Theological word of the day

[Kelp]

Protoevangelium
[proe’-toe-ih-van’-juh-lee‘-um]

(Greek protos, “first” + Greek euangelion, “gospel” or “good news” = “first gospel”)

Used to describe the “first installment” of the Gospel in redemptive history as referenced in Gen. 3:15, where the serpent is rebuked by God with the promise of an offspring from Eve that would “crush” the head of the serpent. Through progressive revelation, most Christians have believed that this is a reference to Christ’s destroying the works of the devil and the dominance of sin through the atonement.

[Kelp]

Pneumatology
[noom’-uh-taw‘-luh-jee]

(Greek pneuma, “spirit” or “wind” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)

The study of spiritual being or phenomena of any description. In Christian systematic theology it refers to the study of God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. Subtopics include teachings on new birth, spiritual gifts (charismata), Spirit-baptism, sanctification, and the inspiration of prophets.

[Kelp]

Cappadocian Fathers
A collective term used to refer to three Eastern Christians who significantly influenced the development of theology in the late forth century: Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzen, and Gregory of Nyssa, all of whom date from the late fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers while Gregory of Nazianzen was a close friend of the two. These three are well respected by all major traditions in Christianity primarily because of their work on the doctrine of the Trinity in that they brought a balance between the oneness of the substance of God (homoousios) and the diversity within the Godhead (hypostasis). Gregory of Nyssa is often considered to be the most theologically astute of the three and was a major figure [at the?] second ecumenical council of Constantinople in 381. He wrote the second part of the Nicene Creed revision dealing with the Holy Spirit. “Cappadocia” designates [the] home of the three, an area in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Take live theology classes from home.

[Kelp]

psychopannychism or “Soul Sleep”
(from Greek psyche, “soul” + Greek pannuchizein, “to last the night”)

The belief that upon death the soul does not depart in a conscious form to heaven, hell, or any other waiting place, but “sleeps” or is in an unconscious state of existence until the resurrection of the body. This position is held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christadelphians.

[Kelp]

Transubstantiation
[tran’-sub-stan’-shee-ay‘-shun]

(Latin transsubstantiati, “change of substance”)

The Roman Catholic doctrine that refers to the change by which the substance (not the appearance) of the bread and wine in the Eucharist becomes the actual body and blood of Christ. That is, Jesus is not merely symbolically or figuratively present, but is really (or actually) present in what was previously just bread and wine. In 1551 the Council of Trent defined this, “by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.” (Session XIII, chapter IV). Eastern Rite Catholic, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches, all agree with this doctrine, though vary slightly on their definitions.

[Kelp]

Anabaptist
Gk. ana “again, twice” + baptizo “baptize”, “re-baptizers”

A term derived from the Greek word for “re-baptizer,” and used to refer to those groups associated with the so-called Radical Reformation of the sixteenth-century. The Anabaptists were labeled in association to their belief in believers’ baptism, but this practice has deeper roots in their general rejection of tradition all-together. Groups associated with the Anabaptist movement include Amish, Hutterites, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Brethren in Christ. Early leaders of the movement include Menno Simons, Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, George Blaurock, and Müntzer. Because of their rejection of infant baptism and because of many of those in the movement who were less than orthodox, Anabaptists were heavily persecuted during the 16th century and into the 17th.

[Kelp]

Orthodoxy
[or‘-thuh-dawk’-see]

(Greek orthos, “right, true” + Greek doxa, “opinion, thinking”)

Orthodoxy has been widely acknowledged to refer to adhering to the teachings and traditions in an established faith or religion. With respect to Christianity, the concept generally means recognizing and accepting the fundamental teachings and doctrines found in the Bible. All three branches of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox) consider the early ecumenical confessions such as the Apostles’ Creed, Athanasian Creed, and Nicean Creed to be their primary sources relating to orthodoxy.

Read what Tony Jones has to say about orthodoxy?

[Kelp]

Hypostatic Union
(Gk. Greek: hupostasis, “person”)

A Christological term used to describe the union of natures in the person of Christ during the incarnation. According the the Definition of Chalcedon, Christ’s constitution is that of God and man, with the nature of each being fully represented in one person. This is often referred to as a dyophysite understanding of the Union (two natures) while those who argue that the person of Christ is made up of one nature are referred to as monophysite.

[Kelp]

Trinity, the
(Latin trinitas)

The doctrine or belief that there is one God who eternally exists in three distinct persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all of which are fully God, all of which are equal. While the principles of this doctrine are found in the Scripture, the term “trinity” is never used. Tertullian, a third century church father, was the first to use the word in reference to God. The doctrine of the Trinity was further articulated and defended at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. Those who hold to the doctrine of the Trinity are called “Trinitarians.” A trinitarian understanding of God is an essential hallmark of orthodox Christianity.

Discuss this post at Theologica

[Kelp]

Ah, I see a missed a day. BONUS TERM!!!



Jonathan Edwards
(1703-1758)

Often called the greatest theologian that America has ever produced, Jonathan Edwards was a Calvinistic theologian and philosopher who is best known for his treatise on religious affections. During his years as a Congregational minister Edwards managed to produce an impressive and comprehensive body of theological writing as well as lead America through the revival known as the First Great Awakening.

Most popular work: Treatise Concerning Religious Affections (also available online)

[Kelp]

Trichotomy
(Gk. trikha, “three parts,” and temno, “to cut”)

The philosophical teaching about the constitution of man believing that humans are made up of three essential parts: body, soul, and spirit. Body: All that is physical. Soul: Reason, emotions, will, memories, personality, dispositions. Spirit: The seat of our being, that which relates to God. Adherents include Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, Watchman Nee, Bill Gothard, C.I. Scofield. This belief is in contrast to dichotomy, the belief that man is made up of two essential parts: material (body) and immaterial (soul/spirit)

Support Reclaiming the Mind Ministries and keep these definitions coming.

[Kelp]

Dichotomy
(Gk. dicha, “two parts,” and temno, “to cut”)

The philosophical teaching about the constitution of man believing that humans are made up of two essential parts: material and immaterial. Material: all that is physical (body). Non-material: all that is non-material (spirit/soul/heart/mind). Adherents include Augustine, John Calvin, Hodge, along with most of historic orthodox Christianity. This belief is in contrast to trichotomy, the belief that man is made up of tree essential parts: body, soul, and spirit.

Support Reclaiming the Mind Ministries and keep these definitions coming.

[Kelp]

Textual Variant
In biblical studies, a textual variant refers to differences in wording in the extant (existing) manuscript evidence. These are also known as alternative readings. Text critics work through these variants making important decisions, attempting to get as close to the original wording as possible.

Read “Text Criticism in a Nutshell“

[Kelp]

Textual Criticism
In biblical studies, a textual variant refers to differences in wording in the extant (existing) manuscript evidence. These are also known as alternative readings. Text critics work through these variants making important decisions, attempting to get as close to the original wording as possible.

Read “Text Criticism in a Nutshell“

[Kelp]

A slightly different definition of it than the one before, apparently.

Heresy
(Gk. hairesis, “choose”)

Describes a deviation or departure, doctrinally speaking, from the Christian faith, usually of a significant variety. This deviation must be from an established doctrine, dogma, or canon of truth that has been historically accepted as a defining characteristic of the faith. Arguably, the most common and serious heresies center on the person of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Read, “Why and How I Teach Heresy: Wages of Spin by Carl Trueman”