Glossary of terms

The abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief, often viewed as a serious sin in Christian communities.

One of the early followers of Jesus, sent out to preach the gospel. The term often refers to the Twelve Apostles, but can also apply to others like Paul.

The event of Jesus Christ rising to heaven forty days after his resurrection.

The reconciliation of humanity with God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

A Christian sacrament of initiation and purification involving the use of water.

The blessings listed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), each beginning with "Blessed are..."

A short invocation for divine help, blessing, and guidance, usually at the end of a worship service.

The official list of books recognized by a religious community as authoritative scripture.

The body of laws and regulations developed or adopted by ecclesiastical authority, for governing a Christian organization or church and its members.

A summary or exposition of doctrine, typically in the form of questions and answers, used for religious instruction.

A person receiving instruction in the Christian faith in preparation for baptism.

A spiritual gift or grace given by God to individuals for the benefit of the community.

The title derived from the Greek word "Christos," meaning "the Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah."

The branch of theology dealing with the identity, nature, and role of Christ.

Influential theologians and writers in the early Christian church, whose teachings are considered foundational for Christian doctrine.

The spiritual union of all Christians, living and dead, who are part of the mystical body of Christ.

A term used in Christian theology to describe the inclination to sin that is believed to be inherent in all human beings due to original sin.

An agreement between God and His people, often seen as a foundational concept in biblical theology.

A formal statement of Christian beliefs, such as the Nicene Creed or the Apostles' Creed.

An ordained minister in the Christian church, often serving in roles related to service, charity, and assisting with liturgy.

The process of following Jesus Christ and growing in faith and obedience to his teachings.

A theological system that divides history into distinct periods or "dispensations" of God's dealings with humanity.

A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true, particularly within the context of religious beliefs.

The study of the church, its structure, function, and role in salvation history.

The movement or effort to promote unity among Christian churches and denominations.

A leader or senior figure in a Christian congregation, often involved in teaching, governance, and pastoral care.

A papal letter sent to all bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, usually concerning doctrine, morality, or church discipline.

The part of the Eucharistic prayer in Christian liturgies where the Holy Spirit is invoked to consecrate the bread and wine.

A letter or written communication, especially those included in the New Testament, such as the Pauline Epistles.

The part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and humanity.

Also known as Communion or the Lord's Supper, it is a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine.

The spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.

The formal exclusion of a person from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.

Critical explanation or interpretation of biblical texts.

The act of driving out or warding off demons or evil spirits, often through ritual or prayer.

The community and sharing among Christians, emphasizing mutual support, communion, and relationship within the body of Christ.

An ancient heretical belief that emphasizes esoteric knowledge as the path to salvation, often viewed in opposition to orthodox Christian teachings.

The free and unmerited favor of God, manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

In Christian belief, the eternal dwelling place of God and the blessed, characterized by the presence of God and eternal life.

In Christian theology, the place or state of eternal punishment for the wicked after death, often depicted as a place of fire and suffering.

Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox Christian doctrine, often leading to schism or excommunication.

The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural texts.

The sacrament or rite of ordination in Christian churches, conferring the offices of bishop, priest, or deacon.

The Roman Catholic doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin.

The theological concept that God is present and active within creation, as opposed to being distant or detached.

The Christian doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

The act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.

The core message of the Christian gospel, focusing on the proclamation of Christ's death and resurrection.

The annual cycle of seasons and feasts in the Christian calendar, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

The prescribed form or set of forms for public religious worship.

A Greek term meaning "word" or "reason," used in Christian theology to refer to Christ as the divine Word of God.

The wise men from the East who visited Jesus after his birth, often associated with the Epiphany celebration.

A person who is killed for their Christian faith and is often revered as a saint.

The Christian holy day observed on the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.

A religious way of life characterized by asceticism, prayer, and communal living, typically in a monastery or convent.

A theory in Christian ethics that moral principles are grounded in human nature and can be discerned through reason.

The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate the congregation.

An early heresy that separated Christ's divine and human natures into two distinct persons, rather than one unified person.

The doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve.

Adherence to accepted and traditional teachings of the faith.

A simple story used by Jesus to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

The second coming of Christ, when he will return to judge the living and the dead.

A sacrament in the Catholic Church involving the confession of sins, repentance, and acts of reparation.

A Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after His Ascension.

A movement within Christianity that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom He intends to save.

A Protestant Christian denomination characterized by governance by a body of elders (presbyters) and a distinctive Reformed theology.

The act of appeasing God, particularly through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The protective care and guidance of God over all creation, often understood as God's ongoing involvement in the world.

In Roman Catholic doctrine, an intermediate state after death where souls undergo purification before entering heaven.

The restoration of friendly relations between God and humanity through Christ.

The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil through Christ’s sacrifice.

The 16th-century religious movement that led to the creation of Protestant churches and significant changes in Christian theology and practice.

The spiritual rebirth of an individual, often associated with baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Physical remains or personal effects of saints, considered holy and often venerated.

The disclosure of divine truth, particularly through scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.

A religious ceremony or act regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace.

The violation or profanation of something regarded as sacred.

The process of being made holy, involving both a definitive act and an ongoing process in the life of a believer.

The area in a church where the altar is located, often considered the holiest part of the church.

A formal division within or separation from a church due to doctrinal disagreements.

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), widely used in the early Christian church.

A Protestant doctrine meaning "Scripture alone," which holds that the Bible is the sole authoritative source of Christian faith and practice.

The study of religious doctrines of salvation.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which share a similar perspective and are often studied together.

The vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil.

The study of the nature of God and religious belief.

A Greek title for Mary, meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God," particularly emphasized in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The belief in the Roman Catholic Church that during the Eucharist, the substances of bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

The Christian doctrine that God exists as three persons in one essence: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The act of honoring a saint or holy person, distinct from worship, which is due to God alone.

A branch of Christian ethics that emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits, such as faith, hope, and charity.

A calling from God to serve Him in a particular capacity, often in a religious or ministerial role.

A Protestant Christian theological tradition based on the teachings of John Wesley, emphasizing sanctification and the methodical pursuit of holiness.

The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity, typically practiced in communal gatherings in the Christian context.

A term used in the Bible to refer to Jerusalem, the land of Israel, or the heavenly city of God.