abstinence: Self-denial

accountability: Liability of being called to account for ones actions

acolyte: (Greek, "follower"). A lay person, usually a child or young adult, who assist ministers in worship services.

adherent: One who is devoted or attached, as to a cause or a leader

Advent: The birth of Christ; the future second coming of Christ

agapes: The social meal or love feast of the early Christians which usually accompanied the Eucharist

agnostic: One who holds the mistaken theory that God is unknown or unknowable

Albigensian: One of the sect of religious reformers during the 11th to 13th centuries in the south of France, suppressed for their heretical doctrines

Amen:  The final word of a prayer; means "so be it"

Amish: (also Amish Mennonites) Conservative group in the USA and Canada arising from a division within the Swiss Brethren in Alsace under the leadership of Jakob Ammann (c.1656-1730). Further divisions occurred after the Amish migrated to North America, but most are members of the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church. Amish are similar to other Mennonites in doctrine and practice, but the former worship in private homes instead of a church, wear "plain" dress and retain the use of German in their services. There were about 35,000 baptized members in 1984.

Anabaptist: One of a sect that arose in Zurich in 1523 among the followers of Zwingli, who started the Reformation in Switzerland and advocated opposition to infant baptism, and believed that only such persons as had been baptized after a confession of faith in Christ constituted a real church

anathema: (Greek, "suspended"). Condemned; cut off from the church. The word is used in Galatians 1:8 and I Corinthians 16:22 to denote separation from the Christian community, and it was often used in the conclusion of creeds to condemn those who held incorrect beliefs; e.g., "If anyone should say that ... let him be anathema." The earliest recorded instance of formally anathemizing was at the Council of Elvira, c. 306 AD. Anathema is generally considered more serious than excommunication, which excludes a person from sacraments and worship but not the Christian community.

Anglican: A worldwide branch of the Protestant church led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

angels: Those of an order of spiritual beings endowed by God with immortality, attendant upon God; heavenly and earthly guardians, ministering spirits, and messengers to Christians.

annihilationism: The incorrect doctrine that the finally impenitent will be totally annihilated after death. As opposed to the Biblical teaching that the unrepentant will continue to exist and will suffer eternal punishment

Annunciation: In Roman Catholicism, the announcement of the Incarnation to Mary by an angel

anointing: Putting oil on as a sign of consecration, as in a religious ceremony

antinomianism: The non-scriptural belief that frees the Christian from the obligations of the moral law

Apocalypse: The book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Also refers to the final earthly battle between good and evil.

Apocrypha: (Lit. Greek "out of the writings") Fourteen books of the Septuagint in the Vulgate but not in the canonical Hebrew Scriptures nor in the Authorized Version. . Books not included in the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament, but included in the Greek Septuagint. Catholic and Orthodox Christans include the Apocrypha in the canon of scripture; Protestant Christians do not. Apocryphal books are Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, Song of the Three Children, Susanna, Bel and the Drago, The Prayer of Manasseh, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and additions to Esther.

Apostles: (Greek apostolos, "one sent out")  The twelve followers of Jesus; means "a person who is sent to preach the gospel".

Apostles' creed: The oldest statement of belief in the church, based on the teachings of the Apostles.

apologetics: (Latin apologia, "defense") The branch of theology which deals with the defensive facts and proofs of Christianity

apostate: One who is guilty of desertion of one's faith, religion, party, or principles. Common term used is "back slider".

apostolic: According to the doctrine or practice of the apostles

Apostolic Fathers: Group of Christian leaders and writers from the late first and early second centuries A.D. These authors were not apostles themselves, but had close proximity to the apostles, either by personal relationship or close connection with apostolic teaching. Examples include Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Polycarp, Papias, Pseudo-Barnabas, the Didache, the Second Epistle of Clement, the Shepherd of Hermas, and The Apostle's Creed.

apostolic succession: Doctrine that the authority of ordained clergy (to perform valid sacraments and teach right doctrine) derives from an unbroken succession of valid ordinations beginning with the apostles.

archangel: An angel of highest rank; in Christian belief, usually Michael

archbishop: In Catholicism and Anglicanism, a bishop who oversees the other bishops in the province. In the Episcopal Church, the archbishop is called the Presiding Bishop.

