Key Christian Concepts and Theological Terms for Religious Studies

Paradox

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that when explained may prove to be well-founded or true.

Sanctification

The process of being made holy by God.

Redemption

Deliverance from and forgiveness of sins as well as restoration to a communion with God.

Justification

To be declared righteous or just in the sight of God.

Atonement

A peace made between God and humanity through the blood/sacrifice of Jesus.

Grace

Favor shown to an undeserving recipient.

Incarnation

When the Son of God took on human nature and was born to an earthly family.

Judaizer

A Christian in the ancient church who believed components of the Jewish law code, including circumcision, must be followed.

Recapitulation

The concept that because Jesus (like Adam) is the representative for all humanity, all humanity can participate in his death and triumph over sin.

Ransom

A payment for deliverance from captivity.

Reconciliation

A restoration or repair of previously good relationships; bring back into communion.

Expiation

Act of making reparations, involving ritual purification or sacrificial offering.

Propitiation

The means by which the wrath of God is turned away from humanity.

Soteriology

Theological term for the doctrine of salvation.

Liturgy

The whole complex of official worship services - all the rites, ceremonies, prayers, and sacraments of the church.

Affective Piety

Grew out of monastic practices of meditation and contemplation which were later reflected in individual devotional practices.

Docetism

Heresy stating Jesus only seemed to die/be human/suffer, avoiding the physical reality of the crucifixion.

Gnosticism

Belief that salvation comes through a special, secret knowledge or gnosis.

Sola scriptura

"Scripture alone"; the Protestant principle that provided the theological foundation to reduce the number of sacraments.

Sola gratia

"Grace alone" principle of the Reformation.

Sola fide

"Faith alone" principle of the Reformation.

Soli deo gloria

"Glory to God alone" principle of the Reformation.

Moral Influence Theory

Atonement model where Jesus' life and death serve as a gift of God's grace through which humanity is bound to Jesus in love, transforming hearts and actions.

Satisfaction Theory

Atonement model arguing it was necessary for Jesus to be both divine and human because only a human could make restitution for humanity's debt to God.

Physical/Incarnational Theory

Atonement model where the joining of divine and human natures in Jesus elevates corrupted human nature, giving humanity the potential to be divinized.

Ransom to Satan Theory

Atonement model describing the divinity of Jesus as the bait which convinces the devil to accept him as a ransom for humanity.

Seventh Ecumenical Council (Nicaea II)

Council in 787 CE that affirmed images and icons should be venerated because they mediate the presence of the figure represented.