theology
She studied theology at Yale Divinity School.
theology = the study of religion
Definition
Generally theology means:the study of religion; or a particular system or school of religious beliefs
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
evangelist
Rick Warren may be today's most admired evangelist.†
evangelist = a Christian who tries to convince others to become Christian
Definition
Generally evangelist means:a Christian who tries to convince others to become Christian — especially on television, radio, or in large gatherings
or when qualified (such as "an ecosystem evangelist"): anyone who tires to convince others of something
or when qualified (such as "an ecosystem evangelist"): anyone who tires to convince others of something
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
ecclesiastical
Many consider The Bishop of Rome to be a first among equals in this ecclesiastical fraternity.
ecclesiastical = associated with a church
Definition
Generally ecclesiastical means:of or associated with a church — especially a Christian Church
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Judaism
Jerusalem is a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Judaism = the oldest of the three major monotheistic religions — whose believers are known as Jews
Definition
Generally Judaism means:the oldest of the three major monotheistic religions — having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud
Word Statistics
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
catholic
When the Apostles' Creed uses the word "catholic", it does not reference the church headed by the Pope, but rather a universal church.
catholic = universal; or inclusive of a wide range of people or interests
Definition
Generally this sense of catholic means:universal or inclusive of a wide range of people or interests
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
doctrine
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.
doctrine = principle
Definition
Generally doctrine means:a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
denomination
as in:
the Baptist denomination
Downtown synagogues, mosques and churches of various denominations joined to assist the homeless.
denominations = a group of religious congregations (such as churches, temples, masques...) sharing distinctive beliefs and belonging to the same organization
Definition
Generally this sense of denomination means:a group of religious congregations (such as churches, temples, masques...) sharing distinctive beliefs and belonging to the same organization
or more rarely (and less formally): any categorization of people
or more rarely (and less formally): any categorization of people
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
disciple
She was his favorite student and disciple.
disciple = someone who believes and helps to spread the teachings of another
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
testament
Her success raising numerous small contributions is testament to her popularity.
testament = evidence for something
or:
a statement of belief
or:
a will (written instructions expressing how somebody wants their property distributed after they die)
or:
either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible
or:
a statement of belief
or:
a will (written instructions expressing how somebody wants their property distributed after they die)
or:
either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
revelation
It was a revelation to me. Until they gave us those tests, I had no idea that I was better than most people at clerical accuracy.
revelation = something surprising and previously unknown
Definition
Generally this sense of revelation means:something that was previously unknown (and typically surprising); or making such a thing known
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
parable
Many people have heard the parable of the prodigal son.
parable = a short story told to teach a moral lesson — especially those told by Jesus in the New Testament
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
liturgy
She supports a more contemporary liturgy.†
liturgy = a specific form prescribed for public worship
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
baptism
She was baptized at the same church as her grandmother.
baptized = "spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony
Definition
Generally baptism means:a Christian ceremony signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth
or:
a challenging experience that initiates or purifies
or:
a challenging experience that initiates or purifies
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
Reformation
Most scholars date the reformation from Luther's 1517 publishing of The Ninety-Five Theses to the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia.†
Reformation = a series of Christian efforts to reform the Catholic Church which led to major protestant denominations separate than the Catholic Church
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
affirm
as in:
I affirm the statement
I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that these statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
affirm = state strongly (that something is true)
Definition
Generally this sense of affirm means:to firmly state that something is true
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
reign
as in:
She reigned over England
The arranged marriage solidified the alliance between two of Europe's most important reigning families.
reigning = ruling
Definition
Generally this sense of reign means:rule (like that of a king or queen); or the time during which one ruled
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
Protestant
Protestant churches deny universal authority of the Pope.
