Theological Glossary
Adaptation (theory of)
It's about the principle, particularly linked to the name of Calvino, according to which God reveals himself in words and images that are suited to human abilities
of visualization and understanding. Writing, then, it must not be understood in its literal meaning at every point; it often uses a language composed of non-literal ideas and images, sigurate. This principle is of considerable importance in understanding how Calvinism has come to look favorably on the new natural sciences, especially astronomy; biblical literalism was overcome, as considered an obstacle to this new field of human research.
Adiaphora
It literally means: "Indifferent things". It refers to beliefs or practices that the Reformers considered acceptable, neither being refused, nor explicitly recommended in Scripture. For example, the dress that ministers wore during worship was generally considered "irrelevant", and therefore changes could be admitted that did not affect the fundamental principles of faith. This concept was important because it allowed the Reformers to adopt a pragmatic attitude towards various beliefs and practices, thus avoiding many unnecessary contrasts. Calvino, for example, he was ready to adopt this attitude on the problem of bishops.
Augustinianism
It is a word that has two main meanings. In the first place it refers to the views of Augustine of Hippo on the doctrine of salvation, in which he emphasizes the need for divine grace. From this point of view it is the opposite of "Pelagianism". Secondly, it is used to indicate the set of doctrines supported by the Augustinian order during the Middle Ages, regardless of whether such views can be attributed to Augustine or not.
Anabattismo, o anabattisti
Literally it means "re-baptism", and "re-baptizers", is a term used by opponents and referring to the radical wing of the Reformation, which was based on the thinking of men like Balthasar Hubmaier and Menno Simons. The "radicals" generally upheld the right of every person to freely interpret Scripture, refused the interference of civil authorities in the sphere of religious matters and adopted a critical attitude towards most social institutions, existing religious and political.
Anti-Pelagiani (writings)
These are Augustine's writings which refer to the controversy against Pelagius and in which he defends his views on grace and predestination.. If you see: «pelagianesimo».
Apostolic (it was apostolic)
For the humanists, as for the reformers, this term indicates the period of history of the Christian church that goes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ (circa 30-33 D.C.) at the death of the last of the apostles (circa 90 D.C.?). The circles of the humanists and the Reformers believed that the doctrines and practices of that period were normative.
Arminianesimo
It is a Calvinist "heresy", linked to the name of Jakob Armiius. Contrasting with Theodore of Beza, who held that all human beings are individually predestined to eternal life or death, Arminius taught that predestination refers to the general divine decree, with the consequence that all those who believe will be saved. Arminianism was explicitly rejected by the Synod of Dordrecht (1618-19).
Calvinism
It is an ambiguous term that has two very different meanings. It primarily refers to the religious beliefs of religious bodies (like the reformed churches) or of individuals (like Theodore of Beza) who were strongly influenced by John Calvin or his writings. Since Calvinism also refers to theological authors other than Calvin, the use of the term can create some confusion. In this case, many authors prefer the expression "Reformed theology". Secondly, it refers to the religious ideas of Calvin himself. For this second meaning it is better to use the term "Calvinian".
Catechism
It is a popular manual of Christian doctrine, usually in the form of questions and answers, and intended for religious education. The Reformation had emphasized the importance of religious education and saw the flourishing of many, important catechisms, among which the Small and the Great Luther's Catechism should be particularly noted (1529), Calvin's Catechism of Geneva (1545) and the famous Heidelberg Catechism (1563), reformed.
Consistory
It is a Geneva ecclesiastical institution, created by Calvino with his Ordinances of the 1541, probably derived from the marriage courts of the Middle Ages, who was responsible for ecclesiastical discipline in Geneva. The extension of the competence of this ecclesiastical body was the subject of serious controversy in Geneva in the 1540s and 1550s.. By extension it indicates the governing body expressed by a reformed church.
Confession, confessionalism
This term refers first of all to the act of recognizing one's sin, but, during the sixteenth century, it had acquired a very different meaning, that is, that of a document that expressed the principles of faith of a given church. So, for example, the Augustan Confession (1530) expresses the ideas of early Lutheranism, while the First Helvetic Confession (1536) it manifests the convictions of the first Reformed churches (see 12.3). Today the term "confession" indicates one of the great traditions into which Christianity is divided: Catholics, Protestants, orthodox. The term «confessionalism> it is often used to indicate the stiffening of different religious attitudes towards the end of the sixteenth century, in the period of the so-called "second Reform", when Lutheran and Reformed churches got involved, especially in Germany, in a tough struggle to prevail.
