Theological Terminology - Department List Flashcards
(291 cards)
1
Q
What is Prolegomena?
A
Introduction to theological study
2
Q
Define Worldview
A
The set of assumptions through which one sees the world
3
Q
What does ‘Mind of Christ’ refer to?
A
Having a Christian worldview; being led by the Spirit in all we think and do
4
Q
How is Religion defined?
A
A system of few/many beliefs dealing with dimly understood spiritual needs
5
Q
Who is a pantheist?
A
A person who believes God and the universe are one
6
Q
What is an atheist?
A
A person who believes there is no god
7
Q
Define agnostic
A
A person who is not sure if there’s a god
8
Q
What is an anthropocentric religion?
A
Religion based on human logic and reason as the source of truth
9
Q
Define theocentric religion
A
Religion based on revelation from God as the source of truth
10
Q
What is natural knowledge of God?
A
Everything that can be known about God from nature and conscience
11
Q
Define revealed knowledge of God
A
Things that can only be known about God through his Word
12
Q
What is conscience?
A
Natural inner voice offering moral guidance
13
Q
What is the Bible?
A
The book
14
Q
What does ‘Testament’ mean?
A
Covenant/agreement
15
Q
Define canon
A
Rule, standard, norm by which all doctrine is measured
16
Q
Who is a prophet?
A
One who speaks for God
17
Q
What is an apostle?
A
One sent out by Jesus
18
Q
Define evangelist
A
One who proclaims good news
19
Q
What is Inspiration in the context of the Bible?
A
God ‘breathed into’ the Bible writers what he wanted them to write
20
Q
Define verbal inspiration
A
God inspired the exact words he wanted people to write in the Bible
21
Q
What is plenary inspiration?
A
God’s inspired scriptures are full and complete and not limited in any way
22
Q
What does apocrypha refer to?
A
The ‘hidden writings’ from the second temple period included with some Bible translations
23
Q
Define pseudepigrapha
A
The ‘false writings’ claiming to be scripture but never recognized as such
24
Q
What is a fundamental doctrine?
A
Biblical teaching one must believe to have saving faith
25
What is a non-fundamental doctrine?
Biblical teachings one might be ignorant of while still having saving faith
26
True or False: The Bible is inerrant.
True
27
What does it mean when we say the Bible is efficacious?
Biblical teaching always accomplishes God's purposes
28
Define sufficiency of the Bible
God's Word has all we need for faith, doctrine, and life of the Church
29
What does it mean that the Bible is clear?
God's teaching is understandable
30
What are Homolegomena?
'Agreed upon' books of the Bible that have been unanimously accepted by Christians
31
Define Antilegomena
'Spoken against' books of the Bible that have been questioned by some Christians
32
What is Textual Criticism?
Process of determining the origin and reliability of a written text
33
What are variata?
Ancient manuscripts with textual discrepancies from each other
34
What is Biblical Interpretation?
Process of determining the correct meaning and application of a written text
35
What is the analogy of faith?
Stating a biblical doctrine by drawing information from all the passages about that subject
36
Define Higher Critical Approach
Analyzing the Bible with the assumption that the scriptural texts have been subject to human influence
37
What is the Lower Critical Approach?
Analyzing the Bible with the assumption that the scriptural texts have been preserved by God
38
What does sedes doctrinae mean?
One key passage that best summarizes a doctrine
39
Define Creed
A statement of belief
40
What is the Apostle's Creed?
Statement of belief summarizing the teachings of the apostles
41
What does the Nicene Creed emphasize?
The deity of Christ
42
What is the Athanasian Creed?
Statement of belief defining the trinity and the dual nature of Christ
43
What is the Unaltered Augsburg Confession?
Original Confessional writing defining the scripture-based differences between the Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches
44
What is the Apology to the Augsburg Confession?
Confessional writing defending the beliefs stated in the Augsburg Confession
45
What is the Small Catechism?
