Absolute truth - Azusa Street
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Absolute truth
That which is objectively and independently valid and corresponds to reality, regardless of context or any other factor. It has particular significance with regard to moral and ethical issues. In the context of ultimate questions about reality, absolute truth is considered to be the type of information given by God through special revelation. Even though special revelation is not an exhaustive presentation of absolute truth, it is completely accurate.
Agnosticism
A worldview category that is based on the concept that nothing can be known or stated with any certainty, particularly regarding the existence of God and other issues related to the supernatural.
Allegorical interpretation
An approach to interpreting Scripture that assumes there is a deeper meaning hidden "behind" the actual vocabulary, syntax and grammar of the text - and that this meaning is the real meaning. Such interpretation tends to minimize the importance of the content of the text itself, believing that God is communicating truth that must be discovered in some way. An example of allegorical interpretation would be the conclusion that God's specific promises to Israel in the Old Testament (i.e., concerning inheriting the land), are to be understood as applying to the Church in the New Testament in some sort of spiritual, non-literal way.
Amillennialism
The view that there will be no literal 1000-year rule of Christ from the throne of David in Jerusalem at after the present Church age. A future literal kingdom is prophecied throughout the Old Testament, but that it will be 1000 years long is found in Revelation chapter 20. Amillienialism is based on an allegorical interpretation of OT prophecies, saying that it will only be a spiritual kingdom and an allegorical interpretation of Revelation 20 that says this 1000 years will be fulfilled as indeterminate time of spiritual benefit for the Church.
Angelology
The technical theological term for the study of the doctrine of angels.
Anglican Church
The Church of England. The beginning of the Church of England is generally marked by the declaration by King Henry VIII that was the head of the Church in England, instituting the "divine Right of Kings" and breaking from the authority of the Pope in Rome. Although the Anglican Church has evolved to embrace some traditionally Protestant theology and practice, it is not necessarily a Protestant church in some ways. There are clear areas of traditions, theology, practice and liturgy that still reflect its Roman Catholic heritage.
Animism
The worldview characterized by the belief in the existence impersonal spiritual forces in nature, as well as individual spirit beings which inhabit all objects, living and inanimate - all of which have influence in the affairs of humans. These spiritual forces and spirit beings must be identified and understood in order to know how to maintain some degree of control over one's daily life and future destiny through manipulation of these forces and spirits.
Annihilationism
The view that the souls of the wicked will ultimately be completely destroyed and not experience eternal torment and punishment in the Lake of Fire. In this view, Hell is either only a place of temporary punishment or does not exist in any literal sense.
Anthropology
The technical theological term for the study of the doctrine of man.
Antichrist
The person who will rise to power during the Tribulation period who is empowered by Satan to become the widely-accepted leader of a one-world government and religion. The term "antichrist" is found only in the books of First and Second John and refers to anyone who denies that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, who denies both the Father and the Son and is a deceiver. However, because of this identification, the term is specifically applied to the person, identified as "the Beast" throughout the book of Revelation, who will set himself against God and his people during the Tribulation, and attempt to cause the entire world to worship him in place of God. He is also referred to as "the man of sin" and "the son of perdition" in 2 Thess. Chapter 2.
Apologetics
A systematic defense of the Christian faith as a whole or with regard to a specific issue or specific areas of doctrine.
Apostasy
A very serious or total departure from the Christian faith in belief and conduct. The apostate is often someone who also becomes a false teacher. Because apostasy is a departure from the faith, by definition, an apostate can only be someone who professes to be or have been a Christian. Although the definition itself does not necessarily have to do with whether or not someone was actually a true, born-again Christian in the biblical sense, it would generally be understood that they are / were not. However, for those who do not hold to the doctrine of eternal security, an apostate could be considered to possibly be someone who was a true Christian, but who has rejected the faith, fallen away and lost their salvation.
See also: Heresy
A posteriori
Literally from the Latin meaning, "from the latter." Knowledge that is derived through the process of inductive reasoning from specific facts or particulars to general principles or conclusions. A posteriori knowledge is only gained through sense experiences, often in the form of some combination of experimentation, the observation of empirical data and reason. A posteriori knowledge is therefore an extrapolation from what is known with certainty to that which is not known with absolute certainty or cannot be known with absolute certainty through observation. In this case, the certainty of the conclusions depend on the accuracy of the inductive process which is employed.
See also: a priori, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning
A priori
Literally from the Latin, meaning, "from the former." Knowledge that is known, assumed or presupposed to which is applied deductive reasoning in order to arrive at a necessary (required) effect or conclusion. Because of the actual or assumed certainty of a priori knowledge, that which is deduced would also be considered certain. In this case, the certainty of the conclusions depend on the accuracy of the a priori assumptions.
See also: a posteriori, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning
Armageddon
Referred to in Revelation 16:16, from a Hebrew word (har maggidon) meaning "mountain of. Meggido." This refers to the town of Megiddo, located between the plain of Jezreel / plain of Esdraelon and the western coastal region in northern Israel. It is the place of many important battles in Israel's history because of its strategic location and geographical features.
