RADNA VERZIJA:

Abbey A monastery headed by an abbot or a convent of nuns headed by an abbess; a church or building belonging to an abbey; cloister. An abbot is a man who is head of an abbey of monks and an abbess is a woman who is head of an abbey of nuns.
Ablution Ceremonial washing of the body, whether a literal washing of uncleanliness before participating in a ritual or representing a spiritual purification. Ablution also includes washing of ceremonial objects, such as vessels.
Absolute Consummate qualities of God: perfect, complete, whole, real, definite, eternal (as compared to the relative nature or subjective character of mankind). Absolutism in philosophy is doctrine involving the existence of an absolute -- something existing in and by itself, or focus on the one over the many (monism, oneness, ultimate reality is one). In theology it is predestination.
Absolution Forgiveness and remission of sins; final phase of the sacrament of penance within the Roman Catholic Church by which a priest pardons post-baptismal sins, thereby making reconciliation between the sinner, the Church, and God (John 20:21-23).
Abyss Luke 8:30, Revelation 9:1-11, 11:7, 17:8, 20:1-3
Acrostic Poetical arrangement in which certain letters taken from each line spell out a word when put in order. Various Old Testament writings are acrostic, such as Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145, and Lamentations, in which the first letters of each original verse make up the Hebrew alphabet.
Actual Sin Sin committed by an individual of their own free will, as opposed to the original sin of Adam and Eve that led to the fall of mankind.
A.D. Latin, Anno Domini, "In the year of the Lord." In the given year since the beginning of the Christian era. Anno Mundi is "in the year of the world," or in the given year since the supposed creation of the world.
Adonai Hebrew, my Lord. Used as a substitute for the ineffable or unspeakable name of God (YHWH or JHVH).
Advent Birth of Christ. In Catholocism, the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, including the four Sundays before Christmas, with the first Sunday being Advent Sunday.
Adventism Belief that the Second Coming of Christ and the Last Judgment will soon occur, whereby Christ will bring an end to the world order and establish his own earthly kingdom for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-6). This includes the Rapture, or first resurrection of the dead, when those who died for Christ are raised from the dead and rule with him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It also generally includes seven years of devastation upon the earth as has never before been experienced (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). Postmillenialists believe that Christians will live through the seven years of devastation and that the kingdom of God will be established on earth by his people, ushering in the second coming of Christ after a thousand years. Premillenialists believe that Christians will be raptured before the seven years of devastation, that there is no hope for human reform without Christ, and await his return to establish this thousand-year kingdom himself. Adventist churches are centered in teaching around this subject and include the Seventh Day Adventists.
Aesir The primary gods of Norse Mythology, including Odin, Thor, Balder, Loki, Freya, and Tyr.
Aetherius Society UFO cult founded in 1954 by Dr. George King, encouraging members to be extraterrestrial channels.
Affusion Pouring on of water in baptism.
Afterlife Life after death.
Agape Primarily, God's divine love. Also, love feast -- a meal shared by early Christians.
Aggeus Douay Bible name for the prophet Haggai.
Agnostic Someone who believes that God is unknowable, or believes that it cannot be determined that God or anything exists beyond physical and material reality (coined by Thomas Huxley in 1870). Agnosticism is this kind of belief system.
Agnus Dei Latin, Lamb of God.
Agora Israeli coin equal to 1/100 of a shekel.
Agrapha Sayings ascribed to Jesus but not found in the Gospels.
A.H. Latin, Anno Hegirae, "In the year of the Hegira."
Alb Long, white linen robe worn by a Catholic priest at Mass.
Albigenses Heretical religious sect in the south of France, cerca A.D. 1020 - 1250.
Aliyah Modern Hebrew, "ascent" -- immigration of Jews to Israel.
Allah Arabic, "the God" (al, the + ilah, god), Muslim name for the Supreme Being (possibly akin to the Hebrew eloah). Arabian polytheistic beliefs recognized Allah as a Creator and Supreme Provider before the emergence of Islam. Hanifs, the Middle Eastern ascetic religious sect which influenced Muhammed, worshiped Allah as the one and only God. Muhammed preached strict adherance and unconditional obedience to Allah.
Alleluia Latin form of the Hebrew hallelujah, "Praise the Lord!"
All Saints' Day (Allhallows or Allhallomas) Annual festival celebrated by Roman Catholics on the first of November commemorating all Catholic saints (first Sunday after Pentecost for Greek Catholics).
All Souls' Day November 2, Roman Catholic day of services, prayer, and supplication for the souls in Purgatory.
Alms Term used in the King James Version, traditionally gifts to the poor, such as money, food or clothing.
Almuce (Amice) Oblong, white linen cloth worn around the neck and shoulders of a Catholic priest during Mass.
Almugwood (Algum) Wood from Ophir (possibly sandalwood), mentioned in 1 Kings 10:11-12, given by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon and used for the supports for the temple of the LORD and the royal palace. Also, Hebrew algum, a tree mentioned in 2 Chronicles 2:8 from Lebanon.
Alpha and Omega First and last letters of the Greek alphabet, used by God to describe himself as "the First and the Last; the Beginning and the End; who was, and is, and is to come" (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13).
Altar Part of the temple where sacrifices are made to God.
Altarpiece
Ambiguous Having more than one possible meaning, vague, or obscure. Not necessarily a Christian term.
Ambo Pulpit or reading stand.
A.M.D.G. Latin, ad majorem Dei gloriam, "To the greater glory of God" (Jesuit motto).
A.M.E. African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Amen Hebrew, truly or certainly, "may it be so," often said at the end of prayer as a form of approval. (Some Protestant churches have an amen corner where people lead the responsive amens to the sermon.)
Amethyst A purple or violet variety of quartz or corundum, one of the precious stones used in the breastpiece for making decisions (Exodus 28:19, 39:12) and one of the stones used to decorate the foundation of the golden city of Jerusalem described in the Book of Revelation (21:20).
Amfortas Parsifal, leader of the knights of the Holy Grail (Medieval legend).
Amish Mennonites of a strict sect founded in the seventeenth century by Jacob Ammann.
Amor (Amour) Latin, "love" -- sexual or illicit desire.
Amorite Descendent of Canaan, son of Ham, son of Noah -- after the flood (Genesis 10:15).
Ampula A round bottle used for holy oil or consecrated wine.
Amulet Piece of jewelry or a charm believed to possess magic power and worn to protect against injury or evil. (Not necessarily a Christian term.)
Anabaptist Member of a Protestant sect originating in Switzerland from the sixteenth century Reformation which denied the validity of infant baptism and instead practiced baptism of consenting adults.
Anagogy (Anagoge) Mystical interpretatation of scripture intened to reveal a hidden, spiritual meaning.
Ananda Marga Yoga Society Hindu cult founded by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (A.K.A. Prabhat Ranjan Sarkav), in pursuit of Ananda Marga (joy), and employing yogic principles, mantric meditation, dancing, and chanting in harmony with the cosmic father.
Anathema Someone devoted to evil or something dedicated to evil; accursed or damned; formal condemnation.
Ancient of Days God the Judge (Daniel 7:13).
Angel Messenger of God.
Angelology Theological study of angels.
Angelus Prayer in commemoration of the Incarnation.
Anglican Church of England -- Anglia is an ancient form of England, the people of which were Angles. The Anglican Communion is comprised of churches of Anglican descent. Anglo is a combining word meaning English, such as in Anglo-Saxon or Anglo-Catholic.
Anima Soul. Animism is belief in spiritual forces or that all physical creatures have a soul; doctrine that all life is produced from a spiritual force separate from matter.
Ankh (Ansate Cross) Ancient Egyptian symbol of life, a cross with a loop at the top.
Annulment Invalidation of a marriage by the Roman Catholic Church.
Annunciation Announcement of the angel Gabriel to the virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
Anoint To consecrate with oil or rub oil on someone in a ceremony of healing.
Antependium A screen hanging from the front of an altar or pulpit.
Ankh Ancient Egyptian symbol of life, a cross with a loop at the top.
Anthropocentric (Anthropogenesis) Belief in man as the center of the universe; conceiving of everything in the universe in terms of human values.
Anthropology The study of man -- culture, customs, social relationships, physical characteristics, institutions, myths, religions, etc.
Anthropomorphism Attributing human shape or characteristics to other bodies or entities, such as animals, objects, or a god. Anthropopathy is attributing human feelings and passion to something else, such as to animals or a god.
Anthroposophical Society An occultic organization based on a philosophy called Anthroposophy ("wisdom of man") founded by Rudolph Steiner in Germany around the turn of the twentieth century. It incorporates mystical traditions, Hindu practices, reincarnation, mythology, communication with the dead, spiritualism, and Christian beliefs. The basic theory is that man and earth are embarked on an evolutionary journey overseen by supersensible spirit beings.
Antichrist A false Christ who is in opposition to Christ (1 John 2:18).
Anticlerical Opposition to the clergy or church hierarchy, especially against its influence in public affairs.
Antinomianism Doctrine that faith alone and not obedience to the moral law is necessary for salvation.
Antiphon A hymn, song, chant, or canticle sung in responsive, alternating parts.
Antipope A pope set up against the one chosen by the Catholic Church, as in a schism.
Anti-Semetic Prejudice, discrimination, or persecution of Jews.
Apocalypse The ultimate destruction of evil and triumpth of good; Book of Revelation.
Apocrypha Fourteen books of the Septuagint rejected by Judaism, eleven of which are Roman Catholic canon; any such scripturual writing that is of doubtful authenticity or authorship.
Apollyon "Destroyer" (Hebrew Abaddon), the angel of the Abyss who was king of the destructive locusts in Revelation 9:1-11.
Apologetic Formal defense written of a belief or religion; defending in writing or speech, vindicating.
Apologue Short allegorical story with a moral.
Apostasy Abonding of a faith or belief.
Apostle Any of the twelve disciples originally chosen by CHrist to spread the gospel, including Andrew, Bartholomew, James (the younger, son of Alphaeus), James (the elder, son of Zebedee), John (brother of James, son of Zebedee), Jude (Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus), Judas Iscariot, Matthew (Levi), Philip, Simon (Peter), Simon the Canaanite, and Thomas (Didymus). Matthias was chosen to replace Judas after his death. Saul of Tarsis (Paul) was chosen by Chist to be the "Apostle to the Gentiles."
Apostles' Creed "I believe in God, the Father Almighty..."
Apostolic Succession Roman Catholic belief in which the authority that Jesus conferred upon Peter and the other Apostles have been passed down through an unbroken succession of bishops.
Apotheosis Deification; raising someone to the status of godhood; glofification of a person, thing, or ideal.
Aquinas, Thomas 1225-74, theologian the philosopher.
Aram Ancient Syria.
Aramaic The Semitic language spoken in the Palestinian region after Israel's Babylonian captivity, also spoken by Jesus and his disciples.
Ararat 17,000 foot mountain in Turkey near the border of Armenia and Iran where Noah's ark supposedly landed (Genesis 8:4).
Anti-Semetic Prejudice, discrimination, or persecution of Jews.
Archaeology Scientific study of the life and culture of ancient peoples, often by the excavation of cities and the discovery of relics and artifacts.
Archangel Chief angel or angel of high rank, such as Michael.
Archbishop Chief overseer, bishop of highest rank who oversees a church district (archdiocese).
Archdeacon Church official ranking just below a bishop.
Archpriest Chief priest.
ARE Association for Research and Enlightenment, founded in 1932 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to research and preserve the antidotal readings of Edgar Cayce, best known as a psychic healer. The ARE exists to index and catalog Cayce's thousands of readings intended to cure or explain physical and mental illnesses. There are about 400 physicians associated with ARE. (See Cayce, Edgar)
Arianism Doctrines of Arius (A.D. 256-336), an Alexandrian theologian who taught that Jesus was not of the same substance of God, but a created being exalted above all other creatures.
Arica Institute, Inc. Founded by Bolivian philosophy teacher and mystic Oscar Ichazo and based in Arica, Chile, in South America. Arica ("open door") teaches scientific mysticism and espouses such ideals as unity with emptiness, with the intent of uncovering "the mystical name of the radiant being" (Toham Kum Rah) inside each person. It combines the philosophies of Hinduism, Zen, and Tibetan Lamaism with African dances, Egyptian gymnastics, Hindu mantras, incantations, and breathing techniques to develop a series of exercises called psychocalisthenics designed to awaken vital energy.
Ariel Hebrew Lion of God, name applied to David's city, Jerusalem, in Isaiah 29:1-10.
Aristotelian Logic Method of deductive logic charactcerized by the syllogism, developed by Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), a pupil of Plato noted for his works on logic, metaphysics, ethics, and politics.
Ark of the Covenant Chest containing the two stone tablets with the ten commandements inscribed by God and given to Moses (Exodus 25:10), kept in the holiest part of the Jewish Tabernacle (Holies of Holies).
Armageddon Greek Harmagedon, Hebrew har meghiddo, the plain of Megiddo, where the last decisive battle is to be fought between the forces of good and evil before the Day of Judgement (Revelation 16:16). Revelation chapter 16 describes three unclean spirits of demons that come from the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet which perform miraculous signs and go out to gather the kings of the whole world for battle on the great day of God Almighty.
Arminianism Doctrines of Jacobus Arminius, Dutch theologian (1560-1609), which stressed man's freewill as opposed to Calvinistic predestination.
A.R.V. American Revised Version Bible, printed in 1901.
Aryan Traditionally the hypothetical parent language of the Indo-European family or a descendant of the prehistoric peoples who spoke this language -- adapted by German Nazis to mean a Caucasian of non-Jewish descent, particularly of Nordic origin.
Asatru Free Assembly Founded by Steve McNallen in Breckenridge, Texas, in 1971. An organization based on Scandinavian mythology, which promotes Norse neopaganism, Viking ceremonies, celebrations of the forces of nature, and the worship of Norse gods and goddesses (also called Odinism). Asatru (Old Norse, "belief in the gods") publishes a newspaper called Runestone. Symbols include ancient Norse amulets and objects of war, such as helmets, swords, animal horns, shields, axes, swastikas, and runes.
Asbury, Francis 1745-1816, first Methodist bishop in the U.S.
Ascended Masters Ideology founded by G. W. Ballard (pen name Godfre Ray King) around 1930, in which spiritual beings are rising up as ascended masters amidst mankind in these end times, signifying the Second Coming. A theology based on Eastern mysticism and metaphysics, with belief in astral projection, trance channeling, reincarnation, gnosticism, and Pelagianism. It teaches that God is a father-mother deity defined as a creative force that has negative and positive polarity. Its primary symbol is a winged flame with seven multi-colored rays and the initials "I AM" (arranged AIM, with the I in the center and twice as tall).
Ascension Bodily ascent of Jesus into heaven forty days after the resurrection (Acts 1:9). Ascension Day is the celebration commemorating this on the fortieth day after Easter.
Ascetic One who leads a life of contemplation, meditation, abstinence, and rigorous self-denial for religious purposes. Asceticism is basically the doctrine that one may attain a higher spiritual state through such self disciplines.
Asher The eighth tribe of Israel descended from the eighth son of Jacob.
Ashkenazim German Jews who settled in middle to northern Europe after the Diaspora, or their descendants -- derived from the descendants of Ashkenaz, son of Gomer, son of Japheth, third son of Noah (Genesis 10:1-3). Ashkenaz was also a kingdom mentioned in Jeremiah 51:27 which would combine forces against Babylon.
Ashtoreth Ancient Phoenician and Syrian goddess of love and fertility, identified with Astarte.
Ash Wednesday First day of Lent and seventh Wednesday before Easter, from the practice of putting ashes on the forehead as a sign of penitence.
Asmodeus Hebrew ashmadai, an evil spirit or chief demon in Jewish legend.
Asperges Sprinkling of the altar, clergy, and congregation with holy water before High Mass in the Roman Catholic Church; a hymn sung during this ceremony. Aspergillum is a brush or perforated container for sprinkling holy water. Aspersorium is a basin or font for holy water.
Assemblies of Yahweh Begun in the 1930s as the Sacred Name Movement and dedicated to preserving the sacred names of God (Yahweh and Elohim) and Jesus (Yahshua). Several such asseblies exist throughout the U.S. with similar names, all maintaining strict adherence to the laws of the Old Testament and celebration of Jewish festivals. Some of these organizations include: Assembly of YHWH-HOSHUA, founded by Laycher Gonzales in the 1970s; Assemblies of Yahweh in Bethel, Pennsylvania, based on the Sacred Name Broadcast begun in 1966 by Jacob O. Meyer; Assembly of Yavah, foundeed in 1945 by L. D. Snow and E. B. Adam; Scripture Research Association, founded in the 1940s by A. B. Traina; Assemblies of Yahweh, founded in 1939 by C. O. Dodd in Holt, Michigan; Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, founded in 1931 by Dr. Henry C. Kinley.
Assisi, Francis
Assoil Archaic term for atonement; to absolve or acquit.
Assumption Catholic dogma of the ascention of the Virgin Mary after death, celebrated on August 15.
Astara From Astraea, the Greek goddess of divine justice, Astara ("a place of light") is an occult foundation based in Upland, California, and is a center for psychic healing and spiritual channeling. It promotes correspondence courses comprised of a mixture of spiritualism, mysticism, Theosophy, yoga, Egyptian mystery schools, Rosicrucianism, Masonry, and Christianity. It was founded by Robert and Earlyne Chaney, its symbol being the seven-pointed Star of the West merging inside with the Lotus of the East. Recruitment flyers offer information about achieving spiritual selfhood, astral projection, and the superconscious mind.
Astral Projection Based on the theosophical term astral, designating a universal substance supposedly existing at a level just beyond normal human perception.
Astrology Pseudo-science that claims to foretell the future by studying the supposed influence of the relative positions of the moon, sun, and stars on human affairs. A primitive astronomy developed by the Chaldeans during the time of the Babylonian Empire, which considered the planets to be gods and their movements as having an effect on the destiny of mankind. Astrology is based on a circular map of the universe (zodiac) with the earth as its center and divided into twelve sections (houses), each named for a constellation within one of the twelve houses. Depending on the position of the planets and stars in the present house at the time of birth, an individual's horoscope may be determined, which is supposed to aid in foretelling their destiny.
Athanasius A.D. 296-373, Alexandrian bishop and opponent of Arianism. Athanasian Creed, something about the Trinity, celebrated on May 2.
Atheism Greek atheos, without god -- generally, belief that there is no God or denial that God or gods exist. Originally ascribed to those who didn't believe in the official Greek gods of the State, later to be identified with Christians who didn't accept the Roman pagan gods. The basic categories of atheism include the following: explicit denial of God; agnostic disbelief based on a lack of proof; rejection of formal religion; rational freethinking resulting in the unacceptance of supernatural revelation. The difference between an atheist and an unbeliever is primarily that the atheist philosophically rejects God and religion on qualified principles (such as metaphysics, dialectical materialism, existentialism, etc.), whereas an unbeliever, for whatever reasons, doesn't accept any regilious beliefs, although, no matter how skeptical, they may still believe there is a God.
Atman Hinduism, either the individual ego or the universal soul; source of all individual souls.
Atomism Theory that the universe is made up of tiny, simple, indivisible particles that cannot be destroyed.
Atonement The reconciliation of God to man through the sacrifice of Christ's death upon the cross; to make amends, reparation, expiate, or reconcile for sins or wrongdoing.
Attrition An imperfect degree of repentance caused by shame or fear of punishment, distinguished from contrition.
Augur One who interpreted omens in ancient Rome; to foretell or prophesy from omens; a soothsayer, prophet, or fortuneteller. Augury is the practice of divination from omens or signs; a ceremony conducted by an augur. An auspex was an augur who watched for omens in the flight of birds.
Augustine A.D. 354-430, Roman Catholic bishop of Hippo in North Africa and early church father, celebrated August 28.
Aureole Halo; radiance encircling the head or body depicting glory, as in religious paintings.
Auspice Divination; watching for omens in the flight of birds, from which the word auspicious is derived, meaning good fortune
Authorized King James Version A revised English translation of the Bible published in 1611 and historically considered to have been authorized by King James I.
Autocephalous Independent or self-governing, said of certain churches within the communion of the Eastern Othodox Church.
Autodafé (Autodefe) The public ceremony in which the Inquisition pronounced judgment, passed sentence, and burned a heretic.
Avatar Hinduism, incarnation of a god.
Ave Maria "Hail, Mary" (Luke 1:28), Roman Catholic prayer and song to the Virgin Mary.
Averroism Teachings of Averroës (A.D. 1126-98), Arab phoilosopher and physician in Spain and Morocco, applying Aristotelian philosophy to religion.
Avesta Sacred writings of the ancient Zoroastrian religion and of the Parsees.
Axiology Branch of philosophy dealing with the nature and types of values, such as morals, aesthetics, religion, and metaphysics.
Ayatollah Arabic, "Sign of God," a leader of the Shiite sect of Islam, serving as teacher, judge, and administrator.
Azan Islamic summons to prayer called five times a day by the muezzen from a minaret on a mosque.
Azazel Hebrew, "removal," a scapegoat sent into the desert for making atonement (Leviticus 16:7-10, 20-26). After sacrificing one goat for atonement, the high priest would lay hands on another goat and confess the sins of the Israelites, which would then carry on itself the sins of the Israelites to a solitary place and be released to wander in the desert, thus removing all of their sins. Also one of the angels who rebelled with Satan in John Milton's Paradise Lost..
Azrael Hebrew, "Help of God," the angel who parts the soul from the body at death, according to ancient Jewish and Islamic belief.
Baal One of several ancient, Semitic fertility gods.
Babel Hebrew, "gate of God" -- a city in Shinar where Noah's descendants attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens, of which God put an end to by a confusion of tongues (Genesis 11:1-9).
Babylon Capital city of Babylonia, an ancient empire in SW Asia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. It flourished cerca 2100-689 B.C., and rose again between 625-538 B.C. as Chaldea, the "New Babylonia." The Jews were conquered and deported by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon in 597 B.C., then released by King Cyrus of Persia in 538 B.C.
Bahaism (Babism) A universal faith which proclaims religious unity, international government, and planetary interdependence begun in Persia around 1844 by Mirza Ali Muhammed (1819-1850), who claimed to be the Bab (Bab-ud-Din, "Gate of the Faith," formerly Babism), a forerunner to the Promised One of God. A follower of his, Mirza Husayn Ali, claimed to be this messiah in 1863 and came to be known as Baha'u'llah, "the Glory of God." Although he died in 1892, he prophesied a worldwide economic cataclysm which would lead to the Baha'i faith uniting all men as brothers. Bahaism was introduced into the U.S. in 1912 and continues to spread through evangelization, primarily through those who have escaped religious persecution in Iran. The Baha'i faith promotes the following principles: oneness of the human race; unity of all religions; a universal language; independent search for truth; equality of men and women; justice with universal peace; a world court; abolition of extreme wealth and poverty; harmony of science and religion; work as worship; universal education; elimination of all prejudice. It forbids slavery, alcoholic consumption, multiple wives, and begging, among other things. With the dictum, "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens," it also claims to be the fulfillment of the world's major religions, including Christianity.
Bairam Either of two Islamic festivals following the fast of Ramadan.
Banshee Irish bean sidhe (bean, woman + sith, fairy) -- from Irish and Scottish folklore, a female spirit believed to wail outside a house as a warning that a death in the family would occur soon.
Baptism Greek and Latin baptisma, "immersion" or a dipping under -- a symbolic act of a cleansing of sin or spiritual purification by immersion in, pouring on, or sprinkling of water. (Affusion is the pouring on of water and aspersion is the sprinkling of water.) Matthew 3:11, baptism of fire. A baptismal font is a tub or tank in a church for baptizing, also called a baptistery. A baptist is a member of a Protestant church that believes in full immersion of one who has confessed faith in Christ, an act which is seen as crucial to salvation; in a general sense, one who baptizes.
Barghest A doglike goblin in English folklore whose appearance supposedly foreshadows death or bad luck.
Barmitzvah Hebrew bar mitswah, "son of the commandment" -- the Jewish ceremony celebrating a boy's thirteenth birthday, the age when he becomes religiously responsible.
Barth, Karl (1886-1968) Swiss theologian.
Basil the Great (A.D. 330-379) Bishop of Caesarea, celebrated June 14.
Basilica Greek basilike, "royal" -- originally, a royal palace; Christian church built in the style of an ancient Roman building used as a courtroom or public hall: rectangular with a broad nave ending in an apse and flanked by colonnaded aisles.
Batmitzvah Hebrew bat mitswah, "daughter of the commandment" -- a Jewish ceremony of Conservative and Reform Judaism where a young girl undergoes the transition analogous to a bar mitzvah for boys, wherein she becomes a religiously responsible woman.
B.C. Before Christ.
B.C.E. Before the Common Era
Bdellium Hebrew b'dolah, a myrrhlike gum resin from a tree of the genus Commiphora, mentioned in Genesis 2:12 (aromatic resin, also in Numbers 11:7 and possibly similar to natap in Exodus 30:34), from the land of Havilah on the Pishon River near the original garden of Eden. Many rabbinical interpretations render this as a pearl or carbuncle (red garnet).
Beadle A minor parish officer in the Church of England whose responsibility was to keep order in church (similar to a sexton).
Beadroll An archaic term in the Roman Catholic Church for a list of names of the dead for whose souls prayers are to be said. A beadsman is one who is paid to pray for another's soul (same as bedesman or bedeswoman).
Beatification Process in the Roman Catholic Church of determining the sanctity of one who has died and declaring him or her to be among the blessed in heaven. They are then entitled to public veneration and usually canonized as a saint.
Beatitudes First part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (NIV)
Beelzebub Hebrew Ba'al zebub, "god of flies," and Ugaritic Ba'al zebul, "lord of the lofty dwelling" -- the chief devil among Satan's horde, often associated with Satan himself. In Matthew 9:34 and 12:24, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebub (Greek Beezeboul or Beelezeboul), the prince of demons. Satan's chief lieutenant among the fallen angels in Milton's Paradise Lost.
Beget Procreate; father or sire; bring into being.
Behemoth Job 40:15-24, "Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly! His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit. His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron. He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword. The hills bring him their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby. Under the lotus plants he lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh. The lotuses conceal him in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround him. When the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth. Can anyone capture him by the eyes, or trap him and pierce his nose?" Many have thought this to be a description of an elephant or a hippopotamus, however, the discovery of dinosaur bones reveals this to more accurately describe a brachiosaurus or a diplodocus.
Bel Akkadian form of Baal, the Babylonian god of heaven and earth, mentioned in Isaiah 46:1 and Jeremiah 50:2 and 51:44 (also known as Marduk). Akkad was an ancient region in northern Babylonia that flourished cerca 2800-1100 B.C. The prophet Daniel was given the name of Belteshazzar ("Bel, protect his life!") by King Nubuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:7, 4:8). The name of the last king of Babylon, Belshazzar (Hebrew belshatstsar), means "may Bel protect the king" (Daniel chapter 5).
Belial (Beliar) Hebrew beliya'al, "worthlessness" -- wickedness or worthlessness as an evil force (Deuteronomy 13:13), sometimes associated with Satan (2 Corinthians 6:15, Greek Beliar).
Ben Hebrew ben, "son" or son of.
Benedictine French monastic order founded in A.D. 529, based on the teachings of St. Benedict of Nursii (A.D. 480-543); also an order of nuns.
Benediction Latin benedictio, to hallow or bless -- a Roman Catholic devotional service during which a concecrated Host is exposed in a monstrance and a solemn blessing is given with the Host; in general, a blessing or invocation of divine blessing, particularly at the end of a church service. Benedicite (Latin benedicere) means "bless you!" and is the invocation of a blessing, such as before meals; more specifically, the canticle which begins Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino (Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord). Benedictus is Zecharias' hymn from Luke 1:67-79 about John the Baptist (the first word is Benedictus, "blessed"), sung daily at Lauds; also a short hymn of praise used in Mass, derived from Matthew 21:9, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Beneficence Charity, derived from the word benefice, an endowed church office providing a living for a vicar or rector. Beneficent is doing good, being kind, or giving generously (variant of benevolence).
Benefit of Clergy The exemption which the medieval clergy had from trial or punishment except in a church court; an administering or sanctioning by the church.
Benjamin The twelfth tribe of Israel, descended from Jacob's youngest son.
Bergsonism Teaching of French philosopher Henri Bergson (1859-1941), which maintains that there is an original life force (élan vital) caried through all successive generations, that time or duration is being, and that reality is apprehended by intuition.
Berkeleianism The philosophy of Irish bishop George Berkeley (1685-1753), which holds that physical objects exist only in being perceived by a mind.
Bernardine French order of Cistercian monks founded in 1115 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153, celebrated August 20).
Bestiary Type of medieval natural history book with moralistic or religious fables about actual and mythical animals
Bethel Hebrew beth 'el, "house of God" -- (Genesis 28:10-22) The place between Beersheba and Haran (formerly the ancient city of Luz, located north of Jeresalem) where Jacob stopped to sleep for the night and had a dream of a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending on it, and the LORD appeared and promised the land to his descendants. When Jacob awoke, he set up a stone pillar on the spot and anointed it with oil, calling it God's house. In a later dream, the Lord addressed himself to Jacob as the God of Bethel (Genesis 31:13). Incidentally, Bethel came to be a city of idol worship (1 Kings chapters 12 and 13, 2 Kings chapter 23, Amos 3:14, 5:5-6). In general, bethel is a holy place of worship to God, such as for seamen or non-Anglican Protestants.
Beulah Hebrew be 'ulah, "married" -- Israel, from Isaiah 62:4. "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah ("my delight is in her"), and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married."
Bhagavad-gita Sanskrit, "Song of the Blessed One" (also known as Gitopanisad) -- a 700-verse, philosophical dialogue about self-realization between Lord Sri Krsna ("the Supreme Personality of Godhead") and his intimate devotee Arjuna, a soldier on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, which is considered a sacred Hindu text and found in the ancient Vedic epic, the Mahabharata. It is considered by many to be the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanisads (late Vedic metaphysical treatises dealing with man in relation to the universe).
Bhakti Sanskrit, "a share" -- devotion in Hinduism to one god, with all the tasks and activities of life selflessly directed to its service.
Bible Greek biblia, "collection of writings" -- Christian collection of the books, prophesies, and scripture that make up the Old Testament (39 books) and the gospels and letters that make up the New Testament (27 epistles); in Judaism, all the Scripture of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or Tanach; any translation of the Old Testament from the original Hebrew and Aramaic and of the New Testament from its original Greek.
Bible Belt Term coined in 1925 by H. L. Mencken pertaining to the southern region of the United States where fundamentalist beliefs prevail and the Christian clergy are especially influential.
Bible Code
Bible Paper A thin, strong opaque paper used for mass producing Bibles and other reference sources, such as dictionaries.
Biblicist (Biblist) An expert on the Bible or a specialist in Biblical literature; someone who takes the words of the Bible literally.
Bibliomancy Prediction based on a Bible verse or literary passage chosen at random.
Biddle, John (1615-62) English theologian and founder of English Unitarianism.
Big-Bang A theory of cosmology which holds that the expansion of the universe began with a gigantic explosion.
Biretta Latin birrus, hood or cloak -- square cap with three projections and a tassel on top, worn by Roman Catholic clergy.
Bishop Latin episcopus and Greek episkopos, "overseer" -- a high-ranking Christian clergyman with authority over other clergyman and usually supervising a church district or diocese, known as a bishopric. A coadjutor is an assistant bishop, often a successor.
Black Magic A form of sorcery aimed at harming others (thus the term "black"), it was first introduced into the Americas by slaves from West Africa who practiced supernatural rituals and worshiped the spirits of nature and their ancestors. With the ancient belief that demons dwell in everyone and can be malevolently manipulated through black magic, the spirits are then reached through various means, including necromancy, spells, witchcraft, astrology, potions, charms, Ouija boards, and tarot cards. Along with protection from evil spirits, black magic is often used either for revenge or prosperity, concentrating on inflicting its victims with disease, physical danger, and unfortunate circumstances. It also includes superstitious beliefs in ghosts, vampires, and witches. Specific forms of black magic include Voodoo, Macumba, and Santeria. Black magic is also used by Satanists to summon the power of the Devil and evil spirits to cause harm to others.
Black Mass Requiem Mass in the Roman Catholic Church at which the clergy is dressed in black; a blasphemous parody of the Mass by worshipers of Satan.
Black Muslim Derogatory term for a member of a predominantly black Islamic sect in the United States.
Blasphemy Profane, contemptuous, mocking, irreverent, or disrespectful speech, writing, or actions against God or anything held as divine. Blasphemy against the name of God was punishable by death in Jewish society, according to Leviticus 24:13-16. The Pharisees tried to stone Jesus when he claimed to be one with the Father, because a mere man claimed to be God (John 10:22-33). Stephen was stoned to death by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy when he said he saw heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56-58). According to Numbers 15:30-31, anyone who sins defiantly blasphemes the LORD and must be cut off from the people because a blasphemer despises the commandments of God. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was considered the one unpardonable sin by Jesus, who said, "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin" (Mark 3:28-29, also Matthew 12:31-32 and Luke 12:10).
Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna (Madame Blavatsky) Russian theosophist (1831-91, born Helena Hahn)
Bless (Blessed, Blessing) Old English bletsian, right of consecration by sprinkling the altar with blood -- to make or declare holy by spoken formula or a sign; consecrate or hallow; to receive divine favor; to gladden; to become prosperous; to praise or glorify; to favor or endow. Blessed (generally pronounced bless-ed) is holy, sacred, or consecrated; a title applied to someone who has beatified; theologically, those dead whose souls are in heaven. (Blest is past tense or present participle of bless.) Blessing is an invocation or benediction; gift of divine favor; good wishes or approval; grace said at meals.
Blessed Sacrament (see Eucharist)
Blessed Virgin Latin Beata Virgo Maria, Blessed Virgin Mary (see Virgin Mary).
Blimey "(God) blind me" -- British exclamation of surprise or wonder.
Bliss From the Old English blithe, carefree, cheerful disposition -- great joy or happiness; spiritual joy or heavenly rapture; ecstasy.
Bodhisattva Sanskrit, one enlightened in essence -- a potential Buddha; one who has achieved great moral and spiritual wisdom, usually rejecting nirvana in order to assist in aleviating the suffering of mankind.
Bogy An imaginary evil being or spirit; goblin; anything that is especially or needlessly feared; bugbear. The bogyman is an imaginary being used to frighten children.
Böhme, Jakob (1575-1624) German theosophist and mystic.
Bonaventura Italian theologian and scholastic philosopher (1221-74, born Giovanni Fidanza), celebrated July 14.
Bondservant A slave or one bound to service without pay.
Book of Common Prayer Official book of services and prayers for the Church of England and other Anglican churches.
Book of Mormon
Book of the Dead An ancient Egyptian book of prayers and charms intended to assist the soul in the afterworld.
Born-again
Boxing Day The first weekday after Christmas, marked by the giving of Christmas boxes to employees and civil servants, celebrated in Canada and a legal holiday in England.
Boy Scouts International boys' organization founded in England in 1908, which stresses outdoor life and service to others.
Brahma In Hinduism, the supreme and eternal essence or spirit of the universe, who created the universe and is the chief personage of the trinity (including Vishnu and Siva).
Brahman Sanskrit, worship or prayer -- a member of the high, priestly Hindu caste. Brahmanism is the religious system and doctrines of the brahmans.
Branham, William (Branhamism) William Branham (1909-65), was a native of Kentucky who claimed to have had several angelic visitations and was empowered with the gift of spiritual healing. He also made several end time prophecies that were to come about in the twentieth century, most of which were not fulfilled. He claimed himself to be a fulfillment of Malichi 4:5, "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes." Although he taught unorthodox Christianity and his scriptual views were often skewed, he developed a devout cult following, generally referred to as Branhamism.
Breastplate (Breastpiece) An embroidered cloth set with twelve jewels representing the twelve tribes of Israel, worn on the breast of the Jewish high priest.
Breviary Latin breviarium, an abridgment -- a book containing the prayers and hymns that priests and other clergy of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Eastern Churches are required to recite daily. Brevier is 8 point type, so called from use in the printing of breviaries.
Brief A papal letter of the Roman Catholic Church less formal than a bull.
Brimstone Old English brynstan, burn and stone -- sulfur.
Brith Milah (Bris) Hebrew berith milah, "covenant of circumcision" -- the religious rite in Judaism of circumcision on the eighth day after birth, the ceremony of which is known as a bris.
Broad Church Party of the Anglican Church which, in matters of doctrine and communion, holds a position between the ritualism and formality of the High Church and the evangelism of the Low Church.
Bruno Giordano (1548-1600): Italian philosopher burned at the stake by the Inquisition. St. Bruno of Cologne (1030-1101): German monk who founded the Carthusian order, celebrated October 6.
Buber, Martin (1878-1965) Israeli Jewish philosopher and theologian, born in Austria.
Buddha (Buddhism) Sanskrit, the enlightened one -- Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.), religious philosopher and teacher who lived in India and founded Buddhism in the sixth century B.C., which became a major religious and philosopical system of central and eastern Asia. Buddhism teaches that right thinking and self-denial will enable the soul to reach Nirvana, a divine state of release from misdirected desire. The name Buddha is a a title applied by Buddhists to someone regarded as embodying divine wisdom and virtue.
Bugbear An imaginary hobgoblin or terror used to frighten children into good conduct, such as the bogyman; anything causing seemingly needless fear or anxiety.
Bulfinch, Thomas (1796-1867) U.S. writer and mythologist.
Bull (Bulla) Latin bulla, a seal -- an official document, edict, or decree from the Pope. A bulla is a round lead seal attached to a bull.
Bull-roarer A flat piece of wood at the end of a string, which makes a roaring noise when whirled, used in religious ceremonies of some peoples.
Burnt Offering An animal or food substance burned at the altar as an offering to God.
Byzantine Of or pertaining to the Eastern Orthodox Church, prevalent during the Byzantine Empire (A.D. 395-1453) in SE Europe and SW Asia, formed by the division of the Roman Empire; of the art and architecture of Byzantium developed between the fourth and fifteenth centuries A.D., characterized, among other traits, by colorful, two-dimensional frescoes and elaborate mosaics, religious symbolism, domes over square areas, and round arches.
Cab Hebrew qab, "hollow vessel" -- ancient Hebrew dry measure equal to about two quarts (2 Kings 6:25).
Cabala (Cabbala) Hebrew qabbalah, "received lore" or tradition -- esoteric philosophy of certain Jewish rabbis, particularly during the Middle Ages, based on a mystical interpretation of the Scriptures. Cabalism is an occult doctrine based on the cabala.
Cacodemon (Cacodaemon) Greek kakodaimon, evil + demon -- an evil spirit or devil.
Cadi Arabic qadi -- Minor Muslim magistrate.
Calefactory From the Latin calefactorius, producing heat -- a heated common room in a monastery (Medieval Latin calefactorium).
Calender Persian qalandar, member of an order of wandering dervishes among the Sufis.
Caliph (Calif) Arabic khalifa, "successor" -- a supreme Islamic ruler, the title taken by Muhammed's successors as both secular and religious heads of Islam. Caliphate is the region ruled by a caliph, or a general term for the rank or reign of a caliph.
Caloyer Modern Greek kalogeros "monk" (kalos, beautiful + geros, old age) -- a monk of the Orthodox Eastern Church (Italian caloiero).
Calvary Latin calvaria, "skull" and Greek kranion, "cranium" -- used by Christian Evangelists to translate the Aramaic gulgultha ("skull"). Golgotha, a hill shaped like a skull outside Jerusalem, was the place where Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:33 and Luke 23:33); an outdoor representation of the crucifixion of Christ; any experience involving intense pain or anguish.
Calvinism The theological system of French Protestant reformer John Calvin (1509-1564, born Jean Caulvin), emphasizing the doctrines of predestination and salvation soley by God's grace.
Camerlengo Italian camarlingo, "chamberlain" -- a Roman Catholic cardinal in charge of the papal treasury and accounts.
Cameron, Richard (1648-1680) Scottish minister and Covenanter whose followers formed the Reformed Prespyterian Church in 1743.
Campbell, Alexander (1788-1866) U.S. clergyman born in Ireland, founder of the Disciples of Christ.
Camp Fire Girls Girls' organization founded in 1910, as a program to promote health and character-building activities.
Camp Meeting A religious revival held at a campground or in a tent, often for several days.
Canaan The "Promised Land" of the Israelites, a region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranian Sea.
Candlemas A church feast on February 2, commemorating by the burning of candles the purification of the Virgin Mary.
Canon Latin, measuring line or rule (Greek kanon, rod or bar); Medieval Latin, sacred writings admitted to the catalog according to the rule -- a list of books of the Bible officially accepted by a church or religious body as genuine; part of the Mass, between the Preface and Communion, centering on the consecration of the Host; a list of recognized saints in the Roman Catholic Church; a musical, polyphonic composition in which there are exact repitions of a preceding part in the same or related keys; established rules, principles, criterion, or decree. Latin canonicus, a cleric -- member of a clerical group living by the established canon, but not under an everlasting vow (canonicals are the clothes prescribed for a canon when conducting services); a canon regular is a regular Roman Catholic priest living under the rule of his institute. A canoness is a woman holding a canonry but, unlike a nun, she doesn't take an everlasting vow. Canonry is the benefice or position of a canon. Canon law is a law or body of laws of a Christian church (a canonist is an expert in canon law); Canonic is of a musical canon. Canonical is an adjective pertaining to church canon (of, according to, or ordered by church canon); belonging to the canon of the Bible; of a clergyman; in general, authoritative or accepted. To canonize is to declare in formal church procedure a dead person as a saint; to put in the Bible canon; to give church sanction or authorization to; in general, to glorify.
Canonical Hour Any of the seven periods of the day assigned to prayer and worship by the Roman Catholic Church, including matins (with lauds), prime, terce, sext, none, vespers, and complin.
Cant Among other things, religious phraseology used hypocritically; insincere, pious, or meaningless talk; the special words and phrases (jargon) used by those in a certain sect.
Canticle Latin canticilum or canticum, "song" (derived from the Latin cantus, "chant") -- a song, chant, or hymn, the words of which are taken from Biblical Scripture. Solomon's Song of Songs is also known as Canticles (or Canticle of Canticles). Cantillation (Latin cantillatus, to hum or sing low) is a Jewish litergical chant with the reciting of certain prescribed musical phrases indicated by notations. A cantor is a church choir leader (precentor) or a singer of litergical solos in a synagogue who leads the congregation in prayer (hazan). Canto is a main division of a long poem, corresponding to the chapter of a book.
Capuchin A monk of the Friars Minor Capuchin, a branch of the Franciscan order that adheres strictly to the original rule. A capuche is a long, pointed hood worn by these monks. (Cappuccino is derived from the brown color of the capuchin's habit.)
Carbon-date To establish the approximate age of fossil or archaeological remains by measuring the amount of radioactive carbon 14 remaining in them.
Cardinal Latin cardinalis, chief or principal -- the chief presbyter; one of the Roman Catholic officials appointed by the Pope to his council, the College of Cardinals; bright red, like the color of the robe of a cardinal. Cardinalate is the position, dignity, or rank of a cardinal; generally, the Pope's council of cardinals.
Cardinal Virtues The basic virtues of ancient Greek philosophy: justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance (similar to the theological virtues).
Cargo Cult A quasi-religious cult among some South Sea islanders, based on a belief that the spirits of their ancestors will return with supplies of modern goods and inaugurate a golden age free from poverty and white dominance.
Carmelite A mendicant friar or nun of the order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, founded in Syria about A.D. 1160.
Carnal Late Latin carnalis, "fleshly" -- in or of the flesh, bodily, sexual, material, or worldly, as opposed to spiritual or intellectual; pleasures of the flesh, sensual desires, or lust.
Carol Greek choraules, choral dance accompanied by a flute player, Old French carole, Christmance song and dance -- traditionally, a Christmas song of joy and praise sung in chorus with others; originally, a circle dance.
Casaubon, Isaac (159-1614) French scholar and theologian, born in Switzerland.
Cassock Persian kazhaghand, kind of jacket made from silk -- a long, closefitting vestment, usually black, either worn as an outer garment or under the surplice by clergyman and choristers; in general, a clergyman or his position.
Catacombs Latin cata tumbas, "at the graves" -- any of a series of underground vaults or galleries used as a burial place.
Catafalque Italian catafalco, funeral canopy -- temporary wooden framework, usually draped, on which the body in a coffin lies during an elaborate funeral; a coffinlike structure used in the Roman Catholic Church to represent the dead in a requiem Mass after the actual burial.
Catechism (Catechumen) A handbook of questions and answers for teaching the principles of religion, from the Greek katechizein, to catechize: to teach, particularly the principles of a religion, by a method of question and answers; to question searchingly or fully. Catechumen is a person receiving instruction about the fundamentals of Christianity before baptism (from the Greek katechoumenos, a person instructed).
Cathedral Late Latin cathedralis, of a bishop's seat -- the main church of a bishop's see, containing the cathedra (Latin for a chair or office of a teacher); generally, any large, imposing church. A cathedra is the throne of a bishop, the episcopal see, or any seat of high authority.
Catherine Wheel A spiked wheel symbolizing the instrument of torture involved in the martyrdom of St. Catherine of Alexandria in the fourth century A.D. (celebrated November 25); a firework like a pinwheel that spins and throws out colorful sparks.