Confessional writing intended to help parents teach their children
46
Define Large Catechism
Confessional writing intended to help pastors teach parents and church leaders
47
What are the Smalcald Articles?
Confessional writing penned by Luther himself to define the scriptural basis for the teachings of the Lutheran Church
48
What is the Formula of Concord?
Confessional writing that formalized the doctrinal positions of the established Lutheran Church
49
What is The Book of Concord?
Compilation of Lutheran confessional writings published in 1580 that remains the standard of orthodox Lutheranism
50
What does quia subscription mean?
'Because' the creeds and confessions restate truth from God's Word
51
Define quatenus subscription
'In so far as' the creeds and confessions restate truth from God's Word
52
What is norma normata?
The rule or standard that is measured against a higher rule or standard
53
What does norma normans refer to?
The higher rule or standard that all other rules and standards are measured against
54
What is Theology?
The study of God
55
Define Dualism
The universe is governed by a balance of good and evil
56
What is Polytheism?
The universe is governed by many different gods
57
What does Monotheism mean?
The universe is governed by one god
58
What does Triune refer to?
Three in one
59
Define Person in theological terms
A being that exists fully and completely in itself
60
What is Essence?
The most basic quality of a being
61
What is a Theophany?
The appearance of God in angelic or human form
62
Define essential attributes
Characteristics that help define a thing and are necessary for it to exist
63
What are accidental attributes?
Characteristics that describe a thing but do not define it
64
What is anthropomorphism?
Crediting human characteristics to something not human
65
Define anthropopathism
Crediting human emotion to something not human
66
What does transcendent mean?
Above and beyond all that is created
67
What is immanent?
Close at hand in time and space
68
Define omniscient
All knowing
69
What does omnipotent mean?
All powerful
70
What is omnipresent?
All present
71
What does immutable mean?
Does not change
72
What are the laws of nature?
Operating principles of the world that God established at creation
73
Define providence (governance)
God's active goodness in his rule over his creation
74
What is preservation (in general)?
God's care for what he created
75
Define immediate preservation
God's direct care for his creation without using natural means
76
What is mediate preservation?
God's care for his creation using the means of natural laws and principles he built into creation
77
What does concurrence (in general) refer to?
God's cooperation with the built-in causes and effects of his creation
78
Define Material concurrence
God's cooperation with the laws of nature
79
What is Moral concurrence?
God's agreement with what happens
80
What is God's will?
What God wants
81
Define Foreknowledge
Things known beforehand
82
What is revealed will?
Aspects of God's will that have been made known to us
83
Define hidden will
Aspects of God's will that have not been made known to us
84
What is God's necessary will?
Things that had to happen
85
What does God's contingent will refer to?
Things that could have happened differently
86
Define God's antecedent will
God causing something to happen to fulfill his premade plans
87
What is God's consequent will?
God causing something to happen as a response to an event or human action
88
What is Euthanasia?
The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering
89
Who are Angels?
Spirit beings created to be God's messengers
90
What is illocal presence?
Not subject to the limits of time or space
91
Define local presence
Subject to the limits of time or space
92
What does homoousious mean?
Of the same substance/essence
93
Define homoiousious
Of a similar substance/essence
94
What is posse non peccare?
Able to not sin
95
What does non posse non peccare mean?
Not able to not sin
96
Define non posse peccare
Not able to sin
97
What is posse peccare?
Able to sin
98
Define love in theological terms
Choice to put the interests of someone else ahead of oneself
99
What is grace?
Showing love to someone who doesn't deserve it
100
Define mercy
Display of love prompted by the needs and circumstances of someone else
101
What does just mean?
Perfect standard of right and wrong
102
What does holy mean?
Set apart from the world
103
Define wisdom
Application of knowledge to life
104
What are imputed attributes?
Characteristics credited to people because of Jesus
105
What is imputed righteousness?
Holiness credited to people because of Jesus
106
What is Evolution?
Theory that the universe developed by natural processes over a very long period of time
107
Define Creation
Biblical teaching that God made the universe from nothing in six 24-hour days
108
What does 'Image of God' refer to?
