Christianity: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

Anglican Church

Christian tradition linked to the Church of England.

Apostles

Jesus' original 12 followers sent to preach.

Apostolic Succession

Bishops appointed as successors to Jesus' Apostles.

Apostolic Tradition

Teachings passed down from Jesus' Apostles.

Four Evangelists

Writers of the four Gospels in the New Testament.

Atonement

Reconciliation of God and humanity through Jesus' sacrifice.

Canon

Collection of inspired religious texts.

Denomination

Independent branch of the Christian Church.

Deist

Believes in God based on reason, not revelation.

Disciples

Students or followers of a teacher, especially Jesus.

Divinity

The state of being divine or godlike.

Ecumenical Councils

Meetings of Church leaders to decide doctrine.

Evangelism

Spreading the Christian Gospel or 'good news'.

General Revelation

Knowledge of God accessible to all through nature.

Gentiles

Non-Jewish people mentioned in the Bible.

Holy Spirit

Third person of the Christian Trinity.

Incarnation

Doctrine of Jesus as God made flesh.

Inspiration

Divine influence on Bible authors.

Special Revelation

Direct communication from God to specific individuals.

Sustainer

God's role in maintaining existence and order.

Pacifism

Belief in non-violence and love for enemies.

Authority of the Bible

Complex views on Scripture's inspiration and interpretation.

Sola Scriptura

Protestant doctrine emphasizing Scripture's sole authority.

Magisterium

Teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

Nicene Creed

Statement of Christian faith affirming Jesus' divinity.

Adoptionism

View that Jesus was adopted as God's son.

Arianism

Belief that Jesus is not co-eternal with God.

Catharism

Medieval Christian sect with dualistic beliefs.

Unitarianism

Belief in the oneness of God, rejecting Trinity.