Arianism: Belief, taught by Arius in the 4th century, that Christ was created by the Father, and although greater than man he is inferior to the Father. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, wrote and campaigned against Arianism. It was delcared a heresy at the Council of Nicea in 325.

Armageddon: In Biblical prophecy, the scene of a great battle between the forces of good and evil, to occur at the end of the world

Ascension: The bodily ascent of Christ into heaven after the Resurrection

asceticism: The belief that one can attain to a high intellectual or spiritual level through solitude, mortification of the flesh, and devotional contemplation

Assumption: The non Bible based doctrine that the Mary was bodily taken up into heaven at her death

atheist: One who denies or disbelieves in the existence of God

Atonement: The reconciliation between God and man effected by Christ's life, passion, death, and resurrection.

beatification: In the Roman Catholic church, the non Biblically based act of the Pope declaring a deceased person beatified (declared as blessed) and worthy of a certain degree of public honor, usually the last step toward canonization

Beatitudes: Eight declarations of special blessedness pronounced by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount

belief: Religious faith in Jesus as the savior

bereavement: An afflictive loss, as by death

Bible: The writings of the Old and New Testaments, as accepted by the Christian Church as a divine revelation.

Blasphemy: Words that are spoken against God.

Blessed: Rewarded, by being highly favored by God.

breviaries: Books of daily offices and prayers for the canonical hours

canonization: The non Biblically based "official declaration" of a deceased Christian to be a "saint." In the Catholic church, saints are canonized by the pope (since the 13th cent.) and must have performed at least two miracles. In the Orthodox church, saints are canonized by synods of regional bishops. Protestants do not canonize.

canticle: A non-metrical hymn, as one with words taken directly from the Bible text, to be chanted, as in certain church services

catechism: (Greek katecheo, "instruct"). A class or manual on the basics of Christian doctrine and practice, usually as a precursor to confirmation or baptism. Catechisms normally include lessons on the creeds, the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments, as well as the Hail Mary in Roman Catholicism.

catholic: Universal. A term used by the early Christians to designate the universal Christian faith. When the eastern church split from the western in 1054 AD, the West retained this term and became known as Roman Catholic. Churches in the East are known as Greek, Eastern or Russian Orthodox. Even though this term was addressed to all Christians, it is still mistakenly believed by some as being addressed only to the Catholic Church of Rome.

Catharism: The aiming at or proclaiming peculiar purity of life or doctrine as practiced by the Novatians (3rd century), the Albigenses (12th century), and various others

cherubim: In Scripture, angelic beings, especially as represented on the ark of the covenant, typifying the presence and power of the Deity

Christ: The Anointed; the Messiah; the deliverer of Israel and all mankind whose coming was foretold by the Hebrew prophets. As in Jesus Christ; the Son of the Living God

Christening: Another word for Baptism.

Christian(s): Those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Christianity: The Christian religion. Followers of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

Christmas: (Old English Christes masse, "Christ's mass") A non Biblically based church festival observed annually on December 25 in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ

Church:  (Greek kuriakon, "belonging to the Lord"). The worldwide body of Christian believers, a particular denomination or congregation, or the building in which they meet. The study of the nature of the church is ecclesiology.

circumcision: The act of cutting off the prepuce or, in females, the inner labia, especially as a religious rite; the initiatory rite of Judaism, also practiced by Moslems

clergy: The whole body of men set apart by ordination for the service of God in the Christian church: distinguished from laity

commentary: A treatise in annotation or explanation, as of the Scriptures

Communion: The Eucharist, or the act of celebrating or partaking of it: often called Holy Communion

confession: A formulary of public worship embodying a general admission of common sinfulness, used in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other liturgies

confirmation: One of the seven Catholic sacraments, and a practice in some Protestant churches, in which a baptized young adult (usually aged 13) confirms his or her continuing commitment to the Christian faith. Confirmation is usually preceded by a period of education called

