Theology Vocab List 3

Agape

An early Christian religious meal that was at first closely related to the celebration of the Eucharist and often preceded this celebration 

Apocalypse

This prophetic work in symbolic language was meant to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians by foretelling the final victory of Christ and his Church over sin and evil. 

Apocryphal

Describes any book purported to be inspired but ultimately not accepted by the Church as part of Sacred Scripture

Apologist

One who writes a work in order to defend and explain the Christian religion  

Bishop

A successor of the Apostles who has received the fullness of Christ’s priesthood 

Charism

A specific gift or grace of the Holy Spirit that directly or indirectly benefits the Church  

Ecumenical Council

A formal synod of bishops from the whole world convened to divine doctrine, regulate the Christian life, or apply discipline in the Church 

Gnostic

An ancient heretical sect that believed that salvation came from obtaining secret experiential knowledge 

People of God 

All the faithful from among humanity who seek and desire to know and love God 

Pimacy of Peter

The position of being first in rank or authority