As prophesied in Revelation, it is the place of the final great war at the end of the seven-year Tribulation when the Antichrist will gather the armies of the earth to take a stand and fight against Jesus Christ and the armies of heaven at the Second Coming.
Arminian theology
A theological system within Protestant Christianity originally developed by Dutch theologian, Jacob Arminius, largely in reaction to the work of French reformer and theologian, John Calvin.
Arminianism generally focuses on soteriological issues, and is known for its emphasis on man's free will and his ability to choose God and salvation. It acknowledges that no one can do anything to merit salvation and that salvation is a gift of God's grace to anyone who believes in Christ. However, subsequent acts of disobedience or unbelief can cause that salvation to be lost. This is in contrast to Calvinism or Reformed Theology, according to which one's salvation is eternally secure.
Historically, Arminian theology has been most characteristic of denominations and churches in the holiness tradition. This would include most Methodist, Nazarene and Pentecostal Churches, as well as other holiness churches that have developed out of one of those traditions. Some Charismatic and Baptist Churches also hold to Arminian soteriology and thus teach that a believer can lose their salvation.
See also: Calvinism
Atheism
The worldview that either denies the existence of God or refuses to deal with the issue of God's existence at all as it is considered to be absurd. In practice, most self-identified atheists are philosophical agnostics, affirming that God's non-existence cannot be proven to 100% certainty. Historically, atheism has tended to be passive, with atheists content to simply allow theists to "foolishly believe" without much antagonism. More recently, however, a "new atheism" has taken become increasingly popular, whose proponents tend to aggressively try to persuade people of the truth of atheism and the inherent dangers of religion and even the evil and suffering rooted in belief in God.
Atonement, Limited
The view, generally characteristic of Calvinistic / Reformed theology, that Christ died only for the elect, i.e., only for those who ultimately become born-again believers.
Atonement, Unlimited
The view that Christ died for all, without exception, even though the benefits of his death are applied only to those who are born again through faith.
Azusa Street
A street in Los Angeles, CA that is generally identified as the birthplace of the Pentecostal movement in 1906. The Apostolic Faith Mission was established in a former church building at 312 Azusa and is considered the home of the Azusa Street Revival, even though the first meetings out of which this began were being held in a private home. Even though there had been sporadic reports of speaking in tongues and supernatural manifestations in various revival meetings for as much as a century or more prior to Azusa Street, this is the first time that such supposed manifestations reached such intensity, drew national attention and lasted for so long (years).
See also: Pentacostalism
That which is objectively and independently valid and corresponds to reality, regardless of context or any other factor. It has particular significance with regard to moral and ethical issues. In the context of ultimate questions about reality, absolute truth is considered to be the type of information given by God through special revelation. Even though special revelation is not an exhaustive presentation of absolute truth, it is completely accurate.
Agnosticism
A worldview category that is based on the concept that nothing can be known or stated with any certainty, particularly regarding the existence of God and other issues related to the supernatural.
Allegorical interpretation
An approach to interpreting Scripture that assumes there is a deeper meaning hidden "behind" the actual vocabulary, syntax and grammar of the text - and that this meaning is the real meaning. Such interpretation tends to minimize the importance of the content of the text itself, believing that God is communicating truth that must be discovered in some way. An example of allegorical interpretation would be the conclusion that God's specific promises to Israel in the Old Testament (i.e., concerning inheriting the land), are to be understood as applying to the Church in the New Testament in some sort of spiritual, non-literal way.
Amillennialism
The view that there will be no literal 1000-year rule of Christ from the throne of David in Jerusalem at after the present Church age. A future literal kingdom is prophecied throughout the Old Testament, but that it will be 1000 years long is found in Revelation chapter 20. Amillienialism is based on an allegorical interpretation of OT prophecies, saying that it will only be a spiritual kingdom and an allegorical interpretation of Revelation 20 that says this 1000 years will be fulfilled as indeterminate time of spiritual benefit for the Church.
Angelology
The technical theological term for the study of the doctrine of angels.
Anglican Church
The Church of England. The beginning of the Church of England is generally marked by the declaration by King Henry VIII that was the head of the Church in England, instituting the "divine Right of Kings" and breaking from the authority of the Pope in Rome. Although the Anglican Church has evolved to embrace some traditionally Protestant theology and practice, it is not necessarily a Protestant church in some ways. There are clear areas of traditions, theology, practice and liturgy that still reflect its Roman Catholic heritage.
Animism
The worldview characterized by the belief in the existence impersonal spiritual forces in nature, as well as individual spirit beings which inhabit all objects, living and inanimate - all of which have influence in the affairs of humans. These spiritual forces and spirit beings must be identified and understood in order to know how to maintain some degree of control over one's daily life and future destiny through manipulation of these forces and spirits.
Annihilationism
The view that the souls of the wicked will ultimately be completely destroyed and not experience eternal torment and punishment in the Lake of Fire. In this view, Hell is either only a place of temporary punishment or does not exist in any literal sense.