Created state of people that mirrors God in will and attitude
109
What is a Miracle?
God provides for his creation by suspending the laws of nature
110
What are Natural Means?
God provides for his creation using the laws of nature
111
Define Theory in a scientific context
Mankind’s best current explanation of observations about the natural world
112
What is Theistic Evolution?
Theory that God created the universe by guiding natural processes over a long period of time
113
What does Intelligent Design propose?
Theory that life and the universe are so complex that an intelligent being had to have been responsible for it
114
What is Anthropology?
Study of people
115
Define Marriage
Life-long union between one man and one woman
116
What is a role (of man or woman)?
A relationship between people
117
Define status (of man or woman)
A relationship between people and God
118
What is a Biblical Principle?
Biblical teaching that is true for all people of all time
119
Define Biblical Application
Biblical principle put into practice in a specific situation
120
What is absolute truth?
God’s truth which is always true
121
Define relative truth
A truth based upon your personal perspective or situation
122
What does Protoevangelium refer to?
The first gospel promise
123
What is Enmity?
Hatred, hostility, strife, warfare
124
Define Original Sin
Sin inherited from parents
125
What is Actual sin?
Sin committed during life
126
What does Old Man/Old Adam refer to?
The rebellious sinful nature inherited from parents at birth
127
What is Arminianism?
False teaching that people are born morally neutral with the capacity to do good or evil
128
Define opinio legis
The natural attitude that people can do something to contribute to their salvation
129
What is Pelagianism?
False teaching that people are born innocent and can save themselves without God's help
130
Define facere quod in se est
Semi-Pelagian false teaching that salvation can be earned without faith if a person does as much good as their circumstances allow
131
What is Semi-pelagianism?
False teaching that people save themselves by cooperating with God's grace
132
What does Fomes refer to?
Term used in the Semi-Pelagian false teaching that original sin is merely 'tinder' that makes sinful acts easier to commit
133
Define Concupiscence
Term used to describe the Semi-Pelagian false teaching that original sin is merely a 'tendency' or 'natural inclination' toward sinful behavior
134
What is Synergism?
False teaching that people come to faith by working together with God
135
Define decision theology
False teaching that some people choose to believe and have faith while others choose not to
136
What is law in a theological context?
God's description of his will
137
What is mirror in terms of law?
Use of the law to show us our sins
138
Define curb in relation to law
Use of the law threatening consequences to those who break the law
139
What does guide mean in the context of law?
Use of the law that shows believers how to live for God
140
What is ceremonial law?
Laws governing the worship life of Israel
141
Define civil law
Laws creating a constitutional and legal framework for the governance of Israel
142
What is moral law?
Laws describing God's timeless standard of right and wrong
143
What is legalism?
Demanding certain works as a condition for being considered a Christian
144
What does Offense mean?
Leading someone to sin by one’s words and actions
145
What is Adiaphora?
Something neither commanded nor forbidden by God
146
Define Christian Freedom
Opportunity to make choices on the basis of Christian love in matters of adiaphora
147
What is moral relativism?
Philosophical view that principles of right and wrong are fluid and can change
148
Define situational ethics
Right and wrong are dependent on the circumstances
149
What is a sin of commission?
Doing something God has forbidden
150
What does sin of omission mean?
Failing to do something God has commanded
151
Define external sins
Sins committed in word or deed
152
What are internal sins?
Sins committed in the mind and heart
153
What is a mortal sin?
Sins that can kill faith
154
Define venial sin
Sins that are not mortal sins
155
What does persistent sins refer to?
Sins committed over and over again
156
What is a sin of hardening?
Persistently sinning to the point of blocking out God
157
Define Sin against the Holy Spirit
The sin of rejecting God’s promise of forgiveness
158
What is physical death?
Separation of body from soul
159
Define spiritual death
Separation of soul from God
160
What is eternal death?
Separation of body and soul from God forever
161
What does Materialist believe?
