Christian Spirituality Test 1

religion

a collection of beliefs, values, and practices that together identify what ultimate reality is and help establish the relationship between this ultimate reality and the practitioners

faith

1) belief in a set of propositions about the transcendent, the created order, and ultimate reality that carry a claim to be true; 2) the human person’s free acceptance and commitment to such beliefs and claims about ultimacy

culture

historically transmitted patterns of meaning embodied in symbols that express the taken-for granted ways of looking at things that almost everyone at a particular time and place share (G. Marsden)

theism

belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially belief in one god as creator of the universe, intervening in it and sustaining a personal relation to his creatures.

dualism 

the doctrine that the world (or reality) consists of two basic, opposed, and irreducible principles that account for all that exists. It has played an important role in the history of thought and of religion.

God

(in Christianity and other monotheistic religions) the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

(in certain other religions) a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity.

anthropomorhic

having human characteristics

apophatic

knowledge of God obtained through negation, (i.e., God is not finite, God is not of body)

panentheism

the belief that the universe obtains God, but also that God is greater than the universe

paradox

an absurd or self-contradictory statement that is used to reveal truths 

interdependence

the mutual reliance of people, the divine, and all of creation

discursive prayer

a form of religious meditation that involves active thinking, reasoning, and reflection on a divine truth or scripture passage

contemplative prayer

a spiritual discipline that involves being in a silent, trusting, and wordless relationship with the divine, focusing on resting in God's presence rather than on petitions or requests

numinous

a supernatural or divine quality that inspires awe, dread, and fascination

consciousness

refers to a person's spiritual awareness of the divine, God, or spirits, and a realized relationship with them

belief

the acceptance of core tenets and ideas as true, often involving faith in the supernatural, deities, or a spiritual worldview

transformation

a profound and radical change in a person's nature and being, not just an external one

contemplation

a deep, silent, and wordless form of prayer that involves resting in the presence of the divine, rather than actively thinking or meditating on a specific subject.

confidence

trust in a higher power or divine guidance rather than solely in oneself.

doubt 

a state of uncertainty or wavering between belief and disbelief, characterized by a lack of confidence or assurance in religious teachings, beliefs, or God's promises.

sacred

a reality that is somehow distinct, "other" than ordinary ,but nevertheless has a tangible impact on human wellbeing, and therefore the way that people live their lives; related to what is holy or divine, or inspires awe and reverence