Agnosticism: is the belief that the existence of a god or gods is either unknowable or unknown.
Amillennialism: is a eschatological view that interprets the “millennium” mentioned in Revelation 20 not as a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, but rather as a symbolic period representing the current church age. (also see: Postmillennialism and Premillennialism )
Antinomianism: is the belief that under grace, moral law is not binding on Christians, leading to the idea that faith alone is sufficient for salvation apart from obedience. (also see: legalism)
Arianism – A heretical belief that denies the full divinity of Jesus Christ, asserting that he was created by God the Father. (also see: Nestorianism & Monophysitism)
Arminianism: refers to a theological stance that emphasizes free will and God’s grace in the context of salvation, opposing some tenets of Calvinism. (also see: Calvinism)
Asceticism: is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures, often for religious or spiritual purposes.
Calvinism: refers to a branch of Protestant theology based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God. (also see: Arminianism)
Cessationism: is the belief that certain spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and speaking in tongues, ceased with the apostolic age. (also see: Charismaticism)
Charismaticism: a movement within Christianity that emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing and prophecy. (also see: Cessationism)
Complementarianism: is a theological view that men and women have different but complementary roles and responsibilities in life. It’s a belief that men and women are equal in value and dignity, but have distinct roles in marriage, family, religious leadership, and civil government. (also see: Egalitarianism)
Credobaptists: also known as believer’s baptism or adult baptism, is the practice of baptizing people who are able to make a conscious profession of faith. They believe that baptism is an outward sign of inward regeneration, and that it should only be given to those who have made a personal commitment to Christ. (also see: Paedobaptists)
Dispensationalism: is a theological system that divides history into distinct periods or “dispensations,” each marked by different divine dealings with humanity.
Ecclesiasticism: is the emphasis on the church’s authority and role within society, often in discussions about church governance.
Ecumenism: the movement promoting unity among Christian denominations and fostering cooperation across different branches of Christianity. (also see: Syncretism)
Egalitarianism: is the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. (also see: Complementarianism)
Eschatology: is the study of last things, including concepts of the end times, resurrection, and final judgment.
Federal Vision: is a theological perspective within Reformed and Presbyterian circles that emphasizes covenant theology. It argues for an integrated view of justification and sanctification, where faith and works are both significant in the believer’s relationship with God and assurance of salvation. (also see: Final Justification)
Federalism: is the view that sees Adam as the representative head of all humanity. When Adam sinned, he sinned not only for himself but as the representative (federal head) of all humanity. His decision was binding upon all people of all time. (also see: Seminalism)
Final Justification: refers to the belief that individuals will be ultimately justified before God at the final judgment based on their faith and works. This doctrine addresses the relationship between faith, works, and salvation, particularly in the context of Christian eschatology. (also see: Federal Vision)
Fundamentalism: is a conservative type movement within Christianity that emphasizes a strict interpretation of scripture and core doctrines.
Futurist: Most prophecy is fulfilled in our future in regards to Eschatology views. (also see: Historicist, idealist, and Preterist)
Gnosticism: is a religious and philosophical movement that emerged in the first and second centuries CE among Jewish and early Christian sects. Gnostics believed that the material world was evil and that salvation could be found by attaining secret knowledge, or gnosis. that salvation was a process of encountering and understanding divine revelation and awakening the divine spark within the self. They considered knowledge to be the pathway to a return to spiritual origins, in the transcendent realm from which humans came.
Heretical: refers to beliefs, teachings, or practices that deviate from established orthodox doctrine. A heretic is someone who holds views that are considered contrary to the fundamental tenets of Christianity as defined by the church. This can include beliefs about the nature of God, the divinity of Jesus, the authority of Scripture, and the sacraments.
Heterodox: refers to beliefs or practices that differ from established or orthodox doctrine but are not necessarily deemed heretical. Heterodox views may incorporate elements of traditional teachings while also introducing new interpretations or ideas that challenge the mainstream understanding. While heterodoxy is often viewed with caution or skepticism by orthodox communities, it typically does not carry the same weight of condemnation as heresy. It allows for a broader range of theological exploration and discussion within Christianity.
Historicist: Most prophecy unfolds throughout history in regards to Eschatology views. (also see: Preterist, idealist, and Futurist)
Idealist: Prophecy unfolds as the recurring battle between good and evil in regards to Eschatology views. (also see: Historicist, Preterist, and Futurist)
Inclusivism: is the theological view that while Christ is the definitive revelation of God, salvation may be accessible to those outside explicit Christian faith. (also see: Universalism)
Instrumental theology: views sacraments as instruments through which God imparts grace. This perspective is closely associated with Thomas Aquinas and the Thomistic tradition. According to this view, sacraments are dispositive instrumental causes of grace, meaning they prepare and dispose the soul to receive grace, but do not directly cause grace themselves. This approach emphasizes the active role of the sacraments in the process of salvation. (also see: Parallel Theology)
Kinism: is the belief that God has ordained separation of races in all areas of life. (also see: Tribalism)
Liberalism: is a theological perspective that often seeks to reconcile Christianity with modern values and scientific understanding.
