Questions tagged [terminology]
questions regarding the meaning or usage of Christian terminology
286
questions
83
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13answers
48k views
When the Bible talks about wine does it mean alcoholic wine?
In discussions I have had in the past over the acceptability of a Christian drinking alcohol I have heard that some 'dry' believers say that the wine in the Bible was not wine as we know it commonly ...
48
votes
6answers
113k views
Why are Matthew, Mark, and Luke called the synoptic gospels?
The first three gospels are sometimes known as the "synoptic" gospels. What does this term mean, and how does it differentiate them from the gospel of John?
34
votes
3answers
14k views
From a Fundamentalist standpoint, what does the phrase “Inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God” mean?
Many denominations teach that the Bible is the "inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God." Detractors of Christianity, and even some denominations within Christianity, disagree with all or some of ...
28
votes
3answers
37k views
What is the difference between Evangelical and Protestant?
Just the other day, I heard somebody talking politics and contrasted the Roman Catholic church's political influence with "the Evangelical vote". In this sense, as is often done in US media, the word ...
27
votes
3answers
4k views
Is Xmas a secular name for Christmas?
I heard that Xmas is a secular way of "taking Christ out of Christmas". When and why did this practice originate? Is there any truth to the claim that it has a secular or "un-Christian" origin?
24
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2answers
142k views
When did “tithing” come to mean “giving 10% of your gross income to the Church”?
I know the word "tithe" has "tenth" built into it, and so some Christians assume that every usage of the word "tithe" in Scripture is referring to "giving 10% of your gross income to the church." But ...
23
votes
14answers
22k views
What exactly does it mean that Jesus Christ is the son of God?
What does it mean to a Christian that Christ is the son of God? On the one hand, obviously, the normal biological meaning of son does not apply. On the other hand, "we are all children of God", but ...
22
votes
3answers
1k views
What are the main tenets and/or beliefs of the 'Emergent' Church?
'Emergent' is a word I see gets thrown around a lot. Is there any definition to what is and what isn't emergent?
Is it a catch-all for certain points of view?
Are there people out there that ...
22
votes
4answers
11k views
What is the difference between 'Biblical' and 'Systematic' theology?
Particularly among Protestant traditions, it is common to classify books and classes that cover broad looks at theological issues as either 'Biblical' or 'Systematic'. Sometimes this is even extended ...
21
votes
2answers
6k views
What does “see” in “the Holy See” mean?
The seat of the Bishop of Rome is called "the Holy See". What does "see" mean?
Does it mean “Holy Sea”, as the word “see” could be an archaic spelling of the word “sea”. It would make sense, because ...
21
votes
5answers
14k views
What does “scripture” mean in NT writing?
This is slightly a take-off from:
What does it mean that all scripture is God-Breathed?
The Bible as we know it today wasn't canonized and compiled into a single volume until much later. In ...
21
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5answers
31k views
What is the difference between Reformed and Presbyterian
I feel like this is a dumb question, but maybe, just maybe, I'm not the only one confused by this. Maybe if I'm willing to stick my neck out and look stupid, the answer will be here for those poor ...
21
votes
3answers
5k views
What caused the shift from “Faith Of Christ” to “Faith In Christ” in modern translations?
The phrase "Faith in Christ" can also be translated "Faith of Christ" (or "Faithfulness of Christ" [NET]):
In the older school of translations of the Bible into English (I'll call them the "King ...
20
votes
5answers
33k views
What does it mean to “Bless the LORD”?
Psalm 103:1-2 (KJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul:
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits
What does it mean to say "Bless the ...
19
votes
5answers
23k views
Why does Catholicism have priests but Protestantism does not?
The Catholic Church (and apparently Lutheran, Anglican and Episcopalian churches) have clergy with the title of "priest", as did Old Testament Judaism. Are Protestant "preachers", "reverends", "...
19
votes
2answers
37k views
Why is the word “Ark” used for Noah's boat and the Ark of the Covenant?
What exactly is the meaning of an "ark" that applies to a boat and that thing that melts off the Nazi's faces in the first Indiana Jones movie?