Catholic Latin catholicus, universal, general, or orthodox (Greek katholikos, completely whole) -- of the Christian church as a whole, specifically, of the ancient, undivided Christian church; any of the orthodox Christian churches or its members, such as the Roman, Greek, Eastern, or Anglo-Catholic, as distinguished from the Protestant or Reformed churches; in general, the Roman Catholic Church headed by the Pope. Catholicism is generally the doctrine, faith, practice, and organization of a Catholic church, especially the Roman Catholic Church. Catholicize is to convert to Catholocism.
Cayce, Edgar Edgar Cayce (1877-1945), a psychic healer and clairvoyant, founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1932. Over a 43 year period, Cayce proposed thousands of physical and mental healings (called life readings or physical readings) while in a hypnotic state of altered consciousness. His teachings were a mixture of mysticism, occultism, spiritism, reincarnation, and biblical scripture. Cayce also claimed to be a prophet, with about 90% of his prophecies being fulfilled.
Celestial Latin caelestis, heaven -- heavenly or divine.
Cella Latin, "small cell" -- inner part of an ancient Greek or Roman temple, housing the statue of a god or goddess.
Celtic Cross Latin cross having a wheellike circle around the intersection of the limbs.
Cenobite Greek koinobion, communal life -- member of a religious order living in a monastery, cloister, or convent (distinguished from anchorite -- a hermit or recluse).
Census Latin censere, "assess" -- ancient Roman act of counting the people and evaluating their property for taxation.
Chalcedony Greek chalkedon, a kind of quartz with a waxy luster with various colors, usually grayish or milky, and comprises agate, sard, cat's-eye, jasper, carnelian, and chrysoprase. Listed in Revelation 21:19 as one of the precious stones decorating the foundations of the Holy City of Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from God, his new dwelling place among man after the last days.
Chaldea Ancient province of Babylonia in the lower course of the Euphrates River (Persian Gulf), also known as Babylonia during Chaldean supremacy in the sixth century B.C.
Chamberlain An honorary attendant of the Pope; originally, the bedchamber attendant of a ruler or lord; a steward or an officer in charge of the household of a lord's estate, etc.
Chancel Latin cancellus, lattice -- the part of a church around the altar, usually at the east end, reserved for use by the clergy and choir, sometimes set off by a railing or screen.
Chancellor Among other definitions, an archdeacon or lay officer in the Anglican Church for legal affairs of a diocese; a Roman Catholic priest in charge of the diocesan chancery, an office that has custody of certain documents and performs secretarial services for the bishop.
Channeling Means of communication with spirits of the dead.
Chant Latin cantus, "song" -- a simple liturgical song in which a string of syllables or words of a canticle or psalm are sung in each monotonous tone, often a cappella.
Chantry An endowment to the Roman Catholic Church to pay for the saying of Masses and prayers for the soul of a specified person, often the endower; a chapel or altar endowed in the Middle Ages for this purpose.
Chanukah (Hannukah) Hebrew, "dedication" -- Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. and celebrated for eight days beginning the 25th day of Kislev (see Hannukah).
Chapel Latin cappa, "cape" -- originally, the sanctuary in which the cope (or cappa, cape) of St. Martin was preserved, later to designate any sanctuary; a place of Christian worship smaller than and subordinate to a church, sometimes having its own altar, or a similar room in some Jewish synagogues; any room or building used as a place of worship; any place of worship in Great Britain for those who are not members of an established church.
Chaplain Originally, a custodian of St. Martin's cloak (see chapel), later to designate the clergyman of a chapel in general; a minister, priest, or rabbi serving in a religious capacity in the armed forces, prisons, hospitals, and other public institutions, often knowledgeable in several religions.
Chaplet Diminutive of chapel, a string of prayer beads one third the length of a full rosary; the prayers said with such beads. Also, a wreath or garland for the head (chapeau).
Chapter Latin capitulum, "capital" or caput, "head" (Medieval Latin, church division) -- a formal meeting of canons headed by a dean, or of the members of a religious order, derived from a meeting at which a chapter of monastic rule was read (Late Latin, division of writing).
Chapter and Verse The exact Scriptural reference: book, chapter, and numerical verse of quoted Scripture.
Charismatic Designating a religious group or movement which stresses direct divine inspiration, which is manifested in speaking in tongues, healing, prophesy, etc. Theologically, charisma is a divinely inspired gift, grace, or talent.
Charity Latin caritas costliness, esteem, or affection -- theologically, the love of God for man or of man for his fellow men; an act of goodwill or affection; benevolence; kindness or leniency in judging others; voluntarily giving to those in need, or the money, services, or goods given; a welfare organization.
Charlemagne (Charles the Great, Charles I) (A.D. 742-814) king of the Franks (768-814) and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (800-814).
Charm Latin carmen, song or verse -- originally, an incantation (chanted words supposedly invoking magical powers to either harm or help; an amulet or talisman used with incantations; any action or gesture assumed to have magic power.
Charon The boatman in Greek Mythology who ferried souls of the dead across the River Styx to Hades.
Chartreuse La Grande Chartreuse, a Carthusian monastery in France; a pale, yellowish green liquor made by Carthusian monks.
Chasuble Medieval Latin casubla, hooded garment -- a sleeveless outer vestment worn over the alb by priests at Mass.
Cherub (Cherubim) Hebrew kerubh, a winged, heavenly being that supports the throne of God or acts as a guardian spirit (Genesis 3:24, Psalm 80:1, Ezekiel 10); theologically, the second order of angels which rank just below the seraphim. Represented in early art as a winged angel clothed in red, later to be depicted as a winged, chubby child.
Childermas Holy Innocents' Day
Children of God (COG) Founded by David "Moses" Berg in the late 1960s as a radical movement called Teens for Christ, which declared war on the contemporary systems of government, education, religion, and parental control. It later became Children of God (COG) in the 1970s and, finally, Family of Love in the early 1980s. This cult consisted of strictly regulated communes, or colonies, in and around Arizona and Texas, all headed by Berg as an autocratic messiah. Members signed a "Revolutionary Contract," turning over all possessions and cutting them off from past relationships. Members raised money for the cause by "listening," or distributing its literature. Female members also brought in income by flirty fishing ("FFing"), by which they basically prostituted themselves for the dual purpose of making money and converting male converts. (Children conceived through FFing were called "Jesus Babes" and the contraction of venereal disease was considered suffering for the cause of Christ.) Other desirable relations, according to Berg's intimate teachings and his official periodical, "MO Letters," included lesbianism, incest, adultery, wife-swapping, child molestation, and sexual intercourse with female spirits (succubae or succubus). Primarily focused on sexual promiscuity and parental rebellion, along with its blatant scriptural perversion, it has gained a bad reputation worlwide. Its international headquarters is in Zurich, Switzerland.
Chimere (Chimer) Arabic sammur, "sable" -- a loose, sleeveless robe worn by Anglican bishops.
Chiromancy Palmistry.
Choir Theology, any of the nine orders of angels; group of church singers.
Cholent From the French chaud, "hot" -- a beef stew with potatoes, beans, and other vegetables slowly baked for a long time as a traditional Jewish dish prepared on Friday for the Sabbath.
Chrism Latin chrisma, an anointing or unction (Greek chrisma, oil used for anointing) -- concecrated oil used in baptism and other sacraments in certain churches or the sacramental anointing with this oil. The container or receptacle for the chrism is called a chrismatory. A chrisom was originally a cloth to keep chrism off the face; a white cloth or robe representing innocence, worn by an infant at baptism (used as a shroud if the infant died within one month of birth); an innocent baby or infant.
Christ Greek christos, "the anointed" -- originally a Greek title for the Hebrew Yeshua Moshiach, "Jesus the Anointed One" (or Jesus the Messiah): Jesus the Christ, later to be used simply as part of his name (Jesus Christ); the Messiah whose appearance is prophesied in the Old Testament, believed by Christians to be Jesus of Nazareth
Christen To baptize (originally, to baptize into a particular Christian church); to give a name at baptism.
Christendom The dominion or kingdom of Christ on earth; those parts of the world where most of the inhabitants profess the Christian faith; Christians collectively.
Christian Greek christianos, a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ. The disciples of Jesus were first called Christians ("Christ-ones") at the church of Antioch in the region of Pisidia in Asia Minor around A.D. 43 (Acts 11:26). Christians here were a mix of Gentiles and Greek and Aramaic-speaking Jews. The term was used by King Agrippa when the Apostle Paul attempted to convert him while imprisoned (Acts 26:28). The term was again used by Peter as a name to bear in suffering for Christ (1 Peter 4:16).
Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools) Roman Catholic lay order that undertakes the teaching of youths.
Christian Era The era beginning with the year thought to be the birth of Jesus Christ (circa 8-4 B.C.): B.C. marks the dates before and A.D. marks the dates during this era.
Christianity Christians collectively; Christendom; the Christian religion, based on the Old and New Testaments; a particular Christian religious system or sect.
Christian Name The name of an individual given at baptism, distinguished from the surname or family name.
Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) Pseudo Christian religion founded by Mary Baker Eddy around 1866, upholding the idea that disease, sin, and death are caused by errors in thinking and have no real existence.
Christlike Like Jesus Christ in spirit or character.
Christmas Holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, generally observed on December 25. The evening before is Christmas Eve. Christmastide is Christmas time from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day (or to Epiphany on January 6).
Christology The study of the work and person of Jesus Christ and of the literature that relates to him.
Christ's-thorn An Old World spiny shrub (Paliurus spina-christi) of the buckthorn family, supposed to have been used for Christ's crown of thorns.
Chrysolite Latin and Greek chrysolithos, "topaz" -- also known as olivine, an orthorhombic silicate of magnesium and iron, existing usually as green crystals in many highly basic igneous rocks.
Chrysoprase Latin chrysoprasus and Greek chrysoprasos (chrysos, gold + prason, leek) -- a light-green, semi-precious stone; variety of chalcedony.
Church Greek kyriake (oikia), Lord's (house) (from kyriakos, belonging to the Lord) -- a building for organized, public worship, particularly of the Christian faith; the body of all Christians as a whole; the ecclesiastical government of a religious group as opposed to secular government; profession of the clergy; a congregation or group of worshipers.
Church of England The episcopal church of England; Anglican Church; an established church with the sovereign as its head.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Latter-day Saints, LDS, Mormons) Mormons
Church of Rome Roman Catholic Church
Church Slavic Old Church Slavic
Churchwarden Either of two lay officers chosen annually in every parish of the Church of England or of the Protestant Episcopal Church to usher at service and attend to certain secular matters.
Ciborium Latin, "cup," from the Greek kiborion, seed vessel of the Egyptian water lilly -- a manmade canopy that rests on four columns, usually covering an altar; baldachin; a covered cup for holding the wafers of the Eucharist.
Circa Latin, "about" -- used before an approximate date, usually abbreviated as c.
Circuit Rider A traveling minister who preaches in his mapped circuit.
Circumcise (Circumcision) Latin circumcisus, to cut around -- to cut off all or part of the foreskin of the genitalia; archaic term for purification or cleansing from sin. The circumcision of Jesus is generally celebrated January 1
Cistercian A monk or nun of the French monastic order founded in 1098, which follows a strict interpretation of the Benedictine rule.
City of God Heaven (Psalm 46:4).
Clairvoyance Having the supposed ability to perceive things that are not seen; keen insight or perception.
Classical (Classic) Latin classicus, relating to the highest classes of the Roman people (superior) -- well versed in or devoted to ancient Greek and Roman culture, literature, art, languages, etc. Classicism is the aesthetic principles or qualities regarded as characteristic of ancient Greece and Rome: objectivity, formality, balance, simplicity, restraint, etc. (generally contrasted with Romanticism); knowledge of the literature and art of ancient Greece and Rome; classical scholarship; a Greek or Latin idiom or expression.
Classis A governing body in certain Reformed churches consisting of the ministers and representative elders from the churches in a district, or the district so governed.
Clement of Alexandria Titus Flavius Clemens (circa A.D. 150-215), Greek Christian theologian.
Clergy Persons ordained for religious service (clergymen), such as priests, ministers, rabbis, etc. To collate is to appoint a clergyman to a benefice (an endowed church office providing a living for a vicar or rector).
Cleric Clergyman.
Cloister Latin claustrum, shut in place -- portion of a monastery closed off to the laity; in general, a place of religious seclusion, such as a monastery, convent, abbey, or priory; monastic life; seclusion from the outside world; an arched way or covered walk along the inside wall or walls of a monastery, convent, church building, etc., with a columned opening along one side leading to a courtyard or garden.
Cloth The identifying dress of the clergy or the clergy collectively (such as the term "man of the cloth").
Codex Latin, wooden tablet for writing (Late Latin, a book of laws) -- a manuscript volume, such as of classic literature or Scripture; a code or body of laws. For example, Codex Juris Canonici (Code of Canan Law), the official body of laws governing the Roman Catholic Church since 1918.
Coeternal Existing together eternally.
College A clerical group that has been given the legal status of an ecclesiastical corporation, such as the College of Cardinals, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church who serve as a privy council to the Pope and for electing his successor. A collegiate church has a chapter of canons (although not a bishop's see); in Scotland, a church with two or more ministers serving jointly; in the U.S., a church associated with others under a joint body of pastors; in general, such an association of churches. Collegiality is the principle that authority is shared by the Pope and the bishops.
Colloquium Latin, "conversation" -- an organized conference or seminar on some subject involving a number of scholars or experts.
Colporteur French, "peddler" -- someone who goes from place to place distributing or selling Bibles or religious tracts.
Comenius, John Amos (1592-1670) Born Jan Amos Komensky, Moravian educational reformer and theologian.
Comity Agreement among cooperating Christian denominations to avoid duplication of churches, missions, or other similar establishments in specific areas.
Commandments (see Ten Commandments)
Commendam Medieval Latin dare in commendam, "to give in trust" (commandery) -- temporary holding of a benefice, with the right to its revenues, by a cleric or layman in the absence of proper incumbent.
Common Era Christian Era
Communion (Holy Communion) Latin communio, "a sharing" -- any of various Christian rites in which bread and wine are received as symbols in memory of the shed blood and bodily sacrifice of Jesus Christ; a sacrament of the Roman Catholic Eucharist in which the bread and wine are concecrated as the body and blood of Christ, also called the Lord's Supper; in general, a group of Christians professing the same faith and practicing the same rites.
Compunction Latin compunctus, to prick (Late Latin compunctio, the pricking of conscience) -- sharp feeling of uneasiness brought on by a sense of guilt; twinge of conscience; remorse; penitence.
Concelebrate Latin concelebratus, to celebrate a solemnity in large numbers -- prayers said in unison by two or more officiating priests, such as in celebrating the Eucharistic litergy jointly.
Conceptualism Doctrine, intermediate between nominalism and realism, that universals exist explicitly in the mind as concepts and implicitly in the similarities shared by particular objects.
Conclave Latin, a room that may be locked -- the private meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals to elect a pope; the cardinals collectively; in general, any private or secret meeting.
Concordance Latin concordans, to agree (concord) -- an alphabetical list of the important words used in a book, with references to the passages in which they occur.
Concordat Latin concordatus, agreement or harmony (concordance) -- an agreement between a pope and a government concerning the regulation of church affairs; in general, a compact, formal agreement, or covenant.
Confession Acknowledgement of sin; admission of guilt; accept fault in a crime; declaration of one's faith or statement of religious belief; tomb or shrine of a martyr or confessor (a Christian who suffered for their faith but was not martyred). A confessional is a small, enclosed place where a priest listens to confessions.
Confirmation Christian ceremony in which a person is admitted to full membership in a church; Jewish ceremony in which a person reaffirms their belief in the basic spiritual and ethical concepts of Judaism. A confirmand is the person confirmed in a religious ceremnoy. A confiteor is a formal prayer of confession, often said at Mass.
Conform To accept and adhere to the usages of the Established Church.
Confraternity A brotherhood or fraternal association comprised of laymen united in profession or vocation, such as a religious society, with a devotional or charitable purpose.
Confucianism The ethical teachings of Confucius (Latin, "K'ung Fu-tse"), a Chinese philosopher and teacher (circa 551-479 B.C.), introduced into Chinese religion, emphasizing devotion to parents, family and friends, ancestor worship, and the maintenance of justice and peace.
Congregation Latin congregatio, an assembling (Medieval Latin, a religious community) -- an assembly or gathering of people, usually for religious worship, teaching, and fellowship; Biblically, the whole body or assembly of Israelites. In the Roman Catholic Church: a religious community bound by a common rule; division of an order made up of a group of monasteries; a committee of cardinals in charge of some department of church affairs.
Congrgationalism A Protestant form of church organization established in colonial New England in which each congregation is self-governing -- a congregation being a settlement, town, or parish.
Conjure Latin conjurare, to swear together -- originally, to be sworn in a conspiracy; to summon a demon or spirit by magic spell as a primitive, superstitious rite; to practice magic or legerdemain. A conjurer is one who is a magician, sorcerer, or one skilled in legerdemain (trickery, sleight of hand, or stage magic).
Conscience Latin conscientia, consciousness, moral sense (noun) -- a knowledge or sense of right and wrong, with a compulsion to do right; moral judgment that opposes the violation of a previously recognized ethical principle, which leads to feelings of guilt if violated; consciousness; inner thoughts or feelings. Conscious (adjective) is awareness or cognizance; ability to feel and think in a normal waking state; having knowledge or feelings of inner sensations or external forces; aware of oneself as a thinking being or knowing what one is doing and why (self-conscious). Counsiousness is the totality of one's thoughts, feelings, and impressions (conscious mind).
Consecrate To set apart as holy; make or declare sacred for religious use; to dedicate or devote entirely; to cause to be revered or honored (hallow); to make someone a religious ruler, such as a bishop, by a religious ceremnoy.
Conservative Tending to preserve established traditions or institutions and to resist or oppose any changes in these; moderate, cautious, or safe; designating the major right-wing political parties of Great Britain (Conservative Party) and Canada (Progressive Conservative Party); descriptive of the Republican Party (Grand Old Party) in the U.S., often upholding Christian values and morals; designating a movement in Judaism that accepts moderate adaptation of religious ritual and traditional forms to the framework of modern life.
Consistory Latin consistorium, council or place of assembly -- originally, a meeting place for a council or court; a church council or court, such as the papal senate or a council of deacons; a session of such a body.
Constantine the Great Born Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus (A.D. 280-337), Constantine I was emperor of Rome from A.D. 306-337.
Constellation Latin constellatus, "set with stars" -- a number of fixed stars arbitrarily considered as a group, usually named after some object, animal, or mythological being that they supposedly suggest in outline; the grouping of the planets at any particular time, especially at a person's birthday; one's disposition or fate as supposedly influenced by such a grouping.
Consubstantiation Theological doctrine that the substance of the bread and wine of the Eucharist exists, after consecration, side by side with the substance of the body and blood of Christ but is not changed into it. (Transubstantiation is the doctrine that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ.)
Context Latin contextus, a joining together -- the parts of a sentence, paragraph, discourse, etc., immediately next to or surrounding a specified word or passage and determining its exact meaning; the whole situation, background, or environment relevant to a particular event, personality, creation, etc.
Continence Self-restraint, moderation, or temperance; abstinence in sexual activity.
Contrition Late Latin contritio, grief -- a feeling of remorse for sins or wrongdoing (see Penitence).
Convent Latin conventus, "assembly" (Medieval Latin, religious house) -- a community of nuns living under strict religious vows; the building or buildings occupied by such a group, such as a cloister.
Conventual, Friars Minor A branch of the Franciscan order under a modified rule that permits the holding of property in common.
Convert Latin convertere, to turn together -- to cause to change from one religion, doctrine, or belief to another; a person so converted (convertite). Conversion is generally to change from a lack of faith to accept a religious belief or adoption of a religion.
Convocation An ecclesiastical or academic assembly that has been summoned to convene.
Coptic Arabic Quft or Qift, the Copts, Greek Aigyptios, Egyptian -- of the ancient, Afro-Asiatic inhabitants of Egypt, known as the Copts. The Coptic Church was the native Christian church of Egypt and Ethiopia, Monophysitic in nature (believing that Christ had only one nature, a composite of the physical and spiritual).
Cordelier Old French cordelle, cord -- a monk of the Franciscan Observants, so named from the knotted cord worn as a girdle.
Coreligionist A person of the same religion or religious denomination.
Corporal A small linen cloth placed on the center of the altar, on which are placed the bread and the chalice for the Eucharist.
Corporeal Latin corporeus, bodily form -- physical, bodily nature; of a material, not spiritual, substance or existance; tangible or percepible by the human senses.
Corposant Portuguese corpo santo and Latin corpus sanctum, "holy body" (see St. Elmo's Fire).
Corpus Latin, "body" -- a complete or comprehensive collection of laws or writings of a specified type, such as the Corpus Juris Canonici ("Body of Canon Law"), the body of laws governing the Catholic Church up to 1918 (superseded by the Codex Juris Canonici).
Corpus Christi Latin, "Body of Christ" -- a Roman Catholic festival celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, in honor of the Eucharist.
Cosmos Greek kosmos, "universe" or "harmony" -- the universe considerd as a harmonious and orderly system. Cosmogony is the theory of the origin or generation of the universe. Cosmology is the branch of philosophy and science dealing with the study of the universe as a whole and of its form and nature as a physical system. Cosmic is of the universe, exclusive of the earth.
Cosmic Energy Supernatural energy derived or eminating from the cosmos.
Counter-Reformation The reform movement in the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century, in answer to the Protestant Reformation.
Coven From the Latin convenire, to come together, convene (Middle English covin, a group of confederates) -- a gathering or meeting of witches.
Covenant From the Latin convenire, convene -- a binding and solemn agreement made by two or more individuals or parties to either do or not do a specified act (compact); an agreement among members of a church to defend and maintain is doctrines, polity, faith, etc.; the promises made by God to man, whereby God swore upon his own name. The National Covenant was an agreement of Presbyterians in Scotland in 1638 to oppose episcopacy. The Solemn League and Covenant was an agreement between the parliaments of Scotland and England in 1643 to extend and preserve Presbyterianism.
Coverdale, Miles (1488-1568) English clergyman who translated the Bible into English in 1535.
Cowl Latin cucullus, cap or hood -- a monk's hood or a monk's cloak with a hood.
Cranmer, Thomas (1489-1556) Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533-56.
Creationism The doctrine that ascribes the origin of life to God, as recorded in Genesis; theological doctrine that God creates a new soul for every human being born, as opposed to Traducianism.
Crèche French, "crib" (from the Greek krippe) -- a Christmas display of a stable with figures representing a scene at the birth of Jesus.
Credence A small table at the side of the communion table on which the bread and wine are placed before consecration.
Credenda From the Latin credere, "creed" -- doctrines to be believed in matters of faith.
Creed Latin credo, "I believe" (credere, to trust or believe) -- a brief statement of religious belief or a confession of faith, such as the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed.
Crescent Turkish Muslim emblem, symbol of power.
Cross (Cruciform) Latin crux, an upright post with a bar across it near the top on which the ancient Romans fastened convicted persons to die; a symbol of this device, representing the crucifixion of Jesus and of Christianity in general.
Crucifix A reproduction of a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it as a Christian symbol.
Crucifixion The crucifying of Jesus by the Romans by nailing his hands and feet to a cross, often represented in art. Crucifixion was the capital punishment of ancient Rome, whereby a convicted criminal was either nailed or bound to a cross and left to die of exposure. Crucifixion is also a self-imposed act of mortification of the flesh for ascetic purposes.
Crusades From the Medieval Latin cruciata, to mark with a cross -- a series of Christian military expeditions sanctioned by the Catholic Church between the late 11th to the late 13th centuries to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims.
Crystal From the Latin crystallum, ice, and Greek krystallos, frost -- a solidified form of substance in which the atoms or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern repeated regularly in three dimensions; a clear, transparent quartz, often cut in the form of an ornament. Quartz is a brilliant, hexagonally crystalline mineral, silicon dioxide (SiO2), made primarily from sand. Crystal gazing is the practice of gazing into a ball of rock crystal (usually glass) and professing to see certain images or future events.
Cubit Latin cubitum, "elbow" -- ancient measure of length, about 18-22 inches, approximately the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
Cult Latin cultus, cultivation -- a system of religious worship or ritual requiring strict devotion, a term often used by Christians regarding a pseudo-Christian sect that is either apostate or has integrated Christian beliefs into its basic tenants, along with teachings from various other religions.
Cuneiform Latin cuneus, wedge -- wedge-shaped form of characters used in the ancient inscriptions of the Akkadians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians.
Curate Medieval Latin curatus, one responsible for the care of souls -- originally, any clergyman; a clergyman who assists a vicor or rector. Curé (derived from curatus) is a French parish priest.
Curse Old English cursian and Old French corocier, to call down wrath upon -- a calling on God or the gods to send evil or injury on some person or thing; a person or thing that has been cursed or damned; a profane, obscene, or blasphemous oath or imprecation expressing hatred, anger, or vexation, often out of revenge.
Cutty Stool A low stool, formerly a seat in a Scottish church in which offenders against chastity had to sit and be publicly rebuked by the minister.
Cyril Greek Kyrillos, "lordly" -- (A.D. 376-444) Christian theologian and archbishop of Alexandria from 412-444, saint whose day celebrated February 9; (A.D. 827-869) born Constantine, Greek prelate and missionary, apostle to the Slavs, saint whose day is celebrated July 7 (Cyrillic is the Slavic alphabet attributed to him, still used in Russia and Bulgaria).
Dagan Hebrew "grain" -- Babylonian god of the earth. Dagon, a variant of the Hebrew dagan, was a god of agriculture and the main god of the ancient Phillistines and Phoenicians, represented as half man and half fish.
Dalai Lama (Grand Lama) Mongolian dalai, "ocean" + Tibetan blama, "chief" or "high priest" -- the traditional high priest of Lamaism, a form of Buddhism practiced in Mongolia and Tibet, characterized by elaborate ritual and a strong hierarchal organization.
Daman Arabaic daman Israil, "sheep of Israel" -- (see Hyrax).
Daemon (Daimon) Latin, demon or evil spirit (from the Greek daimon, divine power, fate, or god) -- any of the secondary divinities in Greek Mythology ranking between the gods and men; guardian, inspiring, or inner spirit; a demon.
Damn Latin damnare, to condemn -- originally, to condemn as guilty; doom to an unhappy fate; condemn to endless punishment. Damnation comes from the Late Latin damnatio, "the displeasure of God," or condemnation.
Dan Hebrew "a judge" -- the fifth son of Jacob and one of the twelve tribes of Israel, settled in northern Palestine.
Danite A member of the Hebrew tribe of Dan (Judges 13:2); a member of a secret Mormon organization formed in 1838.
Dante Born Durante Alighieri (1265-1321), Italian poet who wrote The Divine Comedy.
Dark Ages The Middle Ages, especially the period from about A.D. 476 to the end of the 10th century, so called from the idea that this period in Europe was characterized by intellectual stagnation, widespread ignorance and poverty, and cultural decline.
Darshan Hindi darsan and Sanskrit darsana, "a seeing" (Greek derkomai, "I see") -- in Hindu belief, the virtue, uplifting, or blessing one receives in the presence of a great man.
Darwinian Theory (Natural Selection) Theory of evolution from Charles Robert Darwin (1809-82), which holds that all species of plants and animals developed from ealier forms by hereditary transmission of slight variations in successive generations and that the forms which survive are those that are best adapted to the environment. Also known as Natural Selection or Survival of the Fittest. Darwinism is adherence to this theory.
Datary Latin, to be given away (Medieval Latin datarius, official of the Roman chancery) -- the Roman Catholic office of the Curia that examines candidates for papal benefices and handles the claims of those with rights to pensions; the cardinal in charge of this office.
Daven Yiddish davnen, to pray -- to recite the prayers of the daily or a holiday liturgy in Judaism.
Davy Jones The spirit of the sea, a humorous name given by sailors. Davy Jones's locker is the bottom of the ocean, which is the grave of those drowned or buried at sea.
Day of Atonement (see Yom Kippur)
Day of Judgment (see Judgment Day)
Deacon Late Latin diaconus, a servant of the church (Greek diakonos, servant or messenger) -- a Christian elder or church officer who helps the minister, primarily in matters not having to do with worship; a cleric ranking just below a priest in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches; to read a verse aloud before it is sung by the congregation. A deaconess is a female deacon, usually appointed to assist members of the congregation or parish, such as the sick and poor. Diaconal is of a deacon or deacons (adjective). Diaconate is the rank office, or tenure of a deacon, or a board of deacons.
Deadly Sins The seven capital sins that lead to spiritual death: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth
Dead Sea Inland body of salt water between Israel and Jordan, about 370 square miles and 1,290 feet below sea level.
Dead Sea Scrolls A number of scrolls discoverd at various times since 1947, in caves near the Dead Sea, dating between 100 B.C. and A.D. 70 and containing Jewish Scriptual writings and religious writings from an Essenelike community.
Dean Latin decem, "ten" (Late Latin decanus, chief of ten soldiers, Late Latin Ecclesiastic for monks) -- the presiding official of a cathedral or collegiate church; a Roman Catholic priest chosen by his bishop to supervise a number of parishes within the diocese; the head administrator of a college or university. Deanery is the position, authority, jurisdiction, or official residence of a dean. Decanal is of a dean or deanery.
Decalogue Greek dekalogos, "Ten Commandments"
Decretal A decree issues by the Pope on some matter of ecclesiastical discipline; any collection of such decrees, formerly a part of canon law.
Defender of the Faith A title used by English sovereigns, originally conferred upon Henry VIII by Pope Leo X.
Defide Latin term of faith, used to designate Roman Catholic doctrines held to be revealed by God and so requiring the uconditional assent of faith by all.
Defrock (Unfrock) To deprive of the rank or function of priest or minister.
Degradation A punishment whereby a Roman Catholic priest is permanently deprived of the rights of his office.
Deil Scottish variant of devel, the devil or a mischievous person.
Deism French déisme, from the Latin deus, "god" -- belief in the existence of a God on purely rational grounds without reliance on revelation or authority; 17th and 18th century doctrine that God created the world and its natural laws, but takes no further part in its functioning. A deist is a believer in deism (as opposed to an atheist).
Deity Late Latin deitas, "divinity" (from the Latin divinitas) -- the state of being a god; of divine nature or goodhood; a god or goddess. Deific is deifying or making divine; godlike or divine in nature. Deify is to make a god of, or to look upon or worship as a god; to gloriy exalt, or aodre in an extreme way (idolize).
Demigod A lesser god of mythology or minor deity; the offspring of a god or goddess and a human; a godlike person.
Demiurge Greek demiourgos, one who works for the people, skilled workman, creator -- in Plato's philosophy, the deity as creator of the material world; in Gnosticism, a deity subordinate to the supreme deity, sometimes considered the creator of evil; a ruling force or creative power.
Demogorgon In ancient mythology, a terrifying and mysterious god or demon of the underworld (see Gorgon).
Demon (Daemon) Latin daemon,, demon or evil spirit (from the Greek daimon, divine power, fate, or god) -- a devil or evil spirit. A demoniac (Greek daimoniakos) is a person possessed or influenced by a demon. Demonism is belief in the existence and powers of demons. Demonolatry is the worship of demons. Demonology is the study of demons or the beliefs about them. To demonize is to make into a demon or bring under the influence of demons.
Demythologize In theology, to discount mythological elements in the Bible or Christian doctrine in order to facilitate understanding and acceptance.
Denomination Latin denominatio, to name -- the name of a class of things; a particular religious sect or body with a specific organization and name. Denominational is of, sponsored by, or under the control of a religious denomination (sectarian). Denominationalism is division into denominations, their system and principles, or acceptance or support of such systems and principles.
Deontology From the Greek deon, that which is binding or of necessity -- the theory of duty or moral obligation (ethics).
Deo Volente Late Latin, "God willing" or "if God is willing."
Deprofundis Late Latin, "out of the depths" -- from the opening passage of the Latin version of Psalm 130 ("Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD"), from the deepest sorrow, misery, or despair.
Depth Psychology Any system of psychology dealing with the processes of the unconscious, such as psychonalysis.
Dervish Turkish (from the Persian darvesh, beggar) -- a member of any of various Muslim orders dedicated to a life of poverty and chastity. Some practice whirling and howling as religious acts.
Determinism The doctrine that everything, especially one's choice of action, is determined by a sequence of causes independent of one's will.
Deus Latin, God.
Deuterocanonical From the Greek deutero, second -- of or constituting a second or subsequent canon; specifically, designating certain Biblical books accepted by the Roman Catholic Church as canonical but held by Protestants to be apocryphal.
Deva Sanskrit, god -- a god or good spirit in Hindu Mythology.
Devil Greek diabolos, "slanderous" -- the chief evil spirit, a supernatural being subordinate to, and the foe of, God and the tempter of man; any such subordinate beings who rebelled against God and now reside in hell (demons); referred to in the Septuagint as Satan, in the New Testament as the devil. The devil as an individual, demonic angel is often depicted as a man with horns, a tail, and cloven feet. A devilkin is a small devil, or imp. Devilry is a British term for witchcraft or black magic.
Devil's Advocate Medieval Latin advocatus diaboli -- a Roman Catholic official selected to critically examine the facts and make objections in the case of a deceased person named for beatification or canonization; a person who upholds the wrong side or an indefensible cause, perversely or for the sake of argument.
Devolution Medieval Latin devolutio, a rolling back -- biologically, evolution of structures toward greater simplicity or disappearance (degeneration).
Devotion Latin devotio -- extreme committment, dedication, loyalty, or concecration; piety or devoutness; private prayers or religious worship (devotional).
Devout Latin devotus, devoted -- very religious or pious; showing reverence; earnest, sincere, or heartfelt in faith to one's religion or convictions. ("Pious" suggests scrupulous adherence but may connote hypocrisy. "Religious" stresses constant devotion to religious tenets. "Sanctimonious" implies smugness or haughtiness.)
Dharma Sanskrit, law or custom -- in Hinduism and Buddhism, the cosmic order or law, including the natural and moral principles that apply to all beings and things; dutiful observance of this law in one's life; right conduct.
Diabolic (Diabolical) Late Latin diabolicus, derived from the Latin diabolus, "devil" -- of the Devil or devils; wicked, cruel, or fiendish. Diabolism is dealings with the Devil or devils by sorcery or witchcraft, or worship of such creatures; the character or condition of such a develish being. Diablerie is similar, but includes lore about the Devil.
Dialogue Mass A Low Mass in the Roman Catholic Church at which the congregation makes the responses aloud and in unison.
Diaspora Greek, a scattering -- the dispersion of the Jews after the Babylonian exile; the Jews thus dispersed; the places where they settled; any scattering of people with a common origin, background, or beliefs.
Didache Greek, "the teaching" (didache ton dodeka apostolon, the teaching of the twelve apostles) -- an anonymous Christine treatise of the early second century A.D. Didache, or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is a collection of early manuscripts dating back to A.D. 1056 (individually composed as early as the second century), compiled into one volume consisting of 16 chapters of basic Christian teachings, with references to the material of the Gospels. Discovered in a monastery in Constantinople and published by P. Bryennios in 1883, its primitive teachings resemble those in the Apostolic Constitutions.
Dies Irae Latin, "Day of Wrath" -- a medieval Latin hymn about Judgment Day and a part of the Requiem Mass.
Diet Scottish, a day's session of an assembly, from the Latin dies, "day" -- a formal assembly of royalty and the elect in the Holy Roman Empire. The Diet of Worms was an assembly in the city of Worms on the Rhine River in Hesse, West Germany, where Martin Luther was condemned by the Roman Catholic Church for heresy in 1521.
Dimension Latin dimensio, a measuring -- there are four known dimensions, the three space coordinates of length, width, and depth, along with the fourth dimension of time in the theory of relativity. The space-time continuum is a four-dimensional continuum with four coordinates, the three dimensions of space and that of time, in which any event can be located.
Diocese Latin diocesis, district, government (Greek dioikesis, administration) -- the district under a bishop's jurisdiction. A diocesan is the bishop of a diocese.
Dionysius Exiguus Roman monk and Christian theologian of the sixth century A.D., believed to have introduced the current system of numbering years on the basis of the Christian Era.
Dirge Latin dirige, imperitive of dirigere, "to direct," the first word of an antiphon in the Office for the Burial of the Dead (Psalm 5:8) -- a funeral hymn; a slow, sad song, poem, or musical composition expressing grief, mourning, or lament.
Disanoint To annul the anointing of.
Discalced Latin discalceatus, unshod or without shoes -- barefooted, as members of certain religious orders.
Disciple Latin discipulus, "learner" -- a pupil or follower of any teacher or school of religion, learning, art, etc.; an early follower of Jesus.
Disciples of Christ A Christian denomination, organized in 1809, that makes the Bible the only basis for faith and practice and baptizes by immersion.
Disciplinant Member of a former Spanish Christian sect who flagellated and otherwise tortured themselves publicly as a means of discipline.
Disembody To free from bodily existence or make incorporeal.
Disjectamembra Latin, scattered parts or fragments, as of an author's writings.
Dispensation Latin dispensatio, management or charge -- theologically, the ordering of events under divine authority; an exemption or release from the provisions of a specific Roman Catholic Church law; any religious system.
Dissent Latin dissentire, apart from thinking or feeling -- to differ in belief or opinion (disagree); to reject the doctrines and forms of an established church (religious nonconformity). Traditionally, a dissenter is a Protestant who refuses to accept the doctrines and forms of the Established Church in England or Scotland.
Ditheism (Dualism) Belief in two supreme gods (dualism).
Diurnal Latin diurnalis, daily -- a service book containing prayers for the daytime canonical hours.
Dives Latin, rich -- parable of the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) from the Latin Vulgate Bible.
Divination Latin divinatio, from divinare (divine) -- the act or practice of foretelling the future or unknown by occult means; a prophecy or augury. A divining rod is a forked branch or stick alleged to reveal hidden matter, such as water, minerals, treasure, or artifacts, by bending downward toward the desired object buried underground (also known as a dowsing rod).
Divine Latin divinus, from divus (diety) -- of or like God or a god; given or inspired by God (holy or sacred); devoted to God (religious or sacrosanct); supreme qualities (good, almighty, etc.); having to do with theology or a theologian; a clergyman. The divine right of kings is traditionally the God-given right of kings to rule. Divinity is the quality or condition of being divine; a divine being, god, or deity; a divine power, virtue, trate, or characteristic; theology or the study of religion. To divinize is to deify.
Divine Liturgy The Eucharistic rite of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Divine Office The prayers assigned to each of the canonical hours.
Docetism Greek Doketai, name of an early Christian sect which held that Christ merely seemed to have a human body.
Doctrine Latin doctrina, variant of doctor -- teachings or something taught as the principle or creed of a religion, political party, etc.; tenets (maintenance or defense of a theory or principle); dogma (handed down by authority as true and indisputable); a rule or theory of law, based on carefully worked out principles and advanced by its adherents.
Dog Latin Incorrect or ungrammatical Latin.
Dogma Latin and Greek, an opinion or that which one believes (Late Latin, a decree or order) -- a doctrine, tenet, or belief (individually or collectively); a possitive, arrogant assertion of opinion; theologically, a doctrine or body of doctrines formally and authoritatively affirmed. Dogmatic is doctrinal; asserted without proof (a priori); stating opinion an an assertive or arrogant manner. Dogmatics is the study of religious dogmas, particilarly those of Christianity. Dogmatism (Greek dogmatizein, to lay down a decree) is dogmatic assertion of opinion, usually without reference to evidence. To dogmatize is to speak or write dogmatically, or formulate or express as dogma.
Dom Latin dominus, a lord or master -- title given to certain monks and clerics; a title of respect formerly given to gentlemen of Brazil and Portugal, used with the given name.
Dominical Late Latin Dominicus, "of the Lord" (Latin dominus, of a lord) -- having to do with Jesus as the Lord; having to do with the Lord's Day (Sunday). Dominical letter is any of the first seven letters in the alphabet as used in church calendars to indicate Sundays -- the letters are assigned to the first seven days of January, and the letter falling to Sunday is the arbitrary symbol for Sunday the rest of the year.
Dominican Order A mendicant order of friars or nuns founded in 1215 by St. Dominic (1170-1221), a Spanish priest (celebrated August 4).
Dominie From the Latin dominus, dominate -- a pastor of the U.S. Dutch Reformed Church; generally, any pastor or clergyman; a Scottish schoolmaster.
Dominus Latin, "the Lord," such as in Dominus vobiscum, "the Lord be with you."
Donatist Member of a North African Christian sect formed in the fourth century A.D. by Donatus, Bishop of Casae Nigrae, holding extremely rigorous views concerning purity and sanctity.
Doppelganger Greek doppel, double + ganger, goer -- the supposed ghostly double or wraith of a living person.
Dossal (Dossel) Medieval Latin dossale, variant of dorsalis, dorsal -- an ornamental cloth hung behind an altar, at the back of a chancel, etc.; formerly, an ornamental upholstery at the back of a chair or throne.
Douay Bible (Douay Version) English version of the Bible translated from the Latin Vulgate edition for the use of Roman Catholics. The New Testament was originally published at Reims in 1582 and the Old Testament at Douai from 1609-10.
Doubting Thomas A chronic skeptic or a person who habitually doubts, so named after the Apostle Thomas.
Doxology Greek doxologia, a praising -- any of several hymns of praise to God, often beginning with "Praise God from whom all belssings flow." The greater doxology begins Gloria in excelsis Deo ("glory to God in the highest") and the lesser doxology begins Gloria Patri ("glory to the Father").
Doxy Abbreviation of orthodoxy: a doctrine or creed, particularly in religion.
Drachma Greek drachme, "a handful" -- an ancient Greek silver coin and a unit if weight approximately equal to this coin.
Dragon Latin and Greek drakon, "the seeing one" (dragon or serpent) -- a mythical monster, usually reperesented as a large, fire-breathing reptile with wings and claws; archaic term for a large serpent or snake; a word used in the King James Bible to translate several Hebrew words describing Satan (such as serpent, Old Serpent, jackal, etc.).
Dragonade The persecution of the French Protestants by the troops of Louis XIV, especially by the use of dragoons (heavily armed cavalrymen).
Druid (Druidism) From the Celtic drui, "oak-wise" -- a member of a Celtic religious order of priests, soothsayers, judges, poets, etc., in ancient Britain, Ireland, and France. A dryad is a wood nymph from Greek and Roman Mythology.
Druse (Druze) A member of a secret Islamic sect in Syria and Lebanon, founded by Ismail al-Durazi (Arabic Duruz, "tailor").
Dualism (Dualistic) The theological doctrine that there are two mutually antagonistic principles in the universe, good and evil; the doctrine that man has two natures, physical and spiritual; the philosophical theory that the world is ultimately composed of, or explicable in terms of, two basic entities, mind and matter.
Duende Spanish, "goblin" or "spirit" -- a special quality or charm that makes one irrisistibly attractive.
Dugong A genus of large, whalelike, tropical mammals that live along the shores of the Indian Ocean and feed mostly on seaweed. Biblically, a sea cow.
Dukhobors Russian dukhobortsy, "spirit wrestlers" -- a Russian religious sect separated from the Orthodox Church in 1785, many of whom emigrated to Western Canada in the 1890's to escape persecution.
Dulia Greek douleia, "service" -- homage paid in the Roman Catholic Church to angels and saints. Hyperdulia is a homage paid to the Virgin Mary as holier than any other created being. Latria is worship due to God alone.
Dunkers (Dunkards) Greek tunker, "dipper" -- Church of the Brethren, a sect of German-American Baptists opposed to military service and the taking of oaths, so named from their practice of baptismal immersion.
Duomo Italian, dome -- a cathedral.
Dybbuk Hebrew dibbuq, from dabhaq, to cleave or hold to -- in Jewish folklore, the spirit of a dead person that enters the body of a living person and possesses it.
Easter From Eastre, the dawn goddess, a pagan vernal festival nearly coincident with the paschal festival of the church, an annual Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ held on the first Sunday after the date of the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21. Eastertide is the period after Easter, extending in various churches to Ascension Day, Whitsunday, or Trinity Sunday.
Ebblis Arabic Iblis, Muslim for Satan.
Ecce Homo Latin, "behold the man," Pilate's words when he presented Jesus to the populace before the crucifixion (John 19:5, Latin Vulgate); a picture or statue of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns.
Ecclesia Assembly of Christians; members of a church or a church building;
Ecclesiastes Hebrew qoheleth, he who calls together an assembly; member of an ecclesia; a book of the Old Testament written by King Solomon (Septuagint). An ecclesiastic is a clergyman. Ecclesiastical is of the church or the clergy, used in early Latin and Greek writings about Christianity.
Ecclesiasticus (Ecclus) Latin ecclesiasticus liber, "the church book," an Apocryphal book of proverbs included as canonical in the Douay Bible.
Ecclesiology The study of church architecture.
Ecumenical Latin oecumenicus, Greek oikoumenikos, of or from the whole world; general or universal; concerning the Christian church as a whole; furthering the unity of Christian churches. Ecuminism is the practice or principles of promoting cooperation or better understanding among differing religious faiths; ecumenical movement among Christian churches.
