Merriam-Webster.com as·cet·i·cism | \ ə-ˈse-tə-ˌsi-zəm \ Definition of asceticism 1: the practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline : the condition, practice, or mode of life of an ascetic: rigorous abstention from self-indulgence Sacrifice, renunciation, asceticism, fasting, returning again to God … : these are inclinations fueled as much by instinct as by religious idealism. — Joyce Carol Oates Crossing … Continue reading Asceticism
-ologies & Key terms
Covenant
Dictionary.com noun an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.Law. an incidental clause in such an agreement.Ecclesiastical. a solemn agreement between the members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel. verb (used without object) to enter into a covenant. verb (used with … Continue reading Covenant
Xmas – Part 2
The "mas" in Xmas means "mass" as in a Catholic worship mass. So the X stands for Christ and the mas stands for mass so it means "Christ mass". But wait a minute! If mass is associated with Catholicism, why would Protestants have anything to do with such a term? Well, what exactly is mass? … Continue reading Xmas – Part 2
Antinomianism
Dictionary.com antinomian noun a person who maintains that Christians are freed from the moral law by virtue of grace as set forth in the gospel. Etymonline.com (antinomian) "one who maintains that, by the dispensation of grace, the moral law is not binding on Christians," 1640s, from Medieval Latin Antinomi, name given to a sect of this … Continue reading Antinomianism
Apostasy
What is apostasy? Dictionary.com a total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, cause, etc. Etymonline.com late 14c., "renunciation, abandonment or neglect of established religion," from Late Latin apostasia, from later Greek apostasia for earlier apostasis "revolt, defection," literally "a standing off," from apostanai "to stand away" (see apostate (n.)). General (non-religious) sense … Continue reading Apostasy
Systematic Theology
Dictionary.com Systematic adjective having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan: a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts. given to or using a system or method; methodical: a systematic person. arranged in or comprising an ordered system: systematic theology. concerned with classification: systematic botany. pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system … Continue reading Systematic Theology
Practical Theology
Dictionary.com Practical adjective of or relating to practice or action: practical mathematics. consisting of, involving, or resulting from practice or action: a practical application of a rule. of, relating to, or concerned with ordinary activities, business, or work: a habitual dreamer, who can't be bothered with practical affairs. adapted or designed for actual use; useful: … Continue reading Practical Theology
Clergy
Dictionary.com noun, plural cler·gies. the group or body of ordained persons in a religion, as distinguished from the laity. Etymonline.com c. 1200, clergie "office or dignity of a clergyman," from two Old French words: 1. clergié"clerics, learned men," from Medieval Latin clericatus, from Late Latin clericus (see clerk(n.)); 2. clergie "learning, knowledge, erudition," from clerc, also from Late Latin clericus. Meaning "persons ordained for religious work, persons consecrated to the duties of public ministration in the Christian church" is from c. … Continue reading Clergy
Biblical Theology
Biblical Theology is a discipline of exegetical theology, one of the 4 that are part of what is called the "Encyclopedia of Theology" - Exegetical, Historical, Systematic, and Practical Theologies (Hagenbach). Etymonline.com biblical 1734, "pertaining to the Bible," from Bible + -ical. Related: Biblically. Earlier adjective was Biblic (1680s). Related: Biblicality. Discussion/Explanation Biblical theology is considered by some to be the capstone … Continue reading Biblical Theology
Protestantism
In Christendom today, there are often considered to be three primary branches - Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism (debating aside whether or not this is an accurate representation of current-day Christianity). Let's first get started with the usual... Dictionary.com Protestantism noun the religion of Protestants. the Protestant churches collectively. adherence to Protestant principles. Protestant noun 1. any Western Christian who is not an adherent … Continue reading Protestantism
Monergist Gratia 