GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Christology. The branch of systematic theology concerned with the person and work of
Christ.
Cynicism. Originally a counter-cultural movement in the Greco-Roman world which flouted accepted cultural norms and sought a life of freedom and simplicity.
epistemology. The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, justification, and scope of human knowledge.
eschatology. A branch of systematic theology concerned with “last things” such as the return of Christ, the general resurrection, Heaven and Hell, etc.
esoteric. Mysterious, secret, understood by a chosen few.
Gnosticism. A religious movement in the second and third centuries that devalued the physical world and believed that salvation was achievable through the acquiring of secret knowledge (Gr. gnosis).
henotheism. A variation on polytheism in which people who believe in the existence of multiple gods nevertheless devote themselves to the worship of one god.
historiography. The science and method of historical research.
hypostatic union. The union of two natures, one divine and one human, in the one person Jesus Christ.
kenosis theory. A view derived from a misreading of Philippians 2:7 which claims that Jesus divested himself of his divine attributes when he became a man
panentheism. A worldview in which God is seen as the spiritual force within the universe somewhat analogous to the relationship of a human soul to a human body.
pseudo-Christianity. Lit. “false Christianity.” The term refers to any group that claims to be Christian, but rejects one or more of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. Most Bible-based cults are pseudo-Christian.
polytheism. Belief in and worship of many gods. The opposite of monotheism (the belief in and worship of only one God).