Christology
It is about that section of Christian theology that deals with the identity of Jesus Christ and particularly with the problem of the relationship between his human and divine natures, The Christological Doctrine, as well as the doctrine of the trinity (except for a limited disagreement between Luther and Zwingli in Marburg in 1529), they did not enter the critical debate of the Reformation, because they were not questioned.
Sermon on the Mount, or Sermon on the Mount
It is the conventional name to indicate the moral and pastoral teachings of Jesus in the specific form given to them in the chapters gives 5 a 7 of the Gospel of Matthew.
Donatism
Sectarian movement of North Africa in the late classical period (opposed by Augustine of Hippo), which demanded strict behavior from church members, including their eventual new baptism. He also argued that the sacrament celebrated by a morally unworthy minister was ineffective.
Ecclesiology
This is the section of Christian theology that deals with the doctrine of the church (in greek: ecclesia = assembly). At the time of the Reformation, the debate focused on the question of whether Protestant churches could be considered a continuation of the mainstream of Christianity; in other words, if they were a reformed version of Christianity of all time or if they were something totally new, without relationship with the previous ones 1500 years of Christian history.
"Eiguenots"
Pro-Bernese faction present in Geneva before the revolution of 1535. The word is the result of the corruption of the Swiss-German word Eidgnoss, "Confederate", that is Swiss. The term "Huguenot", that derives from it, ended up indicating the French Reformed (v. Huguenots).
Heresy
Formal denial of any central doctrine, already defined, of the Christian faith. From the historical point of view, But, heresies did not have only an intellectual origin; they were often a response to particular social or political pressures. So, for example, Donatism was partly the reaction of the Berbers, natives of northern Africa, against the Roman colonists, while Hussitism was closely linked with the emergence of Bohemian nationalism.
Hermeneutics
These are the principles that inform interpretation, or exegesis, of a text, in particular of a biblical passage. In the first phase of the Reformation, several different ways of interpreting Scripture developed, which derived from both humanism and scholasticism. At the beginning Zwingli used a hermeneutic scheme derived from Erasmusian humanism, and Luther of a scheme derived from scholastic theology.
Exegesis
is the science of interpreting texts, usually referring specifically to biblical texts. The expression "biblical exegesis" essentially means "the process of interpreting the Bible". The specific techniques used in the exegesis of Scripture are usually called "hermeneutics".
Evangelical, -i, evangelism
These are terms used to indicate the first reformist religious movements, in the context of Catholicism, especially in Germany, in France, in Switzerland and Italy, between 1510 and the 1530. This term was later replaced by that of "Protestant", following the events of the Diet of Speyer (1529), although the latter term had connotations closely linked to the German religious situation of that time.
Justification by faith (doctrine of the)
It is that section of Christian theology that concerns the way in which the individual sinner can enter into communion with God. This doctrine, of capital importance to Luther and his colleagues from Wittenberg - more exactly: "Justification by grace by faith alone" - aroused little interest among the Swiss Reformers, such as Zwingli, and later Calvino. As far as the first wave of the Reformation (particularly linked to Luther) placed this doctrine at the center of theological reflection, the second (that linked in particular to Calvino) he focused primarily on topics relating to ecclesiastical order and discipline.
"We created the habit»
A concept introduced by 13th century writers, like Thomas Aquinas, which designates the intermediate status between God and human nature in the process of salvation. Because God could not "deal" directly with fallen human nature, it was argued that it was necessary to determine an intermediate status between divinity and humanity, as a kind of "bridgehead", from which the process of salvation could proceed until its completion. This intermediate state was known as the "created state of grace".
Intellectualism
It deals with, according to medieval thinking, of the belief that the divine intellect takes precedence over the divine will. An intellectualistic approach to human merits is based on the belief that the divine intellect recognizes the moral value inherent in human action, therefore reserve him a proportional meritorious value. This approach will be countered by voluntarism, which gave priority to the divine will.
Lefèvriano
These are the "reforming" positions linked to the program of Jacques Lefèvre d’Etaples (faber Stapulensis), which took on particular importance in Paris and elsewhere in France in the 1920s. Although he had developed theological positions that anticipated those of later Protestant Reformers, in particular on the authority and interpretation of Scripture, Lefèvre did not believe that these implied a break with the Roman Catholic Church. It was a movement for reform within the church. Sometimes the term fabriano is also found (by Faber).
Liturgy
The written text of public cults, especially of the Eucharist. In the Reformation the liturgy was fixed on the basis of theology, therefore reforming the liturgy was considered a particularly important fact.
