Christian Terms

Apocalypticism

A common Jewish religious perspective of Jesus’ time, which held that the world had come under the control of evil forces, and was heading toward the climatic End Time, at which point God would intervene to usher in a reign of perfect justice and goodness. Early Christianity was generally in keeping with apocalypticism.

Apostle

An early follower of Jesus’ recognized as one with authority to preach the Gospel; the Apostles included the twelve original disciples.

Apostles’ Creed

A short statement of Christian belief that sets forth the foundations of the central doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity; traditionally thought to have been composed by the Apostles.

Bishops

Officials within the early church who were regarded as successors to the Apostles. Bishops were responsible for overseeing the Church and administering the Eucharist.

Canon

An authoritative set of sacred writings, such as Christianity’s New Testament.

Catholic

The largest of the three major divisions of Christianity. When it is not capitalized, catholic is used generally to denote the universal nature of the Christian Church.

Catholic Reformation

A process begun in 1545, initiated partly by the Protestant Reformation, that clarified Church doctrines and cleaned up corrupt practices.

Church

The community of all Christian believers.

Deacons

Officials within the early Church who were like the presbyters in that they assisted the bishops, but were on closer terms with the congregation at large.

Ecumenism

The promotion of worldwide Christian unity.

Eucharist

Also the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, a central sacrament and ritual of Christianity patterned after the Last Supper, which was shared by Jesus and his twelve Apostles.

Gospel

Referring generally to the saving power of the life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Incarnation

A core doctrine of Christianity, stating that in Jesus Christ, God became fully human while remaining fully divine.

Indulgences

Reductions in or pardons of the punishment due for sins committed. The buying and selling of indulgences was a common practice in medieval Catholicism.

Martyrs

Those who choose to die rather than violate their religious convictions.

New Testament

A collection of twenty seven writings that by the late fourth century A.D., had been adopted by orthodox Christians as their primary sacred text.

Nicene Creed

Christianity’s most important creedal statement, formulated by Church leaders at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and setting forth in precise language the doctrines of the Incarnation and of the Trinity.

Original Sin

Humanity’s state of moral and spiritual corruption, inherited from Adam and Eve.

Orthodox

With respect to Christianity in general, the emerging version of Christianity that was deemed true by those with authority, and therefore accepted by the majority. When the word orthodox is capitalized, it refers to the major division of Christianity dominant in the eastern regions of Europe and the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

Parables

Stories that Jesus used to cast important moral lessons within the language and circumstances familiar to the common people.

Pope

The title conferred on the bishop of Rome, the leader of Catholicism, who is considered by Catholics to be the direct successor of the Apostle Peter.

Predestination

The doctrine, especially prevalent in Calvin’s form of Protestantism, stating that God has already chosen those who will be saved from sin.

Presbyters

Officials within the early Church who assisted the bishops.

Protestant Reformation

A widespread phenomenon in sixteenth century Europe that resulted in the emergence of Protestantism from Catholicism.

Second Coming

The anticipated return of Christ to the world, on which occasion the dead will be resurrected and all people will be judged.

Second Vatican Council

A worldwide council of Catholic bishops convened by Pope John XXIII, occurring from 1962 through 1965. The council aimed to update Church teaching to respond to the needs of the modern world and to promote Christian unity.

Tradition

A primary means for God’s revelation of Christ, beginning with the Apostles and continuing in the present day through the Church.

Trinity

A core Christian doctrine stating that God consists of three persons-God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the Holy Spirit-who are at the same time one God.