Everything about humanity has a physical explanation
162
What is a Gnostic?
One who believes in a 'secret wisdom' of the invisible spiritual world that is more important than the physical world
163
Define Transgression
Defying God’s will by 'stepping over the line'
164
What is Sin?
Defying God's will by 'missing the mark'
165
What does Guilt refer to?
Responsibility for one's own sin
166
Define Shame
Awareness of one's own sin
167
What is Christology?
Study of Christ
168
What does communication of attributes mean?
The characteristics of each nature are communicated to the person of Christ
169
Define Hypostatic Union
The divine nature of Christ dwells fully and completely in the bodily form of the human nature
170
What is Incarnation?
Term used to state that Jesus took on human flesh
171
What does genus majesticum refer to?
The divine nature communicates its attributes across the entire person of Jesus
172
Define genus idiomaticum
All attributes of both natures are communicated to the person of Jesus Christ
173
What is genus apotelesmaticum?
The two natures of Christ work together in the person of Christ to accomplish salvation
174
What does Kingdom of Glory describe?
Jesus' eternal rule in heaven
175
Define Kingdom of Grace
Jesus' rule over the body of believers and his forgiving work
176
What is Kingdom of Power?
Jesus' general rule and authority over the whole world
177
What does Biblical King refer to?
An Old Testament leader appointed to lead and care for God's people
178
Define Biblical Priest
An Old Testament leader appointed to offer sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people
179
What is a Biblical Prophet?
An Old Testament leader appointed to speak a message from God
180
What does Jesus' Humiliation refer to?
Steps Jesus took to set aside the full use of his divine power and glory
181
Define Jesus' Exaltation
Steps Jesus took to resume the full use of his divine power and glory
182
What is Passive Obedience?
Things Jesus allowed to be done to him to fulfill God's plan
183
Define Active Obedience
Things Jesus did during his life to fulfill and keep God's law
184
What does Vicarious mean?
Term describing the work of Jesus as our substitute
185
What does Atone mean?
To repay a debt
186
Define Atonement
Term describing Jesus' work as the necessary payment to repay a debt and remove guilt
187
What does Justify mean?
To declare not guilty
188
What is Justification?
Term describing Jesus’ work as the legal declaration 'not guilty' because of Jesus
189
What does Redeem mean?
To buy back by paying a ransom price
190
Define Redemption
Term describing the work of Jesus as the ransom price needed to buy back our souls
191
What does Reconcile mean?
To restore a broken relationship
192
Define Reconciliation
Term describing the work of Jesus as a restored relationship of peace and harmony between God and people
193
What does Salvation refer to?
The total work Jesus did for our benefit to deliver us from sin and its consequences
194
What is Nestorianism?
False teaching that Jesus was half human and half divine
195
Define Docetism
False teaching that Jesus was not actually human, but merely seemed to be human in appearance
196
What is Arianism?
False teaching that Jesus is not equal to the Father by nature
197
What does the term 'concile' mean?
To restore a broken relationship
198
Define 'Reconciliation' in the context of Christian theology.
The work of Jesus as a restored relationship of peace and harmony between God and people
199
What is 'Salvation'?
The total work Jesus did for our benefit to deliver us from sin and its consequences
200
What is 'Nestorianism'?
False teaching that Jesus was half human and half divine, like two boards glued together
201
What does 'Docetism' teach about Jesus?
False teaching that Jesus was not actually human, but merely seemed to be human in appearance
202
What is the belief of 'Arianism'?
False teaching that Jesus is not equal to the Father by nature, but is instead the first being God created
203
What does 'Theotokos' mean?
God-bearer; term used to describe Mary, the mother of Jesus
204
What is 'Soteriology'?
Study of God saving people
205
Define 'Justification'.
God’s declaration of 'not guilty' because of Jesus
206
What is 'Objective (Universal) Justification'?
God declares the whole world 'not guilty'
207
What is 'Subjective (Personal) Justification'?
God declares individual sinners 'not guilty' by faith
208
What does 'Sanctification' refer to?