congregationalism: A form of church polity in which each local congregation is autonomous in all ecclesiastical matters

consecration: The act of separating from a common to a sacred use

contemplation: A life of prayer and meditation as practiced by certain Roman Catholic orders

contrition: A feeling of repentance for sin, with an intention to amend, arising from love of God and consideration of His goodness, or from inferior motives, as a fear of punishment

conversion: The act of turning or being turned to religious belief

cosmology: The general science or philosophy of the universe

covenant: God's promise of blessing to be fulfilled on the performance of a condition, as of obedience

creation: The act of creating; especially, in a theological sense, the original act of God in bringing all that is seen and unseen into existence

creed: A formal summary of religious belief; an authoritative statement of doctrine

cross: An ancient instrument of torture in the form of a cross, on which criminals were fastened and exposed until they died from exhaustion

crucifix: An idol, usually of a cross bearing an effigy of Christ crucified

crucifixion: Death upon the cross; especially, that of Christ on Mount Calvary

Crusades: (Lat. cruciata, "cross-marked") Wars fought against enemies of the Christian faith, primarily the Muslim Turks in the period 1095 to 1291, but later against other infidels and heretics.

cult of the saints: The body of religious non-Biblical beliefs and practices pertaining to the veneration of saints and their relics. Prayers are addressed to the saints in the hope that they will intercede with God on the behalf of believers. Saints are believed to have accumulated a "treasury of merit" which can be used for the benefit of believers.

dedication: The setting apart for sacred use

deist: One who subscribes to or professes the belief in the existence of a personal God, based solely on the testimony of reason and rejecting any supernatural revelation; also believing that God created the world and set it into motion, subject to natural laws, but takes no interest in it

demon: An evil spirit under the direction of Satan, but ultimately under the authority of God

denomination: A body of Christians having a distinguishing name

deuterocanonical: Pertaining to or constituting a second canon: applied to the books or parts of books of the Old or New Testament whose authenticity and inspiration were at first contested and afterward admitted by the Roman Catholic Church; in Protestant churches, the contested parts of the Old Testament being considered extra-canonical

devil: In Jewish and Christian theology, the prince and ruler of the kingdom of evil; in general terms; any subordinate evil spirit

diocese: A geographical region headed by a bishop, which usually includes several congregations. In Orthodoxy, a diocese is called an eparchy.

Disciple: A person who follows the teachings of Jesus.

dispensational: Pertaining to one of several systems or bodies of law in which at several times God has revealed His mind and will to man, or the continued state of things resulting from the operation of one of these systems

divinity: The quality or character of being divine

doctrine: That which is held to be true by any person, sect, or school; especially, in religion, a tenet, or body of tenets

Donatism: The principles of a fourth century, schismatic sect of North Africa, named for Donatus, who was a bishop and the founder

doxology: A hymn or verse of praise to God; a formula of praise, used as the closing words of a sermon

ecclesiastical: (Greek ekklesia, "church") Of or pertaining to the church, especially considered as an organized and governing power.

ecclesiology: (Greek ekklesia, "church"). Branch of theology dealing with the doctrine of the church.

ecclesiology: The study of the organization, government, liturgy, and ritual of the Christian church

ecumenical: Belonging to or accepted by the Christian church throughout the world

ecumenical council: A council of the Christian church at which representatives from several regions are present. To be distinguished from a "synod," which is a meeting of the local church.

encyclopedist: One whose studies and embrace all sciences

Episcopal: Having a government vested in bishops

epistle: A written message: more formal than a letter, and especially applied to ancient epistolary writings of sacred character or of literary excellence

eschatology
Branch of theology dealing with end times or last things. Includes such subjects as the afterlife, the Day of Judgment, the Second Coming, and the end of the world.

eschatology: The branch of theology that treats of death, resurrection, immortality, the end of the world, the final judgment, and the future state

eternity: An endless or limitless time; faced by all men due to their immortality

