Christianity

"Preferential option for the poor"

referred especially to a trend throughout biblical texts, where there is a demonstrable preference given to powerless individuals who live on the margins of society. The liberation theology movement fully embraced the concept, particularly when they closely associated the poor and vulnerable with Jesus himself. In Rerum Novarum, Leo XIII expanded the use of the "option for the poor" to include spiritual as well as material poverty.

"Frontier Christianity"

refers to the natural pioneering of the gospel among ethno-cultural and ethno-linguistic population segments where there is no indigenous church. Characteristics include a call to conversion, holy living aimed at perfection, public testimony, an uneducated clergy, and little established structure within the Church service.

Prosperity Theology-

the "feel good about yourself" theology that emphasizes working hard and how God wants us to succeed. Relates back to John Calvin and the protestant work ethic (how am I doing with my job, if I am successful, it could be a sign/assurance of election/monetary growth). It originated with the gifts of the spirit, meaning that faithfulness brings gifts. It is "feel good Christianity" or "Christian self help" meaning there is no preaching about sin, speaking in terms of "thou shalt" instead of "thou shalt not", emphasizing happiness, and an "I cannot be defeated" attitude.

Millenialists

the belief, expressed in the book of Revelation to John, the last book of the New Testament, that Christ will establish a 1,000-year reign of the saints on earth (the millennium) before the Last Judgment. William Miller and the millerites were millennialists who predicted the date for the world's end with a numerical way of reading the bible, eventually they give up predicting which was known as the "great disappointment"

Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum

the magna carta of Catholic social teachings, talks about the plight of workers, and emphasizes that family is the building block of society rather than the individual. Leo says that catholics will value work and benefit from their work. This also gives priests, nuns, and laypeople permission to go out and get involved with social issues.

Chinese Rites Controversy:

throughout the 17th century, the Catholic authorities in Rome hesitated about where to set boundaries with expanding Christianity. In China, there was controversy such as the proper name for God, ceremonies in honor of Confucius, and ancestor worship. Arguments were that these ceremonies were civil and not religious.

Holiness Movements:

Began with Methodists worrying that Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection was in danger of being ignored. They sought perfection in this world with an emphasis on sinlessness and love. They believed that Holiness was a completely attainable and necessary objective for Christians and everyone should be free of sin.

Bartolome de Las Casas:

Best known friar in the new world, first to be ordained a priest in the new world, questioned the morality of the enslavement of Native Americans, saw encomienda system was destroying the natives, regretted asking to import slaves from Africa rather than Spain, felt that the natives were Christians and should not be enslaved, encouraged priests to let slaveholders repent their sins if they let their slaves go.

Desert Fathers:

Group of upper/middle class people that abandoned everything to go live in caves. They felt their lives were un-fulfilled so they left society to carry out an ascetic lifestyle. It was mainly hermits and Monks who lived in desert of Egypt.

Megachurches:

Now make up about 10-15% of protestant churches in the US. They have a very casual atmosphere- often Starbucks coffee is served and people eat breakfast during service. They have the "come as you are" attitude and the dress code is very laid back. Mega churches are very loose on rules, so much so that they have been criticized for losing christian roots. They rarely talk about sin and hell and only discuss positive aspects of the religion.

95 Theses:

Occurring in 1517, this was the first big media event. It was written in Latin so the average person couldn't even read it. It was full of statements that were up for debate, including whether or not it was necessary for priests to be celibate.

Base Communities:

Small groups that formed in the parishes of Latin America, where the poor and their needs had often been ignored. The groups provide a place for discussion, mutual support, and common action.

Scholasticism:

Taking the truths uncovered by philosophers like Aristotle and showed how they were compatible with Christianity. In general, scholastic theology tried to harmonize faith with reason.

Act of Uniformity: (this is from wiki so take it as you wish)

The Act of Uniformity 1558 was an Act of the Parliament of England. It was actually passed in 1559. It set the order of prayer to be used in the English Book of Common Prayer. All persons had to go to church once a week or be fined 12 pence, a considerable sum for the poor.

Council of Trent:

The Council of Trent solidified the Roman Catholic Laws through sacraments and hierarchy. They rejected Luther's Principles.

"The Fundamentals"

The Fundamentals is a twelve volume set of essays outlining orthodox Christian doctrine that was influential in the early U.S. fundamentalist movement circa 1910. The books contain ninety essays, many by recognized Christian scholars of the day, on topics such as basic doctrine, inerrancy of Scripture, and errors in unorthodox groups such as Mormons and Christian Science. From 1910 to 1916 they were distributed free of charge, primarily to churches in the United States

Letter from Birmingham Jail

King spent eight days in his cell. During that time he composed his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." The letter was ostensibly conceived in response to a letter that had recently run in a local newspaper, which had claimed that the protests were "unwise and untimely"; however, King also quite deliberately wrote his letter for a national audience. The letter reveals King's strength as a rhetorician and his breadth of learning. It alludes to numerous secular thinkers, as well as to the Bible (the prophets of the eighth century B.C. (who) left their villages and carried their 'thus saith the Lord' far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Amos and Jesus Christ on multiple occasions)

Papal States:

Large territory in central and northern Italy that the popes had governed directly since the eighth century. After fifty years of revolutions and wars, the Papal States finally were captured and the King Victor Emmanuel II unified Italy.