Protestant = any of the Western churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
Definition
Generally Protestant means:a member of or relating to any of the Western churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
temporal
as in:
temporal world
She focuses more on the spiritual while his main concern is with temporal existence.
temporal = concerned with the material (in contrast to the spiritual) world
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
repentance
Prisoners who show repentance are more likely to be released on parole.
repentance = regret for having done wrong with a desire to be a better person in the future
Definition
Generally repentance means:the feeling or expression of regret for having done something wrong with a firm decision to be a better person in the future
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
canon
as in:
a canonical requirement
Their actions violate the canon of proportional response.
canon = an official or established rule or principle; or a collection of such rules or principles (often in reference to rules or principles of a church)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
monk
a Tibetan monk wearing an orange robe
monk = a male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
monastery
Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries was the largest legally enforced transfer of property in English history since the Norman Conquest.
monasteries = the residences of religious communities
Definition
Generally monastery means:the residence of a religious community
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
gospel
3 meanings
as in:
gospel of the Bible
The earliest surviving complete copy of the gospels dates back to the 4th century.
gospels = books in the New Testament that Christian's believe tell the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings
Definition
Generally this sense of gospel means:the religious teachings of Jesus
or:
one of the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Christian's believe tell the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings
or:
one of the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Christian's believe tell the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
they consider it gospel
I heard her story, but I don't take it as gospel.
gospel = an unquestionable truth
Definition
Generally this sense of gospel means:a set of beliefs firmly held by a group
or:
an unquestionable truth
or:
an unquestionable truth
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
gospel music
She sings gospel music at church.
gospel = a type of vocal music that originated in African-American churches in the United States
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
testimony
Her emotional testimony moved the jury.
testimony = the statement of a witness at a trial
Definition
Generally testimony means:something that serves as evidence — especially a statement at a trial or hearing
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
Jerusalem
Palestinians demanded that Israel halt construction in East Jerusalem.
Jerusalem = capital and largest city of the modern state of Israel; a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
dwell
as in:
It dwells in the forest.
The creature dwells in the forest.
dwells = lives in
Definition
Generally this sense of dwell means:make one's home in; or to live in; or to stay (in a place)
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
parish
Are we talking about a governmental or a religious parish?
parish = a local church community
or in Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county
or in Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
New Testament
The dominant message of the New Testament is to love.†
New Testament = the second half of the Christian Bible which describes the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as other Christian teachings
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Old Testament
The Bible consists of the Old and New Testaments.†
Old and New Testaments = the collection of books comprising the sacred scripture of the Hebrews which is the first half of the Christian Bible
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
apostle
2 meanings
as in:
an apostle for the cause
an apostle of revolution
apostle = an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform
or:
any important Christian missionary — especially the first to a country or region
or:
any important Christian missionary — especially the first to a country or region
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
chosen by Jesus
Paul claimed the role of Apostle to the Gentiles.
Apostle = Christianity: one of the original 12 disciples (followers) chosen by Jesus Christ to preach his gospel
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Abraham
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam each revere Abraham as a founding patriarch.†
Abraham = religion: father of Isaac (Judaism and later Christianity) and of Ishmael (Islam); tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac; pleaded for Sodom and Gomorrah
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
pious
3 meanings
as in:
a good, pious woman
The cartoon with a drawing of Muhammad outraged many pious Muslims.
pious = highly religious
Definition
Generally this sense of pious means:religious or highly moral
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
a pious hypocrite
He was another pious slave owner who treated his slaves mercilessly.
pious = self-righteous (acting as though one is, or believing one is highly moral when it is not true)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
cling to the pious hope
She is clinging to the pious hope that everyone will just start to get along.
pious = sincerely felt, but highly unlikely
Definition
Generally this sense of pious means:(describing a hope or wish as) sincere, but highly unlikely
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
divine
as in:
to forgive is divine
Her pies are divine.
divine = wonderful
Definition
Generally this sense of divine means:wonderful; or god-like or coming from God
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
righteous
as in:
a righteous cause
The extremism is fed by unquestioned belief in the righteousness of their cause.
