Anthropology

The section of Christian theology dealing with the doctrine of humanity. Also denotes fields of study outside of Christian theology.

Bibliology

The section of Christian theology dealing with the character of the Bible.

Christology

The section of Christian theology dealing with the identity of Jesus Christ, particularly the

question of the relation of his human and divine natures.

Creed

A formal definition or summary of the Christian faith, held in common by all Christians. The most important are those generally known as the ‘‘Apostles’ Creed’’ and the ‘‘Nicene Creed.’’

Ecclesiology

The section of Christian theology dealing with the character of the church.

Eschatology

The section of Christian theology dealing with the ‘‘last things,’’ especially the ideas of

resurrection, hell, the Last Judgment, and eternal life.

Evangelical

A term initially used to refer to reforming movements, especially in Germany and Switzerland, in the 1510s and 1520s. Since the mid-nineteenth century, the term has been used to describe Protestants in English-speaking contexts who identify with four main characteristics: crucicentrism (the centrality of Christ's work on the cross), conversionism (personal regeneration), biblicism (the supreme role of the Bible in Christian living), and activism (the notion of spreading the Good News).

Exegesis

The science of textual interpretation, usually referring specifically to the Bible. The term ‘‘biblical exegesis’’ basically means ‘‘the process of interpreting the Bible.’’ The specific techniques employed in the exegesis of Scripture are usually referred to as ‘‘hermeneutics.’’

Imago Dei

Latin term for “image of God.” According to Genesis 1:26, God created humanity in the image of God.

Justification by Faith

The section of Christian theology dealing with how the individual sinner is able to enter into fellowship with God. The doctrine was to prove to be of major significance at the time of the Reformation. The narrow and precise notion of justification in the Old and New Testaments was developed more broadly throughout Christian history to include aspects beyond what is found in Scripture.

Orthodoxy

A term used in a number of senses, of which the following are the most important: orthodoxy in the sense of ‘‘right belief,’’ as opposed to heresy; Orthodoxy in the sense of the forms of Christianity which are dominant in Russia and Greece; Orthodoxy in the sense of a movement within Protestantism, especially in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century, which laid emphasis upon the need for doctrinal definition.

Perichoresis

A term relating to the doctrine of the Trinity, often also referred to by the Latin term circumincessio. The basic notion is that all three persons of the Trinity mutually share in the life of the others, so that none is isolated or detached from the actions of the others.

Pneumatology 

The section of Christian theology dealing with the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Greek: pneuma).

Revelation 

an unveiling or making known of what is otherwise unknown. In Jesus Christ and the Scriptures, God graciously makes himself known to humanity. The sources of revelation are typically divided into two—general and special revelation. General revelation is that knowledge which is available to all people at all times from creation, history, and the makeup of human nature. Special revelation is God’s particular revelation of Himself through specific events, especially His revelation in Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.

Soteriology

The section of Christian theology dealing with the doctrine of salvation (Greek: sotēria).

Theology

The study of the knowledge of God. Sources for theology include the Bible, Christian

tradition, reason, and experience, with Scripture being the supreme authority.

Trinity

The distinctively Christian doctrine of God, which reflects the complexity of the Christian experience of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The doctrine is usually summarized in maxims such as ‘‘three persons, one God.’’