Religion Key Concepts I should know!

Substantive definitions of religion

Definitions focusing on the essential elements or beliefs of religion.

Functionalist definitions of religion

Definitions that emphasize the roles, functions, or purposes of religion in society.

Elite / Institutional Religion

The organized, often hierarchical structures of belief systems, typically led by clergy or official representatives.

Lived Religion

The practices, beliefs, and rituals of individuals and communities as they actually experience religion in their daily lives.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious beliefs and practices into a new, cohesive system.

Inculturation

The process of integrating religious traditions into a particular culture, allowing for adaptation and mutual influence.

Jesus of Nazareth

Central figure of Christianity, recognized as the Messiah and Christ by Christians.

Bible

The sacred texts of Christianity, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament, including the Gospels.

Church vs. church

Distinction between the universal body of Christian believers (Church) and the various denominations or local congregations (church).

Worship

Activities or rituals that express reverence, including liturgy, sermons, religious songs, and sacraments.

Doctrine vs. Heresy

Doctrine refers to established beliefs held by a religious group, while heresy signifies beliefs that deviate from those doctrines.

Christian liturgical calendar

The annual cycle of seasons in the Christian tradition, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.

Common features of church buildings

Architectural elements typical to church structures.

Icons

Sacred images or representations used in worship in some Christian traditions.

Cross vs. Crucifix vs. (3-bar) orthodox cross

Symbols of Christianity; the cross is a bare representation, the crucifix includes Christ's figure, and the orthodox cross has three bars.

High church vs. Low church

Terms describing different worship styles in Christianity, with high church emphasizing formal liturgy and low church being more informal.

Corporate worship

Community-based worship services where believers gather collectively to worship.

Ecclesiastical Polity

The organizational structure of a church, including systems like Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Congregational governance.

Ecumenical Councils

Assemblies of church leaders convened to discuss and settle issues of doctrine or church governance.

Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxy

Orthodoxy refers to correct beliefs, while orthopraxy emphasizes correct practices in religion.

Apostles

The primary followers of Jesus Christ, tasked with spreading his teachings.

Christendom

The worldwide community of Christians; historically refers to the Christian world, especially during the Middle Ages.

Crusades

A series of religious wars in the medieval period aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Monasticism

A religious way of life characterized by asceticism and communal living, often in monasteries.

Contemplative vs. Active Order

Types of religious orders; contemplative focuses on prayer and meditation, while active emphasizes social action.

Gnosticism

An early religious movement that emphasized esoteric knowledge and often deviated from orthodox Christian beliefs.

Arianism

A theological doctrine that denied the full divinity of Jesus, considered heretical by early Church leaders.

Nicene Creed

A statement of Christian faith established at the Council of Nicaea, affirming the nature of God and Christ.

Nestorianism

A Christological belief that emphasized a distinction between the human and divine natures of Christ.

Hypostatic Union

The theological concept of the union of Christ's two natures, divine and human, in one person.

Veneration of Icons

The practice of honoring holy images and relics in certain Christian traditions.

Martyr

A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs, particularly in religious contexts.

Great Schism

The division between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic Churches occurring in 1054.

Evangelism

The act of spreading the Christian gospel, often through preaching and outreach.

Apostolic succession

The unbroken transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops.

Doctrine of Discovery

A legal and theological theory used to justify European imperialism and colonization.

Gutenberg Bible

The first major book printed using movable type, marking the start of the mass printing of religious texts.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the rise of Protestant denominations.

Protestant Denominations

Various branches of Protestant Christianity, each with its own beliefs and practices.

Sola scriptura, sola fides, sola gratia

Principles of the Protestant Reformation, meaning scripture alone, faith alone, and grace alone as the means of salvation.

Great Awakenings

Periods of religious revival in American history, characterized by widespread enthusiasm for religion.

Council of Trent

A council of the Roman Catholic Church held to address issues of reform and doctrinal disputes.

First Vatican Council

An ecumenical council that addressed issues such as papal infallibility.

Second Vatican Council

A significant ecumenical council that brought numerous reforms to the Catholic Church.

Pentecostal vs. Charismatic movement

Movements within Christianity emphasizing direct experience of the Holy Spirit.

Laity

Non-ordained members of the Church who are involved in its work.

World Council of Churches

An international organization aimed at promoting Christian unity among different denominations.

Liberation theologies

Theological perspectives that emphasize social justice and the liberation of oppressed people.

Missions

Efforts to spread religious beliefs, often involving outreach and community service.

Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots

Various Jewish sects during the Second Temple period, each with distinct beliefs and practices.

Disciples vs. Apostles

Disciples are followers of Jesus, whereas Apostles are the chosen leaders among them.

Rabbi

A teacher or scholar of Jewish law and theology.

Jewish & Muslim view of Jesus

In Judaism, Jesus is often seen as a teacher or rabbi, while in Islam, he is revered as a prophet.

Dead Sea scrolls

Ancient manuscripts discovered near the Dead Sea, providing insight into Jewish sects and early biblical texts.

Christology

The study of the nature and work of Jesus Christ.

Infallible vs. Literal

Infallible refers to the belief that religious texts are free from error, while literal interprets texts based on their plain meaning.

Synoptic Gospels

The first three Gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) which share similar content and structure.

Modern Biblical criticism

Scholarly approaches to analyzing biblical texts in context, challenging traditional interpretations.

“Q”

A hypothetical source used to explain common material found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke but not in Mark.

Incarnation

The theological belief in the embodiment of God as Jesus Christ.

Christology from above

An approach to Christology that emphasizes Jesus' divine nature.

Christology from below

An approach focusing on Jesus' humanity and historical context.

Liberation Christologies

Understandings of Christ focusing on freedom from oppression, particularly in social contexts.

Inculturation Christologies

Perspectives that relate the message of Christ to specific cultural contexts.

Interreligious Christologies

Approaches that explore the relationship between Christianity and other faiths in understanding Christ.

What Are The 5 Books In The Old Testament

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

What are the 4 Gospels in The NT Called?

Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John