righteousness = moral correctness
Definition
Generally this sense of righteous means:morally correct; or morally justified
or:
acting or feeling morally superior — especially when it isn't true (this meaning is more typically seen as a compound word beginning with "self-")
or:
acting or feeling morally superior — especially when it isn't true (this meaning is more typically seen as a compound word beginning with "self-")
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
providence
On the eve of battle, he prayed that providence was in our favor.
providence = luck; or God's plan
Definition
Generally this sense of providence means:resulting from God's intervention or plan; or lucky — especially with regard to when something happened
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
secular
Many countries of the Middle East and North Africa maintain a dual system of secular courts and religious courts, in which the religious courts mainly regulate marriage and inheritance.
secular = non-religious
Definition
Generally secular means:not religious
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
ecumenical
It's an ecumenical organization that provides food and shelter to the homeless.†
ecumenical = pertaining to the working together in harmony of different religious groups
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
advent
as in:
it is Advent
Christians began celebrating Advent in the fourth century.
Advent = Christianity: the period that includes the four Sundays preceding Christmas
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
sacrament
Augustine defined a Christian sacrament as "a visible sign of an invisible reality."†
sacrament = an important Christian ceremony such as baptism or communion
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Jesuit
The University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is an outstanding college-prep school.
Jesuit = a member of the Society of Jesus (known for their schools and missionary work)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
clergy
Under labor law, the clergy can be required to uphold the beliefs of the religion they have chosen.
clergy = formal religious leaders (typically in Christianity)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
materialistic
She thinks Americans are too materialistic.†
materialistic = concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
atone
To atone for sins is a common religious theme.
atone = make up
Definition
Generally atone means:to fix or make up for a wrong — especially a sin (even if nothing can be done to make up for the wrong other than to show regret)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
monotheism
the three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
monotheistic = belief in a single God
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
polytheism
Polytheism was the typical form of religion during the Bronze Age and Iron Age.†
polytheism = belief in multiple Gods
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
deity
Literature is filled with references to Greek and Roman deities.
deities = gods and goddesses
Definition
Generally deity means:god or goddess
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
deify
He deified science, then poetry, and then returned to belief in God.†
deified = exalt to the position of a God
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
theist
An interesting combination — a theist married to an atheist.†
theist = a person who believes in the existence of a God or gods
or:
a person who believes God actively intervenes in daily life
or:
a person who believes God actively intervenes in daily life
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Anglican
He has no authority, but he asked Anglican vicars to retire if they don't believe in God.†
Anglican = referencing churches (or their members) whose traditions trace back to the Church of England
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
atheist
While many atheist decline any non-material reality, others have a spiritual outlook on life.
atheist = someone who does not believe in the existence of god
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
agnostic
He's agnostic — about the existence of God and the proof of any non-physical belief.
agnostic = someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something — especially belief in God
Definition
Generally agnostic means:a person who believes they lack true knowledge about the existence of God (but believes that God might exist)
or more rarely: someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something
or more rarely: someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
consecrate
The priest consecrated the chapel.
consecrated = made holy (typically by means of religious rites)
Definition
Generally consecrate means:make holy by means of religious rites
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Ascension
Many of the books of the New Testament describe Jesus' Ascension to heaven.†
Ascension = Christianity: celebration of the Ascension (rising) of Christ into heaven; observed on the 40th day after Easter
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
trinity
as in:
the Christian trinity
In the popular novel, The Shack, three characters represent the Trinity.†
trinity = Christian description of three simultaneous forms of God: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (that provides strength and guidance to Christians)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was dismayed at atrocities committed in his name during the Peasants' War.†
Martin Luther = German theologian who led the Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Lutheran, Protestant and other Christian traditions with his belief that salvation comes from personal faith (not deeds) and does not require mediation from the church (1483-1546)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas was posthumously excommunicated, but later pronounced a saint.†
Thomas Aquinas = exceedingly influential philosopher who greatly furthered Catholic reconciliation of faith and reason (1225-1274)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
omnipotent
When I was young, I believed in the myth of omnipotent science, technology and logic.
