Christianity

New Testament

the second part of the Christian Bible

4 evangelists' interpretation of Jesus

collection of 27 writings that, by the late 4th century, had been adopted by orthodox Christians as the primary text.

Jesus

a man

son of god

represent his father

carpenter's son

prophet

community activist

celibate who could probably write

final prophet

IS the Sacred Presence

transfigured to God

Gabriel

angel that announces John, Jesus, and talks to Joseph

celibate

one who abstains from sexual activity

Prophets

foretold God's intervention in human history

- many more than three

original sin

Human nature tainted

- need the Bible to tell the story and counterbalance the corruption

Day of Judgement

2nd coming of Jesus as savior, judge, and Lord

10 Commandments

Jew/Christian divine law

Incarnation

core doctrine that states that in Jesus Christ, God became fully human while remaining divine

Trinity

God consists of three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - who are at the same time one God

Holy Spirit

active presence in the ministry of Jesus and in the work of Jesus' followers

Apocalypticism

Jewish religious perspective during Jesus' time. The world was under the control of evil forces and heading to the End Time where God would intervene and usher in a reign of justice and goodness.

Parables

stories that Jesus used to cast important lessons within the language and circumstances familiar to the common people

Gospel

referring generally to the saving power of the life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

(good news)

Parousia

Greek for "presence." The anticipated return of Christ to the world, on which occasion the dead will be resurrected and all people will be judged.

(Second Coming)

Grace

God's presence freely given; a key doctrine for Paul and for

Christianity

Apostles' Creed

short statement of Christian belief that sets forth the foundations of the central doctrines of the Incarnation and Trinity; traditionally thought to have been composed by the Apostles.

Nicene Creed

Christianity's most important creedal statement, formulated by Church leaders at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and setting forth in precise language the doctrines of the Incarnation and Trinity.

Church

the community of all Christian believers

(from Greek ekklesia meaning assembly)

Heresies

opinions or doctrines at variance with accepted doctrine.

orthodox

the emerging version of Christianity that was deemed true by those with authority, and therefore accepted by the majority. When the word is capitalized, it refers to the major division of Christianity dominant in the eastern regions of Europe and the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

(from Greek orthodoxos meaning "right doctrine")

Apostle

early follower of Jesus recognized as one with authority to preach the Gospel; the Apostles included the 12 original disciples with Matthias replacing Judas.

(from Greek Apostolos meaning "messenger")

Eucharist

the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion, a central Sacrament and ritual of Christianity, a memorial of the Last Supper which was shared by Jesus and the 12 disciples.

Bishops

officials within the early Church who were regarded as successors to the Apostles. Bishops were responsible for overseeing the Church and administering the Eucharist.

Presbyters

officials within the early Church who assisted the bishops.

(from Greek presbyteros meaning "elders")

Deacons

officials within the early Church who were like the presbyters in that they assisted the bishops, but were on closer terms with the congregation at large.

(from Greek diakonos meaning "servants")

Canon

(from Greek kanon meaning "rule or standard") - authoritative set of sacred writings, such as the New Testament.

Pope

title conferred on the bishop of Rome, the leader of Catholicism, who is considered by Catholics to be the direct successor of the Apostle Peter.

Martyrs

those who chose to die rather than violate their religious convictions.

(from Greek martys meaning "witness")

Catholic

largest of the 3 major divisions of Christianity. When it is not capitalized, it is used to denote le universal nature of the Christian Church.

(from Greek katholikos meaning "universal")

Protestant Reformation

widespread phenomenon is 16" century Europe that resulted in the emergence of Protestantism from Catholicism

Indulgences

reductions or pardons for the punishment for sins committed. The buying and selling of indulgences was a common practice in medieval Catholicism.

Predestination

doctrine especially prevalent in Calvin's Protestantism that stated that God has already chosen those who will be saved from sin.

Catholic Reformation

effort begun in 1545 to clarify Church doctrines and clen up corrupt practices. Answer to Protestant reformation.

Second Vatican Council (Vatican II)

worldwide council of Catholic bishops that occurred from 1962-65. The council aimed to reflect on Church teaching so that the Church would respond appropriately to the needs of the modern world and promote Christian unity.

Ecumenism

the promotion of worldwide Christian unity.

sacrament

religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace, such as baptism, the Eucharist