IMPORTANT VOCABULARY FOR FRESHMAN THEOLOGY
Definitions compiled from various sources, primarily
- Bible Dictionary in The New American Bible
- Glossary in Thomas Zanzig's Understanding Catholic Christianity
Continued from a previous page.
Key words in the study of Hebrew Scripture in purple.
The Spiritual Exercises An organized series of spiritual exercises on central aspects of Christian faith (e.g., creation, sin and forgiveness, calling and ministry) and especially on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Spiritual Exercises were put together by Ignatius of Loyola, both out of his personal spiritual experience and out of the experiences of others to whom he listened. Ignatius compiled the book of the "Spiritual Exercises" as a guide to help one who coaches a person engaged in "making the exercises."
This is the core of Jesuit training; and, along with its educational enterprises, they are the chief instruments of the Society's mission in the Church. Click here for The Spiritual Exercises. Click here to go the the Catholic Encyclopedia on the Spiritual Exercises.
symbol This is a tangible, physical reality that represents an invisible reality. Zanzig calls it a "snapshot of meaning."
synagogue
Minor places of religious assembly among the Jews, used also as schools, libraries and halls of judgment. The central place of worship was the temple, the one national sanctuary and the only place of sacrifice. The synagogue served lcoal communities or separate congregations for less solemn functions. Every considerable Jewish community had at least one synagogue. The building, commonly rectangular, was erected ont he plan of the temple. There was a gallery reserved for women, another space for men, and the worshippers faced toward Jerusalem and the holy of holies. In front was a platform on which stood the oly ark containing the Scriptures and an eight-branch candlestick burning before it. Nearest the platform were the chief seats, where sat the leading men facing the congregation. Among the leading men were the ruler of the synagogue and the elders, and various functionaries whom they appointed.
The synagogue services were held chiefly on the sabbath. They had two parts: (1) The liturgical part was conducted by the reader of the day, who recited some prayers, some on a platform in the middle of the synagogue, others before the ark with his back toward the people. If a priest was present, he concluded the liturgy with a blessing. (2) The instruction followed, and consisted of readings of the law and the prophets, followed by an interpretation and sermon
The congregation took part in the services in various ways. They took part in the prayers, raised and distributed alms, and discussed remarks made by the speaker. The service ended with a prayer of thanksgiving, after which arrangements were made for the next sabbath.
theology The academic field devoted to the investigation of God and God1s relationship with the universe. Literally means "the study of God." the term is often used in reference to particular religions, such as Christian theology or Jewish theology. The scholars trained in this discipline are known as theologians.
Temple The sacred place of worship on Mount Moraih, including all buildings and courts. The first temple was built by Solomon, in 967 to 964 B.C. the second was erected by Zerubbabel in 515 B.C. but was profaned in 167 B.C. by the Syrians. Herod the Great began a magnificent restoration of the temple.