Eden Hebrew edhen, "delight"; the garden where Adam and Eve first lived; paradise.
Edify (Edification) To instruct or improve morally or spiritually; enlighten.
Edom Ancient kingdom in southwest Asia, south of the Dead Sea, the citizens of which were descendants of Esau, son of Isaac and brother of Jacob.
Eleatic Of an ancient Greek school of philosophy centered in Elea, a Greek colony in Italy, during the 5th and 6th centuries B.C., which held that the singular and unchangeable "Being" was the only reality and that plurality, change, and motion were illusory, its outstanding adherents being Parmenides and Zeno.
Elias Elijah -- spelling used in the New Testament of the King James Version and the Douay Version Bibles.
Elohim Plural form of the Hebrew eloah, God. Elohist is the unknown author of the parts of the Bible where Elohim is used for God instead of Yahweh.
Elysium (Elysian Plain) Dwelling place of the virtuous after death in Greek Mythology; paradise.
Ember Designation of three days (usually Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) for prayer and fasting during a specific week out of each of the four seasons of the year, observed primarily in the Roman Catholic Church.
Emir Title given to Mohammed's descendants through his daughter Fatima; a ruler, prince, or cammander in certain Islamic countries.
Empyrean (Empyreal) The highest heaven, abode of God, sphere of pure light or fire; sky, firmament, or celestial vault.
Energumen Person supposedly possessed by an evil spirit; fanatic or enthusiast.
Entelechy The actualization of potentiality or of true existence in Aristotelian philosophy; vitalism -- the immanent force which controls and directs life and its development.
Ephah An ancient Hebrew dry measure, estimated from 1/3 bushel to just over one bushel.
Ephod Richly embroidered outer vestment worn by Jewish priests
Ephraim Hebrew ephrayim, "very fruitful" -- one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from the youngest son of Joseph; the kingdom of Israel.
Epicurean Of the philosophy of Epicurus (341-270 B.C.), a Greek philosopher who taught that the goal of man should be a life of calm pleasure regulated by morality, temperance, serenity, and cultural development.
Epigraphy The study of deciphering, interpreting, and classifying ancient inscriptions.
Epiphany An appearance or manifestation of a supernatural being; a yearly festival (also called the Twelfth Day) held in some Christian churches on January 6, commemorating the revealing of Jesus as Christ to the Gentiles in the persons of the Magi, along with his baptism; a moment of sudden intuitive understanding or a flash of insight.
Episcopal (Episcopalian) Designating any church governed by bishops, based on the theory that government of the church rests in a group of bishops and not an individual.
Epistle Greek epistole, a letter or message -- a long, formal, instructive letter; any of the letters of the New Testament written by an Apostle.
Equinox When the sun crosses the equator, making night and day of equal length in all parts of the earth. Vernal equinox occurs about March 21, while the Autumnal Equinox occurs about September 22.
Erasmus, Desiderius Born Gerhard Gerhards (1466-1536), Dutch humanist, scholar, and theologian
Erastus, Thomas Born Thomas Liebler (1524-83), German theologian and physician who advocated the supreme authority of the state in church matters.
Erebus Dark place under the earth in Greek Mythology through which the dead passed before entering Hades.
Eremite Hermit or religious recluse.
Erlking A spirit in Germanic folklore who does mischief or evil, especially to children -- from elverkonge, king of the elves.
Eros The god of love in Greek Mythology, son of Aphrodite, and identified by the Romans with Cupid; sexual love or desire; libido or the psychic energy associated with it.
Eschatology Branch of theology dealing with death, resurrection, judgment, and immortality; biblical study of the end times surrounding the second coming of Christ.
Esdras Douay Bible name for Ezra.
Esprit French, "spirit."
Essene Member of an ancient Jewish sect of ascetics and mystics existing between the second century B.C. and the second century A.D.
Eternal Without beginning or end; everlasting; unchanging; perpetual; infinite; timeless or beyond time.
Ethereal Heavenly or clestial, from the word "ether," an imaginary substance filling all space beyond earth, or the hypothetical medium in space for transmitting light waves and radiant energy.
Ethics Humanist study of standards of conduct and moral judgment.
Eucharist Holy Communion; the concecrated bread and wine used for holy communion in the Roman Catholic Church. Eulogia is bread blessed but not concecrated, given to the noncommunicants at Mass, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Another term for Eucharist is Housel, which is the administration of the Eucharist.
Eudaemonia Aristotle's philosophy of happiness derived from a life of activity governed by reason as the universal goal. Eudaemonism is the system of ethics that considers the moral value of actions in terms of their ability to produce personal happiness.
Evangelism Greek euangelistes, "bringer of good news" -- preaching or spreading the Gospel; any zealous effort in propagandizing for a cause. Evangel is another word for Gospel. Evangelical is in, of, or according to the Gospels of the New Testament, generally Protestant churches that emphasize salvation by faith in the atonement of Jesus rather than the efficacy of the sacraments and good works alone.
Evensong Evening worship service in the Anglican Church; same as Vespers in the Roman Catholic Church.
Evoke To summon a spirit or demon.
Evolution Theory developed by Charles Darwin that all species of plants and animals developed from primitive biological forms by hereditary transmission of slight variations in successive generations, mutations, and natural selection.
Exalt To raise on high, lift up in praise, glorify, extol.
Excommunicate To exclude, by an act of ecclesiastical authority, from the sacriments, rights, and priveleges of a church
Execrate To curse, denounce, or call down evil on.
Exegesis Greek, "explanation" -- explanation, critical analysis, or interpretation of biblical scripture. An exegete is an expert in exegesis.
Existentialism Philosophical movement stemming from Kierkegaard and based on the doctrine that existence takes precedence over essence and holds that man is totally free and responsible for his acts, which is the source of dread and anguish that encompass him.
Exorcism Ritual used to drive out evil spirits.
Expiate Atone for sins; amends or reparation.
Extrasensory Perception either apart from the normal senses or in addition to them.
Exult Rejoice; leap for joy.
Faith Latin fides, "confidence" -- complete trust, confidence, reliance; allegiance, loyalty; unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence; firm belief in Christianity.
Fakir Hindu or Muslim ascetic who lives by begging.
Faldstool Portable stool or desk used in praying; backless chair used by a bishop when officiating in a church not his own; a desk in an Anglican Church at which the litany is read.
Fall of Man Original sin -- Adam's fall from God's grace as a result of giving into the temptation to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which led to the curses of all mankind.
False Prophet
F.A.M. Free and Accepted Masons
Family Bible Large, oversized Bible with illuminated pages for recording births, marriages, and deaths.
Family of Love (Children of God) Originally called Children of God, a cult founded by David Brandt Berg based on sexual promiscuity, rebellion against established systems of authority, and perverted interpretations of biblical scripture and Christianity. Due to international disrepute, the organization changed its name to Family of Love and its founder went into hiding. (See Children of God.)
Fane Latin fanum, sanctuary or temple -- archaic term for a temple or church.
Fanon Capelike vestment worn by the Pope when celebrating a High Mass; maniple.
Fasching Uninhibited revelry celebrated in Austria and Germany prior to Lent.
Fast To abstain from all or certain foods for religious or spiritual purposes; to eat very little or nothing.
Fatalism Belief that all events are inevitable because they are determined by a fate or destiny beyond human control.
Father Confessor Roman Catholic priest who hears confessions.
Fatidic (Fatidical) Latin fatidicus, "prophesying" -- of divination or prophecy.
Feast of Lots Purim
Fellowship Companionship; friendly association; company; brotherhood; mutual sharing of activity, experience, or interest.
Feria Ancient Roman holidays or festivals; any day except Saturday, Sunday, or one designated a festival or vigil.
Fideism Belief that faith alone is the basis of knowledge rather than reason.
Fiery Cross A burning cross used by the Ku Klux Klan as an emblem or to inspire terror; wooden cross with charred or bloody ends used by ancient Scottish clans as a signal calling men to battle.
Firmament The sky, viewed poetically as a solid arch or vault.
First Fruits The earliest produce or crops of the season (Exodus 23:16); first products, results, or profits of any activity.
Fisher of Men
Flabellum Large fan carried by the Pope's attendants on ceremonial occassions.
Flagellation To whip or flog oneself with a flagellum (whip) for religious discipline.
Flèche Slender spire over the intersection of the nave and transept on some Gothic churches.
Flock (Fold) Members of a church.
Flood (Great Flood) Genesis 7
Flying Buttress Buttress connected with a wall at some distance by an arch or partial arch which serves to resist outward pressure.
Flying Dutchman Fabled Dutch sailor condemned to sail the seas until Judgment Day, his ghostly ship considered a bad omen by those who think they see it.
Folklore A term for "popular antiquities," coined by W. J. Thomas in 1846; the traditional beliefs, legends, sayings, and customs of a people; the study and scientific investigation of such traditions.
Font A basin for holy water in a church; a bowl, usually made of stone, which holds the water used in baptismal services; a stoup.
Forbidden Fruit Fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, forbidden by God for Adam and Eve to eat (Genesis 2:17); any sinful or forbidden pleasure.
Foreordain Predestine
Forgive To give up resentment against or stop being angry with; pardon or overlook sins, crimes, wrongdoing, offenses, etc.; give up all claim to punish or exact revenge; cancel or remit a debt.
Forsake Give up, renounce; abandon, leave.
Fra Brother; title given to an Italian friar or monk.
Francis of Assisi Born Giovanni Bernardone in Assisi, Italy (1181-1226), Italian preacher who lived in poverty, devoted himself to the care of lepers, rebuilt neglected churches, and founded the Francsican order of monks. In response to the general decadence of religious orders throughout the fourteenth century, Francis founded the order of the Friars Minor, or Franciscans (also known as the Gray Friars for their gray robes), in 1209, a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church approved by Pope Innocent III. In response to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Francis dedicated his life and the order to living by the standards of the Gospels and imitating the life of the human Jesus, while still recognizing the authority of the Catholic Church (in opposition to the Cathars). The basic Franciscan principles were to preach the Gospel and obey it literally, care for the sick and suffering, foresake everything for Christ (wealth and learning), and to work in the world to support themselves. Various branches of the Franciscan order exist, including the Conventual and the Capuchin. St. Francis made the crib of the baby Jesus popular at Christmas and his day is celebrated on October 4.
Frankincense Gum resin obtained from various Arabian and NE African trees, often burned as incense.
Freemasonry International secret society with principles of brotherhood, charity, and mutual aid. A freemason was originally a skilled mason (one who builds with stone, brick, or concrete blocks) who travelled from town to town without restraint by local guilds.
Freethinker Someone who forms their opinions about religion independently of established belief, tradition, or authority.
Friar A member of any mendicant order of the Roman Catholic Church, such as an Augustinian, Carmelite, Dominican (Black Friar), or Franciscan; a monk who makes his livelihood by toil or begging. A friary is a place where friars live, such as a monastery. Friar Minor is a member of the Franciscan order which follows the original rules of Francis of Assisi.
Frock Robe worn by a monk, friar, or priest.
Frontal (Frontlet) An ornamental band or phylactery worn on the forehead; an ornamental drapery or its border for the front off an altar; a facade.
Frontispiece Front view of a church.
Fruitful Producing much; productive, prolific; producing results.
Fundamentalism Religious beliefs based on a literal interpretation of all biblical scripture, regarded as fundamental to Christian faith and morals; the twentieth century American Protestant movement based on these literal beliefs.
Gad Hebrew gadh, "fortune," one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from the seventh son of Jacob. Also, a euphamism for God, such as Gadzooks (God's hooks, or the nails of Christ); a mild oath or expression of surprise.
Galilee Hebrew gliha-hoyim, "district of the Gentiles" -- region of northern Israel where Jesus came from. Galilean was a term for a Christian. A galilee is a porch or chapel at the western entrance of certain medieval churches, so named because it's at the less sacred end of the church, compared with the Galilee of the Gentiles.
Gallicanism Principles enunciated by the French Roman Catholic Church in 1682, claiming limited autonomy (as opposed to ultramontanism). From the word Gaul, a part of the Roman Empire that is now mainly France.
Gargoyle A projecting ornament on a building carved in the likeness of an animal or creature with grotesque features, sometimes used as a waterspout.
Gehenna Valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem, where refuse was burned in biblical times; Douay Bible word for hell; any place of fiery torment. (See Hell)
Gemara Aramaic, "completion" -- the second and supplementary part of the Talmud, providing a commentary on the Mishna, or first part.
Genuflect To bend the knee in reverence, worship, or submission.
Gerah Hebrew, "a bean" -- ancient Hebrew coin and weight equal to 1/20 of a shekel.
Gethsemane (Mount of Olives) Aramaic gath shemani, "oil press" -- a garden or olive grove outside of Jerusalem where the agony, betrayal, and arrest of Jesus took place (Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-53, Luke 22:39-54, John 18:1-12).
Ghazi Islamic hero who wars against infidels.
Gheber Persian gabr, "infidel" -- Islamic name for Zoroastrian.
Ghetto Italian, "foundry" -- quarter in Venice, Italy, where a cannon foundry was located, which was occupied by Jews, later to be known in certain Eurpoean cities as a section of a city to which Jews were restricted, particularly during World War I. It is now a term for any section of a city in which many members of some minority group live, or to which they are restricted by economic pressure or social discrimination.
Ghost Old English gast, German geist, soul or spirit; supposedly the disembodied spirit of the deceased that appears to the living as a shadowy, haunting apparition.
Ghoul Arabic ghul, demon of the mountains -- an evil spirit in Oriental folklore that robs graves and feeds on the flesh of the dead.
Giaour Arabic kafir, "infidel," variant of the Persian gabr, Islamic term for a non-Muslim, especially a Christian.
Gideons International Protestant organization for dispensing Bibles, such as in hotel rooms or hospitals, founded in 1899 by a group of traveling salesmen.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo "Glory to God on high," the first words of the greater doxology. Gloria Patri is "glory to the Father," the first words of the lesser doxology.
Glorify Latin gloria facere, to make glory -- to make glorious or give glory to; worship, exalt, honor, or praise extravagantly.
Gloriole Halo
Gnome Greek, wise or intelligent; according to ancient folklore, any of a race of small misshapen dwarfs supposed to dwell in the earth and guard its treasures -- so called by Paracelsus from the belief that gnomes had occult knowledge of the earth.
Gnosticism From the Greek gnosis, knowledge, or gnostikos, having knowledge -- a belief system derived from a combination of Greek philosophy, Oriental mysticism, and Christianity, which stresses salvation through knowledge; positive, intuitive knowledge in spiritual matters.
Goblin Greek kobalos, "sprite" -- in ancient folklore, an evil or mischievous sprite, ugly or mishapen in form.
God
Godparent A person who sponsors a child, usually at birth or baptism, and assumes responsibility for its faith.
Golden Rule Treat others as you'd heve them treat you (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:3).
Golem Jewish legend of a man artificially created by cabalistic rites; a kind of robot.
Golgotha Greek "skull" or "The Place of the Skull" (Aramaic gulgaltha)-- the place where Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem (Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17).
Golly (Gosh) Euphemism for God; an exclamation of surprise.
Good Book The Bible.
Good Friday The Friday before Easter Sunday, observed in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Good Samaritan Someone who helps another unselfishly, from Luke 10:30-37.
Good Shepherd An epithet for Jesus, from John 10:11.
Gospel From the Old English godspell, meaning "good story" or "good news," which originated from the Greek euangelion (evangel). First used to describe the good news of Christ and his teachings of redemption and later ascribed to the New Testament letters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the first three of which have become known as the Synoptic Gospels due to their harmonized view of the life and teachings of Jesus. A gospeller is either a person who reads the Gospel in church services, one who claims sole possession of gospel truth, or a Puritan.
Gothic Of the Goths or their language -- the Germanic peoples that conquered most of the Roman Empire from the 3rd to 5th century A.D.; a style of architecture developed in Western Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries, characterized by ribbed vaulting, flying buttresses, pointed arches, and steep roofs; medieval, barbarous, or uncivilized; style of literature with a medieval atmosphere, suggesting mystery or horror.
Goy A Gentile or non-Jew.
Grace Mercy or clemency; the unmerited love and favor of God toward man; divine influence acting in man to make him pure and morally strong; a short mealtime prayer of thanks and blessing; title of reverence used in addressing a church official.
Gradin A shelf behind an altar for articles such as candlesticks; one of a series of steps or seats arranged in tiers.
Gradual Book of hymns originally sung on the steps of a pulpit; a verse or chant, especially from the Psalms, presented after the Epistle at Mass in a Catholic church.
Gramarye (Gramary) Magic or occult knowledge.
Graven Image An idol engraved or carved out of wood, stone, precious metals, or constructed from other materials.
Great Week (Holy Week) The week preceding Easter in the Eastern Orhtodox Church.
Greek Orthodox Church The established church of Greece and an autonomous part of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Gregorian Something introduced either by Pope Gregory I from 590-604 A.D., or Pope Gregory III from 1572-85. Gregorian Chant is a ritual plainsong introduced under Pope Gregory I and used in the Roman Catholic Church: it is unharmonized, unaccompanied, and not divided into measures. The Gregorian Calendar is a corrected form of the Julian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and now used in most countries of the world: it has a 365-day year and a leap year of 366 days every fourth even year.
Gremial Lap cloth placed across the knees of a bishop when attending Mass.
Gris-Gris Amulet, charm, or spell associated with voodoo.
Guru Hindu spiritual teacher.
Gutenberg Bible Considered to be the first book printed from movable type, a Latin Bible produced at Mainz before 1456 and attributed in part to Guttenberg.
Gymnosophist Member of an ancient Hindu sect of ascetics who wore little or no clothing.
Gypsy Member of a wandering people originated from Egypt (possibly India), with dark skin and black hair, usually known for fortunetelling or as musicians.
Habit Monk's costume.
Hades Home of the dead beneath the earth in Greek Mythology; euphamism for hell.
Hafiz A Muslim who has memorized the Qur'an.
Hag (Hagge) Originally a female demon or evil spirit; witch or enchantress; an ugly, vicious old woman.
Haggadah (Haggada) Derived from the Hebrew haged, "to narrate" -- basically, non-legal portions of rabbinic literature, such as legends, stories, homilies, ethics, history, medicine, poetry, theosophy, theology, folklore, etc.; an anecdote or parable that explains or illustrates some point of law (Halachah) in the Talmud; the part of the Talmud devoted to such narratives; a narrative of the Exodus read at the Seder during Passover, called the Seder Haggadah shel Pesach, "Order of the Narrative of Passover"; a book containing this narrative, called a Midrashim, and the Seder ritual. In the 16th century, all the haggadic material from the Babylonian Talmud was extracted and compiled by Rabbi Jacob Ben Solomon Ibn Habib in a work entitled En Yaakob. Samuel Jaffe likewise collected the Haggadah from the Palestinian Talmud and compiled it into the Yifeh Mareh. H. N. Bialik and J. H. Rawnitzki made a collection of the Haggadah of the Talmud and Midrashim, called the Sefer Haggadah. Professor Louis Ginzberg made a more scientific collection of the Haggadah from the Creation to Esther, published as The Legends of the Jews.
Hagio- Greek hagios,"holy" -- prefix meaning holy, sacred, or saintly.
Hagiocracy Rule by priests, saints, or others considered holy; theocracy..
Hagiographa From the Hebrew kethabhe haqqodhesh, "writings of holiness" -- those books of the Old Testament not in the Law or the Prophets, comprising the third and final part of the Jewish Scriptures.
Hagiography Historical science which studies documents or writings about holiness, holy persons, and saints, particularly the narratives or biographies. For example, early Christian churches honored the anniversaries of martyrs, of which lists were kept with the dates of each martyrdom along with narratives and biographies. Eusebius of Caesarea (cerca A.D. 260-340) compiled two known books of martyrs documenting their passions. These types of accounts came to be catogorized as Passionaries or Legendaries. The processes involved in Hagiography include establishing the original composition of the texts and determining their historical value. The founder of the more modern science of Hagiography in the early 17th century was Heribert Rosweyde.
Hagiology Sacred writings or literature about the lives of saints, particularly their legends; a published collection of such legends or a catalog of saints.
Hagioscope Narrow opening in an inside wall of a medieval church to allows those in a side aisle, or transept, see the main altar.
Hail Mary (Ave Maria)
Hajj Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca expected of every Muslim to make at least once in their lifetime. Hajji is a title given to a Muslim who has made this pilgrimage.
Hakim A ruler, judge, or governor in Islamic regions; a doctor or physician in Islamic regions.
Halakha (Halacha) Hebrew, rule by which to go -- any of the laws or ordinances not written down in the Scriptures but based on an oral interpretation of them and documented in the Talmud.
Halidom (Halidome) Archaic term for a holy place or sacred relic.
Hallah Traditional loaf of rich white bread, usually twisted or braided, eaten by Jews on the Sabbath and holidays.
Hallel The recital or singing of Psalms 113 to 118 as part of Jewish religious services during certain festivals.
Hallelujah (Halleluiah) Hebrew exclamation, "Praise the Lord!" (Greek hallelouia, or Latin alleluia.)
Hallow To make holy or sacred; sanctify; concecrate; venerate; devote.
Halloween All Hallows' Eve, the evening of October 31, followed by All Saints' Day (Allhallows or Hallowmas).
Halo Greek halos, "round disk," as of a threshing floor or a heavenly body; the ring of light that appears to encircle luminous objects, such as the sun or moon, resulting from the refraction of light through ice particles in the atmosphere; nimbus -- a symbolic ring or disk around the head of a holy person or saint depicted in art, representing splendor, glory, virtue, innocence, etc.
Hamite A dark-skinned descendant of Ham, Noah's second son (Genesis 6:10), whose origins are Northeast Africa, particularly Egypt.
Hanukkah (Hanuka) Hebrew, "dedication" -- Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. and celebrated for eight days beginning the 25th day of Kislev.
Haphtara Hebrew haphtarah, "conclusion" -- any of the readings from the Prophets, following a reading of the Pentateuch, in synagogue services on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.
Hare Krishna Hindi Hari, one of the names of Vishnu: Hindu cult founded in 1966, involving certain Vedic beliefs and stressing devotion to Krishna.
Harrow Archaic term to enter hell and rescue the righteous, said of Christ.
Haruspex Latin, "inspector of entrails" -- any of a class of lesser priests and soothsayers in ancient Rome who professed to foretell the future by interpreting the entrails of sacrificial animals.
Hacidic Jew (Hasadim) From the Hebrew hasid, a pious person -- members of a sect of Jewish mystics (Hasadim) founded by Baal Shem Tov (born Israel ben Eliezer, 1700-60) in 18th century Poland, who emphasize joyful worship of an immanent God.
Hathor Goddess of love, joy, and mirth from Egyptian Mythology, usually represented as having the head or ears of a cow.
Hazzan (Hazan) Hebrew khazan, a cantor in a synagogue.
Heart In relation to human anatomy, the region of the heart -- the central part, essence, or core; source of emotions, feeling, and innermost nature; inmost thought, consciousness, or conscience.
Heathen A member of any nation or people not worshiping the God of Israel; pagan; irreligious; uncivilized or unenlightened.
Heaven The dwelling place of God and his angels and where the blessed will live after death; Providence; the space which overarches the earth in which the stars, sun, and moon appear; firmament; visible sky.
Heathen A member of any nation or people not worshiping the God of Israel; pagan; irreligious; uncivilized or unenlightened.
Hebrew Hebrew ibhri, "one from across" (the river) -- member of a group of Semetic peoples descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite or Jew; the ancient Semetic language of the Israelites in which most of the Old Testament was written. The Hebrews called their language "the speech of Canaan," since it was adopted from the language spoken by the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. It was later to be referred to as the Judean language of the Kingdom of Judah, although slightly different than the language spoken by the northern Kingdom of Israel (see Judges 12:5-6 for an example). After the destruction of Judah in 586 B.C., Hebrew became a holy and classical language as it was eventually replaced by Aramaic as the spoken and written language. The modern, Western Eurpoean, form of the traditional, rabbinic, Hebrew language is the official language of the current state of Israel.
Hecatomb Greek hekatombe (hekaton, hundred + bous, ox) -- the large-scale sacrifice of cattle in ancient Greece, specifically the slaughter of one hundred cattle at a time; any large-scale sacrifice or slaughter.
Heck Scottish heigh, exclamation and euphamism for hell.
Heder (plural, Hedarim) Yiddish hedher, "chamber" -- a Jewish religious school for young children.
Hedonism From the Greek hedone, "delight" -- in philosophy, an ethical doctrine that pleasure in the form of happiness of the individual or society is the principle good; in psychology, a theory that a person always acts to seek pleasure and avoid pain (hedonics is a branch of psychology dealing with pleasurable and unpleasurable feelings); in general, the self-indulgent pursuit of pleasure as a way of life.
Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich German philosopher (1770-1831) who held that every existent idea or fact belongs to an all-embracing mind in which each idea or situation (thesis) evokes it opposite (antithesis) and these two result in a unified whole (synthesis), which in turn becomes a new thesis.
Hegira Arabic hijrah, "separation" or "flight" (also hajara, "to leave") -- the forced journey of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in A.D. 622, from which the Islamic era dates; any journey made as an escape or for the sake of safety; flight.
Hegumen From the Greek hegeisthai, "to lead" -- the elected head of a monastery in the Eastern Orthodox Church (corresponding to an abbot in the Roman Catholic Church).
Helioloatry Worship of the sun. The Ancient Egyptians worshiped the sun god Ra.
Hell Old English hel, "hidden, unseen place" -- generally identified with the Hebrew Sheol or the Greek Hades, the place where the spirits of the dead are; the place where the devil and evil spirits live and to which the spirits of the unsaved are doomed to everlasting punishment after death (2 Peter 2:4), much like the Roman Tatarus, which, according to pagan mythology, was situated as far below Hades as Hades was from the sun. The word "hell" in the New Testament was used interchangeably in the King James Version for Sheol, Hades, and Tartarus. It is also used for the Hebrew Gehenna, "Valley of Hinnom" -- traditionally a deep gorge in the vicinity of Jerusalem where refuse was continually burned (also a location in 2 Chronicles 28:3 where King Ahaz burned his children in sacrifice to the pagan god Molech), which has become in Christianity a place of fiery torment. This idea of hell (Ghenenna, or Greek geenna) as a place of everlasting fire reserved for sinners was used primarily by Jesus (Matthew 5:22, 5:29-30, 10:28, 18:9, 23:15, 23:33, Mark 9:43-47, Luke 12:5). Jesus also referred to Hades in Luke 16:23 as a place of fiery torment. Hell as a place of punishment can be traced to prophecies in the Old Testament (compare Daniel 12:2 with Matthew 24:46). In Norse Mythology, Hel was the daughter of Loki and goddess of death and the underworld where the dead not slain in battle were sent.
Hellenist Greek Hellenistes, "imitator of the Greeks" -- a non-Greek who adopted the Greek language and customs, such as the Jews of the Diaspora; a specialist in the Greek language and learning. From the word Hellene (Greek Hellen), the ancient Greeks, particularly from the eighth century B.C. to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. Hellenic is of the Hellenes, a term for Greek. Hellenism is the character, thought, culture, customs, language, or ethical system of ancient Greece; adoption of the ancient Greek ways of life. Hellenistic os of or characteristic of the Hellenists or Hellenism; of Greek history, language, and culture after 323 B.C. Hellenize is to make Greek or Hellenistic
Hellvetic A Swiss Protestant or adherent of Zwingli; Helvetian, of Helvetia (Latin name for Switzerland), an ancient Celtic country of Central Europe in Western Switzerland.
Henotheism Belief in one god, without denying the existence of others (coined in 1860 by Max Müller).
Heptateuch Greek heptateuchos (hepta, seven + teuchos, tool or book) -- first seven books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges).
Hereafter The state after death or life after death.
Heresy Latin haeresis and Greek hairesis, a sect or school of thought -- a religious belief opposed to the orthodox doctrines of a church, especially a belief specifically denounced by the church; rejection of a belief that is part of church dogma. A heretic is anyone who holds to beliefs opposed to established church dogma.
Hermeneutics Science of interpretation, particularly the study of the principles of Biblical exegesis or the interpretation of Biblical texts.
Hermit A recluse or one who lives a secluded life for religious motives
Herod Any one of a line of Judean kings descended from Edom who ruled parts of Palestine under Roman authority, beginning with Herod the Great, son of Antipater II, who reigned from 37-4 B.C. and reconstructed the Temple in Jerusalem with a 35-acre outer court. Herod the Great, himself part Jewish and who considered himself to be king of the Jews, ordered the death of all infant boys in and around Bethlehem in an attempt to kill Jesus as recorded in Matthew chapter 2, who was prophesied as the coming king of the Jews. A number of descendants of Herod the Great adopted the name Herod, three of whom were also mentioned in the New Testament. Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, was a tetrarch with three brothers who himself ruled over Galilee from about 4 B.C. to A.D. 39., who tried to kill Jesus during his ministry (Luke 13:31-33), had John the Baptist imprisoned and beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 6:17-29, Luke 3:19-20, 9:7-9), and became friends with Pilate during the persecution of Jesus (Luke 23:6-12, Acts 4:27). Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, ruled Judea from A.D. 37-44, persecuted the early Christians, had James put to death by the sword and had Peter imprisoned (Acts 12:1-19), and was struck down by an angel of the Lord and eaten to death by worms (Acts 12:21-23). Herod Agrippa II, son of Agrippa I, ruled Judea from A.D. 53-100, and rejected Paul's testimony during his trial under Festus (Acts 25:13-26:32).
Heterodox Inclining toward heresy; unorthodox; departing from or opposed to established doctrines.
Heteroousian Arian theory that God the Father and God the Son are different in substance.
Hexaemeron Greek hexaemeros, of or in six days -- the Biblical account in the first chapter of Genesis of the six-day period of the Creation, or a treatise on this subject.
Hexapla Origen's edition of the New Testament, composed of six versions arranged in parallel columns.
Hexateuch Greek hexteuchos (hexa, six + teuchos, tool or book) -- first six books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua), assumed by some scholars that the Book of Joshua is a continuation of the Torah.
Hierarchy System of church government by priests or other clergy in graded ranks (hierocracy); the officials of such a system (in the Roman Catholic Church, this includes the Pope, metropolitans, archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons); the chief priest and high priests who preside over sacred rites; a theological term for any of the three divisions of angels; angels in general.
Hieroglyphics Greek hieros, sacred + glyphein, to carve or hollow out -- a picture or sysmbol representing a word, syllable, or sound used by some ancient civilizations, particularly the Egyptians, often carved in stone or other hard materials; picture writing, often difficult to decipher.
Hierology The religious lore and literature of a people.
Hieronymite A member of any of the hermit orders named after Saint Jerome.
Hierophant Formerly, a priest who presided at sacred mysteries, especially the high priest of the Eleusinian mysteries; an interpreter of sacred mysteries or esoteric principles.
High Church That party of the Anglican Church which emphasizes the importance of the priesthood and traditional rituals and doctrines (as opposed to Low Church or Broad Church).
Higher Criticism The study of the books of the Bible, their authorship, dates, meaning, etc., using such methods as archaeology, literary criticism, comparative religion, etc.
High Holidays The period encompassing Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur in the Jewish calendar.
High Mass (Solemn Mass) A sung Mass in the Roman Catholic Church, usually celebrated with the complete ritual and with incense, at which the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon.
High Priest Chief priest of the ancient Jewish priesthood.
Hillel Jewish rabbi and scholar in Jerusalem (cerca 60 B.C. to A.D. 10).
Hin Ancient Hebrew liquid measurement, equal to about 1 1/2 gallons.
Hinayana Sanskrit, "lesser vehicle" -- Buddhist branch which stresses the original monastic discipline and the attainment of nirvana through meditation, developed mainly in Ceylon, Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Hinduism From the Persian Hindu, land of the Indus River (India) -- the peoples of India who speak an Indic language or, more specifically, the people of Hindustan who speak Hindi; the religion and social system of the Hindus, developed from Brahmanism, with elements from Buddhism and Jainism.
Hobgoblin Goblin or an elf; frightening apparition.
Holier-Than-Thou Sanctimonious or self-righteous to an annoying degree.
Holiness Title of the Pope.
Holistic (Holism) The view that an organic or integrated whole has a reality independent of and greater than the sum of its parts.
Holocaust Greek holokauston, "burnt whole" and Latin holocaustum, "whole burnt offering" -- burnt offering; great or total destruction of life, particularly by fire; the systematic destruction of over six million European Jews by the Nazis before and during World War II.
Holy Belonging to or coming from God; divine; dedicated to religious use; concecrated; sacred; hallowed; spiritually perfect or pure; untainted by evil or sin; sinless; saintly.
Holy Day of Obligation Any major Roman Catholic festival during which members are obliged to abstain from nonessential manual labor and attend Mass.
Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) Latin Spiritus Sanctus -- the third person of the Trinity.
Holy Grail Medieval legend of the cup or platter used by Jesus at the Last Supper and by Joseph of Arimathea to collect drops of Jesus' blood at Crucifixion.
Holy Innocents' Day December 28, commemorating the slaughter of all male children two years old and under within the vicinity of Bethlehem by Herod the Great in an attempt to kill Jesus, the prophesied king of the Jews (Matthew 2:16).
Holy Land Palestine
Holy Office Former name for a Roman Catholic tribunal for the protection of faith and morals and the suppression of heresy.
Holy of Holies Hebrew qodesh haqadoshim -- the innermost part of the Jewish tabernacle and Temple where the ark of the covenant was kept.
Holy Orders The sacrament or rite of ordination; the position of being an ordained Christian minister or priest; ranks or grades of ministry in various Christian churches, such as the Major and Minor Orders of the Roman Catholic Church or bishops, priests, and deacons in the Anglican Church.
Holy Roller Member of a religious sect or Evangelical Christian church who expresses spiritual emotion by shouting and moving about during services.
Holy Roman Empire The Christianized Roman Empire of West Central Europe, comprising Northen Italy and Germany. Some scholars consider it to have begun in A.D. 800 with the crowning of Pope Charlemagne, while others start it in A.D 962 with the crowning of Otto I. It ended in 1806, with the resignation of Pope Francis II of Austria.
Holy Rood The cross on which Jesus was crucified; any cross or crucifix symbolizing Christianity.
Holy Saturday The Saturday before Easter.
Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) The Spirit of God and third person of the Trinity.
Holy Synod Administrative council of any branch of trhe Orthodox Eastern Church.
Holy Thursday Maundy Thursday or Ascension Day.
Holytide Archaic term for a holy season, or a day or period of religious observance.
Holy Water Water blessed by a priest.
Holy Week The week before Easter.
Holy Writ The Bible.
Homily Sermon. Homilietics is the theological study of the writing and preaching of sermons.
Homoiousian An adherent to the theological theory that God the Father and God the Son are neither identical nor different in substance, but similar.
Homoousian An adherent to the theological theory that God the Father and God the Son are identical in substance.
Hope A feeling of certainty that what is wanted or believed in will happen; desire accompanied by expectation; trust
Horn Biblically, an emblem of glory, strength, or honor.
Horoscope From the Greek horoskopos, observer of the hour of birth -- astrological observation of the position of the planets and stars in relation to one another at the time of a person's birth, used to determine their destiny; an astrological forecast of an individuals' future based on a chart of the zodiacal signs and position of the heavenly bodies. Horoscopy is the practice of drawing up horoscopes.
Horus Ancient Egyptian sun god, represented as having the head of a hawk; son of Osiris and Isis.
Hosanna Greek term from the Hebrew hoshi'ah nna, "save, we pray" -- an exclamation of praise to God.
Hospice Traditionally, a place of shelter for travelers maintained by monks.
Host A concecrated wafer of the Eucharist.
Houri Any of the beautiful nymphs of the Muslim Paradise, among the rewards of faithful Muslims.
Huguenot Protestants in the Calvinist Reformation in Geneva; general term regarding any French Protestant of the 16th or 17th century. Originally a supporter of a group in Geneva opposing annexation to Savoy, lead by Hugues Besançon; a confederate or ally of such a group.
Humane Having what may be considerd the best qualities of mankind (civility, mercy, kindness, sympathy, etc.).
Humanism Any system of thought or action based on the nature, dignity, interests, and ideals of man; a modern, nontheistic, rationalist movement which holds that man is capable of ethical conduct and self-fulfillment without recourse to supernaturalism; the intellectual, cultural, and secular movement based on the study of classical literature and culture during the Middle Ages which helped give rise to the Rennaisance; study of the humanities (literature, philosophy, history, classical languages such as Greek and Latin, etc.). A humanist is basically a follower of humanism.
Humanitarianism The ethical doctrine that man's obligations are limited to the welfare of mankind and that man may perfect his own nature without divine aid; the theological doctrine that Jesus was not of divine nature, but of a soley human nature; philanthropy, in a general sense.
Humeral Veil A scarflike cloth worn over the shoulders by a priest during certain litergical functions.
Hutterite Any member of a group of Anabaptists, originally from Moravia, who live communally in the Dakotas, Montana, and Alberta, Canada, and hold beliefs like those of the Mennonites; named after Jacob Hutter, a 16th century Austrian religious reformer.
Hutzpah (Chutzpah)
Hylozoism Greek hylo, matter + zoe, life -- doctrine that all matter has life or that life is inseparable from matter.
Hymnal Collection of hymns, which are songs of praise to God. The singing of hymns is a hymnody. Hymnology is either the composition or the study of hymns.
Hyperdulia A special homage in the Roman Catholic Church paid to the Virgin Mary as holier than any other created being.
Hypnosis From the Greek Hypnos, mythological god of sleep (Roman god Somnus) -- a sleeplike condition, physically induced, in which the subject is in a state of altered consciousness and responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. Hypnogenesis is the inducing of hypnosis. Hypnology is the scientific study of sleep and hypnosis. Hypnoanalysis is the use of hypnosis or hypnotic drugs in combination with psychoanalytic techniques. Hypnotherapy is the treatment of disease by hypnotism.
Hypocracy Latin hypocrisis, "mimicry" and Greek hypokrisis, "acting a part" -- pretending to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; pretense of virtue or piety; pretended sanctity. Hypocrite is someone who pretends to be what they are actually not, particularly one who acts more pious than they really are (from the Latin hypocrita, "stage actor" and Greek hypokrites, "actor").
Hypostasis Aside from its medical and genetic terms, a theological study of the unique essence or nature of the Godhead and the three persons of the Trinity; the personality of Christ as distinguished from his two natures, human and divine. Philosophically, the underlying principle of nature (essence or substance).
Hypothesis Unproved theory, proposition, or supposition, tentatively accepted to explain certaifacts. A working hypothesis is a theory that provides a basis for further argument and/or investigation. To hypothesize is basically to assume or suppose.
Hyssop Hebrew ezobh, a fragrant, blue-flowered plant (Hyssopus officinalis) of the mint family, used in folk medicine as a tonic or stimulant. Its branches were used for the sprinkling of blood in certain ancient Jewish rites.
Icon (Ikon) Greek eikon, image - in the Eastern Orthodox Church an image of Jesus or a venerated saint held as sacred. Iconography is the art of producing such images. Iconolatry is the worship of icons. Iconology is the study of icons. An iconostasis is a screen or partition decorated with icons separating the sanctuary from the rest of an Eastern Orthodox Church.
Iconoclast Greek - eikon (icon) + klaein (to break) - Anyone opposed to the religious use of images or advocating the destruction of such images, specefically a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church during the eighth and ninth centuries who denounced the use of icons. Iconoclasm is the actions or beliefs of an iconoclast.
Idol Ecclesiastic Late Greek eidos, "form" -- an image of a god; heathen diety; spiritual impostor. Idolater: Ecclesiastic Late Greek eidololatres: eidolon (idol) + latris (hired servant) -- a worshiper of idols; devoted admirer.
Ignatius Christian martyr and bishop of Antioch (c. A.D. 50-110), observed on February 1.
Ignatius of Loyola Iñigo López de Recalde (1491-1556), Spanish priest and founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), observed July 31.
IHS Abbreviation for one of the following three Latin terms: Iesus Hominum Salvator, Jesus, Savior of Men; In Hoc Signo (Vinces), in this sign (thou shalt conquer); In Hoc (Cruce) Salus, in this (cross) salvation. Originally ΙΗΣ, a contraction derived from the Greek word for Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΤΣ), used as a symbol or monogram. IHS is considerd a Latin misspelling of the Greek ΙΗΣ, of which the proper Latin form would be IES.
Illuminati People who have or profess to have intellectual or spiritual enlightenment; any of various societies, usually secret, composed of such people. Illuminism is the doctrines or claims of any of the illuminati.
Immaculate Conception Doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church that Mary conceived of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, but remained free of original sin.
Immanent Theological term for God's pervasive presence throughout the universe.
Immanuel (Emmanuel) Hebrew, "God with us" ('im, with + anu, us + el, God); the name given by Isaiah to the coming Messiah (Isaiah 7:14), attributed to Jesus in Matthew 1:23.
Impanation Latin impanare (in, in + panis, bread), to embody in bread. Roman Catholic doctrine that the body and blood of Christ are present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist after consecration by the priest, with no actual change in their substance (transubstantiation).
Imprimatur Modern Latin, "let it be printed" -- license or permission, particularly by an ecclesiastical censor, to publish or print a book, article, etc.
Impute Theological term, to ascribe a condition (such as goodness or guilt) from one person to another.
Incarnate Latin (in, in + carnis, flesh -- past participle of incarnari, to be made flesh), in human form, ascribed to God becoming man in the form of Jesus Christ.
Incorporeal Without material body or substance, as spirits or angels.
Index Expurgatorius A list of books that the Roman Catholic Church forbade its members to read unless certain passages condemned as dangerous to the faith were deleted or changed.
Index Librorum Prohibitorum A list of books that the Roman Catholic Church forbade its members to read, except by special permission, which were condemned as dangerous to the faith.
Indulgence In the Roman Catholic Church, a remission of temporal or purgatorial punishment still due for a sin after the guilt has been forgiven in the sacrament of penance.
Indult Variant of indulgence (favor), a privilege or special permission granted by the Pope to bishops and others to do something otherwise prohibited by the general law of the Roman Catholic Church.
Ineffable Too awesome or sacred to be spoken, inexpressible, or too overwhelming to be described in words -- said of God's name, "I AM" (YHWH, the Tetragrammaton), as expressed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.
Inerrant Latin inerrans, not wandering, fixed -- infallible, making no mistakes, not erring.
Infallible Never wrong; incapable of error; always reliable.
Infralapsarian Group of Calvinists who believed that God's plan of salvation for some people was a consequence of the fall of man from grace.
Iniquity Latin iniquitas, unequal -- lack or righteousness or justice.
Inner Light Quaker belief of a guiding influence resulting from the presence of God in the soul.
Innocent Any of thirteen popes, including Innocent I (c. A.D. 417), Innocent II (Gregorio Papareschi, c. 1143), Innocent III (Lotario de' Conti de' Segni, c. 1161-1216, Innocent IV (Sinibaldo de' FFieschi, c. A.D. 1254), and Innocent XI (Benedetto Odescalchi, 1611-89).
Inpetto Italian, "in the breast" -- secretly, not revealed, said of cardinals appointed by the Pope but not named in consistory.
Inquisition The general tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church established in the thirteenth century for the discovery and suppression of heresy and the punishment of heretics; the activities of this tribunal; an intensive inquest.
I.N.R.I. Latin Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
Insufflate Latin insufflatus, to blow or breathe into from below -- to breathe on baptismal water or a person being baptized as a rite of exorcism.
Intercede Latin intercedere, to go between -- to plead or make a request in behalf of another; intervene or mediate. Intercession is prayer in behalf of others. According to Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25, Christ comes before God to intercede in behalf of those who come to him. According to Romans 8:26-27, the Spirit intercedes to express to God what is in our hearts. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, intercession is to be made for everyone, including those in authority.
Intercommunion Mutual communion among religious groups.
Interdenominational Between, among, shared by, or involving different religious denominations.
Interfaith Between or involving persons adhering to different religions.
Interlinear Having the same text in different languages printed in alternate lines.
Introit Latin introitus, entrance -- a song or hymn sung or played at the opening of a Christian worship service; the first variable part of Roman Catholic Mass consisting of a few psalm verses followed by the Gloria Patri and then repeated.
Invocation The act of calling on God or spiritual forces for blessing, assistance, support, etc.; a formal prayer said at the beginning of a church service.
Isagogics From the Greek eisagein, to introduce -- the study of the literary history of the Bible, considerd as introductory to the study of Bible interpretation.
Ishmaelite A descendant of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, the original progenitor of Arab peoples.
Ishtar The Babylonian and Assyrian goddess of love and fertility.
Islam Arabic, "submission" (to the will of Allah) -- Muslim religion founded by Muhammed.
Israel Hebrew yisra'el, "contender with God" (sarah, to wrestle + el, God) -- the name given to Jacob by the angel of the Lord after wrestling with him throughout the night (Genesis 32:28); ancient land of the Hebrews located at the SE end of the Mediterranean Sea; the Jewish people, as descendants of Jacob; northern kingdom of the Hebrews established in the tenth century B.C. by the ten tribes of Israel that broke from Judah and Benjamin (1 Kings 12:1-24, 2 Chronicles 10); Jewish state established in 1948 by the United Nations.
Issachar Ninth son of Jacob (Genesis 30:18) and the tribe of Israel descended from him.
Iyar Eighth month of the Jewish year.

