Christianity in the Desert

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on early Christian monasticism and its key concepts.

What is anachoresis?

Anachoresis refers to a withdrawal from the external world for the purpose of reflection or spiritual growth.

What are Enchratite?

Enchratite are a Christian sect known for their extreme ascetic practices and rejection of marital relations.

What is enkrateia?

Enkrateia is the Greek term for self-control or self-mastery, particularly in the context of moral and spiritual life.

What is two-stage creation?

Two-stage creation is a theological concept describing the belief that the physical world was created first, and then the spiritual realm or human beings were created in a subsequent divine act.

What is apatheia?

Apatheia refers to a state of tranquility, free from passion or emotional turmoil, often sought in ascetic practices.

What is accedie?

Accedie, also known as acedia, is a state of listlessness or spiritual sloth that can hinder one's spiritual practice.

What is pratike?

Pratike refers to the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life, emphasizing action over mere theoretical understanding.

What is physike?

contemplation of nature, order of the created-in understanding the nature of god

What is theologia?

Theologia is the study of the divine or theology, encompassing discussions about God, spirituality, and religious beliefs.

What does the term abba mean?

Abba is an Aramaic term meaning 'father,' often used by monks to refer to their spiritual fathers or guides.

What does the term amma mean?

Amma is the feminine counterpart to abba, used to refer to female spiritual leaders or mothers in monastic contexts.

What does eremitic mean?

Eremitic refers to a lifestyle characterized by solitude, where individuals, such as hermits, withdraw from society to pursue a spiritual life.

What does cenobitic mean?

Cenobitic refers to a monastic lifestyle where individuals live together in a community, sharing resources and spiritual practices.

What does celibate marriage mean?

Celibate marriage refers to a marriage in which the couple chooses to abstain from sexual relations for religious or spiritual reasons.

What is a word in the desert?

A word in the desert refers to a spiritual teaching or insight gained during solitude or contemplation in a desert-like environment.

What is gnostikos?

Gnostikos is a term relating to those who possess knowledge or gnosis, particularly in a spiritual or esoteric context.