Luteranesimo
These are the religious conceptions of Martin Luther, expressed particularly in the Small and Large Catechisms (1529) and in the Augustan Confession (1530). After Luther's death (1546) there were various contrasts within Lutheranism, between the hard line (the so-called "Gnesian-Lutherans" or "Flacians" - by Flacio Illirico) and moderates ("Philippians" - by Filippo Melantone) which were resolved with the Concordia Formula (1577), usually considered the most authoritative definition of Lutheran theology.
«Magisterial Reformation» (Reform supported by official authorities, o "Classical Reform")
The term refers to the Lutherans and the Reformed to distinguish them from the radical wing: the Anabaptists and the spiritualists. The term indicates the positive attitude towards (<magistrates " (civil and political authorities of cities), characteristic of Luther, Zwingli, Bucero and Calvino.
Mamelucchi
The Genevan pro-Savoyard party, before the revolution of 1535.
Nicodemus
A derogatory term that refers to those evangelicals in a Catholic context, especially in France, in Spain or Italy, who were reluctant to publicly draw attention to their faith for fear of the consequences that would follow. It comes from Nicodemus, who visited Jesus at night so as not to be noticed.
Nominalism
Strictly speaking, it is the theory of knowledge that is opposed to realism. But it is a word still used in reference to the modern way.
patristico, –a
As an adjective it is used to indicate the first five centuries of church history following the writings of the New Testament ("The patristic period"), or about thinkers who wrote at that time (the "patristic writers", o «padri»). The Reformers designate the period from the year with that name 100 (circa) al 451, that is from time (alleged) of the last New Testament writings at the Council of Chalcedon. The Reformers tended to consider the New Testament, and in a subordinate way the patristic writings, as normative for Christian faith and practice.
Pelagianesimo
It is a conception of how human beings can deserve salvation, which is diametrically opposed to that of Augustine of Hippo; emphasizes the importance of human works and diminishes the importance of divine grace. It was condemned by some councils of the fifth and sixth centuries.
Predestinazione
It is the doctrine that God has predetermined the final destiny of individuals. The most common form of this doctrine - predestined to life, or predestination to life - treated predestination as a mystery by which God was directly involved in the salvation of believers, even before they came to faith. The most radical form of the doctrine, linked to schola augustiniana modern, to Calvin and later Calvinism, was known as predestined gem, "Double predestination". According to this doctrine, It gave, in a sovereign act of will, he predetermined the final fate of all, both believers and non-believers. Many Calvinist authors were convinced that this doctrine was a very strong affirmation of God's sovereignty over creation.
Scriptural principle
And the theory, peculiar in particular to the theologians of the classical Reformation, that the beliefs and practices of the church must be founded on Scripture. Nothing could be considered binding on believers if it could not be proved that it was founded on Scripture. The Latin expression alone Scripture, "On the basis of Scripture only", summarizes this principle.
Protestant
Term used following the Diet of Speyer (1529) to indicate those who "protested" against the resolutions of the Catholic majority e, afterwards, against certain practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. Before 1529 individuals or groups who had such ideas designated themselves as "evangelicals".
Puritanesimo
Term with a very broad meaning, generally used to refer to that form of Calvinism present in particular in England, and later in America, in the late 16th and 17th centuries- XVIII. They were so called because they intended to "purify" the church of their time.
Classical reform
In English «Magisterial Reformation»: a term that refers to the Lutherans and the Reformed to distinguish them from the radical wing: the Anabaptists and spiritualists.
Radical reform
Term used more and more often to indicate the Anabaptist movement, ie the "left wing" of the Reformation, which generally gave a negative evaluation of the civil authority, and sometimes he took a radical stance on the subject of property (communism). It was generally considered a destabilizing factor by the City Councils, especially in Zurich and Strasbourg.
Sacramento
From a purely historical point of view it is a rite or act of worship that is believed to have been instituted by Jesus Christ himself. Medieval theology and ecclesiastical practice had identified seven sacraments, but the reformers pointed out that only two of them (baptism and Lord's Supper) they are mentioned in the New Testament as instituted by Jesus. The doctrine of the sacraments proved to be a reason for division: with Luther and Zwingli who could not find an agreement between them on the form of Christ's presence at the act of the Supper. Calvin's theology of the sacraments is generally regarded as irenic, as he proposed a mediation between those two positions.