J (Book of J) Unknown source.
Jacob Son of Isaac, father of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 25-50).
Jacob's Ladder The ladder from earth to heaven that Jacob saw in a dream (Genesis 28:12).
James One of three Christians of the New Testament: James son of Zebedee was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus, later known as Saint James the Greater (July 25); James son of Alphaeus was another of the original twelve apostles, later known as Saint James the Less (May 1); James the brother of Jesus, although not one of the apostles, was a disciple and leader in the church at Jerusalem and is considered by many to have written the letter in the New Testament which bears his name.
Jansenism The doctrines of Cornelis Jansen (1585-1638), a Dutch Roman Catholic theologian who believed in predestination, denied free will, and held that man, though depraved in nature, is unable to resist God's grace.
J.C.D. Latin Juris Canonici Doctor, Doctor of Canon Law.
Jehovah Pronounced spelling of JHVH (also Jahveh, Jahve, Jahweh, and Jahwe), another variation of the Tetragrammaton - the four consonants for the Hebrew name for God (YHWH, or Yahweh), transliterated instead as JHVH or JHWH (although J is absent from the Hebrew language). Jehovah is ascribed to the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew, popularly used during the Middle Ages by Latin Bible translators and throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in non-Catholic Bibles, such as the King James Version. The vowels used in its pronunciation come from the vowels in the Hebrew Adonai, meaning "Lord." Jehovah represents the ineffable name of God uttered by God himself in Exodus 3:14 as "I AM."
Jehovah's Witnesses A proselytizing Christian sect founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) and corporately known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. The name Jehovah's Witnesses was adopted in 1931 and is based on Isaiah 43:10, "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." Jehovah's Members are taught how to teach and preach from the Witness's own translation of the Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. They are lead locally by unpaid spiritual elders, all under the oversight of international zone, circuit, and district servants from branch offices, with headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. The Watchtower Society boasts over one million publications distributed worldwide every day, including Awake! and The Watchtower - Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom. Witnesses do not consider Jesus to be the incarnation of God, rather, he was Jehovah God's first created being who died on a stake as a ransom for all obedient humans by his perfect life and was raised not physically, but spiritually as an example for those who remain faithful to spreading God's word.
Jerome Eusebius Hieronymos Sophronius (c. A.D. 340-420), a monk and early Christian scholar who wrote the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible. A saint whose observed day is September 30.
Jesuit A member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order for men founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1534. The name basically means a follower of Jesus (Modern Latin Jesuita).
Jesus Hebrew Yeshu'a, a variant of Joshua ("help of Jehovah").
Jew Hebrew Yehudi, a member of the tribe or kingdom of Judah; someone descended from the ancient Hebrews; a person whose religion is Judaism.
Jewish Calendar Historical Jewish calendar established in 3761 B.C. and based on the cycles of the moon (lunar), with 354 days in a year. A full day is from sunset to sunset. The start of the calendar begins in late September or early October, the months of which are: 1. Tishri (30 days); 2. Heshvan (29-30 days); 3. Kislev (29-30 days); 4. Tebet (29 days); 5. Shebat (30 days); 6. Adar (29-30 days); 7. Nisan (30 days); 8. Iyar (29 days); 9. Sivan (30 days); 10. Tammuz (29 days); 11. Ab (30 days); 12. Elul (29 days). About once every three years (seven times in each nineteen years) an extra month, Veadar or Adar Sheni (29 days), falls between Adar and Nisan.
Joan of Arc Jeanne d' Arc (1412-31), French heroine who defeated the English at Orléans in 1429, later burned at the stake for witchcraft. Also known as the Maid of Orléans.
Job Job's Comforter is a person who aggravates one's misery while attempting or pretending to comfort (Job 16:1-5).
John the Baptist Forerunner and baptizer of Jesus who was killed by Herod (Matthew 3).
Josephus Josephus Flavius (A.D. 37-101), a Jewish court historian for Emperor Vespasian who, in A.D. 93 in Rome, published an account of the history of the Jews. This included a brief account of Jesus, describing him as a wise man and doer of wonders, and who was condemned to the cross by Pilate. Josephus also wrote of John the Baptist and his death by Herod and the death of James, the brother of Jesus.
Jot Hebrew yodh, the smallest bit, Latin and Greek iota, "i" -- the smallest letter or a very small thing. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18 NIV). The KJV renders this verse as "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law." A tittle is a small mark, such as the dot over an i.
Judah The fourth son of Jacob and the tribe which descended from him; the southern kingdom of the Hebrews consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, from which Israel broke in the tenth century B.C. (1 Kings 12:1-24, 2 Chronicles 10). The Israelites rebelled against the harsh rule of Rehoboam, successor to Solomon, splitting the Jewish country into two kingdoms - Judah and Israel. King Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem, retaining the lineage of David, while Jeroboam son of Nebat became king of the ten tribes of Israel to the north.
Judaica A collection of books, papers, objects, data, etc. having to do with Jews or Judaism. Many of the newer Old Testament translations were based on the Biblia Hebraica, or Hebrew Bible composed by Rudolph Kittel in 1906 and revised in 1912, which itself was based on one of the most reliable Hebrew translations known as the Ben Chayyim Masoretic Text by Rabbi Abraham Ben Chayyim in 1524. There have been further revisions and releases of the Biblia Hebraica under various names, including the popular 1966 Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia by German rationalists.
Judaism The Jewish, monotheistic religion based on the laws and teachings of the Talmud; the observance of Jewish laws, traditions, customs, and ceremonies.
Judas Judas Iscariot (man of Kerioth), one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the one who betrayed him (Matthew 26:14, 48); Judas son of James (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3, Luke 6:13-16, John 14:22), of whom some consider the author of Jude (a variant of Judas) in the New Testament, and the brother of Jesus and James; Judas Maccabaeus (Aramaic, "the hammer"), led a Jewish revolt against the Syrians between 175-164 B.C. and ruled Palestine until 37 B.C. (recorded in the Old Testament Apocryphal books of I and II Maccabees).
Judea Ancient region of southern Palestine under Persian, Greek, and Roman rule between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, corresponding roughly to the biblical Judah.
Judges A book of the Bible recounting the rule of the tribes of Israel by individual judges beginning in 1375 B.C., and believed to have been written between the twelfth and eleventh centuries B.C. Although the author is unknown, some identify it as the work of Samuel, Israel's last judge. It is primarily about Israel's disobedience against the Lord during the following several hundred years after the conquest of Canaan, between the death of Joshua and the birth of Samuel (a period of over 325 years), during which time Israel was without central leadership and "everyone did as he saw fit" (Judges 17:6). God punishes Israel's rebellion with foreign invaders, then sends judges (saviors) to save them when they repent. There were thirteen judges in all, including Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, and Samuel. The oldest extant Hebrew document of any size is the Song of Deborah in the fifth chapter, dated from the twelfth century B.C.
Judgment Justice from God, particularly a misfortune considered a punishment from God.
Judgment Day The time of God's final judgment of all people; end of the world; doomsday.
Judith Hebrew Yehudhith (feminine of Judah, Yehudhah), a book of the Apocrypha and the Douay Bible about a woman who saved her people by killing Herlofernes.
Justification by Faith The act by which a sinner is freed through faith from the penalty of sin and is accepted by God as righteous.
Justin Latin Justinus (c. A.D. 100-165), Christian apologist and martyr from Samaria, often known as Justin Martyr, observed April 14.
Masorah
Metropolitan
Midrashim Collections of legends compiled around biblical legends.
Mishnah Compiled between A.D. 70 and 200, first great post-Biblical Hebrew book.
Monotheism Belief and worship of one god.
Moral (Amoral is a lack of ability to distinguish between right and wrong.)