omnipotent = all powerful
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
omniscient
She believes God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.
omniscient = all-knowing; i.e., to know everything
Definition
Generally omniscient means:all-knowing (to know everything)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
omnipresent
She believes God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.†
omnipresent = being present everywhere at once
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
beatitude
Her favorite Beatitude is "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."
beatitude = one of the nine sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount
Definition
Generally beatitude means:a state of supreme happiness
or:
one of the nine sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount — each of which begin with the word "blessed" ("beatus" in Latin)
or:
one of the nine sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount — each of which begin with the word "blessed" ("beatus" in Latin)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
John the Baptist
I was moved by Rodin's sculpture of Saint John the Baptist.†
John the Baptist = New Testament: a preacher and hermit and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized); beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Apocrypha
Since 1826, most protestant Bibles have excluded the Apocrypha.†
Apocrypha = books which were included in the Roman Catholic version of the Old Testament but not accepted in the Hebrew or Protestant Bibles
or more rarely:
early Christian writings never included in any version of the Bible
or more rarely:
early Christian writings never included in any version of the Bible
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Francis of Assisi
El Greco's painting, Saint Francis in Prayer, is recognized by many art lovers.†
Saint Francis = an Italian and the Roman Catholic monk who founded the Franciscan order (1181-1226)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
anguish
I felt unbearable anguish when my 4-year-old child died from brain cancer.
anguish = extreme pain
Definition
Generally anguish means:extreme pain, suffering, or distress (of body or mind)
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
Puritans
The Pilgrims who we remember on Thanksgiving were Puritans.
Puritans = English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries wanted more purity and less ritual in worship, and who stressed hard work above pleasure
Definition
Generally Puritans means:English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries wanted more purity and less ritual in worship, and who stressed hard work above pleasure
(a Protestant is any of the Western Christian religious denominations that broke off from the Catholic Church. In the US, the bets known are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians.)
(a Protestant is any of the Western Christian religious denominations that broke off from the Catholic Church. In the US, the bets known are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
dogma
he believed all the Marxist dogma†
dogma = a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Quakers
Quakers are known for their pacifism.†
Quakers = members of the Religious Society of Friends (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
Definition
Generally Quakers means:a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
invocation
Any invocations must be done so they do not advance any particular faith or belief.†
invocations = a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
crusade
as in:
First Crusade to Jerusalem
Resentments date back to the Crusades.
Crusades = any of the more or less continuous military expeditions in the 11th to 13th centuries when Christian powers of Europe invaded Muslims in the Holy Land in the Middle East
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Holy Communion
There are those who would like to deny Holy Communion to pro-choice politicians, but most see such a policy as violating the separation of church and state.
Holy Communion = sharing of bread and wine to remember Jesus' death (also called Eucharist)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Eucharist
Though to most Christians there is no distinction between the Catholic and Protestant view of the Eucharist, Protestants are not supposed to take communion at Catholic services.†
Eucharist = sharing of bread and wine to remember Jesus' death (also called Holy Communion)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
blaspheme
Did she blaspheme against the Prophet Muhammad?†
blaspheme = utter obscenities or profanities; or to speak disrespectfully of something considered sacred
Definition
Generally blaspheme means:utter obscenities or profanities; or to speak disrespectfully of something considered sacred — especially of God or religion
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
apostasy
Are there governments that still punish apostasy with death?†
apostasy = renouncing one's religion or (less precisely) political party or other cause
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
apostate
When apostates are executed in the Muslim world, it is usually done by non-governmental groups operating with impunity from the government.†
apostates = someone who abandoned their religion
or:
someone not faithful to a cause or a friend
or:
someone not faithful to a cause or a friend
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
serene
While I lie awake worrying, she sleeps serenely.
