Church History 300-1300

Martyrdom

The suffering or death of a martyr, notably Paul and Peter, which symbolized the early Church's persecution.

Latin Church

Western Christianity centered in Rome, led by the Pope, using Latin as the liturgical language.

Great Schism

The 1054 split between the Latin (Roman Catholic) and Greek (Eastern Orthodox) Churches.

Apostolic Succession

The passing down of spiritual authority from the apostles to bishops.

Filioque

Latin for 'and the Son'; part of the Nicene Creed causing division in the Great Schism.

Indulgence

A remission of temporal punishment for sins granted by the Church.

Purgatory

An intermediate state after death where souls are purified before entering heaven.

Soteriology

The study of salvation, including concepts like indulgences.

Scholasticism

Medieval theological method using reason and philosophy, exemplified by Thomas Aquinas.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, aimed at reaffirming its doctrines and addressing corruption.

Ecumenism

Efforts to promote unity among different Christian denominations.

Transubstantiation

The belief that bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ during Mass.

Monasticism

A religious way of life focused on prayer, self-discipline, and community living.

Papal Authority

The supreme leadership of the Pope over the whole Church.

Sacrament

A sacred ritual instituted by Christ, such as Baptism and the Eucharist.

Benedictine Rule

Guidelines for monastic life established by St. Benedict.

Heresy

A belief or teaching that contradicts established Church doctrine.

Vernacular

The common, everyday language spoken by the people (e.g., English, French, German), as opposed to Latin, which was traditionally used in the Church.

Council of Trent (1545-1563)

A major Catholic council held to address the Protestant Reformation. It reaffirmed Catholic teachings, reformed Church corruption, standardized the Mass, and reinforced doctrines like indulgences and transubstantiation.

Lumen Gentium

A key document from the Second Vatican Council (1964) that redefined the Church as the 'People of God,' encouraged lay participation, and promoted ecumenism (Christian unity).

Protestantism

A branch of Christianity that broke away from the Catholic Church during the Reformation (1517), emphasizing faith alone (sola fide) and scripture alone (sola scriptura) as the basis of salvation and authority.

Patriarch

A high-ranking bishop in the Eastern Orthodox Church (e.g., Patriarch of Constantinople). Unlike the Pope, he does not claim universal authority over all Christians.

Mysticism

A spiritual approach that seeks a deep, personal union with God, often through prayer, contemplation, and visions (e.g., St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross).

Soteriology

The theological study of salvation, including how people are saved and what role faith, works, grace, and sacraments play in the process.

Indulgences

A remission of temporal punishment due for sins, granted by the Church. In the medieval period, indulgences were sometimes sold, leading to criticism and the Protestant Reformation.