Legalism: is a belief system or practice within Christianity that emphasizes strict adherence to laws, rules, or rituals as a means of achieving or maintaining a right relationship with God. Legalists often prioritize external behaviors and compliance with religious regulations over inner spiritual transformation or faith in Jesus Christ. (also see: Antinomianism)
Molinist: is the Belief that God’s providence and foreknowledge do not negate human freedom; rather, God knows how individuals would respond in any situation, allowing Him to orchestrate events while still permitting genuine human choices. This perspective aims to address issues related to predestination and free will within the context of Christian theology. (also see: Thomist)
Monergism: a theological term often used in Christian circles to describe the doctrine that God alone is the sole agent in the process of salvation, particularly in relation to the act of justification and regeneration (being “born again”). (also see: Synergism)
Monophysitism: is the belief that Christ has a single divine nature rather than two distinct natures (divine and human). (also see: Nestorianism & Arianism)
Moralism: is the belief that ethical behavior is the primary focus of religious life, sometimes neglecting the importance of grace and faith.
Nestorianism: is the Belief that the human and divine essences of Christ are separate and that there are two persons, the man Jesus Christ and the divine Logos, which dwelt in the man. Thus, Nestorians reject such terminology as “God suffered” or “God was crucified”, because they believe that the man Jesus Christ suffered. This is considered a Heresy because it divides the Nature of Christ, He is fully God and fully man. (also see: Monophysitism & Arianism)
Nominalism: in philosophy, position taken in the dispute over universals – words that can be applied to individual things having something in commo that flourished especially in late medieval times.
“Oneness”: the belief that there is one God―a singular divine spirit with no distinction of persons―who manifests himself in many ways, including as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This can be found in some Pentecostal churches.
Paedobaptists: is the practice of baptizing infants and young children. they view baptism as a sign of the covenant, and that it is administered to both professing believers and their children. (also see: Credobaptists)
Parallel theology: view sees sacraments as parallel to faith. This view suggests that sacraments and faith are mutually reinforcing and inseparable. The sacraments are seen as extensions of Christ’s work and are celebrated within the context of faith. This perspective emphasizes the interrelationship between faith and sacraments, where faith perfects the sacraments and the sacraments strengthen faith. (also see: Instrumental Theology)
Pelagianism: is a theological belief that denies original sin and emphasizes human free will in achieving salvation.
Perennialism: a perspective that sees truth in all religions and emphasizes common spiritual principles across traditions.
Pietism: is a movement emphasizing personal faith, devotion, and the practical application of Christianity in everyday life.
Postmillennialism: is the belief that Christ will return after (post) the millennium, viewing the church’s influence as ushering in a golden age. (also see: Amillennialism and Premillennialism )
Premillennialism: is the belief that Christ will return before (pre) the millennium, leading to a literal thousand-year reign. (also see: Postmillennialism and Amillennialism)
Preterist: Prophecy has all been fulfilled in the Past in regards to Eschatology views. (also see: Historicist, idealist, and Futurist)
Realism: in philosophy, the viewpoint which accords to things which are known or perceived an existence or nature which is independent of whether anyone is thinking about or perceiving them.
Relativism: is the philosophical position that beliefs and truths are not absolute but relative to culture or individual perspective.
Secularism: is the principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions.
Seminalism: is the view that sees Adam’s sin as something that corrupted the human nature he passed on to his posterity, as the entire human race was genetically present in Adam. Adam’s guilt is not passed on to his children, but his sinful tendencies are. His children, with their corrupted nature, readily join in Adam’s rebellion at the first available opportunity and are therefore guilty of their own sin. (also see: Federalism)
Soteriology: is the study of salvation, encompassing various beliefs about how salvation is achieved.
Soli Deo Gloria: which means “Glory to God Alone” in Latin, is a central tenet of Reformation theology, particularly within Protestant traditions. It emphasizes that all glory and honor should be attributed solely to God for His works, including creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Sola Fide: which means “faith alone” in Latin, is a key doctrine of the Protestant Reformation. It asserts that faith in Jesus Christ is the sole means by which individuals are justified and receive salvation, rather than through any works or merits of their own.
Sola Gratia: meaning “grace alone” in Latin, is a fundamental doctrine of the Protestant Reformation. It asserts that salvation is solely the result of God’s grace, not dependent on any human merit or effort.
Solus Christus: meaning “Christ alone” in Latin, is a central doctrine of the Protestant Reformation that asserts that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity and the only source of salvation.
Sola Scriptura: meaning “Scripture alone” in Latin, is a foundational principle of the Protestant Reformation that asserts the Bible as the sole authoritative source of God’s revelation and truth for faith and practice.
Syncretism: is the combining of different religious beliefs and practices, often seen in discussions about the interaction of Christianity with other faiths. (also see: Ecumenism)
Synergism: a theological concept that describes salvation as a cooperative effort between God and human beings. In this view, while God’s grace is essential for salvation, human beings also play an active role in responding to that grace. (also see: Monergism)
Teetotalism: is the practice or advocacy of complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages. Teetotalers often promote a lifestyle free from alcohol for health, moral, or social reasons.
Thomist: emphasize the harmony between faith and reason, arguing that human reason can lead to a deeper understanding of divine truths. Thomism has profoundly influenced Catholic theology and is foundational in discussions of ethics, metaphysics, and the relationship between God and humanity. (also see: Molinist)
Transubstantiation: is the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.
Tribalism: While primarily a sociological term, it can refer to strong loyalty to one’s own group, which may influence interpretations of faith. (also see: Kinism)
Trinity: is the doctrine that states that God is one being that exists as three divine persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are consubstantial, meaning they share the same essence.
Universalism: the belief that all souls will ultimately be saved and reconciled with God. (also see: Inclusivism)