Eucharist: Comes from the Greek word meaning "Thanksgiving". It is based on the events that happened at the last supper. A Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are consecrated, distributed, and consumed in commemoration of the passion and death of Christ

evangelism: The zealous preaching or spreading of the gospel

evangelistic: Denoting the adherents of a school of Protestant theology stressing the divine inspiration, authority, and sufficiency of the Scriptures, the fallen state of man, salvation by faith in the redeeming work of Christ, and spiritual regeneration given by God, and denying in whole or in part the efficacy of the sacraments and the authority of the Catholic church of Rome

Evil: Things that are not of God

evolution: The non Biblical and non scientifically sound theory that all forms of life originated by descent, with gradual or abrupt modifications, from preexisting forms which themselves trace backward in a continuing series to the most rudimentary organisms.  Yet this theory fails to explain or even address the origin of these same rudimentary organisms or the existence of time and space within which they existed.

excommunication: A penalty imposed by the Catholic Church prohibiting a person from receiving or administering sacraments or holding church office.

exegesis: The explanation of the language and thought of a literary work; especially Biblical exposition or interpretation

exhortation: Admonition; earnest advice

exorcism: The act of casting out evil spirits by prayers or incantations

fall: In Christian theology, the transgression of Adam and Eve recorded in Genesis 3 

fasting: Going without food, wholly or in part, as in observance of a religious duty, used in a spiritual cleansing,  and specifically spoken of by Jesus as necessary for spiritual strengthening 

flagellation: The non Biblical belief in self-scourging as a means of religious discipline

foot washing: A religious ceremony performed by certain sects in remembrance of the washing of the disciples' feet by Jesus. A humbling experience expressing humility and a heart of servitude toward their fellow man.

forgiveness: The act of granting pardon for or remission of (something)

free will: The power of self-determination regarded as a special faculty given to man by God

Gnosticism: A philosophical and religious system (1st to 6th century) teaching that knowledge rather than faith was the key to salvation

God: He who was, and is, and, is forevermore. He who had no beginning and has no end. The great "I Am". The creator of all seen and unseen, including us. He that loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for sin in that who so ever should believe in Him would not perish, but would have eternal life. The Father of Jesus. 

Golden Rule: A term used by Christians referring to the quote by Jesus as 'Love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31).

Gospels: (Greek evangelion; Old English godspel, "good news"). The content of Christian preaching; that is, that Christ died to save humans from the penalty of sin and reunite them with God. When capitalized, the word usually refers to one of the first four books of the New Testament, which relate the life of Christ.

Grace: The unmerited love and favor of God in Christ; hence, the free and undeserved gift of divine favor in the justification and then sanctification of sinners. The Greek term charis, usually translated in English as "grace," is about 150 times in the New Testament, mostly in the Pauline epistles.

heaven: The abode of God and the blest spirits; the eternal dwelling place or state of existence of righteous (through Christ) souls in the presence of God after their life on earth

Hebrew Scripture: Called the Tenakh consists of 3 parts: the Torah (Law), the Nevi'im (Prophets) and the Ketuvim (Writings) Sometimes called the Old Testament. Used extensively by Jesus as a reference to God's laws.  Contains multiple references to the coming Messiah, all fulfilled in Jesus first coming and also to His (Jesus') triumphal return and millennial reign in the last days.

hell: The word used in English translations of the Bible for both the Hebrew Sheol (the place of the departed) and the Greek Gehenna (the place of punishment for the wicked after death). In Christian theology, hell is generally believed to be the place or state into which unrepentant sinners pass after this life. The popular idea of Hell as a place of punishment and fire derives from such NT passages as Matthew 13:42 and 25:30, Revelation 2:11, 20:14, 21:8 and others. The place of eternal punishment, of extreme torment, etc.; the abode of evil spirits and humans that died with out forgiveness of God; eternal separation from God with full awareness

heresy: A doctrinal view of belief at variance with the recognized tenets of a system, church, school, or party

hermeneutics: The science or art of interpretation, especially of the Scriptures

Hexateuch: The first six books of the Bible considered as constituting one series

Holy Communion: Another name for the Eucharist.