Liberal Protestantism:

Liberal reflects attitudes in continuity with Enlightenment thought. It reflects an attempt to incorporate modern thinking and developments, especially in the sciences, into Christianity. Liberals tend to emphasize ethics over doctrine while stressing man's freedom--humanism.

Rule of St. Benedict:

Little is known about St. Benedict other than the fact that he dedicated his life to developing a monastic community as a hermit living in a cave. His rules consisted of taking vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability. They gathered eight times a day for community prayer.

Church of England:

Made up of Anglicans ("Anglo-Catholic"). Henry VIII wanted to appoint bishops in Spain but needed permission to do so by the Pope. It was very important that he was the one to appoint to the bishops because the bishops made up Parliament (legislative body) and he had to deal with that group a lot when it came to political decisions. When he wasn't granted this power, he broke and the King of England became head of the church.

Apostolates:

The apostolates of the Monks is their mission. They wanted to teach others their views as well as run hospitals. In addition they adapted rules of Benediction when it came to how much work they do and when they pray.

Nostra Aetate:

A Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions issued by the Second Vatican Council. It affirms that the Catholic Church respects all that is true and holy in any religion. In addition it notes that Jews, Muslims and Christians all worship the same God, and it condemns any form of discrimination based on race or religion.

Syllabus of Errors:

A document that was issued by Pope Pius IX that consisted of eighty condemned propositions concerning topics like freedom of religious, separation of church and state, and the temporal power of the pope. It provided an overture for the First Vatican Council.

Humanism

A literary and historical movement to recover the Latin and Greek classics and with them to discover a more secular and individualistic view of humanity. A philosophy that focuses on and exalts humanity.

Pentecostalism:

A product of the Holiness movements. An intensely charismatic type of Christianity that is now growing faster than any other type of Christianity. All different types of Pentecostalism groups believe that "Spirit Baptism" must be manifested as speaking in tongues, although spiritual gifts such as faith healing and prophecy are also expected fruits of the Spirit. It is known for having emotional prayer services.

Great Awakening:

A religious revival movement that swept through colonies in the 1740s. It created the template for all future revivalism in the United States, some even say it paved the way for the American Revolution. Religious zeal was stirred up in populations that had gotten too relaxed and comfortable amidst the economic opportunities of the new world.

Laicite:

A specific type of separation of church and state. There are absolutely no religious elements allowed in any sort of public setting. Muslims that are living in France are the ones that have been most affected by this law.

Mendicant Orders:

A type of religious order that emerged in the High Middle Ages. They were different than monks because they lived in towns and cities, begged for their livelihood, and performed whatever ministry needed to be done.

Freedom of a Christian

A very important essay that laid out Luther's beliefs of what it means to be a Christian and follower of Christ. It states that Christians are free from having to do good things that supposedly help the soul. He believes that all Christians are free through the body and soul, but doing things physically won't do anything to make you a better person. Basically, Luther feels that actions don't help the soul in anyway, so Christians are free from having to do good.

Our Lady of Guadalupe:

A vision of Mary that appeared to a native peasant in 1531 in Mexico City. In the vision he was instructed to tell the bishop to build a church on the site at Tepeyac. Three days later, he was instructed to pick flowers and take them to the bishop. As he opened his cloak to present the flowers, a rose not grown in Mexico fell out. On the rose was an imprinted image of the Virgin Mary, who is now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Biblicism and adiaphora:

Adiaphora is the idea that as long as it's not forbidden, why not use it? On the other hand, biblicism is very strict when it comes to moral code. There are no instruments, images, processions, rituals, or vestments in the liturgy service.

Aggioramento and ressourcement:

Aggioramento is an italian word that means "bringing up to date" and is used to describe Pope John's hopes for the council.

Society of Jesus (Jesuits):

The most influential of the new religious orders. Founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. They lived a simple lifestyle, relying on alms for their livelihood. Ignatius intended for this group to minister the poor and unbelievers as well as work with children who can't read or write.

Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association:

The officially tolerated version of Catholicism in China. The Chinese government keeps strict control over the Christian churches and even persecutes those that aren't approved by the communist party. The CCPA is not at present in communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

Pietism:

The promotion of a warm and personal relationship to Jesus through Bible study, prayer, works of charity, and supportive membership in small Christian communities. Originated from the disagreements of European Pietists.

Ulrich Zwingli

Ulrich accepted Luther's Principles, but the main difference in their teachings was that Ulrich believed that Jesus is not present in the blood and bread, and Eucharist is just a memorial service for Him.

Vatican I:

Vatican I council was the first Catholic ecumeenical council to be convened since the Council of Trent (300 years earlier). It's intention was to rally the Catholic world around the pope. Pope Pius IX convened it at a time when the Papal States were threatened by the movement to unify the Italian Peninsula into a single nation-state.

