Apocalypse: literally
means, 'that which is revealed'; descripes certain forms of literature
popular in Christianity and Judaism from the second century B.C.E. to the
second century C.E.; often times written in a secret code and spoke about
a dramatic end of the world.
Asceticism: practice of self-denial
through various means for the attainment of spiritual and intellectual
fulfillment.
Baptism: Christian initiatory
ritual.
Covenant: refers to an agreement;
in Christianity, the term 'new covenant' is used to refer to the relationship
established with all humanity by God through Jesus Christ. This 'new
covenant' is seen as the fulfillment of the 'old covenant' established
between God and the nation of Israel.
Deacon: literally means 'servant,'
'attendant,' or 'minister'; a functionary in Christian churches
Ecumenical Movement: Action
among modern Christian groups to attempt to achieve unity across denominational,
cultural, and religious differences.
Eschatology: teachings about
the 'end times.'
Eucharist: literally means,
'thanksgiving'; Christian memorial meal of bread and wine that celebrates
the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Fundamentalism: movement within
religion stat stresses the absolute, unchanging, and unequivocally true
nature of the movement's teachings. First used in Christianity, but
now is applied to other religions as well.
Gnostic: Family of early Christian
heresies that were purported to contain the secrets of the universe.
Gospel: literally means, 'Good
News'; the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation.
Also used to refer to the first four books of the Christian New Testament
which tell the story of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Grace
Parable: short meaningful
story that was one of Jesus' primary teaching devices.
Penance: Christian sacrament
in which the Christian confesses sin and receives absolution.
Pentacost: Christian festival
that comes 50 days after the Passover and celebrates the coming of the
Holy Spirit to the church.
Synoptic Gospels: New Testament
books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke; three gospels which share the same basic
outline and chronology.
Vatican II: Council called
by the Roman Catholic Church in 1962; it took broad steps to modernize
the Catholic Church and mend relationships with Jews, members of the Eastern
Orthodox Church, and Protestants.
Vulgate: Latin translation
of the Bible by St. Jerome
