Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Axiology Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and classification of values. The term comes from the Greek words axios meaning worth or value, and logos meaning study or reasoned discourse. Axiology therefore examines what things are considered valuable, good, or worthy, …
The Meaning and Scope of Atonement The doctrine of atonement stands at the very center of biblical theology. It explains how sinful humanity is reconciled to a holy God through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Without the atonement, there is no gospel, no justification, and …
Asceticism in Christian theology refers to the practice of strict self-discipline, abstention, and self-denial, primarily aimed at achieving spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. Derived from the Greek word “askesis,” which means “exercise” or “training,” ascetic practices are rooted in the belief that renouncing physical …
Ascension The Ascension refers to the event in which Jesus Christ bodily returned to heaven after His resurrection, marking the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted reign at the right hand of God the Father. The Ascension occurred forty days after …
Definition and Core Meaning Apostasy refers to the deliberate abandonment, renunciation, or repudiation of the Christian faith after a person has previously professed belief in Christ. The term describes a decisive turning away from revealed truth, not merely a temporary lapse, intellectual doubt, or moral failure. …
Apologetics is the theological discipline that defends, explains, and commends the truth claims of the Christian faith through reasoned argument under the authority of Scripture. The word derives from the Greek term apologia, which refers to a defense or reasoned reply. In ministry settings apologetics names …
Apocrypha, Definition and Basic Sense The term Apocrypha is used in Christian theology to describe a body of ancient Jewish writings that stand outside the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament, yet were preserved and read in many Christian communities. The word is commonly associated with …
Anthropomorphism, Definition and Scope Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human form, human bodily features, or distinctly human capacities to God in order to speak about him in ways that finite creatures can grasp. The term comes from two Greek roots that mean “human” and “form,” and …
Animism Animism is a religious worldview that attributes spiritual essence, consciousness, or personal agency to natural objects, living creatures, and elements of the physical environment. Within animistic systems, spirits are believed to inhabit animals, plants, rivers, mountains, celestial bodies, and various material objects. These spirits are …
An angel is a created, personal, spiritual being who serves as a messenger and minister of God within the divine administration of creation. The term “angel” derives from the Greek word angelos, meaning messenger, which reflects the primary biblical function of these beings as agents who …