Glossary
Faith has its own vocabulary, and unfamiliar words shouldn't be a barrier. Every term here is defined in everyday language.
The reasoned defense of a belief. In a Christian context, explaining and giving evidence for the faith — not apologizing for it.
The teaching that Jesus' death reconciles people to God, repairing a broken relationship.
The collection of books recognized as authoritative Scripture. The New Testament canon settled over the first few centuries.
A learner or follower. Used for those who followed Jesus and committed to his teaching.
In Christian usage, trust placed in God after weighing evidence and experience — not belief without reason.
Literally 'good news.' Also the name for the four accounts of Jesus' life: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Unearned favor or kindness. The idea that God's acceptance is given freely, not earned by merit.
The teaching that God took on human nature in the person of Jesus.
A handwritten copy of a text. The New Testament survives in thousands of manuscripts, allowing scholars to compare them.
Hebrew for 'anointed one' (Greek: 'Christ'). The promised deliverer in Jewish expectation; Christians identify Jesus as this figure.
A short story used by Jesus to illustrate a truth, often with an unexpected turn.
A change of mind and direction — turning away from wrongdoing and toward God.
The return to life of Jesus after his death — the central claim of Christianity.
Being rescued or made whole; in Christian thought, restored relationship with God and freedom from sin's hold.
Sacred writings regarded as authoritative. For Christians, the Bible.
Moral wrongdoing understood as a breaking of relationship with God and others, not merely rule-breaking.
A first-hand account. Historians weigh the testimony of early witnesses when assessing the gospels.
The Christian understanding of one God in three persons — Father, Son, and Spirit.
Glossary
Faith has its own vocabulary, and unfamiliar words shouldn't be a barrier. Every term here is defined in everyday language.
The reasoned defense of a belief. In a Christian context, explaining and giving evidence for the faith — not apologizing for it.
The teaching that Jesus' death reconciles people to God, repairing a broken relationship.
The collection of books recognized as authoritative Scripture. The New Testament canon settled over the first few centuries.
A learner or follower. Used for those who followed Jesus and committed to his teaching.
In Christian usage, trust placed in God after weighing evidence and experience — not belief without reason.
Literally 'good news.' Also the name for the four accounts of Jesus' life: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Unearned favor or kindness. The idea that God's acceptance is given freely, not earned by merit.
The teaching that God took on human nature in the person of Jesus.
A handwritten copy of a text. The New Testament survives in thousands of manuscripts, allowing scholars to compare them.
Hebrew for 'anointed one' (Greek: 'Christ'). The promised deliverer in Jewish expectation; Christians identify Jesus as this figure.
A short story used by Jesus to illustrate a truth, often with an unexpected turn.
A change of mind and direction — turning away from wrongdoing and toward God.
The return to life of Jesus after his death — the central claim of Christianity.
Being rescued or made whole; in Christian thought, restored relationship with God and freedom from sin's hold.
Sacred writings regarded as authoritative. For Christians, the Bible.
Moral wrongdoing understood as a breaking of relationship with God and others, not merely rule-breaking.
A first-hand account. Historians weigh the testimony of early witnesses when assessing the gospels.
The Christian understanding of one God in three persons — Father, Son, and Spirit.