19
votes
7answers
3k views
Where did the idiom “asking Jesus into your heart” come from?
Where did the idea of "asking Jesus into your heart" come from? That figure of speech is not explicitly from the bible or probably even early church history. Can anyone find its first use and maybe ...
19
votes
1answer
55k views
Why do Mormons use the term “elder” for their missionaries?
Most of the Mormon missionaries I've encountered are young men doing a couple year stint. They are typically identified as "elders", but my understanding is that this designation is only temporary ...
18
votes
6answers
2k views
What is “faith?” [closed]
The Bible and Christians talk about faith a lot. Matthew 12:32 talks about "faith as a mustard seed" for instance.
I've heard many Christians say things like "I don't have enough faith," or "I want ...
18
votes
3answers
1k views
When is the first time in church history we find a prayer ending with “in Jesus' name, amen”?
It is commonplace in Christianity today to close prayers "in Jesus' name, amen". I don't see any prayer in the apostolic writings prayed in this way. When does this first emerge in history?
17
votes
3answers
6k views
When talking about the Trinity, what does “persons” mean?
The triune God is defined as three persons equal in nature. What does "persons" mean in this statement? Can the word "persons" be replaced with "personalities" or "roles"?
17
votes
4answers
8k views
What is the Protestant belief known as “faith alone”?
"Faith Alone"?
If you have heard the term "Protestant" before, chances are you have also heard the saying "faith alone." The way Protestants speak of "faith alone" might almost give one the ...
17
votes
3answers
19k views
What is the biblical meaning of “sanctification”? [closed]
I understand that sanctification is used as a post-reformational theological term to refer to the ongoing process of Christian growth.
But, biblically speaking, is this always what is meant? I know ...
16
votes
5answers
217k views
What is the difference between a pastor, a priest, and a minister?
No, this is not the start of a joke about a bunch of people walking into a bar. Rather, I thought it would be helpful to clarify various titles that people give to leadership roles in churches.
16
votes
3answers
27k views
What does INRI stand for?
On the crucifix there is sometimes a plate above Jesus' head that has the letters INRI. What does INRI mean or stand for? Why is it there?
16
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2answers
3k views
What is the difference between “catholicism” and “catholic”?
In the Apostle's Creed, the term "catholic" is used in describing the reciter's belief:
I believe ... in the holy catholic church
This creed is used by a wide variety of denominations, and ...
16
votes
3answers
3k views
Do Jehovah's Witnesses use different language for theological reasons?
They don't have churches: they have Kingdom Halls (though it's not wrong to refer to a Kingdom Hall as a type of church).
They don't have hymns: they have Kingdom Songs (though it's not wrong to ...
16
votes
6answers
3k views
What does it mean to “be saved” [closed]
It seems common in Christian communities (and in questions on this site) for people to say they have been saved. What does someone mean by this when they say it? How would I know that I have been ...
15
votes
5answers
5k views
What basis is there for defining sin as “rebellion”?
Many popular Protestant gospel explanations and frameworks define the essence of sin as rebellion against God.
Two Ways to Live:
The sad truth is that, from the very beginning, men and women ...
15
votes
3answers
11k views
What is the difference between “infallible” and “inerrant”?
As with many others I know, I believe in both the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible.
But what is the difference between these two important terms?
If something has no errors (inerrant), then ...
15
votes
4answers
2k views
What is an apostle?
Often the apostles are referred to as "the twelve apostles" - the twelve disciples called by name by Jesus. But Paul called himself and Barnabus apostles. Were Paul and Barnabus really apostles?
15
votes
2answers
3k views
What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
Christians use the terms justification and sanctification a lot, but it's not always clear where one concept leaves off and the other picks up.
What do Protestants generally say is the difference ...
15
votes
3answers
5k views
What is the Catholic concept of grace?
This question reminded me of a question I've had for a long time: What is the Catholic concept of grace?
A look at the dictionary says:
grace [greys]
noun
favor or goodwill. Synonyms: kindness, ...
