Engaging Theology Chapter 1

Theology: The study of things pertaining to God, but it is usually more broadly applied to the study of Christian teaching or doctrine. Derived from theos (Gk), meaning God. “Theology Proper” refers specifically to God the Father in distinction to God the Spirit and God the Son.

Trinity: The doctrine that one God eternally exists as three persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-and each of the three persons fully and equally share one divine nature. As the primary affirmation of the Nicene Creed, this doctrine is the most fundamental aspect of Christianity, and it serves to distinguish Christianity from all other faiths.

Ecumenical: An approach to theology that concerns the unity of the whole church, particularly as different traditions work together. It is derived from oikoumene (Gk), meaning the (whole) “inhabited world.”

Church: A term used for local congregations, the universal church comprised of all believers, or a particular faith community, such as the Roman Catholic Church. See Ecclesiology.

Creed: A statement of faith. it is derived from credo (Lat), meaning “I beleive.”

Eschatology: The study of last things or the end times. It is derived from eschatos (Gk), meaning the end

Kingdom of God: A phrase portraying the rule or reign of God. Jesus taught that he inaugurated the rule of God in his acts of power and preaching. The end of time is anticipated as the full arrival, victory, and completion of his kingdom.

Liturgy: This is the order of worship used in an official church service (e.g., Sunday mornings). All church traditions have a liturgy because they all follow some regular form of worship, but “high church” traditions are often described as “liturgical.”

Orthodox vs. orthodox: “Orthodox” with a capital O is shorthand for the Eastern Orthodox church or theology. With a lower-case O, “orthodox” refers to Christian theology that is within the boundary of historical Christian affirmation and belief. Teachings contrary to what is “orthodox” are considered heterodox or heretical

Rule of Faith: A short, mostly narrative summary of essential Christian teaching, which is particularly associated with the early church and which forms the basis of the Nicene Creed.

Christology: The study of things pertaining to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Trinity. Derived from christos (gk), meaning anointed one (messiah).

Pneumatology: The study of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. It is derived form pneuma

Patristic Era

Byzantine Era

Eastern Orthodox

Medieval Era

Middle Ages

Postmodernism

Enlightenment/Modernism

Secularism

Pluralism

Relativism

Deism