Thomas Aquinas:

Very influential theologian and Dominican friar. He was a professor at a university who wrote dozens of works of theology and philosophy. The thoughts and ideas that make up his works have revolutionized Christianity in the same way that Augustine's writings had in the 5th century. He caused a shift in the general theological orientation of Western Christianity from "Augustinian" to "Thomistic". He created a place where it was possible for science and God to be inter-created. His world views were followed by many.

Monastic vows:

Vows that all monks take. They believe in poverty, chastity, and obedience. They believe that they should own nothing materialistic, they must be celibate, and they must all always be obedient to their mentors. Additional vows consisted of stability (one monastery), silence (only some churches), as well as enclosure (never leaving the monastery).

Book of Common Prayer:

Written mostly by Thomas Granmer, first major liturgical document written in English, set a standard for English being the most popular language, written during the English Reformation, 1559

Matteo Ricci:

a Italian Jesuit, sought to confront the elite in China by learning their language and following their customs, in China, he dressed like a Confucian sage in a Jesuit style, was known for is memory export, support of the middle classes, used his talents to impress the Chinese with Christianity, "Doctor for the Great West Ocean" , remains the most celebrated foreign figure in Chinese literature.

Inculturation:

a term used to describe the process by which a religion "learns" to live and act within a culture different from the one in which it began, so that the religion gradually comes to act naturally within that culture's pattern of actions and thoughts.

Circuit Riders

ministers who would go around every 30 days by horse and would have class meetings along the way- clergyman who traveled on horseback from church to church, especially within a rural Methodist circuit.

Seven sacraments:

(Baptism, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation/Penance, Holy Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders) People receive grace through this, made in the twelfth century, each sacrament has symbolic ritual consisting of words and materials, the sacraments brace all moments of a Christian's life from birth to death

John Wesley:

An english theologian and reformer, Wesley was originally a member of the Church of England. He and his followers eventually broke away to form the Methodist Church. He advocated for a more lively form of religion, with more attention to personal spirituality, Bible study, and evangelistic preaching.

Schleitheim Articles (1527):

Consists of seven main topics. First, is the Repentance expressed in a believer's baptism, it states that there should be no infant baptism because the person should be able to say "I believe". Secondly, the ban/excommunication of sinners in the community. If someone commits a sin, they can still live in the community, but they aren't an active and participating member. This isn't seen as a punishment, but instead encouragement to change one's way of life. Next, the Lord's supper acts as a memorial meal. Also, it states that believers should be radically separate from the world because the world is corrupt and believers should not be associated with that kind of disorder. Also, it mentions the rejection of arms and holding office. Because Anabaptists are strict pacifists, they really want to be completely disconnected from the world. Finally, the rejection of all other oaths. They believe that your word with God should be your bond to him.

Separatist Puritans:

The Separatists, or Independents, were radical Puritans who, in the late sixteenth century, advocated a thorough reform within the Church of England. Dissatisfied with the slow pace of official reform, they set up churches outside the established order. A fundamental belief of the Separatists was the idea of the "gathered church" founded by the Holy Spirit, not man or the state.

Ad limina meetings-

The bishops' periodic visits to the Vatican, means "to the thresholds of the apostles" Peter and Paul, who were martyred in Rome. Traditionally, the visits serve as an occasion for leaders of local churches to draw inspiration as well as guidance from the center of Catholicism.

Cult of the Saint's/Relics:

The cult (system of religious beliefs and rituals) of the saints emerged in the 3rd century and gained momentum from the 4th to the 6th century. The bones of martyrs were believed to provide evidence of God's power at work in the world, producing miracles and spectacles of the effectiveness of faith. The martyrs had imitated Christ even unto death, and the remains of their holy bodies were thought to be points of contact between earth and heaven.

Society of Friends (Quakers):

They are often grouped with the peace churches, but they have a very different history and character, owing to their origin as a "brightright" church.

Evangelicals

They preach the good news and believe in the "born-again" experience (a new understanding of the way the world is, an insight to big questions), Jesus as savior (Jesus died for me so I will spend my life thanking him and being grateful for him), the bible as the truth (has answers), the mission orientation (telling their story and giving insight to others), and are very engaged in the world (believe in personal transformation and helping the local community and neighbors). Evangelicals are not a denomination, many people of many denominations are evangelical.

Social Gospel:

Those who adhered to a social gospel sought to apply Christian ethics to social problems such as poverty, slums, poor nutrition and education, alcoholism, crime, and war. These things were emphasized while the doctrines of sin, salvation, heaven and hell, and the future kingdom of God were downplayed. They believed Christ's Second Coming could not happen until humankind rid itself of social evils by human effort.

Feminist Critique of the Christian tradition

about Christian tradition and women in the church. Emphasized reappraisal of scripture and tradition (looking at scripture and tradition to see if they are certain biases because of the time-identify those biases), the liberating message (that we are all equal in the eyes of God and the importance of the passages that are positive for women), recovery of lost/suppressed voices (were their women whose voices did not get heard/were not listened to-the rediscovering of works that were lost/forgotten about), and new ritual/creative actualization (celebrating women, women would gather at meetings and have masses that emphasized them)