15
votes
4answers
5k views
Heaven/Paradise/Sheol, Hell/Hades/The Lake of Fire [closed]
What is the difference between Heaven/Paradise/Sheol
How about Hell/Hades/The Lake of Fire?
Are they synonyms, are they different places?
15
votes
4answers
271 views
Is there a name for believing but not obeying?
Although it is a theoretical question, it is still very interesting for me.
Is there a system of beliefs or at least a name for people who believe in the existence of God and that events described in ...
14
votes
7answers
2k views
In what different ways is the word “cult” used as a label inside Christianity?
The word "cult" gets bandied about quite a bit, but is there an official definition or some kind of formula which can be used to consistently identify whether a group is a cult or not? Baring an ...
14
votes
4answers
2k views
What are the reasons for calling oneself a “follower of Jesus” rather than a Christian?
In the last several years, I've noticed a trend of people who reject the label "Christian," and instead prefer to use terms like "Christ follower" or "follower of Jesus." (Not to be confused with ...
14
votes
3answers
11k views
What is the difference between a Bible College and a Seminary?
I see some Christian education institutions refer to themselves as "Bible College" and some as "Seminary" and some as "Bible College and Seminary". What is the difference between those, if any?
14
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6answers
11k views
What does it mean to be “weak in faith”? [closed]
There have been some questions and answers which discuss the strength of one's faith such as Why do OEC discount the literal interpretation of the book of Genesis?
There is also a question which asks ...
13
votes
7answers
3k views
Are Mormons Protestants?
To my understanding, Mormons are neither Catholic nor Orthodox. I believe that they are Christians, but I'm not sure if they are Protestant or not.
Are Mormons Protestants, or are they just "Latter ...
13
votes
2answers
47k views
Is there a difference between prayer and petition?
Philippians 4:6 uses two words, possibly implying a difference between prayer and petition. Can someone explain what this difference is?
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about ...
13
votes
1answer
5k views
What is christomonism?
The term christomonism has sometimes been leveled against Karl Barth, John MacArthur, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But there doesn't seem to be a canonical definition; most mentions of the term are ...
13
votes
3answers
6k views
What is the difference between an Apostolic Exhortation and an Encyclical Letter?
Pope Francis has just released an Apostolic Exhortation called Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). He also released an Encyclical Letter in the summer called Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith). ...
13
votes
1answer
780 views
How widespread is panentheism within Protestant schools of thought?
I'm confused about what panentheism is. The Wikipedia article and the few mentions of it here on Stack Exchange both indicate that some Christians identify as panentheists and some don't. I'm guessing ...
13
votes
2answers
278 views
Can Christianity be objectively defined? [closed]
Orthodox Christianity is considered to be what comes from the Old and New Testament but many denominations/religions call themselves Christians without adhering strictly to the Bible as we know it ...
13
votes
2answers
16k views
What is the difference between a covenant and a contract?
Specifically as used by the Reformed theological tradition, what is meant by the term "covenant"? How is this different than other forms of agreements under assorted names in English like contract, ...
12
votes
3answers
4k views
What is the difference between “Catechism” and “Canon Law” in Catholicism?
What is the difference between "Catechism" and "Canon Law" in Catholicism?
I have the Catholic Catechism (CCC). Yet I also see the Canon law code quoted from...what's the difference? are they two ...
12
votes
3answers
397 views
What is Messianic Judaism?
What are the main differences between Messianic Judaism and Christianity? How does the idea of the Trinity differ?
Hopefully this can be answered by someone who considers themselves to be Messianic ...
12
votes
4answers
1k views
What does “predestination” mean? [closed]
What is the concept of predestination? Are there different denominations that believe in predestination but have differences in what they believe about it? If so, what are the differences?
12
votes
3answers
2k views
Is there a difference between Liberal, Progressive, and Emergent Christianity?
In many evangelical circles I hear people use the terms liberal, progressive and emergent quite a bit, especially recently.
Do these all refer to the same categorization of groups or of thought? Or ...