Holy Week: In the Christian church, the week before Easter

homiletics: The branch of rhetoric that treats of the composition and delivery of sermons.

homily: A message delivered to lay Christians for their edification; sermon.

hope: Desire accompanied by expectation

Humanism: The intellectual, scientific, and literary movement of the 14th to 16th centuries which exalted Greek and Roman culture and learning. Again seen in today's humanistic movements where as the creature (man kind) is worshiped over the Creator (God). 

hymn: A song expressive of praise, adoration, or elevated emotion; specifically, a metrical composition, divided into stanzas, intended to be sung in religious worship

hypostatic union: The union of two natures in the one person of Christ

Immaculate Conception: In the Roman Catholic Church and also a Christian doctrine that the virgin Mary was conceived in her mother's womb without the stain of original sin: distinguished from Virgin Birth

immortality: Eternal life after death 

Incarnation: The assumption of the human nature by Jesus Christ as the second person of the Trinity. AS written in the gospel of John: "The Word became flesh (Lat. carne) and dwelt among us."

indulgences: In the Roman Catholic Church, the heretical belief that man (Priests) can offer remission of punishment still due to sin after forgiveness through Jesus, either in this world or in purgatory. In Roman Catholicism, a partial remission of temporal (non-eternal) punishment for sin after the guilt of sin has been forgiven through penance and not through the forgiving sacrifice of Jesus. The man made concept of indulgences grew out of the non-Biblical beliefs that (1) divine justice demanded the sinner pay for his or her misdeeds even though they have been forgiven, either in this life or in Purgatory; (2) giving alms to the church is a penitential work; and (3) the church possessed a treasury of merit earned by the saints that could be applied to sinners. By the late Middle Ages, the system of indulgences was rampantly abused, and greedy ecclesiastics and hired salesmen sold tickets to heaven in order to fund expensive building projects and line their own pockets. The abuses were "officially stopped" at the reforming Council of Trent in 1562, and yet still today, the non-Biblical teaching that one should do good works, instead of paying money to earn indulgences, is foisted on a gullible church membership. However the sale of prayers and indulgences continues within the Catholic church and its associated organizations. To see what God thinks of prayers and indulgences being sold; consider the Lord Jesus' attitude toward those that made a market place of His Father's temple. He made a whip of cords and drove them out.  

Inquisition: A court or tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church for the discovery, examination, and punishment of heretics; specifically, the ecclesiastical tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heretics (those that disagreed with their interpretation of scripture), active in central and southern Europe in the 13th century

intercession: Entreaty in behalf of others. As in interceding in prayer to God for blessings on behalf of loved ones and enemies.

Johannine: Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the Apostle John or the New Testament books whose authorship is ascribed to him.

judgment: The final award or sentence of the human race as declared by God.

justice: One of God's attributes, by virtue of which He wills equal laws and makes just awards

Last Supper: The last meal that Jesus had before the crucifixion. At this meal Jesus asked the bread and the wine be shared in memory of Him. 

laying on of hands: A form used in consecrating to office, in the rite of confirmation, and in blessing persons and consisting in laying the hands upon the head of the person on whom the divine blessing is invoked 

lectionary: A book or table of lessons for church service

Lent: A non Biblically required Roman Catholic fast of forty days (Excluding Sundays), observed annually from Ash Wednesday till Easter as a season of penitence and self-denial

limbo of the children: A non Biblical belief in a fictitious region on the edge of hell to which are consigned the souls of infants who died before baptism

limbo of the fathers:  A non Biblical belief in a fictitious  region on the edge of hell to which are consigned the souls of the righteous who died before the coming of Christ

litany: A liturgical form of prayer, consisting of a series of different supplications said by the clergy, to which the choir or people repeat the same response

liturgy: A collection of prescribed forms for public worship

Lord's Prayer: The prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples.

Logos: The creative Word of God, the second person of the Trinity, incarnate as Jesus Christ, identified with cosmic reason

Lucifer: Satan, especially as the leader of the revolt of the angels before his fall from heaven.

Luther, Martin: (1483-1546) German monk and professor whose questioning of church practices led to the Protestant Reformation. Bible scripture astute Christians today no longer accept his teachings as being Holy Spirit guided  due to his anti-Semitic ranting.