Anthropology
The technical theological term for the study of the doctrine of man.
Antichrist
The person who will rise to power during the Tribulation period who is empowered by Satan to become the widely-accepted leader of a one-world government and religion. The term "antichrist" is found only in the books of First and Second John and refers to anyone who denies that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, who denies both the Father and the Son and is a deceiver. However, because of this identification, the term is specifically applied to the person, identified as "the Beast" throughout the book of Revelation, who will set himself against God and his people during the Tribulation, and attempt to cause the entire world to worship him in place of God. He is also referred to as "the man of sin" and "the son of perdition" in 2 Thess. Chapter 2.
Apologetics
A systematic defense of the Christian faith as a whole or with regard to a specific issue or specific areas of doctrine.
Apostasy
A very serious or total departure from the Christian faith in belief and conduct. The apostate is often someone who also becomes a false teacher. Because apostasy is a departure from the faith, by definition, an apostate can only be someone who professes to be or have been a Christian. Although the definition itself does not necessarily have to do with whether or not someone was actually a true, born-again Christian in the biblical sense, it would generally be understood that they are / were not. However, for those who do not hold to the doctrine of eternal security, an apostate could be considered to possibly be someone who was a true Christian, but who has rejected the faith, fallen away and lost their salvation.
See also: Heresy
A posteriori
Literally from the Latin meaning, "from the latter." Knowledge that is derived through the process of inductive reasoning from specific facts or particulars to general principles or conclusions. A posteriori knowledge is only gained through sense experiences, often in the form of some combination of experimentation, the observation of empirical data and reason. A posteriori knowledge is therefore an extrapolation from what is known with certainty to that which is not known with absolute certainty or cannot be known with absolute certainty through observation. In this case, the certainty of the conclusions depend on the accuracy of the inductive process which is employed.
See also: a priori, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning
A priori
Literally from the Latin, meaning, "from the former." Knowledge that is known, assumed or presupposed to which is applied deductive reasoning in order to arrive at a necessary (required) effect or conclusion. Because of the actual or assumed certainty of a priori knowledge, that which is deduced would also be considered certain. In this case, the certainty of the conclusions depend on the accuracy of the a priori assumptions.
See also: a posteriori, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning
Armageddon
Referred to in Revelation 16:16, from a Hebrew word (har maggidon) meaning "mountain of. Meggido." This refers to the town of Megiddo, located between the plain of Jezreel / plain of Esdraelon and the western coastal region in northern Israel. It is the place of many important battles in Israel's history because of its strategic location and geographical features.
As prophesied in Revelation, it is the place of the final great war at the end of the seven-year Tribulation when the Antichrist will gather the armies of the earth to take a stand and fight against Jesus Christ and the armies of heaven at the Second Coming.
Arminian theology
A theological system within Protestant Christianity originally developed by Dutch theologian, Jacob Arminius, largely in reaction to the work of French reformer and theologian, John Calvin.
Arminianism generally focuses on soteriological issues, and is known for its emphasis on man's free will and his ability to choose God and salvation. It acknowledges that no one can do anything to merit salvation and that salvation is a gift of God's grace to anyone who believes in Christ. However, subsequent acts of disobedience or unbelief can cause that salvation to be lost. This is in contrast to Calvinism or Reformed Theology, according to which one's salvation is eternally secure.
Historically, Arminian theology has been most characteristic of denominations and churches in the holiness tradition. This would include most Methodist, Nazarene and Pentecostal Churches, as well as other holiness churches that have developed out of one of those traditions. Some Charismatic and Baptist Churches also hold to Arminian soteriology and thus teach that a believer can lose their salvation.
See also: Calvinism
Atheism
The worldview that either denies the existence of God or refuses to deal with the issue of God's existence at all as it is considered to be absurd. In practice, most self-identified atheists are philosophical agnostics, affirming that God's non-existence cannot be proven to 100% certainty. Historically, atheism has tended to be passive, with atheists content to simply allow theists to "foolishly believe" without much antagonism. More recently, however, a "new atheism" has taken become increasingly popular, whose proponents tend to aggressively try to persuade people of the truth of atheism and the inherent dangers of religion and even the evil and suffering rooted in belief in God.
Atonement, Limited
The view, generally characteristic of Calvinistic / Reformed theology, that Christ died only for the elect, i.e., only for those who ultimately become born-again believers.
Atonement, Unlimited
The view that Christ died for all, without exception, even though the benefits of his death are applied only to those who are born again through faith.
Azusa Street
A street in Los Angeles, CA that is generally identified as the birthplace of the Pentecostal movement in 1906. The Apostolic Faith Mission was established in a former church building at 312 Azusa and is considered the home of the Azusa Street Revival, even though the first meetings out of which this began were being held in a private home. Even though there had been sporadic reports of speaking in tongues and supernatural manifestations in various revival meetings for as much as a century or more prior to Azusa Street, this is the first time that such supposed manifestations reached such intensity, drew national attention and lasted for so long (years).
See also: Pentacostalism
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