Holy Spirit’s work to set apart God’s people to be holy in God’s sight
209
Explain 'Sanctification (wide sense)'.
Everything the Holy Spirit does to create and strengthen faith
210
Explain 'Sanctification (narrow sense)'.
The Holy Spirit's work in the new life of a believer (Vocation)
211
What is meant by 'Vocation'?
God's calling for us to be his mask and mouth to the world
212
Define 'Universalism'.
Teaching that eventually everyone will go to heaven
213
What does 'Paraclete' mean?
Name for the Holy Spirit meaning advocate, defender, counselor, helper
214
What is 'Contrition'?
Sorrow over sin and/or fear of the consequences of sin; 'sorrow smiting the heart'
215
Define 'Repentance (narrow sense)'.
Change of heart to be contrite and sorrowful over sin
216
What is 'Repentance (broad sense)'?
Change of heart to turn in faith from sin to Jesus
217
What is 'Conversion'?
God's action to turn a sinner from the state of unbelief to the state of faith
218
Define 'Election/Predestination'.
God's choice before creation who would believe the gospel
219
What is 'Double Predestination'?
False teaching that God chose some to go to heaven and others to go to hell before creation
220
What does 'Decision Theology' propose?
False teaching that some people choose to believe and have faith while others choose not to
221
Explain 'Intuitu Fide Election'.
False teaching that God chose people because of the faith he saw would be in them
222
What is 'Faith' in the context of Christian theology?
The instrument through which a sinner receives the benefit for all that Jesus did
223
Define 'Civic Righteousness'.
Works unbelievers do that are good and beneficial to society but are not done out of faith
224
What are 'Good Works'?
Works believers do by faith that are in keeping with God's will and done in thanks for what God has done
225
What is a 'Sacrament'?
Sacred act instituted by Christ using his Word with a visible element to receive forgiveness
226
What does 'Means of Grace' refer to?
The tools God uses to bring us his grace (The gospel in word and sacrament)
227
What is 'Baptism'?
Sacrament that uses water with God's Word
228
What is the 'Lord's Supper'?
Sacrament that uses bread and wine with God's Word
229
Define 'Real Presence'.
Biblical teaching that the body and blood are in, with, and under the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper
230
What does 'Transubstantiation' teach?
False teaching that the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood in the Lord's Supper
231
What is 'Representation' in the context of the Lord's Supper?
False teaching that the bread and wine only symbolize the body and blood
232
Define 'Spiritual Presence'.
False teaching that there is a spiritual connection to Jesus in the Lord's Supper, but the body and blood are not physically present
233
What are 'Words of Institution'?
The words spoken by Jesus at the Lord's Supper that are repeated in churches today
234
What does 'Sacramental Union' describe?
The special way body and blood are joined together with the bread and wine
235
Define 'Consecration'.
The act of speaking the words of institution over the visible elements
236
What is 'Distribution' in the context of the Lord's Supper?
The actual giving of the sacrament to those participating
237
What does 'Reception' mean?
The communicant carries out God's command to 'take and eat...drink'
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Who is a 'Communicant'?
Person receiving the Lord's Supper
239
What is 'Consecrationism'?
Teaching that the body and blood are immediately present as soon as the words of institution are spoken
240
Define 'Receptionism'.
Teaching that the body and blood are not present until the communicant eats and drinks
241
What is 'Close Communion'?
Practice of celebrating the Lord's Supper with those who share the same faith
242
What is a 'Ciborium'?
Container used for storing communion wafers
243
What does 'Paten' refer to?
Dish used for distributing communion wafers
244
What is a 'Flagen'?
Container used for storing communion wine
245
What is a 'Chalice'?
Cup used for distributing communion wine
246
What does 'individual cup' refer to?
Practice of distributing communion wine using single serving cups
247
What is a 'common cup'?
Practice of distributing communion wine using a shared chalice
248
Define 'Church Fellowship'.
Christians joining together to celebrate their shared belief and work together on the mission of the church
249
What is 'self-examination'?