Mariology: The whole body of a non Biblical religious belief and dogma relating to, and ultimately worship of, the virgin Mary. In the extreme, this heresy adheres to the mistaken belief that Mary replaces Jesus as savior, and using the most base of psychological ploys to tilt the heavenly power hierarchy in favor of Mary, portrays Jesus as still being an infant and in such, being under His mother's authority.

materialism: The doctrine that the facts of experience are all to be explained by reference to the reality, activities, and laws of physical or material substance. Referred to in a negative connotation of being materialistic instead of spiritual minded.. 

meditation: Contemplation

megilloth: Scrolls, in regard to the Old Testament canon 

Messiah: The Anointed One; the Christ: in Old Testament teaching; the name for the promised deliverer of the Hebrews and the Gentiles. Fulfilled by Jesus.

millennium: The thousand years of the coming kingdom of Christ on earth

miracle: An event in the natural world, but out of its established order, only by the intervention of God's divine power

missal: The book containing the Roman Catholic service for the celebration of mass throughout the year

missions: Regularly organized churches and congregations not having the "status" of parishes in canon law

modernism: The humanistic tendency in religious thought to supplement Biblical teachings  by scientific and philosophical learning 

Molinism: A doctrine that it is man's free cooperation which makes it possible for him to perform a good act with God's helping grace.

Monophysite churches: Christian sects originating in the 5th century which affirms that Christ had but one nature, the divine alone or a single compounded nature, and not two natures so united as to preserve their distinctness

morality: The doctrine of man's moral duties

mortal: That incurring the penalty of eternal death

Moses: The Jewish leader who led the Jews from slavery in Egypt, and was given the ten commandments by God on Mount Sinai.

mysticism: The belief that knowledge of divine truth or the soul's union with the divine is attainable by spiritual insight or ecstatic contemplation without the medium of the senses,  reason, or adherence to God's laws 

N

neophyte: In the early church, a recently baptized Christian.

Neoplatonism: A failed Alexandrian system of philosophy of the third century, coalescing God-ordained Jewish and Christian theology with doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers and Oriental mysticism

Nestorian churches: Churches having the doctrine that Christ had two distinct natures, the divine and human, subsisting independently

New Testament: That portion of the Bible containing the life and teachings of Christ, including the gospels, the Epistles, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Revelation of St. John the Divine

novenas: In the Roman Catholic Church, a non Biblical "devotion" consisting of prayer said on nine successive days, asking for some spiritual blessing. 

omnipotence: Unlimited and universal power, as a divine attribute to God

omnipresence: The quality of being everywhere present at the same time

omniscience: Infinite knowledge: an attribute of God

order: Any of the various grades or degrees of the Christian ministry, usually referred to as part of the Roman Catholic Church

ordination: The rite of consecration to the ministry

original sin: The natural corruption and depravity inherent in all mankind as a consequence of Adam's first sinful disobedience

Orthodox: The branch of Christianity prevalent in Greece, Russia and Eastern Europe. Originates as a separate body when the Eastern (Orthodox) church split from the Western (Catholic) church in 1054 AD. Orthodox Christians do not recognize the authority of the Pope, but rather the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Seven Ecumenical Councils are also of special authoritative importance. Orthodox Christianity is characterized by emphasis on the (Biblically condemned) use of  icons.

parable: Simile; specifically, a short narrative making a moral or religious point by comparison with natural or homely things

paralipomena: Things passed over, but added as a supplement  [capitalized, the Chronicles, in some versions of the Bible

parish: In the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and some other churches, a district, usually part of a diocese, with its own church, and in charge of a priest or other clergyman

Passion: (Latin passio, "suffering") The sufferings of Christ, especially in the agony of the garden and on the cross

pastoral: Pertaining to a pastor and his work.

patriarch: (Gk. "father ruler") Generally, an early biblical figure such as Abraham or one of the "church fathers" of the early Christian church. Specifically, the spiritual leader of a major city in Eastern Orthodoxy (the Patriarch of Constantinople is the Pope's Eastern counterpart).