Schism
A deliberate rupture of the unity of the church, strongly condemned by the most important writers of the ancient church, such as Cyprian and Augustine. The Donatist controversy centered on the question of the legitimacy of a group, dissatisfied with the behavior of the church or its leaders, to separate from it and found their own sect. The Reformers were branded as "schismatics" or "sectarians" by their opponents, with the consequence of being in a very difficult situation, in that they maintained Augustine's positions on grace, but they did not take into account his point of view on the unity of the church.
"Modern Augustinian School"
A late medieval scholasticism that emphasized the Augustinian doctrine of grace and adopted a nominalist stance on the question of universals.
Scotismo
The scholastic philosophy associated with the name of Duns Scotus.
seventy, or Seventy (LXX)
The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible dating from the 3rd century BC. (usually cited: LXX), attributed to seventy wise men. A broader canon followed (called "Alexandrian") than the Jewish one, that is, it included some recent books, written in Greek, said by Catholics "Deuterocanonical" (of the second canon) and by the "apocryphal" Protestants.
Sodality
It is usually used in reference to groups of humanists from different cities and universities in northern Europe, at the turn of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. For example the solidalitas collimitiana which gathered in Vienna around Giorgio Collimitius or the solidalitas staupitziana uriitasi in Nuremberg around Johannes von Staupitz.
Sorbonne
In its most exact meaning, refers to the Collège de la Sorbonne, one of the most important and ancient colleges that made up the University of Paris. In the 16th century the name was normally used in a derogatory form, to indicate the Faculty of Theology of the University of Paris.
Soteriology
That sector of Christian theology that deals with the doctrine of salvation (the greek: soter(a).
States, general states
It is a term that refers to the upper strata of French society: the first state was formed by the high clergy, the second from the nobility, the third of the bourgeoisie. Representatives of the three states met in the States General (general states).
Terminism
A more precise form to indicate "nominalism".
Thomism, "The way Thomas»
The scholastic philosophy that refers to Thomas Aquinas.
Transustanziazione
The medieval Catholic doctrine according to which the bread and wine in the Eucharist are transformed, at the time of consecration, in the "substance" of the body and blood of Christ, while maintaining their external appearance unchanged (the "accidents").
Turmerlebnis
German word that exactly means "the experience of, or in the, tower" and which is often used to indicate the moment in which Luther made his theological discovery. In a rear one (and a little confused) reminiscent of that event, Luther says that it took place in a tower of the Augustinian convent in Wittenberg (which later became his home and which now houses the Luther Museum). Hence the mention of the "tower".
Huguenots
Term used to refer to the French Calvinists, especially during the wars of religion.
Humanism
The general trend, closely linked to the Renaissance, to consider the classical style as normative and the study of classical literature as a means of promoting that style in the present. Renaissance humanism was not a secular movement, nor atheist, as the modern use of the term might suggest.
Universal
An abstract or general concept (by it. "whiteness") considered as if it existed in reality or in the intellect (cf.. "Via antiqua"). The central aspect of terminism (or nominalism) it is the negation of universal tales.
"Via antiqua"
It designates those forms of scholastic philosophy, like Thomism and Scotism, who adopted a realistic stance on the question of universals.
«Via modern»
It is used in two ways. Indicates, in the first place, those forms of scholastic philosophy which adopted a nominalist position in the question of universals, in contrast with the realism of the via antiqua (see 4.3.1). The second meaning, more important, indicates that form of scholasticism (formerly called "nominalism"), which is based on the writings of William of Ockham and his followers, such as Pierre d’Ailly and Gabriel Biel.
Voluntarism
And the medieval doctrine according to which the divine will precedes the divine intellect. A voluntary approach to human merit holds that God, with an act of his will, determine what the meritorious value of a specific human action will be. The intrinsic moral value of this action is considered irrelevant; what matters is the value that God attributes to it of his will. This approach will be fought by intellectualism, which assigns priority to the divine intellect. Calvino, along with the majority of his contemporaries, it tended towards voluntarism.
Translation:
The Latin translation of the Bible, largely derived from Jerome, and on which much of medieval theology was based. Strictly speaking the
Vulgate is the translation that Jerome made of the Old Testament (except the Psalms which were taken from the Gallican Psalter), of the apocryphal books (save Wisdom, the Ecclesiastical, I and TI Maccabei and Baruch, which were taken by Vettis Latina) and of the whole New Testament. Recognition of its numerous inaccuracies was of the greatest importance to the Reformation.
Zwinglianesimo
The term, rarely found in Italian, refers to the thought of Hulldrych Zwingli, but it is often used to indicate his own more specifically
conception of the sacraments and especially of the "presence" of Christ in the Lord's Supper (which by Zwingli was meant only in a symbolic sense).
