The True Story of the Whole World: Prologue and Act 1 Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, historical thinkers, Hebrew names of God, structural acts, and concepts from the Prologue and Act 1 of the text.

Alasdair MacIntyre's Bus Stop Illustration

An imaginary scenario used to demonstrate that particular human actions and statements can only be understood when placed within a broader framework of meaning or story.

Elohim

The general Hebrew word for God used in Genesis 1 and throughout the ancient Near East, referring to the God who brings creation into existence out of nothing.

Yahweh

The divine name revealed to Moses, identifying God as the Redeemer and covenant God who rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt.

Yahweh Elohim

Translated as 'the LORD God' in Genesis 2:4, joining God's identity as Redeemer with His identity as the Creator of heaven and earth.

John Carroll

An Australian sociologist who suggested that Western Christianity is declining because churches failed in their central task of retelling their foundation story.

Lesslie Newbigin

A scholar and missionary who shared a Hindu scholar's observation that the Bible provides a unique interpretation of universal history rather than just being another book of religion.

N. T. Wright

A scholar who states that Christianity offers public truth as a story of the whole world that subverts other ways of telling the world's story.

Act 1 of the Biblical Drama

'God Establishes His Kingdom: Creation', which sets the foundation for the entire biblical story.

Act 2 of the Biblical Drama

'Rebellion in the Kingdom: Fall'.

Act 3 of the Biblical Drama

'The King Chooses Israel: Restoration Initiated', divided into Scene 1 (A People for the King) and Scene 2 (A Land for God's People).

Intertestamental Period Interlude

'A Kingdom Story Waiting for an Ending'.

Act 4 of the Biblical Drama

'The Coming of the King: Restoration Accomplished'.

Act 5 of the Biblical Drama

'Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church', divided into Scene 1 (From Jerusalem to Rome) and Scene 2 (And into All the World).

Act 6 of the Biblical Drama

'The Return of the King: Restoration Completed'.

Image of God

The fundamental similarity between God and humanity (Genesis 1:26-28) that establishes humankind's vocation to rule as caring stewards or underkings over creation.

Cultural Mandate

The task referenced in Genesis 1:28 and 2:15 calling humanity to cultivate, care for, and develop the rich potential of creation.

Coram Deo

A phrase meaning 'before the presence of God', describing how humans are called to steward and cultivate creation.

Second Adam

A title applied to Jesus by Paul (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:45) showing Him as the full restoration of the perfect image of God in humanity.

The Four Human Relationships

The fourfold relational design of humanity: relationships with God, with fellow humans, with the nonhuman creation, and with self.