Pelagianism: The body of doctrines held by the followers of Pelagius, who denied original sin, confined grace to forgiveness, and affirmed that man's unaided will is capable of spiritual good

penance: A non Biblical sacramental rite involving contrition, confession to a priest, the acceptance of penalties, and absolution

penitence: Sorrow for sin, with desire to amend and atone

Pentateuch: The first five books of the Bible taken collectively

Pentecost: The festival after Christ's death and resurrection when the disciples received the empowering filling of the Holy Spirit. Often thought of as the birth of the church.

Pentecostalism: The doctrines and practices of Pentecostal religious bodies; especially, religious excitement or emotionalism accompanied by ecstatic utterances interpreted as the gift of tongues 

Pharisee: A religious leader of the Jews at the time of Jesus

Pietism: A movement in the Lutheran Church in Germany during the latter 17th century, advocating a revival of the devotional ideal

piety: Reverence toward God; religious devoutness

pilgrimage: A long journey, especially one made to a shrine or sacred place

polemics: The art or practice of disputation; especially, the use of aggressive argument 

prayer: The act of offering reverent petitions to God

prayer meeting: A meeting or gathering for prayer to God; especially, a Protestant Christian service of worship usually held regularly on a week night and frequently highlighted by evangelistic or revivalist preaching.

Preacher: A person who delivers a sermon.

predestination: The foreordination of all things by God, including the future of men

Presbyterian: One who believes in the government of the church by presbyters (elders)

Procreation: The continuation of human existence through the giving birth of children.

prophecy: Knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source.) A prediction uttered under divine inspiration

prophesy: Predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration. Deliver a sermon

Protestantism: The principles and common system of doctrines taught by Luther, and by the evangelical churches since

Providence: God; the Deity

Psalter: The psalms appointed to be read or sung at any given service

pseudepigrapha: Spurious writing; especially spurious religious writings, falsely ascribed to Biblical Scriptural characters or times and not considered as canonical by any branch of the Christian church

purgatory: A non Biblical Roman Catholic theology; a state of being or place where the soul of those who have died penitent are made fit for paradise by expiating venial sins and undergoing any punishment remaining for previously forgiven sins. A teaching used to collect monetary "donations" in return for prayers for the dead said to be trapped in purgatory.

rationalist: One who forms opinions by relying upon reason alone, independently of authority or of revelation: opposed to supernaturalism

reconciliation: Atonement. To be atoned before God of our sins through the sacrifice made by Jesus.

Redeemer: Jesus Christ. He who redeems us from the punishment due to us from our sinful nature

redemption: Salvation from sin through the atonement of Christ

regeneration: The impartation of spiritual life by divine grace after the acceptance of Christ for the atonement of our sins. Brought about by the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit. Also know as being "reborn".

reincarnation: a non Biblical belief of  rebirth of the soul in successive bodies; specifically, in Vedic religions. 

repentance: A turning with sorrow from a past course or action

requiem: Any musical hymn, composition, or service for the dead

resurrection: The documented rising of Christ from the dead on the third day after His burial; the rising again of all the dead at the day of the final judgment

retreat: A place of religious retirement

revelation: The act of revealing or communicating divine truth, especially by divine agency or supernatural means

revival: A renewal of special interest in and attention to religious services and duties and the subject of personal salvation

ritual: A prescribed form or method for the performance of a religious or solemn ceremony

Rogation days: The three days immediately preceding Ascension Day, observed as days of special supplication by litanies, processions, etc.

Roman Catholic: The denomination, based in Rome, that is headed by the Pope.

rosary: A non-Biblical Roman Catholic ritualistic devotional practice in which 15 sets of ten Hail Marys are recited, each set preceded by the Lord's Prayer and followed by the Gloria Patri. A string of beads is used to count the prayers. The number of sets represents the 15 "mysteries" (five joyful, five sorrowful, five glorious), which are events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

rubric: A direction or rule printed in devotional or liturgical office, as in a prayer book, missal, or breviary