Christianity and Environmental Ethics: Key Terms and Concepts

Christ

Literally "the anointed one," a Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah," meaning "savior." A title given to Jesus.

Holy Trinity

Complete Christian idea of divinity consisting of God, the Father; Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

gospel

Literally "good news," a genre of literature unique to early Christianity which aimed to propagate an exalted view of the person they describe, most oftentimes Jesus.

creation

A way of conceiving the world as made by a personal God.

canonical gospels

The four gospel books included in the New Testament, i.e., Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

apocryphal gospels

All of the gospels not included in the New Testament, i.e., non-canonical gospels.

Gnosticism

Belief among some early Christians that Jesus imparted a special wisdom, or gnosis, to help others find and free their own divine nature.

parable

A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the gospels.

sacrament

A material object that both symbolizes and transmits divine power.

Word

The Bible, along with the history of its exposition and teachings.

Salvation

The renewed possibility of a relationship with God through grateful submission to him, and the subsequent promise of eternal life after death.

Reformation

16th c. intra-Christian dispute over theological and political issues. Led to the emergence of western Protestant branches of Christianity.

Pope

Literally "Father," the Bishop of Rome and the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Constantine

3rd-4th c. CE Roman emperor who converted to and patronized Christianity as state religion. Called the Council of Nicea.

encyclical

A papal letter sent to all bishops of the Catholic church.