Polytheism Belief and worship of many gods.
Pope His Holiness or Holy Father. Holy See is the position, authority, or court of the Pope.
Pseudepigrapha false scripture


Q An unknown source from which many Protestant scholars believe the Gospels of Matthew and Luke derived much of their material. Those of this belief include the Gospel of Mark as the second influence on the latter two gospels, with the unknown "Book of Q" providing a source for the collected sayings of Jesus

Schism A split or division in a church, primarily due to difference of opinion over doctrine. The Great Schism, or Schism of the West, was when there was conflict and division in the Roman Catholic Church between 1378 to 1417, during which time there were rival popes at Avignon and Rome. The Schism of the East took place when the Orthodox Eastern Church officially split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1472.
Scripture The text of the Bible or the Bible itself; numbered passages of most Old and New Testament translations; Jewish Old Testament consisting of the Pentateuch, Prophets, and Hagiographa.
Sun Gods Greek Mythology: Helios, son of the Titan Hyperion, who was the son of Uranus and Gaea.

Ugaritic A narrative style of Hebrew poetry from 1400 BCE, believed to have become extinct sometime in 800 BCE, attributed to the poetic style of the Psalms. Based on Sumerian cuneiform and used by the Canaanites, it was a Semitic alphabet of thirty distinct abstract pictographic representations written on clay tablets (somewhat like heiroglyphics, but more similar to Assyrian or Akkadian in appearance). The name is derived from the lost, Bronze Age city of Ugarit, Syria (6,000 BCE-1200 BCE, located near Ras Shamrah on the Mediterranean), where several libraries of Canaanite text (including myhtological accounts about the cults of El, Baal, Asherah, and Dagon) and some Hebrew texts were discovered in 1928, many having been written in the same Ugaritic language. Until this discovery, nothing was known of the language, but now some scholars believe that Ugaritic may have later developed into the Hebrew alphabet. Of major importance regarding these texts is the description of Canaanite life and religion before the Israelite occupation, the possibility that the Israelites assimilated Canaanite beliefs, as well as the use of the ancient language to assist in the translation of difficult Hebrew passages of the Old Testament.

Valentine's Day Valentine's Day is the Catholic feast day of St. Valentine, bishop of Interamna, martyred in A.D. 271, and celebrated on February 14. Traditionally, it predates St. Valentine as an ancient Roman festival of love. One such Roman festival was the drawing of partners by lot by young men and women for the February feast of Lupercalia and as sexual partners throughout the year. It is said that St. Valentine secretly married such young lovers in matrimony, for which he was imprisoned by the Roman emperor Claudius II, who had made marriages illegal for the sake of a better soldier. Legend holds that while in prison awaiting execution, Valentine signed a farewell message to the jailer's daughter, "From Your Valentine." In A.D. 496, Pope Galasius changed the Lupercalian lottery to the drawing of the names of saints, of which young participants were to imitate the lives of their chosen saints throughout the remainder of the year. Cupid was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and fertility, and a derivation of Eros, the Greek god of lust. Often depicted as a winged child with a bow and arrow, he is the origin of many modern images of the cherub (known as putti), a popular depiction in Italian Renassiance and Rococo art. Valentine cards come from the Roman custom during mid-February of giving women hand-written letters of admiration and affection. The earliest known Valentine card dates from 1415 and is on display in the British Museum. Although original, hand-made cards were preferential, by the nineteenth century publishers were printing "mechanical valentines" with sentimental verses. Another association of this festival with love is that it is the mating season of most birds.
Vatican From the Latin Vaticanus Mons, "Vatican Hill" or Hill of Prophecy, derived from the root word Vatic, meaning prophetic (plural vaticinia, prophecies): the governmental capital of the Catholic Church in west central Rome, consisting of the Roman Curia and its buildings, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Apostolic Palace. Vatican City is a 108-acre, independent city-state constituted in 1929 by the Lateran Council as a Roman enclave (population cerca 1,000) endowed with extraterritorial rights. The State of the Vatican City, as it's officially known, provides a temporal jurisdiction for the Diocese of Rome (Holy See). The Curia, or Vatican, is a royal court representing the international government of the Catholic Church overseen by the Bishop of Rome (Pope) and includes various offices, such as the Governor, Apostolic Chancery, Apostolic Dataria, Secretariate of Briefs, Roman Conrgregations, Cardinals, Tribunals, and Pontificul Councils. It is also associated with either of the Roman Catholic Ecumenical Councils held in St. Peter's Basilica in 1869-70 (Vatican I) or 1962-65 (Vatican II).
Veda Sanskrit, "knowledge" -- a collection of four ancient, sacred books of Hinduism, or Samhitas, consisting of psalms, chants, sacred formulas, rituals, incantations, and scripture, which includes the Rig-Veda (Veda of Verses), Yajur-Vida (Veda of Sacrificial Prayers), Sama-Veda (Veda of Chants), and Atharva-Veda (Veda of the Fire Priests). Hindu tradition holds that the Vedas are eternal, revealed from time to time to sages (rishis) by the divine principle (one true god) through Paramatma (a super spirit) and transferred orally from generation to generation. The rishi Krishna Dwaipayana, or Veda Vyasa ("editor"), compiled these oral traditions into the four Vedas. The age of these texts have yet to be determined, but are considerd by many to be some of the oldest scriptures in the world. The oldest veda, the Rig-Vida, is dated at approximately 1500 B.C. (codified around 600 B.C. and written about 300 B.C.). Along with the four Vedas, Hindu scripture also includes the Brahmanas (rituals and sacrifice), Aranyakas (philosophy and sacrifice), Upanishads (philosophy and meditation), Upavedas (vedic applications), and Mahabharata (history), which expound on the original Vedas. Although the Hindu religion (Sanatana Dharma) originally recognized one god, millions of prophets, angels, and minor dieties have been elevated in status throughout the centuries and worshipped as gods, or devas. Vedanta is a system of Hindu monistic or pantheistic philosophy based on the Vedas. Vedic is the Old Indic language of the Vedas, an early form of Sanskrit.
Veil The temple curtain which separated the altar of God's presence (Most Holy Place) from the outer sanctuary of the Levitical priests (Holy Place) in the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 3:14 -- adapted from the Tent of Meeting, Exodus 26:31-33). Only the high priest was allowed beyond the veil once a year (Leveticus 16). The Temple veil was torn open at the time of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45), allowing for believers to enter into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20). Also part of a nun's headdress, a piece of cloth draped along the sides of the face and over the shoulders, thus the term "take the veil" -- to become a nun; the state or life of a nun or novice.
Vellum Parchment prepared from calfskin, lambskin, or kidskin, used for writing manuscripts or binding books.
Venerable Latin venerabilis, to be reverenced -- the lowest title of the three degrees of sanctity in the Roman Catholic Church (among beatification and canonization); a title given to an archdeacon in the Anglican Church.
Venial Theological term for sin that does not cause death to the soul because it is committed either without awareness of its seriousness or without full consent (distinguished from mortal sin).
Venite A canticle sung at matins or morning prayer in the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of parts of Psalms 95 and 96, so named from the opening word of the 94th Psalm in the Vulgate and the 95th in the King James Version (Latin venire, to come).
Veronica A woman who, according to legend, wiped the bleeding face of Jesus on the way to Calvary (saint celebrated on July 12); the bloody image of Jesus' face on the cloth used to wipe his face; any cloth or garment with a representation of the face of Jesus.
Verse Biblically, the numbered divisions of a chapter, usually one or two sentences.
Versicle A short verse, particularly one of the short sentences said or sung by a church minister which is followed by the response of the congregation.
Version A particular translation of the Bible, such as the King James Version or the Revised Standard American Version.
Vespers (Evensong) Latin vesper, "evening" -- an evening prayer or service; the sixth of the seven canonical hours in the Roman Catholic Church, recited or sung in the late afternoon; Evensong in the Anglican Church. A vesperal is a book containing the chants and psalms used at vespers (also a cloth cover for protecting the altar cloth between services).
Vessel A person who is the repository of a spirit.
Vestment Garments (robes and gowns) worn by Ecclesiastic officials and their assistants. A vestry is a room in a church where sacred vessels are kept and where clergy put on their vestments (sacristy); in the Anglican and Episcopal Churches, a vestry is a group of members who manage the temoral affairs of the church. A vestiary is a supply room for clothing in a monastery.
Vicar A church deputy: in the Anglican Church, a parish priest who is not a rector and receives a stipend instead of tithes; in the Episcopal Church, a minister in charge of one parish chapel as deputy of another minister; in the Roman Catholic Church, a church officer acting as deputy of a bishop. Because the Pope is regarded as the earthly vicar of Christ, he is known as the Vicar of Christ. Vicarage is the position, residence, salary, and duties of a vicar. Vicariate is the office, authority, or district administered by a vicar. Vicar apostolic (V.A.) was formerly a bishop or archbishop to whom the Pope delegated part of his jurisdiction; titular bishop administering a vacant diocese; missionary bishop acting as a delegate of the Holy See in a region where no regular see has yet been organized. Vicar-general in the Anglican Church is a layman serving as a deputy to a bishop or archbishop; in the Roman Catholic Church, it's a priest acting as administrative deputy to a bishop or a general superior; title given to Thomas Cromwell as vicegerent of Henry VIII. Vicar forane is a dean in the Roman Catholic Church; in general, the rural part of the episcopal city.
Vigil A watch kept during sleeping hours; the devotional services held on the evening before a religious festival. Vigil light is a candle burned as an act of devotion or petition.
Viminal Seven Hills of Rome
Vincent de Paul (1580-1616) French priest who founded charitable orders, celebrated July 19.
Virgin Birth Birth of Jesus to Mary, who conceived by the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph.
Virgin Mary Holy Mother of the Roman Catholic Church; doctrine that since Mary was the mother of Christ and Christ was God, then she was the mother of God.
Vishnu Sanskript Visnu, "all-pervader" -- second member of the Hindu trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva), called the "Preserver" and supposed to have had several human incarnations, including Krishna. Vaishnava is a devotee of Vishnu.
Vision Something seen beyond normal sight, such as in a dream, a trance, or supernaturally revealed.
Visitant A supernatural being perceived by a person, such as a ghost, phantom, or spirit. Visitation is a personal reward or infliction of punishment by God; an official visit of a bishop to a church in his diocese.
Vis Major Latin, "greater force" -- an act of God.
Vitalism Doctrine that life in living organisms is caused and sustained by a vital force distinct from physical and mental forces and is self-determining and self-evolving.
Vocation A call or impulsion to a certain career, particularly a religious one
Volition Exercise of the will; conscious or deliberate decision.
Voltaire French writer and philosopher, born François Marie Arouet (1694-1778).
Voodoo (Hoodoo) French Creole vodu, "fetish" or "demon" -- primitive religion that originated in West Africa and is practiced primarily in the West Indies, based on a belief in sorcery and the power of charms, fetishes, spells, and black magic.
Votary Latin votus, "to vow" -- a person bound to religious vows, such as a monk or nun; a person devoted to a particular religion or object of worship (devout); concecrated by a vow.
Votive An offering concecrated in fulfillment of a vow; a special Mass in the Roman Catholic Church said at the priest's option.
Vulgate Medieval Latin volgata, "popular" (Latin volgatus, common or ordinary) -- a Latin version of the Bible commissioned by Pope Damasus and prepared by St. Jerome in the fourth century A.D., which served as an authorized version for the Roman Catholic Church. The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew and Aramaic and the Gospels from the best available Greek manuscripts. Among the canonized scriptures of the Old Testament, it also includes the apocryphal books of Tobias, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, and I and II Maccabees. In 1546, the Council of Trent declared it the authentic Latin Bible. The current, official edition of the Vulgate was issued in 1592 by Pope Clement VIII.
Wahhabi Strict Islamic sect in Saudi Arabia founded by Abdul-Wahhab (1703-92), which adheres closely to the Quran.
Wake All-night vigil over a corpse before burial, often with festivities.
Waldenses Sect of Roman Catholic dissenters founded by Peter Waldo around 1170 in the South of France, which now survive in the Alps of France and Italy.
Wandering Jew In medieval folklore, a Jew condemned to wander the earth restlessly until the second coming of Christ because of their scornful attitude prior to the Crucifixion; trailing plants of the spiderwort family having white, red, blue, or purple flowers.
Warlock Old English for liar or traitor; sorcerer, wizard, or magician; one who practices black magic (male equivalent of a witch).
Wartburg Medieval castle in Thuringia, Germany, where Martin Luther completed his translation of the New Testament (1521-22).
WASP White Anglo-Saxon Protestant
Way fjkghkh
W.C.T.U. Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Weltanschauung German, "world view" -- a personal, comprehensive philosophy or conception of life or the universe, generally non-religious and based on rationale, proven science, or experience.
Wesley, John (1703-91) English clergyman and evangelist, founder of Methodism, brother of Charles Wesley (1707-88, English clergymand and hymn writer). Wesleyan is a follower of John Wesley; Wesleyan Church is generally a Methodist Church.
Western Church Primarily the Roman Catholic Church; generally any part of the Catholic Church that recognizes the Pope and follows the Latin Rite; broadly, all Christian churches of Western Europe and America.
Western Wall (Wailing Wall) Hebrew ha-kotel ha-ma'aravi, "the Western Wall," or simply ha-kotel, "the Wall" -- a high wall in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount believed to be part of the western section of the wall surrounding Solomon's Temple (some believe it to be Herod's Temple), where Jews have traditionally gathered for prayer. Jerome described Jews on the Mount of Olives in the fourth century A.D. wailing and lamenting as they looked upon the ruins of the Temple on the ninth day of the Hebrew month Av, a day of mourning for the Temple. The traditional Arabic term for the wall is El-Mabka, "the Place of Weeping." The name "Wailing Wall" is predominantly a European term introduced by the British after their conquest of Jerusalem from the Turks in 1917. Jews traditionally gathered here on Fridays to mourn, however, after the Six-Day War in 1967 and the reunification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty, many have considered this to be a place of celebration.
Westminster Abbey Originally a Benedictine abbey in Westminster (metropolitan borough of London), a Gothic church where English monarchs are crowned and/or buried.
Whitewashed Tomb Hypocrite (Matthew 23:27-28), also called a whited sepulcher; traditionally a burial vault whitened with a mixture of water, lime, chaulk, and glaze; to give a falsely virtuous appearance; gloss over.
Whitefield, George English Methodist evangelist (1714-70).
Whitsunday White Sunday, day of baptism, so called because of the white garments traditionally worn by baptismal candidates.
Wimple Head covering worn by certain orders of nuns consisting of cloth wrapped around parts of the head, revealing only the face.
Winter Solstice Time in the Northern Hemisphere when the sun is farthest south of the equator, December 21-22.
Wisdom of Solomon One of the books of the Apocrypha.
Witch From the Old English wicca, a sorceress
Witch Doctor Medicine man of some African tribes who practices primitive forms of healing involving magic or witchcraft.
Wizard Sage; magician; sorcerer; conjurerer.
Word of God The Bible.
Wormwood Bitter; unpleasant; bitter, green oil used in making a liqueur called absinthe.
Worship Reverent devotion; veneration; religious devotion.
Wraith From Scottish warth, a guardian angel; a ghost or the spectral figure of a person supposedly seen as a premonition just before death.
Wreath A twisted band or ring of leaves, branches, flowers, foliage, etc.; garland.
Wycliffe, John (1324-84) English religious reformer who was the first to make a complete English translation of the Bible (from the Latin Vulgate).


Xavier, Francis (1506-52) Spanish Jesuit missionary whose day is celebrated on December 3rd.
Xmas Abbreviation for Christmas, derived from the Greek name for Christ (XPIETOE), first used in Europe in the 1500's.
Xn (Xnty) Abbreviation for Christian or Christianity.
XP (Chi Rho) First two letters of the Greek word for Christ, ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Kristos), chi and rho, used as an early symbol or emblem for Christ, often represented as a P in the middle of an X.
Yahrzeit Anniversary according to the Jewish calendar of the death of an immediate family member commemorated by the lighting of yahrzeit candle for 24 hours and the saying of the kaddish (Judaism).
YAHWEH (YHWH) Hebrew, "I AM" (Exodus 3:14), the ineffable (unspeakable) name of God, comprised of the four Hebrew characters Yod, Heh, Waw, and Heh, which has come to be known among Bible scholars as the Tetragrammaton (four letters) with vowels added for better pronunciation. Variations include YHWH, YHVH, IHVH, JHVH, YAHVEH, YAHUAH, IAHUAH, YEHOWAH, and JEHOVAH. Any of these are arguable since Y, W, and V are not Hebrew consonants. Hebrew is a different dialect than English and difficult to translate, so the Hebrew characters are often transliterated as sounds similar to English characters. Most modern English Bibles have adopted the lower caps version of Lord (LORD) to represent the formal name of YHWH. It was believed that the Jews held the name of YHWH in such high regard that they didn't even say this name, which stems from the third Commandment, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest pronounced the shem ha-meforash, or ineffable name. Yahwism is a term for worship of Yahweh. Yahwist is an unidentified writer or writers of certain Old Testament passages in which Yahweh is used for the name of God, instead of Elohim.
Yarmulke (Yamulka) A skullcap worn by Jewish males.
Ye Old English for "you" -- archaic term originally used only as a nominative plural, later as a nominative singular.
Yea Old English for "yes" -- archaic term meaning moreover (not only that, but more); indeed, truly, or verily.
Yeshiva Hebrew, "a sitting" -- seminary for the training of Orthodox rabbis; school or college for Talmudic studies; Jewish school combining religious and secular studies.
Yiddish Jewish-German -- language derived from medieval High German, spoken by East European Jews and their descendants in other countries, written in the Hebrew alphabet and borrowing vocabulary primarily from from Hebrew, Russian, Polish, and English.
Y.M.C.A. Young Men's Christian Association, founded in London in 1844 by George Williams as an organization for providing recreational activities for young men working in poor labor conditions in England. The first American YMCA was founded in Boston in 1851 by Baptist sea captain T. V. Sullivan. The World Alliance for YMCA's is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Yoga Hinduism: a mystic and ascetic discipline by which one seeks to achieve liberation of the self and union with the supreme spirit or universal soul through intense concentration, deep meditation, and practices involving prescribed postures and controlled breathing. A yogi is one who practices yoga.
Yom Kippur Day of Atonement, Jewish day of fast and rest observed on the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (Tishri), from Leviticus 16:29-34 and 23:26-32. "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites" (Leviticus 16:34).
Yuletide Christmas time, from the Old English word yule, the name of a heathen festival at the winter solstice celebrated by the Teutonic tribes of northern Europe (Scandanavians, Germans, and Celts) and integrated into the annual feast of Christmas when they were converted to Christianity in the 10th and 11th centuries, one of the activities of which was to burn a yule log. (Santa's elves also evolved from Scandanavian paganism.)
Y.W.C.A. Young Women's Christian Association, organized in London in 1855 and in New York City in 1858 (under the name of Ladies' Christian Association) as an evangelical Protestant movement to provide spiritual development, as well as recreational and educational opportunities, for women adversely affected by the industrial revolution. The World YWCA was formed in 1894.
Zaddick A righteous and just man (Judaism); spiritual leader of a Hasidic community.
Zealot One who is extremely or excessively devoted to a cause and vehemently active in supporting it; religious fanatic; member of a radically political and religious Jewish sect who openly resisted Roman rule in Palestine.
Zebulun Tenth tribe of Israel descended from the tenth son of Jacob.
Zen Anti-rational Buddhist sect which seeks enlightenment through introspection and intuition, developed in India and now widespread in Japan; to see a sign as a result of meditation.
Zend-Avesta Sacred text of the Zoroastrians.
Zeno Greek Eleatic philosopher, 5th century B.C., founder of Stoicism
Ziggurat A temple tower of the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians in the form of a terraced pyramid.
Zion Hebrew tsiyon, "hill" -- originally the City of David, a Canaanite fortress in Jerusalem captured by David; the hill in Jerusalem where the Temple was built; Jerusalem; Israel; a symbol of the center of Jewish national life. The heavenly city. The theocracy of God. Zionism was formerly a movement for reestablishing the Jewish national state of Israel, now in support of it.
Zizit (Zizith) Fringes or tassels worn by orthodox Jewish men, formerly on the corners of the outer garment, now on the four corners of the tallit, intended to remind them of God's commandments (Numbers 15:37-41, Deuteronomy 22:12, Matthew 23:5).
Zodiac Greek zodiakos, "of living things," derived from ancient Babylonian astrology. Zodiac means "circle of animals" and its current design was arranged by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus cerca 150 B.C. It is an imaginary, circular belt in the heavens extending for about eight degrees on either side of the apparent path of the sun, including the paths of the moon and principal planets (except Pluto), divided into twelve equal zones of 30 degrees, or "houses," each represented symbolically by the different constellations that reside in them -- most of which are in the shape of animals -- and assigned to certain parts of the year when the sun appears in each house. The signs of the zodiac include: Aquarius (Water Bearer, January 20 - February 18); Pisces (Fishes, February 19 -March 20); Aries (Ram, March 21 - April 19); Taurus (Bull, April 20 - May 20); Gemini (Twins, May 21 - June 21); Cancer (Crab, June 22 - July 22); Leo (Lion, July 23 - August 22); Virgo (Virgin, August 23 - September 22); Libra (Balance, September 23 - October 23); Scorpio (Scorpion, October 24 - November 21); Sagittarius (Archer, November 22 - December 21); Capricorn (Goat, December 22 - January 19). (See Astrology)
Zohar Hebrew, "brightness," a mystical commentary on the Pentateuch written from the second to the thirteenth century and a principal source of the cabala.
Zoroaster (Zarathustra) Founder of Zorastrianism (cerca 590 B.C., although some scholars believe as early as 750 B.C.), also known as Mazdaism, the religious system of the Iranians before their conversion to Islam, which includes belief in an afterlife and in the continuous struggle of the universal spirit of good (Ormazd) with the spirit of evil (Ahriman), with good ultimately to prevail. Zoroaster reformed the polytheistic cults of the Iranians into a religious system that worshiped one Wise Lord (Ahura Mazda) and introduced concepts of heaven and hell, along with an ultimate savior and final judgment of mankind. Zoroastrianism later became the primary religion of the Medes and the Persians (the Persian name for Zoroaster is Zarathustra), the official religion of the Sassanians (who compiled the Zend-Avesta, the sacred writings of the Zoroastrians), and had profound effects on the Babylonians and the Greeks, all of which altered its doctrines somewhat. Many scholars believe that it also had direct effects on Judaism from the time of the Exodus and indirect effects on Christianity. Zoroastrianism survived the spread of Islam for several centuries before finally being suppressed.
Zucchetto Skullcap worn by Roman Catholic ecclesiastics -- a priest's is black, a bishop's purple, a cardinal's red, and the Pope's white.
Zwingli, Huldreich Swiss Protestant reformer (1484-1531), formerly a Catholic priest, who advocated the doctrine that the body of Christ is not actually present in the Eucharist but that the ceremony is merely a commemorative one. He also translated the Bible into Swiss German, wrote a book entitled On the True and False Religion, and died a martyr as a chaplain in the army of Zürich in the second war of Kappel. His last words were, "What does it matter? They can kill the body, but not the soul."





Aeromancy Divination by concentrating on cloud shapes and other natural phenomena.
Alchemy The science of changing the base elements into gold or silver with the aid of a mysterious psychic substance.
All Hallows Eve October 31 witch festival.
Alomancy The divination by salt.
Amulet An ornament inscribed with a magic spell or sign, usually worn around the neck or wrist.
Animism Belief that inanimate objects are alive and have souls.
Apantomancy A method which makes forecasts from chance meetings with animals, birds, and other creatures. Practiced in various types of Mexican voodoo.
Astral Projection The soul leaves the body and travels on a different plane of consciousness.
Astrology Fortune telling by stars or the Zodiac.
Augury Divination from omens and signs.
Automatic Writing Writing under a trance induced by spirit or demon powers in which the demonic spirit writes.
Bewitch To influence by witchcraft.
Black Magic A form of witchcraft often called the black arts which uses demon power for occult force.
Botonomancy Divination by burning tree branches and leaves.
Cartomancy Fortune telling with cards.
Causimonancy Divination from objects burning in a fire.
Cephalomancy Divination using the skull or head of a donkey or goat.
Ceraunoscopyl Divination from the study of thunder and lightening.
Ceroscopy Divination in which melted wax is poured into cold water.
Charm An ornament believed to contain magical powers.
Chiromancy Divination by lines of a person=s hand.
Clairvoyance A medium who forecasts distant happenings through visions.
Cleromancy Akin to divination with dice, but using pebbles or other odd objects.
Clidomancy Divination using a dangling key which answers questions.
Coven An assembly of 13 witches.
Conjure To summon a departed demon spirit often by incantation.
Cosmic Consciousness To be in tune with the Universe. An expression used by people spaced out by drugs or meditation.
Crystal Gazer Person who uses a crystal ball for divination.
Cult Religious group with beliefs or practices considered to be false based on Biblical principles according to Scripture.
Curse Incantation made to bring harm to some one.
Demon An evil power or spirit subservient to Satan (see Fallen Angel).
Demonomancy Divination using demons.
Divination The ability to foretell future events or to discover hidden information.
Esbat Witchcraft meeting held for transacting business or to accomplish an act of Satanic mischief.
ESP Abbreviation for extra-sensory perception.
Exorcism Ritual used to drive away a spirit contrary to exorcists will.
Extra-Sensory Perception Ability to gain insights without the use of ordinary senses.
Familiar Spirit Spirit embodied in an animal which attends, serves, and guards a person. The spirit can also be in form of person.
Fetish An object regarded as magical or sacred.
Fortune-Teller One who tells future events for individuals.
Gastromancy Divination with the voice lowered as though issuing from the ground.
Genethlialogy Divination by use of stars at birth.
Graphology Analysis of character through one's handwriting.
Grey Magic Use of spirit or demon power for occult force.
Halomancy Divination by salt. Otherwise known as Alomancy.
Hex To effect by an evil spell.
Horoschopy Pertains to the casting of an astrological horoscope.
Horoscope Diagram showing position of planets and stars with their signs or the zodiac. Used by astrologers for divination.
Incense Perfumes, herbs, and charcoals burned in rituals.

Libranomancy Requires incense as a means of interpreting omens.

Magic Supernatural power over natural forces.
Meditation Fixing your mind on one object for enlightenment by spirits.
Medium Person acting as the communications between this world and the spirit world with the ability to talk to demons or evil spirits representing the voices of the dead.
Metaphysics Pertaining to the cosmos, cosmic energy, and the metaphysical world.
Mystic One who is into mysticism or the occult.
Mystic Christianity Mixing God and Satan.
Necromancy Conjuring spirits of the dead to reveal future events, or to influence them.
Numerology Divination using vital numbers.
Occult Secret, mysterious, relating to supernatural forces.
Omen An occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend the future.
Oneiromancy The interpretation of dreams.
Ooscopy Divination by eggs used frequently in the Mexican type of voodoo.
Ouija Board Game board used to obtain spiritualistic or telepathic messages about the future or other hidden knowledge.
Palmistry Divination by lines and formation of the hands.
Phrenology Divination by head formations.
Physiognomy Character analysis through physical appearance of the features.
Poltergeist Mischievous ghost said to be responsible for strange noises or movement of inanimate objects.
Potions Herb mixes or drugs with magical or hallucinogenic powers.
Precognition Discernment about an event not yet experienced.
Premonition Uneasy anticipation of an event.
Prognostication Foretelling the future.
Psychic Person sensitive to non-physical forces and their possible significance.
Psychic Phenomena Events that cannot be explained by physical reference and are attributed to spiritual forces.
Recognition An inner knowledge of things to come.
Reincarnation Rebirth of a soul into a new human body or other form of life.
Rhabdomancy Divination by means of a wand or stick.
Sabbat Main meeting of witches to bring in new members.
Satan Fallen archangel of God set upon various types of destruction on earth.
Satanic Bible The official Bible of the Church of Satan
Satanic Church Refers to any group practicing Satanism.
Satanism Satan worship or idol worship usually involving travesty of Christian rites.
Seance Group meeting to receive communication from spirits through a medium.
Seer One who predicts future events or developments.
Soothsaying Act of foretelling future events.
Sorcerer Wizard or witch.
Sorcery Use of power obtained from control of evil spirits.
Soul Transmigration Astral projection or transferring of souls.
Spell Spoken word or pattern of words with magical power using evil spirits.
Spiritism Belief that departed spirits commune with living people usually through a medium.
Spiritualism Type of church organization noted for communicating with the dead.
Spiritualist One who believes in Spiritism.
Spook A spirit, demon, or fallen angel.
Tarot Cards Fortune telling cards.
Tea Leaf Reader Fortune telling by reading omens in tea leaves.
Telepathy Communication from one mind to another without using physical channels.
Trance State of partially suspended animation.
Vibes Vibrations believed to be set off by body energy.
Voodoo Old form of ritual witchcraft usually similar to black magic rituals.
Warlock A male witch.
White Magic Use of spirit or demon power for occult force.
Witch Woman or man who practices black arts and other type of occult.
Witchcraft A type of occult practice. A word is often used to denote all of the occult collectively.
Witch Doctor One who uses herbs or machines to cure in non-medical ways.
Wizard One who uses spirit power to bring about certain reactions. A Sorcerer.
Xylomancy Divination from pieces of wood.

