Theology

Items

• orthodox

  Means "right belief" or adherence to core Christian doctrines as defined by scripture and tradition, contrasting with heresy.
• orthodoxy

  Correct belief and adherence to accepted doctrine, especially in Christianity.
• parable

  A simple story used by Jesus to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons.
• paraclete

  A term for the Holy Spirit as an advocate, helper, or comforter.
• parousia/ second coming

  The anticipated second coming of Christ at the end of the age.
• pastoral care

  The support and guidance provided by church leaders to their congregants.
• patriarch

  A principal bishop in Eastern Orthodoxy or senior leaders in the early Church.
• patristics

  The study of the early Church Fathers and their writings.
• penal substitution

  The doctrine that Christ took the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity.
• pentateuch

  The first five books of the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to Moses.
• pentecost

  The event when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, empowering them for ministry.
• pentecostal church

  A Protestant Christian denomination emphasizing direct personal experiences with the Holy Spirit, often marked by speaking in tongues, healing, and expressive worship stemming from the biblical event of Pentecost.
• pentecostalism

  A Christian movement emphasizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues.
• perichoresis

  The interpenetration and indwelling of the three Persons of the Trinity.
• pharisaism

  The beliefs and practices associated with the Pharisees, a Jewish religious group in Jesus' time.
• pharisee

  A member of the Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law.
• pneuma

  Greek for "spirit," often referring to the Holy Spirit.
• pneumatological gifts

  Spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church.
• pneumatology

  The study of the Holy Spirit and His work.
• polity (church governance)

  The system and structure of church leadership and organization.
• postliberal theology

  A theological movement emphasizing the narrative and community aspects of faith over liberal rationalism.
• postmodern theology

  Theology engaging postmodern philosophy, questioning absolute truths and embracing pluralism.
• praxis

  The practical application of theological ideas in everyday life.
• predestinarianism

  The belief that God predetermines who will be saved and who will not.
• predestination

  The doctrine that God has foreordained all that will happen, especially salvation.