religion- christianity

Ritual

A formal or ceremonial act or series of acts carried out in a prescribed order, often related to religious practices.

Sacraments

Rituals that are considered outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ.

Baptism

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

Eucharist

Also known as Communion, it is a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper.

Creeds

Formal statements of faith in Christianity, such as the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed.

Gnosticism

A collection of ancient religions that believed in secret knowledge and often contrasted with orthodox Christianity.

Christ

The title used for Jesus in Christianity, signifying 'the Anointed One'.

Trinity

The Christian doctrine that describes God as one being in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Salvation

The deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.

Original Sin

The Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a state of sinfulness due to the fall of Adam and Eve.

Beatitudes

A set of teachings by Jesus that describe the attitudes and behaviors blessed by God, notably found in the Sermon on the Mount.

Mystical Union

A profound sense of connection between the believer and God, often sought through contemplative prayer.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestantism and sought to reform the Catholic Church.

Ecumenism

Efforts aimed at promoting unity among different Christian denominations.

The Great Schism

The division of Christianity into Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Eastern Orthodox) branches in 1054 CE.

Jesus' biography

Accounts of the life of Jesus Christ, primarily found in the New Testament Gospels.

Metanoia

A transformative change of heart, especially a spiritual conversion.

The Second Coming

The anticipated return of Jesus Christ to earth, a key component of Christian eschatology.

Liberation Theology

A movement within Christian theology that focuses on the liberation of oppressed people, emphasizing social justice.

Vatican II

A significant ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church held from 1962 to 1965 that aimed to address relations between the Church and the modern world.