Yoga Exercise and meditation opening mind to dark powers.

Zodiac Imaginary belt of planets and constellations forming the astrological signs.
Pagan A follower of one of the nature or fertility orientated religions of the world. (The Christians and Jews often incorrectly use the term to mean everybody else but themselves). This word comes from the Latin word paganus, meaning country dweller. There are many different types or denominations of Pagans.

Heathen This word is roughly synonymous with "Pagan" and literally means a dweller on the heath.

Wicca One of the Pagan religions with roots in ancient expressions of the reverence of Nature. We believe that The Great Spirit is presented in all beings and things. The ultimate creative force represents itself in both masculine and feminine aspects, so is often symbolised as God and Goddess. The aspects most popular in Wicca are the Triple Goddess of the Moon (Maiden, Mother, and Crone), and the Horned God of the animals and of Death and Rebirth. We practice magick for positive purposes: spiritual development, healing, guidance and safety. Our rituals are practiced outdoors whenever practical. We have no Holy Book, or any equivalent of the Christian Bible. Ours is an ancient tradition, from the days before writing. Individuals have access to the Divine and do not require an intermediary. EVERY initiate of the Craft, whether self-dedicated, or dedicated by a High Priest or High Priestess, is considered to be a Priest or Priestess in their own right. We strive to live in harmony with nature and the Earth, we shall not exploit them. Wicca is a valid religion but it is not the only one. We do not try to convert people to our religion claiming that it is for everyone. We believe that people should be FREE to choose the religion that right for them. We say that "all paths lead to the centre". We are all different and it is our difference that make us special.

Satanism Is a perverted form of Christianity. It is necessary to believe in the Christian pantheon, including Satan, in order to practice Satanism. Satanists worship the Devil, recite the Lord's prayer backwards and perform a rite they call the Black Mass, a parody of the Christian mass. Satanism is usually an excuse for indulging in vices such as perverted sexual acts, drug and alcohol abuse, and even murder in extreme cases. A famous example of a Satanic cult was the prestigious Hellfire Club, to which such people as Benjamin Franklin, Oscar Wilde's wife, and Aleister Crowley (among others) belonged to. It is important to realise that Wicca and Satanism are not the same thing. They are not even close! Wicca is an ancient, pre-Christian religion dedicated to fertility and nature, love and balance. The Wiccan Rede: "An' it harm none, do what ye will", prohibits a Witch from taking part in anything that may harm any thing, living or non-living, including themselves. The confusion arises, at least in part, because many Satanists like to call themselves "witches", a title to which they have no right.
All Hallows Eve The night of October 31st. Originally a Pagan festival of darkness, and death. Halloween was belived to be the one time of year when the souls of the dead revisited their former homes. The modern use of wearing costumes originated from the use of scary masks used to scare the roaming souls away.

Amulet A charm worn around the neck in order to bring luck, or ward off evil.

Anti-Christ -- Satan The enemy of man and God who, according to many religious cultures, will establish a reign of evil on earth which will last fifty years, before being overthrown by the second coming of Christ

Apparition A supernatural appearance or image recognizeable ( being familiar ) to the viewer.

Apport An object transported through supernatural means.

Astral Body The invisible spirit of a person ( or more likely an animal ). See Astral Projection

Astral Plane The level of existence through which spirits of the dead first pass. The level in which an astrally projected spirit travels.

Astral Projection The seperation of the astral body ( or spirit ) from the physical body. The astral body travels in the astral plane, to places near and far.

Automatic Writing The production of written material, by a spirit, through a person, but without conscious control of that person. Often, a person may write pages and pages of words that, upon "awakening", they do not remember writing.

Beelzebub One of Satan's cheif lieutenants, considered Satan's "left hand man".

Black Magic The practice of conjuring preternatural forces for a specific evil purpose.

Black Mass The mass said in honor of Satan at the black witches sabbath, and by Satanists.

Circumambulism Ceremonial walking around an object or person to secure protection.

Clairaudience The psychic ability to hear sounds and voices, normally not heard by most people.

Clairvoyance The psychic ability to see objects, persons, places or events regardless of time or distance.

Conjuring The process of calling preternatural forces into aid or action through the use of sorcery or ceremonial black magic.

Curse To invoke preternatural forces to cause harm or injury to a person, place or object.

Demon An evil entity hostile to humans. A lower level evil spirit working for Lucifer.

Demonic Pertaining to or caused by demons.

Demonologist Involved in the study of Demonology.

Demonology The study of demons, including their characteristics, classification, and effect on mankind.

Devil An upper level evil spirit working for Lucifer. ( Beezelbub, among many )

Diabolical Pertaining to or caused by a devil.

Discarnate Existing outside a physical body.

Disembodied A spirit functioning without a body.

Doppleganger or ( Doubleganger ) A spirit of a living person, outside the physical body.

Earthbound A spirit being trapped to or remain on the earthly plain.

Ectoplasm An unknown substance which eminates from the bodies of mediums, correlating to supernatural phenomena.

Elemental A lesser spirit bound to the fundamentals of nature ( earth, wind, water, and fire ).

Entity A disembodied or preternatural spirit.

Exorcism The process of expelling or removing an evil spirit by religious ceremony.

Exorcist One who conducts the rights of exorcism.

Fairy an elemental spirit considered benign but inclined to mischief.

Ghost A supernatural appearance or image not recognizeable to the viewer.

Human Sacrifice The ceremonial killing of a person as an offering to an offering to an evil spirit for magical purposes.

Human Spirit The ( earthbound ) spirit of a deceased person.

Incarnate Living in a physical body.

Incubus A demon which seeks sexual intercourse with a living woman.

Inhuman Spirit An entity or spirit of a being that has never lived in the earthly realm.

Levitation The raising of a body or object without any physical or visible means.

Lucifer Satan, leader of the rebellious angels.

Magic The art of producing illusions. See Conjuring, Black Magic

Materialization The appearence of spirits in material form.

Medium A person who makes contact with discarnate or inhuman spirits on the astral plane.

Necromancy The practice of conjuring evil spirits.

Necronomicon The book of the dead

Occult Pertaining to the supernatural, that which is beyond the range of natural knowledge.

Ouija Board A board consisting of the letters of the alphabet, numbers 1-0, and the words "yes", "no", and "goodbye" which is used as a tool for communicating with spirits.

Out of Body Experience Can be done purposefully or unconsciously by a person. See Astral Projection

Parapsychology The scientific study of phenomena that natural laws can not explain.

Pentagram The magical diagram consisting of a five pointed star which is a representation of man. Considered by occultists to be the most potent means of conjuring spirits.

Phantomania An occurence in which the victim is held paralyzed while being subjected to preternatural attack.

Planchette The indicator, or pointer used in association with a Ouija Board.

Poltergeist From the German meaning, "noisy ghost". Term for a spirit which is associated with the movement of objects and general mishchevous haunting activity.

Possesion The state in which a living person is controlled by a foreign, malignant energy.

Precognition Knowledge of future events.

Premonition A vision of warning of future events.

Preternatural Associated with inhuman, demonic, or diabolical spirits or forces.

Psychic Dealing with the ability to see, hear, feel and sense beyond the average human ability. A medium.

Psychic Cold The cold sensation recieved when a spirit is present, usually having defined boundaries.

Psychic Photograph Supernatural or preternatural images appearing on a photograph.

Psychic Research The study of psychic phenomena.

Psychokenesis ( PK ) The movement of objects without the use of physical means, such as using the mind.

Psychometry The ability to acquire knowledge of people, places or objects by touching an object associated with it.

Reincarnation The belief that each person possesses a soul which is independant of the body and can be reborn into another body.

Relic An item closely associated with a holy persons body or clothing.

Satan God's adversary, expelled from heaven for rebelling against God.

Satanic Pertaining to Satan.

Satanism The worship of Satan.

Sensitive A person who possesses psychic powers.

Sorcerer A male who has made a pact with the devil in exchange for magical powers.

Sorceress A female who has made a pact with the devil in exchange for magical powers.

Sorcery The practice of black magic.

Spectre A ghost ( unrecognizeable to the viewer ).

Succubus A demon which seeks sexual intercourse with living men.

Supernatural Activity caused by God or his angels, commonly referred to as to anything outside the bounds of natural laws.

Talisman Drawings of various shapes and sizes which have specified purposes of good luck.

Telekinesis Telepathic sounds and voices projected to people.

Telepathy Psychic communications between individuals.

Teleportation Objects moved by supernatural forces.

Voodoo Magical practice considered to be a form of black magic but also is considered a religion to some.

Warlock A male witch

Werewolf A person who has been transformed into or has gained wolflike characteristics.

White Witch A witch whose practice in withcraft in solely for the purpose of good.

Wicca An ancien witchcraft religion which honor the gods of nature. Wicca means "wise one".

Witch A woman who practices withcraft.

Withcraft The practice of performing acts with the aid of a spirit.
Angels, Fallen. Another term for demons which refers to the most logical origin of demons, as described in Revelation 12:7-9. They are known as fallen because they rebelled against God and were hurled out of Heaven to earth as a result.
Angels, Holy The supernatural beings who did not rebel against God, and become fallen angels or demons.
Astrology The study of the heavenly constellations for the purpose of predicting the future for persons born under a specific sign of the zodiac.
Astronomy The legitimate science of studying the heavenly bodies.
Channel The alleged ability of a psychic to communicate with the dead; usually associated with belief in reincarnation; crystals may be used to enhance the process.
Deliverance The process of helping a person become free of demon possession through prayer for the cleaning power of the Holy Spirit. The on-site helper during deliverance is only a catalyst. The Holy Spirit is the active agent and does all the real work. Evangelical deliverance should not be confused with exorcism, which is a precise liturgical ritual practiced with the sanction of the Roman Catholic Church.
Demon oppression Sometimes used as another term for severe temptation by Satan. Some evangelicals use this term interchangeably with demon "possession." [The author advises against this confusion. JFC]
Demon possession The action of a demon taking over the mind and soul of a human who is not being protected by the Holy Spirit. Possession may be intermittent through a demonic time-sharing process which allows a single demon to contaminate many people almost simultaneously. A single instance of demon possession may last no longer than a few seconds, but with devastating results, as in the case of a mass murderer with an automatic weapon. See "Time-sharing."
Demons Evil supernatural beings who serve Satan and work against humans. The word probably comes from the ancient word "da" which means "the knowing ones."
Devil A word used in the King James Version to represent either Satan, the primary agent of evil, or an individual demon. See "demon."
Discernment The ability of persons who are filled with the Holy Spirit to detect the activity of demons based on the presence in victims of the known symptoms of violence, lust, greed, and an unnatural power of persuasion.
Evil spirit A word used in the King James Version of the Bible to represent an individual demon. See "demon."
God, the Father The first Person of the Trinity; the chief executive officer of the entire universe. All power, holy and evil, originates with Him.
God, the Holy Spirit The third Person of the Trinity; when Jesus died and went to Heaven, He sent back His Holy Spirit to serve humans in three ways: (1) help us understand the Bible and what it teaches about God and Jesus Christ; (2) help us do the will of God in our lives; and (3) help us resist the evil power of Satan and his demons.
God, the Son The second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. He came to earth so He could die as the supreme sin sacrifice for all humans. He is the Lamb of God.
Gospels The first four books of the New Testament. The word "gospel" means "good news."
Greed One of the primary symptoms of demon possession, along with violence, lust, and an unnatural power of persuasion.
Guardian angels Holy angels in their capacity as the protectors of humans who believe in prayer and pray to God for physical and spiritual protection.
King James Version The most popular Protestant translation of the Bible; commissioned by King James of England and completed in 1611.
Living Bible A paraphrase of the King James Version of the Bible by Dr. Kenneth N. Taylor, Tyndale House, Wheaton, IL, Copyright 1971; useful for people who are studying the Bible for the first time.
Luke, the Physician. The author of the third gospel; a recognized authority on Biblical demon possession.
Lust One of the primary symptoms of demon possession, along with violence, greed, and an unnatural power of persuasion.
NAMBLA the North American Man/Boy Love Association. NAMBLA (pronounced "NAM-bluh") is an organized group of pedophiles which is dedicated to promoting the normalization and legalization of men having sex with boys. NAMBLA members may be respected members of the community with stature in such fields as education and medicine.
New International Version (NIV) Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI, Copyright 1978. This is a scholarly modern language translation from Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and is equally suitable for first-time readers and advanced Bible students.
New Testament The second major division of the Bible; the first is the Old Testament. In this context, "testament" means covenant or contract. See "sacrifice".
Pedophile A person who makes sexual involvement with children a compulsive way of life. Photography plays a large role; pictures are taken of children in sexual situations whom they have molested; these pictures are treasured, exchanged with other pedophiles, and often find their way into super-slick child pornography publications. Computer electronic mail bulletin boards are used to facilitate activities. The North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) is a major organization of pedophiles.
Psychic A person who claims to have supernatural powers do such things as predict the future, solve mysteries, communicate with the dead, or heal the sick. If a person really has this kind of power, it comes from Satan and his demons. This is true even though the intent of such an individual is benign.
Reincarnation The theory that a soul occupies successive bodies down through the centuries. Psychics use a process called channeling to communicate with persons from other eras.
Resurrection The Biblical doctrine that we will be raised from the dead with a glorified body when Jesus returns to earth.
Sacrifice The central theme of God's plan for allowing humans to escape the death penalty for our sins. In the Old Testament, animals died so we wouldn't have to die for our sins. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ died as the Lamb of God and became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Satan The major source of evil power in the universe. Satan derives his power from God, who grants it to him on a temporary basis. Ultimately, God will destroy Satan and bring an end to all evil power. See Revelation 20:10.
Spirit guide A euphemism for demon used by psychics and persons who are involved with such activities as mind control. Persons who use "spirit" guide may not know it's true meaning.
Spiritual Warfare The constant spiritual battle that rages between God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Angels, on the side of good, and between Satan and his demons on the side of evil. Human beings are in the crossfire and are in danger unless they are shielded by being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Supernatural Anything which is above the laws of nature. There are only two sources of supernatural power: God and Satan. If a phenomenon is not of God, it is of Satan. There is no "neutral" supernatural power.
Synoptic The literal meaning is "seeing together". The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are considered to the synoptic Gospels because they report many of the same incidents in the life of Jesus.
Time-sharing The process whereby a main-frame computer works with many users simultaneously. This book uses the analogy of time-sharing to explain how a fixed number of demons may be able to trouble millions of humans around the world.
Trinity The three-fold nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Unnatural power of persuasion One of the primary symptoms of demon possession, along with violence, lust, and greed.
Violence One of the primary symptoms of demon possession, along with lust, greed, and an unnatural power of persuasion.
Wicca "Modern witchcraft. In the second half of the 20th century, a self-conscious revival of pre-Christian paganism occurred in the United States and Europe. The foundation of this revival was witchcraft, or wicca (said to be an early Anglo-Saxon word for witchcraft). Wicca is interpreted simply as the nature and fertility religion of pre-Christian Europe, which has been explored in books such as Charles Leland's Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches (1899), Margaret Murray's The Witch-Cult in Western Europe (1921), and Robert Graves's The White Goddess (1948). Although they are now considered unreliable by scholars, such books gave inspiration to some people seeking spiritual alternatives. The writings of Englishman Gerald Gardner, who in his book Witchcraft Today (1954) claimed that he was a witch initiated by a surviving coven, imparted much of the alleged lore and rituals of English witches. Although his claims have been questioned, covens of modern witches sprang up under Gardner's inspiration and spread to the United States in the 1960s".
Accepting Christ; Born Again; Conversion; New Birth; Salvation; Saved A conscious and climactic act of believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that His sacrificial death for our sin holds the power to free us from the guilt, domination, and punishment of sin.
Addiction A chemical and/or psychological need to use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
Adoption The process of reinstating us in the favor of God as a brother of Jesus Christ and the son of God.
Age of accountability The age beyond which a child will be held responsible for his/her relationship with Christ.
Altar A railing at the front of the church, between the platform and the pews, which is used as a place of prayer.
Altar Call; Altar Invitation The part of the service when worshippers are invited to come forward and kneel or stand at the altar for prayer.
Anoint The prayer of healing by a minister, usually accompanied by touching oil (a symbol of the Holy Spirit) on the brow amid a chorus of audible prayer.
Baby Christian The term used for a person who has recently accepted Jesus Christ as a personal savior.
Backslide According to Wesleyan doctrine, the ability to fall from the born-again state because of sinning, as illustrated in Ezekiel 18:21-24.
Baptized in the Spirit According to Pentecostal doctrine, a special filling of the Holy Spirit usually associated with the gift of speaking in unlearned languages.
Baptism, adult Complete immersion as a testimony of the fact that Christ has washed away all sin.
Baptism, infant Bringing a baby or young child before the altar for sprinkling with water; replaced by "infant dedication" in many evangelical churches.
Benediction The concluding prayer in a worship service.
Book store A retail outlet which specializes in Bibles and Christian music, literature, and gifts.
Bulletin A folder which includes the order of service and a listing of activities.
Camp meeting A series of outdoor revival services held in a rustic setting.
Calvinist The school of evangelical thought developed by John Calvin which is characterized by the following concepts: (a) God has already decided (predestined) who will be saved and who will be lost and there is nothing we can do to change that; (b) a Christian is filled by the Holy Spirit when born again instead of in a separate act of sanctification; (c) all Christians sin daily in word, thought, and deed, and must ask for daily forgiveness; (d) if a born-again believer returns to a life of sin, that person will not go to Hell if death or the rapture comes before repentance; and (e) he/she is eternally secure. Major denominations: the various branches of the Baptist Church.
Canon The sacred writings which have been accepted as the official books of the Bible.
Charismatic See "Pentecostal".
Christian A person who has been born again and who is living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Comforter A term for the Holy Spirit found in the King James version of the Bible.
Communion A symbolic re-enactment of the Last Passover Supper when Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples the evening before He was crucified. The Last Supper was simultaneously the last celebration of Passover and the first celebration of Communion.
Concordance A word index of Bible verses.
Conference, district All the churches of one denomination within a given geographic area.
Congregational singing The part of a worship service when everyone sings together.
Consecration Consciously turning your life over to Christ.
Conviction A state of anxiety brought on by the Holy Spirit, associated with the knowledge that there is a need to accept Christ and achieve forgiveness for sins.
Dedication, church A special service for consecrating facilities to the service of God.
Dedication, infant A special service when parents bring a baby to the altar and promise they will train him/her in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Demons The fallen angels who were thrown out of Heaven with Satan for rebellion against God; from the ancient word da, meaning the "knowing ones" .
Demon possession The presence of one or more Satanic demons within the body and mind of a human being.
Denomination A group of churches held together with a form of central government.
Devotions Personal daily prayer and Bible reading.
Doctrine A statement of what the Bible teaches and the church believes.
Eternal security According to Calvinist doctrine, the inability of a born-again believer to miss Heaven because of sinning.
Evangelical Any religious activity with an emphasis on encouraging others to accept Jesus Christ.
Evangelism The act or process of encouraging persons to accept Christ.
Evangelist A minister who makes a career of preaching in revivals and camp meetings.
Faith Accepting the teaching of the Bible as fact even without "proof".
Family altar A time when the family has devotions together, including Bible reading and prayer.
Free moral agency; will The ability to choose good or evil without direct intervention by God or Satan.
Full-gospel To be associated with Pentecostal activities, as in "Full-Gospel Business Men's Association".
Fundamentalist A media term for any person or group with a strong commitment to a religious belief; evangelical.
God, the Father The Chief of the Godhead who is holy, all powerful [omnipotent], all knowing [omniscient], and present everywhere [omnipresent].
God, the Holy Spirit The third person of the Godhead revealed to us on the day of Pentecost.
God, the Son The second person of the Godhead who came to earth to die as a sin sacrifice for us.
Gospel music Christian songs with an evangelical emphasis.
Gospels The first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
Greek The language in which most of the original New Testament was written.
Healing The power of God to alleviate physical problems.
Heaven The literal place reserved for the eternal joy of all persons saved by the blood of The Lamb, Jesus Christ.
Hebrew The language in which the original Old Testament was written.
Hell The literal place reserved for the eternal punishment of Satan, demons, and sinners.
Hypocrite A person who appears to talk better than he or she lives.
Inspiration God's blessing on the Bible's authors which enabled them to write what they wrote.
Intercessory prayer Praying for someone else.
Invocation The opening prayer of a service, calling in the Holy Spirit.
Justification Total forgiveness by God.
King James Version A popular translation of the Bible completed in 1611.
Lamb of God The title Jesus carries in heaven because He died for our sins.
Liturgy Any form of worship.
Living Bible A modern language paraphrase of the Bible published by Tyndale House.
Manual A book of denominational doctrine and regulations.
Membership Vowing to accept a denomination's doctrine and live by its regulations.
Message The presentation of the sermon by the pastor or evangelist.
Minister The spiritual and administrative leader of a local church.
Missionary A person who serves the Lord in another country as minister, doctor, nurse, teacher.
New Testament The second section of the Bible which contains the new contract we have with God: if we will accept Jesus Christ as God's Son, we will live in Heaven forever when we die.
NIV. New International Version, a popular modern language translation of the Bible published by Zondervan.
Offering Putting money in the plate when it is passed.
Offertory Music which is played during the offering.
Old Testament The first section of the Bible which contains the old contract with God: if the Children of Israel [Isarelites] would obey the laws of God handed down to Moses, God would help them win all their battles and give them all the land they walked on. Unfortunately, the Israelites did not hold up their end of the contract.
Pauline Epistles Letters which the Apostle Paul wrote to his new churches.
Pentecostal The school of evangelical thought developed around the fact that on the first day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given, the observers were able to hear Peter preach in their native languages. Pentecostal, or charismatic, doctrine is characterized by the following concepts: (a) the Christian should be baptized in the Holy Spirit after being born again, and (b) a Christian who is baptized in the Holy Spirit will receive special gifts such as the ability to speak in unlearned languages (tongues), interpret a message given in tongues, and/or pray for the sick with the "laying on of hands". The modern Pentecostal movement grew out of the three-year Azusa Street (Los Angeles) revival which began in 1906. Major denominations: Assemblies of God, United Pentecostal Church, Foursquare Church. Many non-Pentecostal churches have pockets of charismatic worshippers, including denominations not usually associated with Evangelicals.
Plan of Salvation God's accepting animal deaths and then Christ's death as payment for man's sin.
Platform The raised area at the front of the church.
Prayer Talking to God.
Prayer Service A mid-week service devoted to prayer and Bible study.
Predestination According to Calvinist doctrine, the fact that God has already decided who will go to Heaven and who will go to Hell.
Protestant A Christian who is not a Catholic. Martin Luther was the orignal protestant because he protested against the evils of the organized religion of his day.
Pulpit The lectern at which the minister stands.
Quarterly A study guide for Sunday school classes which is issued every three months.
Rally A special service for promoting a specific aspect of the church's program.
Rapture; Second Coming The unannounced return of Jesus to take all Christians to heaven to be with Him forever. [Read the novel Gone]
Regeneration Being born again.
Responsive reading A leader and a group taking turns reading verses of scripture.
Restitution After salvation, paying back what is owed and asking forgiveness where needed.
Revival A series of services with an emphasis on spiritual growth and evangelism.
Sacrifice The death of animals in the Old Testament and Jesus Christ in the New Testament because God requires the death penalty for sin.
Sanctification According to Wesleyan doctrine, a second (after being born again), definite, instantaneous work of grace which removes the inbred carnal nature through an act of the Holy Spirit, thereby making it less likely for the believer to sin again.
Sanctuary The portion of a church building used for worship services.
Satan; Devil The primary evil supernatural being who wants everyone to sin and go to hell forever where he will be.
Scripture The writings in the Bible.
Seekers Persons who come forward for prayer during an altar invitation.
Sin A willful violation of God's laws as set forth in the Bible.
Standards Bible based guidelines developed by a denomination regarding behavior and interaction.
Sunday School A Christian education program which meets for an hour each Sunday morning.
Temptation An urge to do something wrong as brought on by Satan and his demons.
Testimony A public statement of having accepted Jesus Christ as a personal savior.
Text A portion of scripture used by a minister as the basis for a sermon.
Tithing Paying ten percent of personal income to the work of the Lord.
Tongues Speaking in unlearned languages. See "Pentecostal".
Trinity The Godhead made of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Tureen dinner A fellowship meal comprised of casseroles brought by the participants. Also known as "potluck supper."
Vacation Bible School A summer Christian education program lasting one or two weeks.
Vestibule The foyer or entryway of a church building.
Wesleyan The school of evangelical thought developed by John Wesley which is characterized by the following concepts: (a) the Christian should be sanctified by a filling of the Holy Spirit after being born again; (b) a Christian who is sanctified is better equipped to resist Satan's temptations to sin, and (c) if a born-again believer returns to a life of sin (backslides), that person will go to Hell if death or the rapture comes before repentance. Major denominations: Church of the Nazarene, Wesleyan Church. Persons who follow the Wesleyan doctrine are also known as Arminians.
Witness Telling another person about how to accept Jesus Christ as a personal savior.
Youth for Christ A Christ centered youth organization for high school students.
Youth Society or youth group A church's program for young people.
Antichrist The figure who acts as Satan's lead agent on earth during the end times. Most Christian scenarios predict the Antichrist -- a sort of evil twin of Jesus in many ways -- will forge a one-world government through promises of peace. When Jesus returns, he will expose the Antichrist as an impostor, defeat him in the battle of Armageddon, and reign with the Christian martyrs for a thousand years on earth.
Apocalyptic Referring to the belief that the end of the world as we know it is approaching, usually through a sudden, catataclysmic transformation. Comes from the Greek word apokalypsis meaning "the lifting of a veil," or a revelation. Also the name given to a specific genre of prophetic literature, of which the book of Revelation is best known. Western apocalyptic traditions tend to be dualistic, in that they view this end as the final outcome of an ongoing battle between good and evil forces, usually represented by God and Satan.

Armageddon The geographic location given in the book of Revelation (16:16) for the climactic battle between Christ and Antichrist, with Christ's victory ushering in his thousand-year reign on earth. Named after the hill near the town of Megiddo in Palestine, which due to its strategic location overlooking major military and trade routes was the site of many ancient battles.

Chiliasm The belief that the righteous will enjoy their rewards here on earth. In Christianity, this has meant belief in the millennium, Christ's thousand-year reign on earth. From the Greek chilioi meaning "thousand."

Daniel The book of Daniel, the most famous of the Jewish apocalypses, and the source of many of the ideas and symbols in Revelation. Likely written in the 2nd century B.C. as a response to the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus IV of Syria, although the author is cast back to the time of the Exile and "predicts" events back to the present. In Daniel, one sees many of the elements of the apocalyptic world view coming together for the first time in a single work. In it, God's chosen rise up and overthrow their oppressors, thus inheriting "the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven."

Dispensationalism A theological system which breaks history down into discrete epochs, called dispensations, in each of which God has offered humans a different means of salvation. First developed in the mid-19th century by English theologian John Nelson Darby, dispensationalism found its most popular expression in the "Scofield Reference Bible" of the early 20th century. See premillennialism, below.


Eschatology The study of "last things," or the end of human history. Although specific interpretations vary widely, most Christian eschatologies center on the belief that the just will be rewarded when God triumphs over Satan in the last days.

Messianism The belief that a chosen individual holds the key to a higher truth which will lead to salvation for his followers. Extreme forms of apocalyptic belief have tended to manifest themselves through messianic figures, from Montanus in the 2nd century to David Koresh in 1993. Messiahs tend to be highly charismatic individuals prone to megalomania and violence.

Millennial Referring to a period of 1000 years, such as the end of the second Christian millennium in the year 2000. In religious terms, anything referring to the expected thousand-year reign of Christ on earth after the events of the last days have brought an end to this world. Such a radical transformation could come at any time, although expectations tend to increase at round markers such as the year 2000. Related to chiliasm, above.

Millenarian Referring to more extreme millennial expectations, in which belief in an imminent apocalyptic transformation tends to spur the faithful into action, often of a violent nature.

Postmillennialism The belief that Christ will return only after humans have established a millennial kingdom on earth through their own efforts. In extreme forms, postmillennial beliefs have given rise to violent theocracies, such as that of Thomas Muntzer in 16th century Germany. But a more typical example is the milder postmillennialism of most New England Puritans, who believed they were building just such a righteous society, a "city on a hill." This type of apocalyptic expectation has gone hand-in-hand with social reform movements, and has contributed to the notion of divinely ordained progress which has played an important role in American history.

Premillennialism The belief that God's millennial kingdom will not come until Christ returns to save a sinful humanity and defeat the forces of Satan. Specific interpretations vary as to the exact timing of the Second Coming -- at the beginning, middle, or end of the Tribulation period. But in general, premillennialists tend to be highly pessimistic about the present state of the world, yet anxiously await a perfect world in the near future. By placing the fate of mankind squarely in God's hands, premillennialism has tended to discourage social action, concentrating instead on conversion and preparation for final judgment.

Rapture The belief that true believers in Christ will be taken bodily into heaven just prior to or during the Tribulation period, and thus be spared the horrible fate awaiting those left behind on earth. The rapture is an integral part of the premillennial dispensationalist systems which have dominated Christian prophecy belief in the second half of the 20th century, as it proposes faith in Christ as the only route to salvation.

Revelation The book of Revelation, also known as "The Revelation to John" and "St. John's Apocalypse," is the primary source of inspiration for Christian prophecy believers. The last book and only apocalypse in the New Testament, it was likely written in the last decade of the first century, during a period of great turmoil after the destruction of the second Jewish Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D. Biblical scholars are skeptical of the historical claim that the Apostle John was its author. Millions of Christians have taken the events so vividly described in Revelation as a blueprint for what will happen in the last days as God brings an end to this world. But beyond that, many ideas and symbols from Revelation have found a place in the wider culture, including: the Mark of the Beast, represented by the number "666;" the seven seals; the four horsemen of the Apocalypse; the Whore of Babylon; and the battle of Armageddon.