serenely = calmly and peacefully
Definition
Generally serene means:calm and untroubled
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
John Calvin
During Calvin's lifetime, executions for heresy were common, but not in Geneva.†
Calvin = arguably the greatest theological thinker of the Reformation whose legacy includes Calvinism and Presbyterianism (1509-1564)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Middle East
It is as likely as fair weather in southern California and unrest in the Middle East.†
Middle East = a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf (though there is no agreement on an exact to definition)
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
epistemology
Her faith and reason led her to study epistemology.†
epistemology = the study of how we know what we know
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
tithe
Although she no longer attends services, she still tithes.
tithes = donates 10% of income to a church
Definition
Generally tithe means:to donate a portion of one's income — especially a tenth of income to a church; or the amount given
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
prodigal son
The prodigal son returns.†
prodigal son = one of the most famous parables in the New Testament — often referenced as an example of love and forgiveness of one who repents for wrong-doing
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
venial
If it was a sin, it was venial.
venial = easily excused or forgiven
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Calvinism
The doctrine of predestination is probably the most controversial aspect of Calvinism.†
Calvinism = the theological system of John Calvin and his followers emphasizing omnipotence of God and salvation by grace alone
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Francis Xavier
Francis Xavier died before reaching the Chinese mainland.†
Francis Xavier = famous Catholic missionary who (with Ignatius) helped found the Society of Jesus (commonly known as the Jesuits) and who spread Christianity to the East (1506-1552)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
recusant
a recusant imprisoned in the Tower of London†
recusant = history: a Catholic who broke the law by refusing to attend services of the Church of England between the 16th and 18th centuries
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent ended the sale of indulgences.†
Council of Trent = a council of the Roman Catholic Church convened between 1545 and 1563 to examine and condemn the teachings of Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers; redefined the Roman Catholic doctrine, abolished various ecclesiastical abuses, and strengthened the papacy
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Thomas More
The film, A Man for all Seasons is based on the life of Thomas More.
Thomas More = English statesman who accepted execution rather than take an oath against his beliefs; executed by Henry VIII; coined the word "utopia" (1478-1535)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Age of Reason
The Age of Reason saw a separation of philosophy and theology.†
Age of Reason = a movement in the 17th century that advocated the use of reason in the reappraisal of accepted ideas and social institutions — especially in Britain, France, & Germany
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Saint Peter
Jesus invited the fisherman, Peter (Simon Peter), to become a fisher of men.†
Simon Peter = most prominent of the disciples of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the first Pope; crucified (?-c. ad 64)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition had precedents in earlier Inquisitions.†
Spanish Inquisition = Spanish investigation and punishment of those who were not good Catholics — noted for its cruelty in the 16th century
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920.†
Joan of Arc = French heroine and military leader inspired by religious visions to organize French resistance to the English; captured by the English, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake when she was 19 years old (1412-1431)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
stigmata
Stigmata are primarily associated with the Roman Catholic faith.†
stigmata = marks resembling the wounds on the crucified body of Christ
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
road to Damascus
It was a road to Damascus moment for me.†
road to Damascus = one's "road to Damascus" references a life-changing revelation (so-named because of the Christian story of Paul's trip to Damascus)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
hubris
It is another example of hubris preceding a fall.
hubris = excessive pride and confidence
Definition
Generally hubris means:excessive pride, arrogance, or confidence
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Desiderius Erasmus
As Erasmus said, "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king."†
Erasmus = Dutch humanist and theologian who was the leading Renaissance scholar of northern Europe; although his criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church were instrumental to the Reformation, he opposed violence and condemned Martin Luther (1466-1536)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Methuselah
He's as old as Methuselah.
Methuselah = Old Testament: grandfather of Noah who is said to have lived 969 years
Definition
Generally Methuselah means:Old Testament: grandfather of Noah who is said to have lived 969 years
or more rarely: a man who is very old
or more rarely: a man who is very old
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |