Term
|
Definition
| A loosely based movement that includes numerous groups, churches, and philosophies that share common foundational beliefs. Its roots can be traced back to several unconventional religious ideologies including Theosophy (a pantheistic form of ancient Gnosticism) as well as the teaching of Phineas P. Quimby, a psychic healer who greatly influenced a number of mind-science cults (including Christian Science). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The belief that every species has arisen purely by evolution, but that evolution was guided by or enabled by God. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This theory argues that the Gen 1 creation is a relatively recent second creation after a cataclysm that destroyed the original (old). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This theory holds that God created in a series of interventions, possibly corresponding to the days in Gen 1, but perhaps not limited to them. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This is a form of the teleological argument. It begins with the existence of dozens of physical constants whose values are such that even the slightest change would create a world that could not support life. Since these conditions are so exact and improbable, they could not be mere coincidence. Therefore, this argument suggests a Designer. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In this doctrine, ultimate reality is entirely of one substance. Thus, the diversity of gods and religions throughout the world are manifestations of the ultimate reality. Pantheism and panentheism are monistic. (Atheism is also monistic, in that all is matter, but we are using the word for religious views where all is spirit) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This argues for biblical conclusions based on evidence in an inductive way, similar to the scientific method. The type of scientific method used is a forensic, which is similar to courtroom evidence. Forensic science collects evidence after the event (e.g. an autopsy) and seeks to find the most plausible explanation for the event. Such an argument does not claim to “prove” Christianity, but only to render it more probable than other alternatives. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This is the process, where inherited traits make it more likely for an organism to survive long enough to reproduce. It is a key mechanism of evolution. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This is an argument for the existence of a First Cause (or instead, and Uncaused cause) to the universe. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This argument, or "argument for design," is for the existence of God or a creator based on perceived evidence of order, purpose, design, or direction -or some combination of these- in nature. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This is the view that everything is part of an all-encompassing immanent God. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as "The Buddha." |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This word literally means release. It represents the liberation from the cycle of reincarnation; it is the Hindu version of heaven. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This literally means retribution. It indicates the consequences of one's actions in one life, are paid back in the next life. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This is the cycle of reincarnation or rebirth in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and other related religions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| These are the oldest of the Hindu scriptures (1500-500 BC). They are a compilation of more than 1,000 religious hymns. In later times, thay were considered to be a revelation from the Brahman (The ultimate source of being). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| "Song of the Lord;" has sometimes been called "the bible of Hinduism," because of its popular appeal. It features Krisha. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Came to be called Buddha ("enlightened one"), was the founder of the Buddhist religion. He was born in north-east India in 560 BC and died at the age of eighty. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Literally means to "blow out" in the sense of snuffing a candle. In Buddhist teaching, it is the state of being free from both suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Although the experience cannot be described, the basic concept of it is that self is extiguished. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| It is the theory of evolution, holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change. The significance of this theory is that the gaps in the fossil record are explained by these leaps forward in evolution, although no explanation is given for why these leaps occur. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This stresses the rational arguments for the existence of God and uses evidence to substantiate biblical claims and miracles. Arguments such as the cosmological, teleological, and ontological arguments are types of the classical apologetics. |
|
|
Term
| Inorganic Evolution/Abiogenesis |
|
Definition
| Refers to the change from non-living chemical compounds to the first living organism. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A theory that the entire world was created in six days just as it is today, less than ten thousand years ago. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This refers to how much weight of proof a particular debater must bear. As Christian apologists, we argue that we have no more of this than any other worldview. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The rapid appearance around 530 million years ago of most phyla on earth during a very short period of 5-10 million years. |
|
|