Tribulation A period of upheaval, usually seven years in length, during which Satan will exert control over the earth through the antichrist. All but a small remnant of Christian faithful -- perhaps numbering 144,000 -- will die as a result of wars, plagues, and famine. The Tribulation will end with Christ's defeat of the antichrist at Armageddon, ushering God's millennial kingdom on earth.
Abrahamic adjective used to describe either of the three primary cults of Yahweh (i.e., Christianity, Judaism and Islam).
Ahriman the chief Devil of Persian Zoroastrianism. Depicted as a dragon, he supposedly created ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine diseases to plague the Earth. He is blamed for all the maladies and physical ailments of life.
Amam another name for Apep, which means "Devourer" in Egyptian.
Ambivalent design a belief that the universe may indeed have a teleological purpose, but that said purpose does not revolve around mortals in any humanly benevolent way.
Angel an attendant spirit that serves as a messenger for a deity or deities.
Anpu a psychopomp who is associated with jackals in ancient Egyptian religion and Neopagan reconstructions thereof; was worshiped as a god of healing and protection.
Antichrist a person who teaches that Jesus Christ is not the Messiah or the "Son of God," and that Christianity is not the one true religion.
Anubis the Greek spelling of Anpu.
Apep the Egyptian name for the Devil. Viewed as a giant snake demon who lived in the underworld and attempted to swallow the sun each night. A personification of nighttime, darkness, and chaos.
Apocalypticism a branch of eschatology in which it is believed that endtime prophecies are somehow imminent.
Apophis the Greek spelling of Apep.
Apostate a person who once worshiped Yahweh, but who later rejects him and turns against him. Many Satanists and Neopagans, for instance, are apostates.
Ashtoreth the Phoenician name for the goddess worshiped as Inanna in ancient Sumer and Ishtar in Babylon.
Astaroth a Hebrew bastardization of the name Ashtoreth, which is given to her in Christian demonology. This name is used to refer to the goddess in her demonic aspect.
Atheistic Satanist a Satanist who does not believe in any gods, and who interprets Satan as either an impersonal force of nature or as a symbol. The term is often used synonymously with symbolic or LaVeyan Satanists.
Azazel a name used to identify the Prince of Darkness in both Second Temple era Jewish literature and in Islam. I use it to refer to Him in His form as an "angel of light" who brings forth civilization. Can also be called Lucifer in this aspect
Baal a pre-Christian Canaanite deity who became demonized in Jewish scriptures as Beelzebub, the Lord of the Flies.
Back-masking a term used for when heavy metal musicians supposedly record subliminal backwards messages into their music. The subliminal messages supposedly drive teenagers to Devil worship and suicide. Bands like Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest were put on trial for supposedly murdering children through back-masking, but the cases were both dismissed, and the idea of murder through back-masking is largely discredited today as an urban myth.
Baphomet an idol that the Knights Templar were accused of worshiping. Eliphas Levi drew a famous picture of it, as a goat-headed hermaphrodite creature. Later adopted as a term for the goat's head pentagram by Anton Szandor LaVey.
Beelzebub "Lord of the Flies," a demonized title of the Semitic storm god Baal.
Belial a name used to identify the Prince of Darkness in the apocryphal Dead Sea Scrolls. It means either "without a yoke" or "without worth." I use it to refer to the Prince in His aspect as the God of the Earth.
Black the color which is most associated with the Powers of Darkness in occult tradition.
Black mass a ritual communion with the Powers of Darkness, usually performed in honor of the Prince of Darkness specifically. Numerous forms of the black mass exist. It is often thought to be a strict inversion of the Catholic mass, but for my purposes, a black mass is literally any sort of ritual communion with Devils or demonic spirits.
Black metal a variety of heavy metal music developed in the 1970's and early 1980's, the lyrical content of which centers around an often serious enthusiasm for Devils, demons, and the occult. Originated in Great Britain.
Black sabbath an alternate term for the black mass. Later became the name for one of the first and most influential heavy metal bands, Black Sabbath.
Church of Azazel a denomination of Satanism founded in 2003 by Diane Vera, which stresses the importance of philosophy and intellectual-thinking among theistic Satanists. Teaches polytheistic Devil worship that adheres to both the Post-Copernican and here-and-now principles of theology.
Church of Satan the very first above-ground public Satanic organization ever. Founded in 1966 by Anton Szandor LaVey. Teaches that Satan is not a being, but just a symbol, and stresses the importance of Self worship over any kind of deity worship. Teachings are based upon LaVey's Satanic Bible.
Conductor of Souls a cult title for the Egyptian spirit Anpu, who guides the souls of the deceased to their appropriate places in the Netherworld.
Coven an assembly of dark mystics, Devil worshipers, Demonolators and/or Satanists. Corresponds to the church congregations of other spiritual paths.
Cult a controversial term that has a number of meanings. It is sociologically used to describe a system or community of religious worship and ritual, and/or the formal means of expressing religious reverence, ceremony and ritual. By this definition, all religions, including Christianity, are cults. The more popular definition used by the media today is "an extremist religious sect, the followers of which live in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader."
Czernobog a Slavic name that means "Black God," and which is sometimes used as an alternate name for the Prince of Darkness.
Dark creationism a belief that the universe was or is indeed created by a powerful spiritual being or beings, but that said being or beings are not in any way personal or benevolent toward human beings.
Dark Doctrines, the a denomination of atheistic Satanism founded in the 1990's, which teaches that Satan is an impersonal "dark force in nature" that works through entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics to create and destroy all things.
Dark mystic a person who interprets mystical realities in terms of dark imagery, and whose experiences literally "feel" dark. Often misunderstood as a "black magician."
Death metal a form of heavy metal music that started in the 1980's, and which features a fascination with horror films and images of violence and death.
Deity a spirit that is given god-status by mortals.
Demon a genius spirit that is replete with wisdom, and that roams the dark bowers of the Earth.
Demoniac a person who is possessed or indwelt by a demonic spirit.
Demonolator a person who worships a demon or demons.
Demonolatry the worship of a demon or demons.
Demonology the study of demons. Not to be confused with Demonolatry. Just because a person is a demonologist does not mean that they worship demons; many demonologists are actually Christian, for instance.
Devil a spirit that is maligned and feared as a cultural scapegoat figure by mortals. Devils are often given god-status indirectly. The term is most often used to describe one deity in particular, i.e. the Satan of the New Testament.
Devil worship the expression of ardent love, devotion, and reverence toward a cultural scapegoat figure, and the reclamation of said figure as a wrongfully slandered deity.
Diabolator a person who worships a Devil or Devils.
Diabolatry from the Greek diabolus ("Devil") and latreia ("worship"); a synonym for Devil worship.
Djinn desert-dwelling fire spirits in Islamic mythology that serve Iblis, the Prince of Darkness. I consider the djinn to be the same thing as demons.
Dragon a giant serpent or lizard, often depicted with wings, but not always. When I speak of "the Dragon," I am referring specifically to the Prince of Darkness, who is described as a dragon in the New Testament and in Egyptian mythology.
Eschatology the teachings within a religion concerning events that will supposedly come to pass at the end of the world.
Esoteric something which is intended to be confined and understandable to only a particular inner circle of people, as in an "esoteric cult" or an "esoteric doctrine."
Exoteric something which is comprehensible or suited to the general public.
Futurist a term usually used for Christians who believe that the events of the apocalypse, as described in the book of Revelation, have yet to occur.
Genius a spirit that is particular to a specific person or geographical area; a guardian spirit.
Goat's head pentagram a five-pointed star drawn with one point down, and with a picture of a goat's head inside. Also popularly called a Baphomet.
God a spirit that is worshiped by mortals.
Hades a Greek synonym for Hell, which means "that which is out of sight."
Heavy metal a variety of rock and roll music that was born in the late 1960's, and which is often more extreme than regular rock. Lyrical content usually focuses on sex and youthful rebellion. There are also quite a few heavy metal bands that flirt with the occult; those that are serious are termed "black metal."
Hell "the Concealed Place," the hidden spirit realm that exists as an unseen dimension of the carnal world in which we live. Also called the Netherworld and the Abyss.
Hemhemti another name for Apep, which means "Roarer" in Egyptian.
Here-and-now principle of theology a principle of theology taught by the Church of Azazel, which maintains that personal spirits ("gods") are best understood in terms of their immediate influences upon humankind in the present, rather than in terms of their alleged histories or futures (e.g., "creation myths" or eschatology).
Heretic a member of an Abrahamic faith who differentiates from the traditional doctrines of that particular faith.
Iblis an Islamic name for Azazel which is sometimes translated to mean "Doubt" and sometimes translated to mean "Despair." As Iblis, the Prince of Darkness is regarded as the Lord of the Djinn in Islamic mythology. Also spelled Eblis.
Immortal a spirit that does not have a body, and which is not born and does not die as a carnal being.
Inanna an ancient Sumerian lion goddess of love and war, who was associated with the morning star, Venus, and who was believed to have power over the heavens, the Earth, and the dead. She is also called Ishtar, Astarte, Ashtoreth and Astaroth.
Incubus a male demon that enjoys exchanging sexual energy with mortals.
Initiation a ceremony, ritual, test, or period of instruction through which a new member is admitted into a coven, cult, or level of esoteric knowledge.
Invocation a prayer or formula that is recited in order to gain the attention of a particular spirit or spirits. Often recited at the opening of a religious ritual.
Ishtar the Babylonian name for the goddess Inanna, who would later be demonized in Christian demonology as Astaroth.
Jehovah another name for Yahweh, the god of Abraham.
Joy of Satan ministry a denomination of theistic Satanism founded by Maxine Dietrich which teaches that Satan and Jehovah are aliens on a distant planet who are engaged in a telepathic mind-war over the souls of human beings. Combines the archaeological "theories" of Zachariah Sitchin with a dose of David Icke-style conspiracy mongering and a dose of Neo-Nazism.
LaVeyan a Satanist who adheres strictly to the teachings and principles of Anton Szandor LaVey's Satanic Bible. Often used to mean Church of Satan members, but not all LaVeyans are actually members of LaVey's church.
Left hand path a confusing term that is often used to mean different things. It is sometimes used to mean either dark mysticism, "black magic," Self worship, Devil worship, Satan worship, or demon worship. Not a particularly useful term in the contemporary occult scene.
Leviathan a name given to the ancient Serpent in Old Testament scriptures such as Job, Isaiah, and the Psalms.
Light mystic: a person who interprets mystical realities in terms of bright imagery, and whose experiences literally "feel" bright. Often misunderstood as a "white magician."
Lilith the Queen of the succubi and goddess of this age. The spirit of a mortal woman who was made into a demoness by the Prince of Darkness, and who is now His bride and consort.
Lucifer a Latin title meaning "Light-bearer," which can be used to describe virtually anyone or anything that acts as a bringer of light. Usually used by Christians in reference to the Prince of Darkness, but it is sometimes used in reference to other spirits as well.
Luciferian either a variety of Satanist who chooses to identify their Satan by the name of Lucifer, or a type of Neopagan who worships a pre-Christian deity of light.
Melek Ta'us a Kurdish name for Azazel, which is correctly translated to mean "Angel King" or "King of the Lesser Spirits." It is incorrectly translated "Peacock Angel." Used by the Yezidi to refer to Azazel in His role as God and custodian of the Earth.
Mortal a spirit that has a body, and which is born and dies as a carnal being.
Mysticism a belief in the existence of realities beyond perceptual or intellectual apprehension that are central to being and that are directly accessible by subjective experience. Often misunderstood as "magic."
Neopagan a person who practices a modern reconstruction of a pre-Christian religion. Not all Neopagans are "pagan" by the original definition of that term, for many Neopagans are actually apostates (i.e., former Abrahamics).
Occult a term that literally means "hidden." Anything that pertains to the supernatural or spiritual is really occult in nature.
Occultism a system of belief and/or practices that involve personal investigation of the occult.
Opener of the Ways a cult title for the Egyptian spirit Anpu.
Order of the Nine Angles a mysterious and highly controversial sect of Satanists in Great Britain who believe in Satan as a literal entity, but who believe in Self worship and working to aid the "Sinister dialectic." Perhaps the only Satanist group that has been known to publically endorse human sacrifice, although it is unknown if any members have ever actually practiced it. They were the first Satanists to call themselves "Traditional Satanists."
Pagan a scapegoat term used for people who have never worshiped Yahweh and who have never been members of either of his cults. Used to describe various non-Abrahamic persons, such as polytheists, atheists and agnostics.
Paganism the practice of being anything other than a member of one of the three Abrahamic religions (i.e., Christianity, Judaism or Islam).
Pentagram a five-pointed star drawn within a circle. When it is drawn with one point up, it is often used as a sign for Wicca; with one point down, it is most often a symbol of Satanism or Devil worship.
Post-Copernican natural theology a principle of theology taught by the Church of Azazel, which maintains that the Creator(s) and/or other cosmic gods are evidently devoid of any personal interest in human affairs, and that all and any spiritual beings that demonstrate such a personal interest must necessarily be smaller-than-cosmic entities.
Powers of Darkness a general catch-all term for all Devils and demons.
Preterist a term usually used to describe Christians who believe that the events of the apocalypse, as described in the book of Revelation, already occured within the first century C.E.
Prince of Darkness a title for the chief of all Devils and demons, developed during the Middle Ages.
Psychopomp a spirit that guides the souls of the dead to their appropriate places in Hell. The Egyptian god Anpu and the Greek god Hermes are both psychopomps.
Qadishtu the holy women of Sumer and Babylon; priestesses of the goddess Inanna/Ishtar, who worshiped the goddess by making love with multiple partners. Sometimes called "sacred prostitutes."
Rahab another name given to Leviathan in Old Testament scripture.
Reincarnation the belief that, when a living entity dies, the spirit of that entity will eventually be reborn in a new body.
Right hand path a confusing term that is often used to mean many different things. It can be used to mean either light mysticism, "white magic," god worship, or virtually any kind of conventional religion. Not a particularly useful term in the contemporary occult scene.
Ritual a sequence of events and/or practices that an individual repeats regularly. In a religious context, rituals are often used to commune with a spirit or spirits for a particular purpose.
Rock and Roll a variety of modern popular music that was born in the 1950's from African American blues music. Old school rock music usually focuses on chasing women; the term "rock and roll" itself is an old African American term for the act of lovemaking.
Saatet-ta another name for Apep, which means "Darkener of the Earth" in Egyptian.
Sacrifice "to make sacred"; the offering of a gift to a spirit or spirits.
Satan a word that is commonly used as a name for the Prince of Darkness, but which can be used for virtually anyone or anything that takes an adversarial role toward something else. There are many spiritual beings that can be described as satans, and not all Satanists and/or Satan worshipers follow the same satan. The word means "adversary" in Hebrew.
Satan worship the expression of ardent love, devotion, and reverence for a spirit or spirits called Satan.
Satanic an adjective that is generally used to mean anything that pertains to or is of the Prince of Darkness; in a more general sense, it can mean anything that is adversarial or subversive to authority.
"Satanic Panic," the an era of paranoia which occured mostly during the 1980's. This panic was marked by a popular belief among the media and law enforcement that an international conspiracy of Satanists was responsible for abducting large numbers of children and sexually abusing them as part of their rituals. The panic died down in the late 1980's and early 1990's after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation discredited the entire theory. There are still many people involved in law enforcement and the media, as well as conservative Christian leaders, who believe that this "Satanist conspiracy" really exists.
"Satanic Ritual Abuse" a term used to describe the alleged sexual abuse of children as a part of Satanic religious ritual. The FBI has determined such terminology to be problematic; child abuse can occur within any religious ritual trappings, including those of Christianity. But despite the FBI's assessment, as well as the fact that no Satanist or Devil worshiper church even tolerates child abuse, there are many religious fanatics who still believe that "SRA" is a commonly occuring problem that is being "covered up" by a conspiracy.
Satanic Bible, the A book written in 1969 by Anton Szandor LaVey and published by Avon Books. Basically explains the worldview and ritual practices of Self worshiping Satanists, as formulated and practiced by LaVey's Church of Satan. Was the very first "pro-Satanism" instruction manual ever published.
Satanism a belief system that is structured around a positive interpretation of a Satan or satans. Can mean either Satan worship or Self worship with Satanic symbolism.
Self worshiper a person who deifies him or herself.
Set an ancient Egyptian deity associated with thunderstorms, deserts, war, and the nighttime sky. Originally worshiped as a positive deity who represented part of the Egyptian theocracy, but later became demonized as a partner of and/or replacement for Apep.
Setekh an alternate version of the name Set.
Setian a Satanist, Devil worshiper or Temple of Set member who identifies the Prince of Darkness with the Egyptian deity Set. Usually used exclusively for Temple of Set members.
Sinister Dialectic a term coined by members of the Order of the Nine Angles. Refers to an esoteric strategy of observing the ways that individuals and their groupings are shaped within societies and civilizations, and of influencing the future patterns thereof in accordance with Satanic philosophy.
Slaytanist a derogatory term I use for so-called "Satanists" who are really Satanic dabblers, and who base their interpretations of Satanism strictly on pop cultural views of Devil worship, such as those presented in the media by heavy metal bands like Slayer.
Spirit a bodiless intelligence that exists apart from the realm of matter, yet which can intervene in said realm.
Spiritual Satanist a synonym for theistic Satanist. Often used to identify adherents of the theistic Satanist denomination developed by the Joy of Satan ministry.
Succubus a female demon that enjoys exchanging sexual energy with mortals.
Supernatural someone or something which seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.
Suti an alternate spelling of the name Set.
Symbolic Satanist a Satanist who only believes in Satan as a symbol, and not as a real force or being. Those who worship themselves may also be termed Self worshipers.
Temple of Set a denomination of Satanism founded in 1975 by Dr. Michael A. Aquino, formerly of the Church of Satan. Teaches that the Prince of Darkness was originally worshiped in Egypt as the god Set before becoming demonized as "Satan" in Christianity. Also teaches Self worship and the idea of Xeper.
Theistic Satanist a Satanist who actually believes in the literal existence of a Satan or satans. Those who worship said Satan or satans can also be called Devil worshipers or Satan worshipers.
Tiamat a cosmic dragon of primordial chaos who gave birth to all of the gods in ancient Sumerian mythology. However, her children began to annoy her with all of their noise, so she attempted to eat them. The storm god Marduk killed her in battle, and created the universe from her remains. It is from the symbolism of Tiamat that later Middle Eastern cultures would inherit the theme of the chaos dragon.
Traditional Satanist a synonym for theistic Satanist, which is used to refer to the "traditional" definition of a Satanist (i.e., a Satan worshiper). Often used by theistic Satanists who wish to claim that their form of Satanism pre-dates the formation of the Church of Satan in 1966; most who make such claims are lying. The term was first used by members of the Order of the Nine Angles, who strangely enough are Self worshipers and not Satan worshipers.
Typhon an ancient Greek titan, usually depicted as a reptilian giant with multiple serpentine heads. Associated with water and primordial chaos, Typhon battled the god Zeus in order to overthrow the gods of Olympus. Typhon would later be identified by the Greeks with the Egyptian Set, in his demonized role as a partner of/replacement for Apep. In reality, Typhon is probably much more similar to Apep than to Set. It is from the name Typhon that we get our modern day word "typhoon."
Whore of Babylon a cult title for the goddess Ishtar, signifying her role as a patroness of prostitutes and unbridled sexuality.
Witches' Sabbath an annual festival celebrated by witches and Devil worshipers, according to medieval mythology. Usually celebrated on April 30, which is Walpurgisnacht. Supposedly marked by the practice of black masses, "backward dancing," and ritual orgies.
Worship the expression of ardent love, devotion, and reverence toward someone or something.
Xeper an ancient Egyptian word which means "to come into being." Used by members of the Temple of Set as a term for their philosophy of self-transformation and consciousness-worship.
Yahweh the god of the Jews, Christians and Muslims, who falsely claims to be "God" (i.e., the one and only true god). The sworn enemy of the Dragon.
Yezidi an ancient Kurdish sect that originated from the Near East, which centers around religious worship of Azazel. They refer to Him as Melek Ta'us. However, they are not correctly termed Satanists or Devil worshipers, because they do not accept that Azazel is a Devil or a satan, or that He is the Prince of Darkness. Instead, they view Him as an angel who serves an impersonal Creator god by managing over the Earth in his absence.
Zoroastrianism an ancient Persian religion which was the first truly dualistic belief system. Teaches that the universe is divided between an ultimate spirit of good (identified as Ahura Mazda), and an ultimate spirit of evil (identified as Ahriman). It is from Zoroastrianism that Judaism, Christianity and Islam inherit some of their ideas about the Devil, angels, demonic possession, and apocalypticism.
Abrahamic Covenant God made specific promises to Abraham. He promised that He would make a great Nation from Abraham, and that they would inherit a specific piece of land. He promised that the Messiah would come through his lineage, and finally He promised blessing and protection. (see Gen 12:1-3, Deut. 30:1-10, 2 Sam. 7:12-16, Jer. 31:31-34)
Antichrist The false Christ led and controlled by Satan that will be the great world leader during the tribulation, before the second coming of Christ. His objective is to deceive people into following him. He imitates Christ, trying to take the position of God. Also called "The man of sin". He is not Satan himself, but is controlled by Satan. At one point it seems that Satan actually enters him, so it is hard to separate the human man and Satan who controls him. At the beginning of the tribulation he will sign a peace agreement with Israel, and possibly with the whole world, setting himself up as the head.
Antithesis Exact opposite, a contrast or opposition of thoughts
Arianism (Arius) Movement in the early church that believed God the father alone was God, and that Jesus was created. Declared heretical at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, and again at the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381.
Allegorical A method of Bible interpretation (hermeneutic) that assumes the text has a meaning other than what the literal wording says.
Alexandrian school School of Bible education in the early church age. Started by Philo who wanted to mix Greek philosophy and Judaism. The Alexandrian school influenced the early church through teachers like Clement and Origen.
Antiochene school School of Bible education in the early church, founded by Lucian in opposition to the excesses of the allegorical hermeneutics of the Alexandrian school of Philo, Origen.
Born again From John chapter 3:3 "...Unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" - refers to a spiritual rebirth that a sinful man must go through to inherit the kingdom of God. John 3:16 goes on to explain that belief in Jesus as the Son of God is how one becomes born again.
Clement Early Bishop of Rome, died about A.D. 100. Letters written by Clement to the church at Corinth give us some idea of church life in the first century.
Chrysostom, John (AD 354-407) Student of Lucian and Diodore of the Antiochene school.
Christocentric Referring to the O.T. the belief that the O.T. is centered on Christ, and that there is hidden meaning about Christ there.
Covenant theology A system of theology that sees only one people of God, the true Israel, which is now the Church, since national Israel rejected Jesus as their Messiah.
Daniel Jewish prophet of the Babylonian captivity, wrote the book of Daniel. Taken into captivity around 586 B.C. (after Ezekiel) by Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon took the southern kingdom of Israel in three moves, first in 605 B.C., then 597 B.C., and finally destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
Deity Divinity, or the state of being God.
Dispensationalism A system of theology that recognizes different stewardships of man under God. Sees God working with man differently during different periods, such as Law vs. Grace, or the garden vs. the postnoahic age, etc. Dispensationalism's key teachings are 1.) a consistent literal interpretation of the Bible; 2.) a clear distinction between Israel and the Church, and 3.) the glory of God as the ultimate purpose in the plan of God. (not necessarily the salvation of man)
Empiricism The view that experience, especially of the senses, is the only source of knowledge
Eschatology From Gk. eschatos, ‘last‘, the term refers to the ‘doctrine of the last things’
Evangelical A movement in church history started at the Protestant reformation. Most believe in an inerrant scripture, and a born again experience required for salvation based on John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8-9.
Exegetical (Exegesis) - Critical analysis or interpretation of a word, literary passage.
Ezekiel Jewish prophet during the Babylonian captivity, wrote the book of Ezekiel. Taken into captivity around 597 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon took the southern kingdom of Israel in three moves, first in 605 B.C., then 597 B.C., and finally destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
Gnosticism Views the material creation as being evil, including flesh. Belief in secret knowledge. Tries to separate the man Jesus with the Christ, since the man Jesus was flesh.
Gospel The good news, or message, of how Jesus Christ redeemed, or paid for, the sins of man by dying on the cross. The substitutionary death of Christ. (Isaiah 53)
Hellenism The thought and culture of ancient Greece.

Hermeneutics the art or science of the interpretation of literature.
Ignatius Bishop of the church at Antioch early in the second century. He wrote seven letters to different churches.
Infallibility perfect, incapable of error. In the case of the Roman Catholic Church, they claim that the pope is infallible on points of doctrine and faith when acting in official capacity. Protestants don't believe this, but trust only in the Word of God, the Bible. This debate stems from the Roman Catholic interpretation of Matthew 16:17-19, believing that Jesus created the papacy when He told Peter that he had the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Justin Martyr Converted from paganism, he became the most noted of second century apologists. Taught in Ephesus and Rome. Martyred in Rome in A.D. 165
Jonah The prophet in the O.T. sent by God to preach to the Assyrians in Ninevah. Known for his trip in the belly of the sea monster.
John Darby (1800-1882) One of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren movement. Born in London, graduated at 18 with a Law degree from Trinity college in Dublin. He soon left law to work in the Church of Ireland. This didn't last long as he disagreed with the ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church) of the Church of England. This led him to Plymouth England, where he found some like minded believers, and helped to start what became the Brethren movement.Darby was one of the early teachers of Dispensationalism. He believed that each dispensation placed man under some condition, having a specific resonsibility before God, and that man failed during each dispensation.
Lucian (AD 240-312) Founded the Antiochene school in opposition to the excesses of the allegorical hermeneutics of the Alexandrian school of Philo, Origen.
Marcionism (Marcion) Gnostic born in Sinope, Pontus. Believed that the God of the O.T. was different from the God of the N.T. Taught that Jesus wasn't born of a woman. Excommunicated in A.D. 144, and refuted theologically by Justin Martyr and Tertullian. This was the first great threat to the early church.
Messiah The hebrew term for one called the Anointed one, or Christ in Greek. The Jews were waiting for their Messiah, although they expected a leader that would solve the political crisis they were in with Rome. His coming and death was foretold in Daniel 9. His suffering was foretold in Isaiah 53. Unfortunately the Jews didn't evidently read the prophets much, or they just didn't understand the passages that depicted a suffering Messiah. When Jesus died they didn't see the lamb of God that took away the sins of the world. They didn't see how Jesus fulfilled the pictures or symbolism in Jewish relighious customs, like the lambs blood in the passover, like the timing of the feasts and how they pictured the exact timing of the death of Christ and what He would accomplish on the cross. The sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham was a picture of how God would offer His Son as a sacrtifice for the sins of the world.. Isiah 53 tells us "But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities"... "But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us to fall on Him."
Millennium Literally means one thousand years.
Millennial kingdom Literal one thousand year reign of Christ initiated after the 7 year tribulation.
Moses Great prophet of God called to lead the Jews out of Egypt to the land that God promised his forefather Abraham. Moses was from the tribe of Levi. Moses was also called the lawgiver, since he was the one that received the ten commandments from God directly while in Mount Sinai. Moses led the Jews through the desert for 40 years while God purged out the unbelievers. God performed many great miracles through Moses.
Origen Great scholar, most prolific author of the early church. Born in a Christian family about AD 185. He became a well known teacher/speaker. Moved to Cesarea. Died in AD 254. From the Alexandrian school, believed in a very allegorical method of interpretation.

Philo Started the Alexandrian school in Alexandria Egypt. Clement and Origen came from this school.
Posttribulation rapture The view that the rapture (snatching or taking away) of the church will happen at the end of the tribulation
Premillennial happening in the period before the millennium
Pretribulation rapture The view that the rapture (snatching or taking away) of the church will happen before the tribulation
Prophecy Prediction of the future under divine guidance.
Rapture refers to the snatching away of believers at some point before, during, or at the second coming of Jesus Christ. (1 Thess 4:16-17) (1 Cor 15:51) (John 14) (Rev 3:10)
Rationalism The doctrine or system of those who deduce their religious opinions from reason or the understanding, as distinct from, or opposed to, revelation. (See Empiricism)
Reformation The Protestant reformation officially broke out in AD 1517. The printing press was an integral part of the reformation, since it allowed the writings of the reformers to travel quickly. The first printed book using metal type was the Bible in AD 1483. Other writers paved the way, including John of Wesel from Rhineland, Germany who wrote that the Bible alone is the authority in matters of faith. Wrote against indulgences. On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther (AD 1483-1546), professor of biblical studies at the Univ. of Wittenburg, Germany, announced a disputation on indulgences. He stated his argument in his 95 theses, which he nailed to the church door. The news spread quickly. Luther was excommunicated in AD 1520 by the pope. Luther wrote in German, and translated the Bible into German. In AD 1529, Emperor Charles V tried to stop Luther, but people stood up in protest, getting the name 'Protestant'.
Revelation The disclosure of something not previously known. In the case of Biblical revelation, the prophets of the Bible spoke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, sometimes not even understanding what they were writing. (see 1 Peter 1:10-11, and 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Revelation, book of The last book of the Christian Bible, written by the Apostle John while exiled on the Isle of Patmos around 96-98 A.D.
Salvation The act of being saved, which in Biblical terms means the promise that God will bring a person into His presence for eternity, as opposed to those that will be banned from His presence due to sin and unbelief. The Bible is not political. God is very clear about how to be saved. (John 3:16, Rom 10:9, John 5:24, Eph 2:8-9, Rom 3:21-23, 1 john 5:11-13, Rom 8:1, 2 Cor 5:17, Acts 4:12, Phil 2:9-10)
Tertullian First major Christian author to write in Latin. Lived in Carthage, capital of Roman province of Africa. His work "Against Marcion" defended the use of the O.T. by the Christian church. He also helped develop the doctrine of the trinity. In his work "On Baptism" he criticized the baptism of children.
Tribulation A period of seven years of judgment before the second coming of Christ, foretold by Daniel the prophet, and Jesus Christ.in Matthew 24. Also known as "The time of Jacobs trouble", "The last day", and "The day of the Lord".
Typology The study of types, symbols, or symbolism. In the Bible, an example of a type would be Moses. He was a type of Christ, as he was used to save his people. Jonah was a type in that he was three days in the belly of the sea monster, just as Christ's body was in the grave three days.
Abyss Exoterically, the Abyss represents the region where the causal gives way to, or merges into, the acausal, and thus where the causal is “transcended”, gone beyond, or passed, and where one enters the realm of pure acausality. Hence The Abyss can be considered as an interchange, a nexus, of temporal, atemporal, and spatial and aspatial, dimensions. This region is, for example, symbolized on The Tree of Wyrd, as being between the spheres of Sun and Mars, and ‘Entering the Abyss’ is that stage of magickal development which distinguishes the Master/ Mistress from the Adept. Esoterically, The Tree of Wyrd is itself a re-presentation of The Abyss, as are other esoteric re-presentations, such as The Star Game.
Acausal The term acausal refers to “acausal Time and acausal Space”: that is, to the acausal Universe. This acausal Universe is part of the Cosmos, which Cosmos consists of both the acausal and the causal, where “causal” refers to the Universe that is described, or re-presented, by causal Space and causal Time. This causal Universe is that of our physical, phenomenal, Universe, currently described by sciences such as Physics and Astronomy. The acausal is non-Euclidean, and “beyond causal Time”: that is, it cannot be represented by our finite causal geometry (of three spatial dimensions at right angles to each other) and by the flow, the change, of causal Time (past-present-future), or measured by a duration of causal Time. In addition - and just as causal energy exists in the causal (understood as such energy is by sciences such as Physics) - acausal energy exists in the acausal, of a nature and type which cannot be described by causal sciences such as Physics (based as these are on a causal geometry and a causal Time). According to the aural tradition of the ONA, there are a variety of acausal life-forms; a variety of acausal life, of different species, some of which have been manifest in (or intruded into) our causal Universe. For more details regarding the acausal, and acausal life, see the following ONA MSS: (1) The Mythos of the Dark Gods: Beings of Acausal Darkness; (2) Advanced Introduction to The Dark Gods: Five-Dimensional Acausal Sorcery.
Aeon An Aeon - according to the Sinister Way of the ONA - is a particular presencing of certain acausal energies on this planet, Earth, which energies affect a multitude of individuals over a certain period of causal time. One such affect is via the psyche of individuals. This particular presencing which is an Aeon is via a particular nexion, which is an Aeonic civilization, which Aeonic civilization is brought-into-being in a certain geographical area and usually associated with a particular mythos.
Archetype An archetype is a particular causal presencing of a certain acausal energy and is thus akin to a type of acausal living being in the causal (and thus “in the psyche”): it is born (or can be created, by magickal means), its lives, and then it “dies” (ceases to be present, presenced) in the causal (i.e. its energy in the causal ceases).
Baphomet Baphomet is regarded as a Dark Goddess - a sinister female entity, The Mistress (or Mother) of Blood. According to tradition, she is represented as a beautiful mature woman, naked from the waist up, who holds in her hand the severed head of a man. She is regarded as one manifestation of one of The Dark Gods.

Black Book of Satan The book of that name containing the traditional ceremonial rituals of sinister/Satanic ceremonial magick, used by ONA Initiates.
Dark Gods According to the Sinister Tradition of the ONA, The Dark Gods are specific entities - living-beings of a particular acausal species - who exist in the realms of the acausal, with some of these entities having been presenced, via various nexions, on Earth in our distant past. [See, for example, the ONA MS The Mythos of the Dark Gods: Beings of Acausal Darkness. ]
Magick Magick - according to the Sinister tradition of the ONA - is defined as “the presencing of acausal energy in the causal by means of a nexion. By the nature of our consciousness, we, as human individuals, are one type of nexion - that is, we have the ability to access, and presence, certain types of acausal energy.” Furthermore, magick - as understand and practised by the ONA - is a means not only of personal development and personal understanding (a freeing from psychic, archetypal, influences and affects) but also of evolving to the next level of our human existence where we can understand, and to a certain extent control and influence, supra-personal manifestations of acausal energies, such as an Aeon, and thus cause, or bring-into-being, large-scale evolutionary change. Such understanding, such control, such a bring-into-being, is Aeonic Magick. Aeonic Magick is the magick of the Adept and those beyond: the magick of the evolved human being who has achieved a certain level of self-understanding and self-mastery and who thus is no longer at the mercy of unconscious psychic, archetypal, influences, both personal/individual, and of other living-beings, such as an Aeon. Internal Magick is the magick of personal change and evolution: of using magick to gain insight and to develope one’s personality and esoteric skills. There are seven stages involved in Internal Magick. External Magick is basic, “low-level”, sorcery - where certain acausal energies are used for bring or to fulfil the desire of an individual. Ceremonial Magick is the use (by more than two individuals gathered in a group) of a set or particular texts or sinister rituals to access and presence sinister energies. Five-dimensional magick is the New Aeon magick sans symbols, ceremonies, symbology (such as the Tree of Wyrd) and beyond all causal abstractions, and it is prefigured in the advanced form of The Star Game.
Nexion A nexion is a specific connexion between, or the intersection of, the causal and the acausal, and nexions can, exoterically, be considered to be akin to “gates” or openings or “tunnels” where there is, or can be, either a flow of acausal energy (and thus also of acausal entities) from the acausal into our causal Space and causal Time; a journeying into the acausal itself; or a willed, conscious flow or presencing (by dark sorcery) of acausal energies. Basically, there are three main types of nexion. The first is an actual physical nexion. The second type of nexion is a living causal being, such as ourselves. The third type of nexion is a magickal creation: that is, some form in-which acausal energy is presenced or “channelled into” by a sinister Adept. [For more details of these three types see the ONA MS The Mythos of the Dark Gods.]
Nine Angles The Nine Angles have several meanings - or interpretations, exoteric and esoteric - depending on context. In the esoteric sense, they re-present the nine combinations (and transformations) of the three basic “alchemical” substances, which nine and their transformations (causal and acausal) are themselves re-presented by The Star Game. In the exoteric, pre-Adept, sense, they may be said to re-present the 7 nexions of the Tree of Wyrd plus the 2 nexions which re-present the ToW as itself a nexion, with The Abyss (a connexion between the individual and the acausal) being one of these 2 “other nexions”. It should be remembered, of course, that each sphere of the ToW is not two-dimensional (or even three-dimensional) and in a simple way each sphere can be taken as a reflexion (a “shadow”) of another - for example, Mercury is the ’shadow’ of Mars. In another exoteric sense, the nine are the alchemical process of the 7 plus the 2, which 2 are the conjoining of opposites: and, in one sense, this conjoining can be taken to be (magickally, for instance, in a practical ritual) as the conjoining of male and female (hence what is called one of the Rites of the Nine Angles) - although there are other practical combinations, just as each magickal act involving such Angles should be undertaken for a whole and particular alchemical season: that is, such a working should occupy a space of causal-time, making it thus a type of four-dimensional magick which can access the fifth magickal dimension, the acausal itself. A somewhat more advanced understanding of the Nine - in relation to a ritual to create a Nexion - is hinted at in the recent fiction-based MS Atazoth. Beyond this, the Nine Angles are symbols of The Star Game which itself is magick - that is, one nexion which can presence the acausal. But even this is only a beginning - a re-presentation, in symbols, of what is, in essence, without symbols: a useful means for Initiates, and Adepts, to move toward the new five-dimensional magick embodied in, and beyond, the ONA.
Psyche The psyche of the individual is a term used, in the Sinister Way, to describe those aspects of an individual - those aspects of consciousness - which are hidden, or inaccessible to, or unknown to, the individual. Basically, such aspects can be considered to be those forces/energies which do or which can influence the individual in an emotional way or in a way which the individual has no direct control over or understanding of. One part of this psyche is what has been called “the unconscious”, and some of the forces/energies of this “unconscious” have been, and can be, described by the term “archetypes”
Satan Satan is regarded, by the ONA, as the exoteric “name” of a particular acausal being: that is, as a living entity dwelling in the acausal. This entity has the ability to presence, to be manifest in, our causal, phenomenal world, and the ability - being a shapeshifter - to assume various causal forms. [Regarding the "names" of such beings, see, for example, Footnote (2) of the MS The Mythos of the Dark Gods. ]
Satanism According to the ONA, Satanism is a specific Left Hand Path, one aim of which is to transform, to evolve, the individual by the use of esoteric Arts, including Dark Sorcery. Another aim is, through using the Sinister Dialectic, to transform the world, and the causal itself, by - for example - returning, presencing, in the causal, not only the entity known as Satan but also others of The Dark Gods.

