Bible Vocabulary Flashcards
Atonement
The work of God in Christianity by which He restores the broken relationship between Him and sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Authoritarian
The concentration of power in self-appointed leader or group that demands total submission to its authority
Canon
A rule or standard of judgement; an authoritative list of books accepted as Holy Scripture
Confucianism
A humanistic philosophy/religion that is deeply rooted into Chinese culture. It stresses social order, family structure, as well as ancestor and nature worship.
Evangelism
The active presentation of the gospel with the intent of brining others into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (often used by Adventists to simply mean the effort to bring people into the Adventist church)
Arainism
The belief that Christ is a created being, therefore denying the doctrine of the Trinity
Evolution
The hypothesis that all life forms have, through a natural process, gradually developed from simpler forms.
Grace
An act of undeserved kindness. Saving grace is unmerited favor, the sinner receiving the imputed and imparted righteousness of Christ
Humanism
A philosophy that stresses a human being’s essential goodness and that he is “the measure of all things.” It regards the cosmos as uncreated, self-existing, and self-sustaining.
Immaculate Conception
A Roman Catholic doctrine that affirms that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved immaculate (sinless) from the moment of conception in her mother’s womb
Individualism
Allowing individual rights to take precedence over group rights. Individuality becomes individualism when one becomes preoccupied with self-interest.
Indulgences
Remission of part or all the punishment that, according to Roman Catholics, is due for sin committed but forgiven.
Life philosophy
One’s personal conviction as to what life is all about and how it should be lived.
Liturgy
A ritual or a group of rites prescribed for public worship
Miracle
An intervention by a supernatural power that transcends but does not violate natural law
Mysticism
A state of mind or a reality beyond reason. Mystics focus on direct communication with God that tends toward occult or visionary experiences
New Thought
A philosophy that arose in the nineteenth century whose primary focus was the infinite potential of every individual and the power of positive thought.
Paranormal
That which is supernatural; not scientifically explainable
Penance
Disciplinary measures and self-punishment that Roman Catholicism asks of those who are seeking forgiveness and restoration.
Shamans
Spiritual mediums, witch doctors, or medicine men who claim to cure diseases and communicate with the spirit world.
Shintoism
The state religion of Japan. It consists of one’s devotion to ancestors, nature deities, and the emperor
Theosophy
A belief that arose during the nineteenth century that declared that humankind is always evolving toward divinity through reincarnation. Humankind can save themselves through knowledge gained from many religions and from the spirit world.
Transcendentalism
A philosophy that reflects Eastern thought and advocates direct contact between humanity and God. It is a mystical philosophy that emphasizes the spiritual over the material and points a person inward to oneself and to nature as the source of all health.
Transcendental Meditation
An altered state of consciousness that is designed to turn off the mind, enabling one to experience God-consciousness (unity with the divine)
Transubstantiation
The Roman Catholic view that the bread and wine are actually changed (in substance) into the body and blood of Christ by the priest during the Eucharist
Unitarianism
A denomination that teaches that God exists as one person, rather than as a Trinity, and that everyone in the end will be saved.
Zoroastrianism
A religion of ancient Persia that teaches that the world is engaged in a conflict between the forces of “light” and the spirits of “darkness”