Process of considering one's need for communion and the blessings promised in communion
250
What is the definition of 'Church'?
Gathering of believers 'called out of sin' by the Holy Spirit
251
What is the 'Invisible Church'?
Sum total of all believers of all time (also called the Holy Christian Church)
252
Define 'Visible Church'.
A physical gathering of Christians on earth
253
What does 'Church Militant' mean?
God's people who are still on earth and fighting against the devil, the world, and the sinful nature
254
What is 'Church Triumphant'?
God's people living in heaven and living in the perfection of Jesus' victory
255
What is an 'Orthodox Church'?
A church teaching only things that are the 'same' as the Bible
256
Define 'Heterodox Church'.
A church teaching some things that are different from the Bible
257
What is a 'Confessional Church'?
A church whose teachings are in agreement with the Lutheran Confessions (and the Bible)
258
What are the 'Keys to the kingdom of heaven'?
The special power and right Jesus gave to his people to forgive sins and withhold forgiveness
259
What is the 'Binding (locking) Key'?
Declaring that an unrepentant sinner's sins are not forgiven
260
What does the 'Loosing (unlocking) Key' refer to?
Declaring that a repentant sinner's sins are forgiven in Jesus
261
Define 'Church Discipline'.
Steps for confronting sin as outlined by Jesus
262
What is 'Excommunication'?
The final step of church discipline, carried out in hopes that the person will repent
263
What is 'Ministry'?
Serving others with the gospel
264
Define 'Personal Ministry'.
An individual Christian's opportunity to serve the mission of the church in his or her own life
265
What is 'Public Ministry'?
A Christian who is called to lead or represent a whole group of Christians in serving others
266
What does 'Universal Priesthood' mean?
All Christians are personally called to serve as God's representatives to the world
267
What is a 'Mediate Call'?
A divine call to public ministry that comes through the church
268
Define 'Immediate Call'.
A divine call to public ministry that comes directly from God
269
What is 'Ordination'?
Church ceremony that marks the beginning of a pastor's ministry
270
What does 'Installation' refer to?
Church ceremony that marks the beginning of a called worker's service in a specific ministry opportunity
271
Who is the 'Antichrist'?
False teacher prophesied in the Bible who arises from within the church
272
What is 'Church Fellowship'?
Christians joining together to celebrate their shared belief and work together on the mission of the church
273
What is a 'Synod'?
A group of Christians 'walking together' in shared ministry and life
274
Define 'Adiaphora'.
Something neither commanded nor forbidden by God
275
What is 'Worship'?
Proclaiming the 'worth' of God in words and actions
276
What is 'Public Worship'?
Gathering together with other Christians to proclaim the 'worth' of God together
277
What does 'Cross' refer to in Christian life?
Hardship experienced by a Christian as a direct result of living as a Christian
278
Define 'Theology of the Cross'.
Approach to life that expects the struggle of the cross
279
What is 'Theology of Glory'?
Approach to life that expects earthly success as a result of faithfulness to God
280
What is 'Prayer'?
A conversation with God
281
What is a 'Petition'?
A specific request brought before God
282
What is 'Intercessory Prayer'?
Requests brought before God on behalf of other people
283
Define 'Imprecatory Psalm'.
Psalm praying for God's vengeance on enemies
284
What is 'Vocation' in Christian life?
God's calling for us to be his mask and mouth to the world
285
What is 'Eschatology'?
Study of the last things (end times)
286
What does 'Eternal Death' refer to?
Separation of body and soul from God in hell
287
Define 'Spiritual Death'.
Separation of soul from God (unbelief)
288
What is 'Physical Death'?
Separation of body and soul
289
What is 'Soul Sleep'?
False teaching that the soul doesn't enter heaven immediately but rather sleeps until Judgement Day
290
What does 'Advent' mean?
Arrival or coming
291
What is 'Millennialism'?
False teaching that there will be a thousand year period of Jesus ruling in peace and prosperity on earth
