The relationship between the Christian faith and its surrounding social settings. Differing understandings of this relationship have emerged through the centuries. These have depended on both theological commitments and the specific context in which the church has found itself.
144
Christianization
The process by which one or more persons or groups of persons become Christian. When used in relation to countries or cultures, a critique is that often, in the past, “Christianization” has really meant “Westernization” when Western culture was made the norm for defining genuine Christianity.
145
Christmas
(Old Eng. Christes mass) Church festival marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed on Dec. 25.
146
Christmas Conference (1784)
The organizing meeting leading to the formation of American Methodism. John Wesley (1703–91), ordained as an Anglican priest, recognized the ordinations of Thomas Coke (1747–1814) and Francis Asbury (1745–1816) to minister in America as independent ecclesiastical leaders. See also Methodism; Wesleyanism.
147
christocentrism
A designation for views that place Jesus Christ in a central position throughout theological systems. A frequently mentioned example of a christocentric theology is that of Karl Barth (1886–1968).
148
christological
Referring to the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
149
Christology
(Gr. Christos, “anointed one,” and logos, “study”) The study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The church’s understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what he has done grew and developed through the centuries. Early church councils produced christological statements.
150
Christology, classical
The theological views about Jesus Christ as accepted by the various church councils of the first five centuries, particularly at Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), and Chalcedon (451).
Biblical Theological Terms
flashcards
Decks in class (33)
# Cards
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1-155155
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156-300145
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301-450150
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451-600150
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601-750150
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751-900150
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901-1050150
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1051-1200150
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1201-1350150
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1351-1500150
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1501-1650150
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1651-1800150
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1801-2000200
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2001-2250250
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2251-2500250
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2501-2750250
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2751-3000250
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3001-3250250
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3251-3500250
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3501-3750250
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3751-4000250
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4001-4250250
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4251-4500250
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4501-47502
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4751-50000
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5001-52500
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5251-55000
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5501-57500
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5751-60000
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6001-62500
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6251-65000
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6501-67500
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6751-70000
