Wednesday, 24 April 2024, 9:54 AM
Site: Becker Bible Teacher Resources
Course: Becker Bible Teacher Resources (Scholar)
Glossary: Main Glossary
ECCLESIOLOGY (CHURCH)

Rigorists

Those holding the ideal that the church is a congregation of saved people seperated from sin.  Conversely, Laxists are those who see the church as the instrument of salvation as a kind of hospital for sick souls.1

Tertullian, Hippolytus, and Novatian represent the Rigorist view; Callistus and Cyprian reject this definition of the church.2

1Ferguson, Everett. Church History Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005, 145.

2Ibid.

Rule of St. Benedict

A book of 6th century precepts written for monks living together in a community under the authority of an abbot. The rule book was written by Benedict (c. AD 480-550) and was linked with the abbey of Monte Cassino (south of Rome); it became the most influential rule for monastic life by the 9th century. (See Cluniac Movement)

Sacerdotalism

The exaltation of priests by attributing to them divine powers. As the dispensers of these powers of grace through sacraments, they assume the right to exclude from heaven or to include those who are submissive to their authority, to turn ordinary bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, and to be the representatives of God on earth. Thus, personal salvation is impossible according to this false belief; only through the godlike-priest can the grace of sacraments be received.

Secular

Worldly, carnal or physical environment of life that is not substantially influenced by Christianity.

St. John Lateran (Golden Basilica)

Constantine turned the old Lateran Palace in Rome into this church. The architecture followed the style of basilicas closely, and was filled with treasure befitting its beauty. Rebuilt many times, it remains the Catholic cathedral of Rome.

Ultramontanism

The policy of adherents within the Roman Catholic Church that favor increasing the power and authority of the Pope.

Vatican

The authority and government of the Roman Catholic Pope. Also the name given to the Pope's chief residence, which includes a library, archives, art museum, apartments and administrative offices.

Vatican Council

The ecumenical council convoked in Rome by Pope Pius IX that declared the dogma of papal infallibility (1869-70).

Xerophagy

A strict Lenten fast observed during the Holy Week by the Eastern Church.

Year's Mind

A Requiem Mass said one year after a person's death or burial.