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Significant Theological Terms
We, ok I, often throw around theological terms as though they are commonly understood by everyone without realizing how inconsiderate I am when I do that. Therefore, I've included this section for significant theological terms that may not be immediately understood by everyone. It will be a growing list so keep checking to see what's here. If I use a word you don't understand in one of my postings, let me know and I'll add it to the list.
"Epistemology"-- The study of knowledge and justified belief.
"Soteriology" -- The theological doctrine and study of all things related to salvation as effected by Jesus Christ.
"Biblical Hermeneutics" -- The study of the principles of biblical textual study and interpretation.
"Christian Humanism" -- The philosophy that unencumbered rational inquiry, human freedom and individual conscience are intrinsic to Christian doctrine.
"Talmud" -- It means "instruction/learning" in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word for "teach/study." The Talmud is a compilation of Rabbinic discussions about the law, ethical practices, Jewish philosophy as well as Jewish customs and Jewish history.
"Gnosticism" -- From the root the root word "gnosis" meaning a "secret knowledge." A movement in the 2nd century that emphasized that redemption was based on some secret knowledge that was only available by direct revelation from God.
"Torah" -- This is the Hebrew Bible and consists of the first 5 books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
"Wisdom Literature"-- This is a collection of biblical books intended to convey principles of wisdom and to teach about divinity and virtue.
"Exilic/Post-exilic Period"-- These are important events in the history of Israel. It is important to understand these eras because it puts into context the various prophetic books of the Bible. Here are some basic dates: The period prior to 586 BC (Pre-exilic period) is known as the "First Temple Period;" 586 BC Babylon destroys the temple and takes the people of Israel into exile; 539 BC Babylonian king Cyrus II allows the Jews to return to Israel (Post-exilic period); 516 BC Reconstruction of the temple is completed; the time after 516 BC is referred to as the "Second Temple Period."
"Teleology" -- Doctrine that considers design and purpose in the material world.
"Raca" -- An Aramaic term meaning "worthless" see Matthew 5:22.
"Episcopal" -- Relating to church government by the office of Bishop.
"Ecumenical" -- Representation of the whole body of the Church.
"Exegesis" -- Is from the Greek word meaning "to lead out." It is the process of critical analysis and explanation of a text.
"Homiletics" -- Is from the Greek word meaning "to assemble together." It is the art of preaching/teaching.
"Repentance" -- Literally the word means a change of mind or conscience. In a theological context of confession and repentance, it means that we turn away for wrong thoughts and actions and at the same time turn toward correct thoughts and actions. Confession without repentance is meaningless if you think about it. Why confess sinful thoughts and behavior if you never change your sinful thoughts and behavior?
"Abba" -- This is an Aramaic term of endearment meaning "daddy" or "papa." See Romans 8 for the context of its use.
"Raca" -- This word is found in Matthew 5:22. It is an Aramaic term of reproach used by the Jews that in essence means "worthless."
"Lent" -- This is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). This time is set aside as a time of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline (i.e. prayer, silence and solitude, etc.).
"Theophany" -- The physical appearance of God.
"Cosmology" -- In a Christian context, this is the study of the universe as created by God including planets, stars, etc., heaven and hell.
"Anthropology" -- In a Christian context, this is the study of humanity as created by God.
"Pneumatology" -- In a Christian context, this is the study of spiritual beings generally and the Holy Spirit specifically.
"Hamartiology" -- This is the study of sin and its many aspects.
"Ontological"-- The branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence.
"Apology" -- In a Christian context this means to give an explanation and defense for what we believe. It is different from evangelism in that it is not simply conveying a message but providing a defense for that message.
"Kenosis" -- Greek meaning "emptying."
"Eternal Generation" -- This is a theological term identifying the Father and the Son as existing without temporal priority and equally divine. (The Holy Spirit is likewise without temporal priority and is equally divine since the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.)
"Orthodox" -- In a Christian context it means adhering to a broadly accepted or traditional and established statement or understanding of faith.
"Omnipresence" -- With respect to God, this is the ability to be present everywhere without being constrained by the laws or nature.
"Omnipotent" -- With respect to God, this is the ability to control all things at all times. God does not suffer from limitations of any type-physical, mental or emotional.
"Omniscience"-- With respect to God's omniscience it means that God knows all things. Because God exists outside of the constraints of time, he knows the past, present and future simultaneously. Therefore, there is nothing that God does not know.
"Sanctification" -- This is the process of being made holy. This is a process that only a Christian experiences. It is a threefold process of "Positional sanctification" and "Progressive sanctification" and "Ultimate sanctification." "Positional sanctification" is the sanctification of the spirit that occurs immediately when a person becomes a believer and the Holy Spirit resides in them. "Progressive sanctification" is a lifelong process whereby God transforms the believer's sinful nature over their lifetime. The process is never complete in this lifetime because we will always retain a remnant of our fallen nature during this life. We will only be made perfect in the life to come and this is "Ultimate sanctification."
"Atonement" -- In its basic form it means the satisfaction or reparation of a wrong. In a Christian context this means that Christ was the "atonement" for our sins. Since the wages of sin is death, Christ's death was the satisfaction or reparation of the wrongs (sins) we've committed. Remember that every sin we commit is first against God. In order for us to be reunited with God, there was a need for the atonement of our sins.
"Justification" -- In a Christian context, this is a legal term. It is used to define the legal standing of a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is a one time act whereby God pardons the sinner on the basis of Christ's righteous. It is not an ongoing process. At that moment, when God considers our sin, He sees only Christ's righteousness.
"Homoousios" -- A Greek word meaning "the same essence." This was the word used during the development of the Nicene Creed to describe the divine essence of Jesus as being the same as that of the Father and the Holy Spirit.
"Christology"-- The study of all things related to Jesus Christ.
"Eschatology"-- From the Greek word meaning the study of the last things. In a Christian context, the study includes, but isn't limited to, death, the afterlife, heaven, hell, the return of Jesus Christ and all the events associated with His return.
"Pharisee" -- The Pharisees where one of the major religious groups during the time of Jesus. The Hebrew form of the word means "separatists" or "separated ones." They became increasingly devoted to following a very narrow interpretation of the Law and became militant in it's adherence to the literal reading of the Law yet paid little attention to the spirit of the Law.
"Hellenism" -- Greek influence in the ancient world from approximately 323 BC to approximately 30 BC.
"Qumran" -- Is an archaeological site in the West Bank. It is located about a mile inland from the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. It is best known as the settlement nearest the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
"Messiah" -- Very simply means "annointed."
"Sanhedrin" -- Literally means "sitting together." It was an assembly of 23 judges appointed in every city in Israel.
"Synoptic Gospels" -- There are 4 Gospels contained in the protestant Bible. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. However only the first three are identified as being Synoptic because of their similarity in content and structure. John's Gospel stands alone because of it's message and form.
"Intertestamental Period" -- The roughly 400 years between the writing of the Old Testament Book of Malachi (c. 420 BC) and the appearance of John the Baptist (early 1st century AD).
"Sovereign" -- When speaking of God this is a term to convey the truth that God is fully in control of any and everything that has happened, is currently happening and is yet to happen. God is never surprised or confused about anything. Nothing is done that God does not ordain or allow.
"Kerygma" -- This is a Greek word meaning the proclamation or preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