Septenary A name for the basic symbology (causal magickal symbolism) of the Seven Fold Sinister Way represented exoterically by The Tree of Wyrd, and consisting of seven stages or “spheres” joined by various pathways.
Sinister Dialectic The sinister dialectic (often called the sinister dialectic of history) is the name given to Satanic strategy - which is to further our evolution in a sinister way by, for example, (a) the use of Black Magick/sinister presencings to change individuals/events on a significant scale over long periods of causal Time; (b) to gain control and influence; (c) the use of Satanic forms and magickal presencings to produce/provoke large scale changes over periods of causal Time; (d) to bring-into-being a New Aeon; (e) to cause and sow disruption and Chaos as a prelude to any or all or none of the foregoing.
Sinister Way A name given to the system of training (magickal and practical) of Initiates used by the ONA. Sometimes also called The Seven-Fold Sinister Way. It consists of seven stages, each represented by a particular magickal Grade. [See, for example, the ONA MS NAOS.] One aim of the Way is to create Satanic individuals.
Sorcery Often used as a synonym of magick. Sorcery - according to the Dark, Sinister, tradition followed by the ONA - is the use, by an individual, individuals, or a group, of acausal energy, either directly (raw/acausal/chaos) or by means of symbolism, forms, ritual, words, chant (or similar manifestations or presencing(s) of causal constructs) with this usage often involving a specific, temporal (causal), aim or aims. [See the ONA MSS An Introduction to Dark Sorcery and NAOS.]
Star Game The Star Game is a re-presentation of the nine aspects of the basic three whose changing in causal time represents a particular presencing of acausal energy. That is, the nine re-presents not only the nexion that is the presencing of the acausal evident in our psyche and consciousness, but also many other nexions as well. This particular re-presentation is an “abstract” one, as distinct from the more “causal” symbology of The Tree of Wyrd (and of the septenary system itself). The Star Game exists in two basic forms: the “simple form” and the “advanced” form, and one of its aims is to develope acausal-thinking (beyond causal abstractions) and thus skill in five-dimensional magick. It can also be played as a “game”, akin to a chess, and can be used magickally, to presence acausal energies. The basics of The Star Game are described in the ONA MS NAOS.
Tree of Wyrd The Tree of Wyrd, as conventionally described (”drawn”) and with its correspondences and associations and symbols (see the ONA MS NAOS), re-presents certain acausal energies, and the individual who becomes familiar with such correspondences and associations and symbols can access (to a greater or lesser degree depending on their ability and skill) the energies associated with the Tree of Wyrd. The Tree of Wyrd itself is one symbol, one re-presentation, of that meeting (or “intersection”) of the causal and acausal which is a human being, and can be used to represent the journey, the quest, of the individual toward the acausal - that is, toward the goal of magick, which is the creation of a new, more evolved, individual.
Demonic Possession Possession by evil spirits.
Chai (Chinese, "fast") In Taoism, rites of fasting, repentance, or purification. The term refers to rites on behalf of the living and the dead, including exorcism, protection from illness, securing houses, and recitations for salvation. Unlike related folk rites involving animal sacrifice and alcohol, the Taoist rite stresses the offering of petitions and confessing of sins.
Confucius (Chinese: K'ung Fu-tzu, "Master K'ung"; 551-479 BC) The most famous philosopher of ancient China. According to tradition, he was born in Lu, China. Author of the Ch'un Chiu (Spring and Autumn Annals) and possible compiler of some early poetry, Confucius denied contemporary claims of his sageliness. The most reliable historical source regarding Confucius is the Lun Yu (Analects). Transmitter of the rites and culture of earlier sage-kings, Confucius aimed to counteract the militarism of his day through training prospective leaders in humane government and gentlemanly arts. Ironically, no ruler fully accepted his teachings or employed him in high office. Religious issues were generally secondary to his ethical and political lessons but were expressed through his ritual piety. Sacrifices were properly performed to ancestral spirits at appropriate times during meals and after receiving certain gifts. Confucius frequented the ancestral temple, presided in exorcism rites, and visited the Grand Temple of the great Duke of Chou. This sagely predecessor had stabilized the kingdom through unselfish service and religious mediation, securing the Mandate of Heaven (T'ien-ming). Confucius's concern to understand the Mandate of Heaven in his day was fulfilled when he was fifty. He anguished over the early death of his best disciple, Yen Yuan, yet pursued a mission he believed was willed by Heaven. Later Chinese generations claimed Confucius to be the perfect sage, honoring him in temples erected throughout China. The Chung Yung (Doctrine of the Mean) calls Confucius the "partner of Heaven and Earth. "
Exorcism The severing or disruption of all unwanted psychic circuits and circuit potentials within a specific object, person or place; hence the dismissal of ghosts and spirits. The act of ritual expulsion of demons or evil spirits or negative forces from an individual or place . In the New Testament, exorcisms are a central part of the public ministry of Jesus. Christianity has utilized exorcisms in a variety of ways: as an integral part of baptismal liturgies in which prayers and rites are used to symbolize the person's departure from sin and entrance into the body of Christians; as blessings to separate material things from profane use in order to dedicate them to divine use (e. g. , the exorcism of water used in baptism); and as a rite to free persons from demonic possession. In the Roman Catholic Church this rite can only be done with episcopal authorization. Fundamentalist and Pentecostal churches attempt to drive out the demonic with sessions of prayer, the laying on of hands, and the reading of scripture. In some forms of early Christianity there was a separate clerical office for the exorcist.
Insurance A contract whereby an insurer promises to pay the insured a sum of money or some other benefit upon the happening of one or more uncertain events in exchange for the payment of a premium. There must be uncertainty as to whether the relevant event(s) may happen at all or, if they will occur (e.g. death) as to their timing.
Absolute (from Latin ab away + solvere to loosen, dissolve) Freed, released, absolved; parallel to the Sanskrit moksha, mukti (set free, released), also to the Buddhist nirvana (blown out), all three terms signifying one who has obtained freedom from the cycle of material existence. Absolute, in European philosophy, is used somewhat loosely for the unconditional or boundless infinitude. On the other hand, Sir W. Hamilton (Disc 13n) considers the Absolute as "diametrically opposed to, . . . contradictory of, the Infinite," which is correct from the standpoint of both etymology and abstract philosophy. Blavatsky uses the term both ways: sometimes equating it with infinity, at other times with the first cause or one divine substance-principle. Strictly speaking, absolute is a relative term. It is the philosophic One or cosmic originant, but not the mystic zero or infinitude. An absolute or a cosmic freed one is not That (infinity), for infinity has no attributes: it is neither absolute nor nonabsolute, conscious nor unconscious, because all attributes and qualities belong to manifested and therefore noninfinite beings and things (cf FSO 89-90). The boundless or infinite, in which exist innumerable absolutes, includes the cognizer, the cognized, and the cognition, and is both matter and spirit, subject and object; all egos and non-egos are included within it. From the zero emanate an infinite number of cosmic Ones or monads. Every absolute is not only the hierarch of its own hierarchy, the One from which all subsequent differentiations emanate, but is also a cosmic jivanmukta, a released monad freed from the pull of the lower planes. Every monad at the threshold of paranirvana reassumes its primeval essence and becomes at one with the absolute of its own hierarchy once more. The absolute is thus the goal of evolution as well as the source, the highest divinity or Silent Watcher of the hierarchy of compassion, which forms the light side of a universe or cosmic hierarchy.
Anneliese Michel (September 21, 1952 – July 1, 1976) was a German woman who was believed to have been possessed by six or more demons and subsequently underwent an exorcism. Anneliese Michel - Early life. She was born into a lower-middle class Catholic family in Leiblfing, Bavaria, a small town. Anneliese Michel - Hospitalization. In 1968, Anneliese began suffering from seizures and was diagnosed as epileptic at the Psychiatric Clinic in Würzburg. She remained hospital .
Holy water is used in Orthodox rites of blessing and exorcism, and is the water normally used for baptisms. A quantity of holy water is typically kept in a small font placed near the entrance of the church where it is available for anyone who needs it. Orthodox Christians most often bless themselves with holy water by drinking it, and they normally keep some at home for this purpose. Holy water is also sometimes sprinkled on items or people when they are blessed, as part of the prayers of blessing. For instance, in Alaska, the fishing boats are sprinkled with holy water at the start of the fishing sea .
Vampire During the 18th century there was a major vampire scare in Eastern Europe. Even government officials frequently got dragged into the hunting and staking of vampires. The word vampire only came into the English language in 1732 via an English translation of a German report of the much-publicized Arnold Paole vampire staking in Serbia. It all started with an outbreak of alleged vampire attacks in East Prussia in 1721 and in the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1725 to 1734. Two famous cases involved Peter Plogojowitz and Arnol .
Ghosts Ghosts are often depicted of a human size and shape (although some accounts also mention animal ghosts), but typically described as "silvery", "shadowy", "semitransparent", or "fog-like." Parapsychologists refer to the "substance" of which ghosts and other spirits are made of as "ectoplasm". Ghosts do not have a physical body like human beings, but only a subtle astral body. Sometimes they do not manifest themselves visually but in terms of other phenomena, such as the movements of an object, spontaneous throwing of a light switch, noises, etc. A ghost is an alleged non-corporeal manifestation of a dead person (or, rarely, an animal). It is often thought to be the spirit or soul of a person who has remained on Earth after death. According to some beliefs, a ghost may be the personality of a person after his or her death, and not tied directly to the soul or spirit. Every culture in the world carries stories about ghosts.
Necromancy may or may not have a relation to shamanism, which calls upon spirits (angles of the elements and such)or 'The Great Spirit/Creator' (God) to heal or help ghosts reach the afterlife. The historian Strabo (Strabo, xvi. 2, 39, νεκρομαντία) refers to necromancy as the principal form of divination amongst the people of Persia; and it is believed to also have been widespread amongst the peoples of Chaldea (particularly amongst the Sabians or star-worshippers), Etruria and Babylonia. The Babylonian necromancers themselves were called Manzazuu or Sha'etemmu an.
Stigmata (plural of stigma) are wounds that were, according to the Holy Bible, inflicted on Jesus during his crucifixion. There have been many reports of other individuals who display similar wounds, the causes of which have been subject to considerable debate. Some contend that stigmata are miraculous, others argue they are hoaxes or can be explained medically. The infliction of stigmata is called stigmatization. Stigmata - History. Exorcisms A Brief History Of The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and widespread, and may originate in prehistoric Shamanistic beliefs. Shamanism refers to the traditional healing and religious practices of northern Asia (e.g. Siberia, Mongolia, etc.) By extension, the concept of shamanism has been extented in common language to a range of traditional beliefs and practices that involve the ability to diagnose, cure, and sometimes cause human suffering by traversing the axis mundi and forming a special relationship with, or gaining control over, spirits. Shamans have been credited with the ability to control the weather, divination, the interpretation of dreams astral projection, and traveling to upper and lower worlds. Shamanistic traditions have existed throughout the world since prehistoric times. Shamanism is based on the premise that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits that affect the lives of the living. Exorcism is mainly thought of as the rite of driving out the Devil and his demons from possessed persons. Exorcism is mainly performed in incidences of demonic possession that is generally distinguished from spiritual possession. A general assumption is that the Roman Catholic singularly practices the rite of exorcism, but some Protestant denominations such as the Pentecostals, and other charismatic groups practice it as well. These groups refer to the practice as "deliverance ministry" where gifted people drive out devils and heal while they touch the persons with their hands, called laying on of hands, and pray over them. Technically, exorcism is not driving out the Devil, or a demon, but it is placing the Devil or demon on oath. And in some incidences there may be more than one demon possessing a person. "Exorcism" is derived from the Greek preposition ek with the verb horkizo which means "I cause [someone] to swear", and refers to "putting the spirit, or demon on oath," or invoking a higher authority to bind the entity in order to control it, and command it to act contrary to its own will. there are three types of exorcisms: one in which an object (such as your house, or car) is exorcised another performed at every baptism in which the devil formally is renounced, and finally the type in which demons are cast from the body of a victim. Daimon is the Greek derivative for the term demon. In this sense the term "demon" means "replete with knowledge. " The ancient Greeks thought there were good and bad demons called 'eudemon's, and 'cacodemons.' The term 'daimon' means "divine power," "fate" or "god." Daimons, in Greek mythology, included deified heroes. They were considered intermediary spirits between men and the gods. Good daimons were considered to be guardian spirits, giving guidance. and protection to the ones they watched over.Baddaimons led people astray. Bad demon's\Diamons are nothing to mess around with If you think you are in need of an exorcism get help as soon as possible. Abaddon (Hebrew) Destroyer, Advisor. Said to be chief of demons. Sometimes regarded as the destroying angel.
Abdiel (Arabic) from "Abd" meaning slave. Lord of slaves/slavery.
Abatu An earth bound form of destructive/negative energy in the Order of the Nine Angles. Associated with rites of sacrifice.
Abduxuel (Enochian) One of the demonic rulers of the lunar mansions.
Abigar Can fortell future and give military advice.
Abigor (Unk) allegedly a warrior demon who commands sixty legions. Weyer names him as god of Grand Duke of Hell. Appears in a pleasant form.
Aclahayr (Unk) Of the fourth hour of the Nuctemeron, the genius spirit.
Adad, Addu (Babylonian, Hittite) god of the storm.
Adramalech (Samarian) devil. Commander of Hell. Wierius' chancellor of infernal regions. In Assyria where he was worshipped, children were supposedly burned at his alters.
Adriel Mansions of the moon among the Enochian demons.
Aeshma, Aesma (Persian) One of seven archangels of the Persians. Adopted later into Hebrew mythology as Asmodeus. Has been recorded in history for at least three thousand years. Said to be a small hairy demon able to make men perform cruel acts.
Ahazu-demon the siezer demon of the night.
Agaliarept (Hebrew) commander of armies. Aussi General of hell - Grimoire of Pope Honorius..
Agares or Aguares (Unk) devil. Wierius' hierarchy states Agares is the demon of courage.
Agathodemon (Egyptian) a good demon worshipped by the egyptians.
Agramon (Unk) Demon of fear
Agrat-bat-mahlaht One of Satan's wives and demoness of whores.
Ahpuch (Mayan) devil.
Ahriman (Mazdean) devil. Ahremanes was the name given to fallen angels by the Persians.
Alastor (Unk) Wierius' cruel demon called "the executioner."
Aldinach (Egyptian) A demon who causes natural disasters (i.e. floods, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes).
Allocen One of the 72 spirits of Solomon.
Alocer, Allocer (Unk) Grand duke of hell. One of Solomon's 72 spirits.
Alu-Demon (Semitic) Night demon.
Amaimon One of the 72 spirits of Solomon.
Amaymon Evil Spirit, king of South.
Amducious (Hebrew) The destroyer.
Amducias Grand Duke of Hades. According to Wierius a demon of music.
Amon, Ammon (Egyption) Sun God. Much like Lucifer except controls reproduction and life. See also Amaimon, Amoymon, Amaymon, and Aamon.
Amy One of the 72 spirits of Solomon. Said to be supreme president of hell. He will trade knowledge for the human soul.
Anamelech, Anomylech (Assyrian) bearer of bad news. An obscure demon. His name means "good king". Some sources claim Anamelech is the moon goddess while Andramalech is the sun god.
Andras (Unk) god of quarrels. Grand marquis of hell.
Andrealphus One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Andromalius One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Anini One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Anneberg (German) demon of mines.
Ansitif (unk) Possessed Sister Barbara of St. Michael in 1643 during the possessions of the nuns at Louviers.
Apollyn (Greek) Another name for Satan.
Ardat-Lile (Semitic) a female spirit/demon who weds human beings and wreaks havoc in the dwellings of men.
Arioch (unk) Demon of vengence. He delivers vengence only when called on.
Arphaxat (Unk) The demon who possessed Loise de Pinterville during the possession of the nuns at Loudun.
Ashtaroth, Astaroth (Phonician)- goddess of lust, seduction. Same as Ishtar. Turned male in christian mythology - Lord Treasurer of Hell. Prince of accusers and inquisitors. Demon of vanity and sloth.One of the 72 spirits of Solomon.
Asmodeus, Asmoday (Hebrew) god of lust. A demon most commonly involved in possession cases, particularily noted in the possession of the Louviers nuns. Evolved from the Persian Aeshma. See Aeshma.
Aosoth Dark female force in the pantheon of the Order of the Nine Angles. Works of passion and death. The name should be vibrated.
Asmodeus (Heb) devil of sensuality and luxury, originally 'creature of judgement'. He was the overseer of all the gambling houses in the court of Hell, and the general spreader of dissipation. In addition, Asmodeus was the demon of lust, responsible for stirring up matrimonial trouble.
Asmoday A king of hell according to the Key of Solomon. He can grant invincibility.
Astarte Queen of spirits of the dead.
Atazoth The most powerful of the Dark Gods in the pantheon of the Order of the Nine Angles. The name itself signifies in one sense the purpose of the cosmic cycies and the opening of the Gates since 'Atazoth' as a word means 'an increasing of azoth.
Awar Son of Iblis. Arab demon of laziness.
Aym (Unk) Grand duke of hell. Also Haborym.
Ayperos (Unk) Prince of hell. Subordinate in Grimoire of Pope Honorius.
Azanigin Mother of all demons who lie waiting in Earth in the pantheon of the Order of the Nine Angles.
Azathoth Rules all time and space from a black throne at the center of Chaos.
Azazel (Hebrew) god/demon of war. See also Azael.
Baal, Bael (Hebrew) devil. Means "the lord." The Canaanites worshipped Baal and held rituals at which children were burned for sacrifice. According to Wierius, this demon is the first monarch of hell and appears as a three headed beast. Bael is cited in the Grand Grimiore as commanding general of infernal armies.
Baalberith, Balberith (Canaanite) Lord of covenant later made god of death. According to Wierius - a demon master of the infernal alliance. In some hierarchies he is the secretary of the archives of hell. Demon of blasphemy and murder.
Baalzephon (Canaanite) Captain of guard and sentinels of Hell according to Wierius.
Babael (Unk) Keeper of graves.
Balaam (Hebrew) avarice and greed.
Balan (Unk) A demon in Wierius' hierarchy said to be high in the monarchy. The demon of finesse and ruses. Also a prince of hell.
Balban (Unk) a demon of delusion.
Baltazo (Unk)The Demon who possessed Nicole Aubry of Laon in 1566.
Baphomet God of the Templars. Worshiped as Satan. The Templar's are thought, by some, to be one of the earliest sects of Demonolatry.
Barbas (Unk) a demon of mechanics according to some hierarchies.
Barbetos (Unk) Duke of Hades.
Bar-Lgura (Semitic) A gargoyle type demon who is said to sit atop houses and pounce on the inhabitants.
Barqu (Unk) The demon who keeps the secrets of the philosophers stone.
Barzabel Associated with Machidael and Barchiel.
Bast (Egyption) goddess of pleasure. Represented by a cat.
Bathym, Bathim, Bathin (Unk) See also Marthim. Demon of herbs and precious stones according to Wierius. One of the 72 spirits of Solomon.
Bayemon (Unk) According to the Grimiore of Pope Honorius a reigning monarch demon presiding over western infernal region.
Bechard, Bechaud (Unk) A demon mentioned in Key Of Solomon as demon of tempests. Demon of the natural forces.
Beelzebub, Beelzebuth, Belzebath (Hebrew) Lord of Flies. Among the demons blamed for the demonic possessions of the nuns at Loudun. Chief of false gods.
Behemoth (Hebrew) Another name for Satan.
Beherit - (Syriac) Another name for Satan.
Belial, Beliar (Hebrew) The earth elemental. Speculation has suggested the name Belial comes from the Hebrew phrase beli ya 'al meaning "without worth." Prince of trickery. One of the 72 princes of Solomon.
Belphegor, Belphegore, Baalphegor (Moabites?) Demon of discovery, invention, and riches.
Beng A romany name for the devil.
Berith One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Biffant (Unk) The demon who allegedly possessed Denise de la Caille.
Bifrons (Unk) Wierius' demon of astronomy, geometry, and other such sciences. A demon who lights strange lights above tombs of the dead.
Bile (Celtic) god of Hell.
Bileth One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Blisargon (Unk) Grand enticer of theives until he brings his followers to destruction.
Botis One of the 72 spirits of Solomon.
Budsturga A blue, aetherial entity related to Order of the Nine Angles' l3th path. Tradition relates it as a Dark God, of female aspect, trapped in the vortex between the causal and acausal spaces, In one sense represents hidden wisdom - but generally dangerous to sanity.
Buer (Unk) a demon of the second order who commands fifty legions. One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Bune (Unk) One of Wierius' demons of death.
Caacrinolaas (Unk) Wierius' demon of knowledge of liberal arts. Appears as a Griffon. Also Grand President of Hell. Also Caasimolar or Glasya.
Cambions (Unk) Offspring of Incubi and Succubi.
Carreau Mercilessness.
Cassiel, Caspiel (Unk) Ruler of Saturn.
Caym, Caim (Unk) Grand President of Hell. One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Charon Boatman of hell. Ferries souls across styx and/or archeron.
Chax (Unk) Grand duke of hell. Also Scox.
Chemosh (Moabite) devil.
Chomie (Enochian) no description.
Choronzon demon of dispersion, guardian of the Abyss.
Cimeries (African) devil.
Clauneck Demon over treasures and riches.
Clisthert (Unk) a demon who can change day to night and night to day.
Colopatiron Of the 9th hour of the Nuctemeron, genius. Sets prisons open.
Cresil (Unk) Demon of impurity and slovenliness. Also Gressil.
Cunali One of the demons of the 8th hour of the Nuctemeron.
Dagon (Philistine) another serpent god and god of ocean.
Dantalian One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Decarabia One of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Delepitorae, Delepitore (Unk) demoness of sorcery enlightenment.
Demogorgon, Gorgo (Greek) devil.
Demoriel no description
Diriel no description
Dracula (Romanian) devil.


Eblis (Mohammedan) Also called the "Satan" of the Mohammedans. It is claimed that once he was an inhabitant of Azazil, the heaven nearest God; and when the angels were commanded to bow down to the first man, Eblis was the leader of those who rebelled. Also Haris.
Emma-O (Japanese) ruler of Hell.
Euronymous, Eurynomous (Greek) god of death. Prince of hell who feeds upon corpses.
Flereous, Feurety (Unk) god of fire. Fire Elemental used in place of Satan. Lieutenant of hell.
Furfur (Unk) Holds rank as count of hell.
Geryon (literary- Dante) Centaur/Dragon who guards hell.
Guecubu (Chili) Evil spirits.
Haborym (Hebrew) Another name for Satan.
Hecate (Greek) goddess of underworld and sorcery. Queen of witches.
Hela (Teutonic) goddess of death, daughter of Loki.
Ifrits (Arabic) Evil, hideous spectres. Became Genies in Persian and Indian mythology. Also associated with Jinns and Divs of Persia.
Incubus male demon of seduction said to invade a woman’s dreams. Note various spellings: Inncubus, Inccubus. Plural = Incubi
Ishtar (Babylonian) goddess of fertility.
Jezebeth (Unk) the demon of falsehoods.
Kali (Hindu) daughter of Shiva, the destroyer. Kali ("the black one") is the Hindu mother goddess, symbol of dissolution and destruction.
Kasdeya The Book Of Enoch refers to this demon as the "fifth satan"
Kobal (Unk) Hell's entertainment liason.
Kostchtchie (Russian) a goblin of death.
Leonard (see also Urian german) Demon of sorcery . Appears as a giant black goat.
Leviathan (Hebrew) the serpent, the raging sea. Snake worship. Water Elemental. Grand admiral of hell. Seen as androgynous.
Lilith (Hebrew) in Hebrew myth - Adam’s first wife. Later wife to Satan. According to many demonologists, Lilith presides over Succubi. Lilith is said to attempt to destroy newborn infants. For this reason the practice of writing a formula to drive Lilith away on all four corners of the birth chamber was adopted by the Jews. Lilith is the princess of hell.
Loki (Teutonic) devil.
Lucifer (Roman) The Light Bringer. Air Elemental. Often misconstrued as being Satan. They are two seperate demons.
Lucifuge, Lucifuge Rofocale (Roman) devil.
Malphas (Unk) Grand president of the infernal regions. Appears as a crow.
Mammon (Aramaic) god of wealth & profit.
Mandragoras (Unk) Familiar demons. They are attributed to the mandrake root and considered gifts from Satan to the sorcerer who conjures them.
Mania (Etruscan) goddess of Hell.
Mantus (Etruscan) god of hell.
Mara (Buddhist) a demon who attempts to damn the soul.
Mastema (Unk) leader of human/demon offspring.
Melchom (Unk) the treasurer of the palace of hell.
Mephistopholes, Mesphito (Greek) the light shunner. Counterpart of Lucifer.
Merihim (unk) the prince of pestilence.
Metztli (Aztec) goddess of night
Mictain (Aztec) god of death
Moloch (Phoenician) devil
Mormo (Greek) God of Spirits. Hecate’s Consort.
Mullin (Unk) Leonard's right hand man.
Murmur (Unk) Demon of music. A count of hell.
Naamah (Hebrew) seduction
Naburus, Naberios (Unk) protector of the gates of hell. Associated with Cerberos. A marquis of hell.
Nebiros (Unk) Mar De Camp of hell.
Nergal (Babylonian) god of underworld. A second order demon.
Nihasa (American Indian) devil.
Nija (Polish) god of underworld
Nina (Babylonian) Serpent Goddess.
Nybras (Unk) an inferior demon who publicizes the pleasures of hell.
Nysrogh (Unk) another second order demon - who- is chief of staff in the palace of hell.
Orias (Unk) Demon of divination. Marquis of hell.
Oroan (Guyana) Demon of the eclipse.
Orthon (Unk) a demon of unknown origin who is said to have ties with possessions in france and with the Satanic-Masonic cult of Palladinism in 19th century Italy.
O’Yama (Japanese) Another name for Satan.
Pan (Greek) god of lust.
Paymon (Unk) master of infernal ceremonies.
Philotanus (Unk) a second order demon in service to Belial.
Pluto (Greek) god of underworld.
Proserpine (Greek) queen of underworld.
Pwcca (Welsh) Pooka in Celtic Mythos derived from this name for Satan.
Pyro (Unk) A demon prince of falsehood.
Pytho (Unk) a demon of lies. A serpent demon.
Rahu (Hindu) devil.
Rakshasa (India) demon whose appearance in the least, horrifying.
Raum (Unk) a count of hell.
Rimmon (Syrian) devil.
Ronwe (Unk) the demon of knowledge. In some accounts - a lesser demon.
Sabazios (Phrygian) the snake. Serpent worship.
Samael (Unk) it is thought this angel of death was the demon who tempted Eve. Also the prince of air. This is merely another name for satan.
Samnu (Asian) devil.
Satan, Shaitan (Satan/Hebrew Shaitan/Arabic) The Adversary. Lord of fire. Fire Elemental.
Satanchia (Hebrew/Greek) devil. Same as Satan.
Sargatanas brigadier of hell.
Sedit (American Indian) devil.
Sekhmet (Egyptian) goddess of vengence.
Semiazas (Unk) said to be the chief of all fallen angels.
Set (Egyptian) devil.
Shabriri (Jewish Myth) a demon who strikes people blind.
Shiva (Hindu) the destroyer.
Sonnilion, Sonnillon (Armenian) goddess of hate.
Succorbenoth (Unk) demon of jealousy and said to protect gates and bridgeways.
Succumbus, Succubus female demon of seduction. Said to seduce males while sleeping. Note various spellings. Plural - Succubi.
Supay (Inca) god of underworld.
T’an-mo (Chinese) devil of desire.
Tchort (Russion) The Black God. Another name for Satan.
Tezcatlipoca (Aztec) god of Hell.
Tezrian (Armenian) goddess of war
Thamuz (Sumerian) devil. An ambassador of hell. Said to have started the inquisition and to have invented artillary.
Thoth (Egyptian) god of magick.
Troian (Russian) night demon.
Tunrida (Scandanavian) devil.
Typhon (Greek) Another name for Satan.
Ukobach or Urobach (Unk) a fire demon.
Unsere (Unk) goddess of sorcery and fertility.
Uphir (Unk) the head demon physician in the palace of hell.
Valafar (unk) another grand duke of hell.
Veltis (Babylonian) Evil spirit who assaulted St. Margaret.
Verdelet (Unk) Master of ceremonies of infernal court. Demon of the second order.
Verin (Unk) the demon of impatience.
Vetis (Unk) the temptor of the holy.
Xaphan (Unk) another fire demon. Keeper of the furnaces of hell.
Yaotzin (Aztec) god of Hell.
Yen-lo-Wang (Chinese) ruler of Hell.
Zabulon (Unk) Demon who possessed one of the nuns at Loudun.
Zaebos (Sumerian) Grand Count of hell said to have gentile disposition.
Zagam (Unk) Grand king and president of infernal regions. Said to change things into its opposite. Demon of counterfeit.
Zapan (Unk) One of the kings of hell according to Wierius.
Zeernebooch (German) monarch of the empire of the dead.
Zepar (Unk) Grand duke of hell - god of war. Also Vepar and Separ.
Agathodaemon, Agathodaimon (Greek) The good genius (represented as a youth holding a horn of plenty and a bowl, or a poppy and ears of corn) to whom at Athens a cup of pure wine was drunk at dinner; in one of his many forms, the kosmic Christos, the serpent of eternity -- which in the human mind becomes the serpent of Genesis -- which after the fall of Mediterranean civilizations became Satan. Brahma, in order to create hierarchies, becomes fourfold and emanates successively daemons, angels, pitris, and men. Agathodaimon refers to the first of these emanations, sons of kosmic darkness, signifying incomprehensible light which is prior to manifested light. Christian theology has recognized this in making Satan's host the first sons of God, but has unconsciously perverted their descent in order to enlighten man into a rebellion against Almighty Power. Thus in later times Agathodaimon became the enemy of divine goodness. The same has happened in the case of the asuras in India, and of the kosmic serpent. In Gnostic gems it appears under the name Chnouphis or Chnoubis. Clement of Alexandria, as an initiated Neoplatonist, knew that Agathodaimon was the kosmic Christos and the true spiritual savior of mankind, like Prometheus -- an early form of the Agathodaimon teaching applied to the enlightening of the human race through the influence of an incarnating spiritual power. Opposite to him stands a Kakodaimon, the evil genius or lower serpent, the Satan who bids Christ worship him and "I will give thee all the kingdoms of the earth." Kakodaimon is the nether or inferior aspect of Agathodaimon, kama-manas the deluder as opposed to buddhi-manas the redeemer.
Evil That which is bad, morally wrong, causing harm, pain, misery. In Western religions, evil is often thought of as a moral antagonism to God. This force is the source of sin and is attached to the soul from its inception. Whereas, for Hindus, evil is not a conscious, dark force, such as Satan. It is situational rather than ontological, meaning it has its basis in relative conditions, not in ultimate reality. Evil (badness, corruption) springs from ignorance (avidya) and immaturity. Nor is one fighting with God when he is evil, and God is not standing in judgment. Within each soul, and not external to it, resides the principle of judgment of instinctive-intellectual actions. God, who is ever compassionate, blesses even the worst sinner, the most depraved asura, knowing that individual will one day emerge from lower consciousness into the light of love and understanding. Hindus hold that evil, known in Sanskrit as papa, papman or dushta, is the result of unvirtuous acts (papa or adharma) caused by the instinctive-intellectual mind dominating and obscuring deeper, spiritual intelligence. (Note: both papa and papman are used as nouns and adjectives.) The evil-doer is viewed as a young soul, ignorant of the value of right thought, speech and action, unable to live in the world without becoming entangled in maya.
Intrinsic evil Inherent, inborn badness. Some philosophies hold that man and the world are by nature imperfect, corrupt or evil. Hinduism holds, on the contrary, that there is no intrinsic evil, and the real nature of man is his divine, soul nature, which is goodness.
Lucifer (Latin) Light-bringer (cf Greek Phosphoros; or Eosphoros dawn-bringer); the planet Venus, the morning star. Lucifer is light bringer to earth, not only physically as the brightest of the planets, but in a mystical sense also. In mysticism he is the chief of those minor powers or logoi who are said to rebel against high heaven and to be cast down to the bottomless pit -- the so-called war in heaven and the fall of the angels. This allegory is found also in the legend concerning Prometheus, in the Hindu Mahasura who rebels against Brahma and is cast by Siva into patala, and in the Scandinavian Loki. In the cyclic sweep of evolution, spirit has first to descend or become involved in differentiation and in the worlds of matter, so that worlds and beings may be brought forth and evolved. The logoi who thus bring the light may allegorically be said, like Prometheus, to steal the fire, and their assertion of divine free will may be construed into an act of evolutionary rebellion; yet such is their karmic function as well as duty. Lucifer has been transformed in later Occidental theology into a synonym for the Evil One or the Devil. If the god Jehovah were the highest divinity, which this Jewish tribal deity is not, then any power withstanding him must necessarily be considered to be his adversary; and in the same way the teaching as to the immanent Christ, not only in the world but in each individual person, not being altogether agreeable with the doctrine of salvation by faith in an external savior, became transformed into the Tempter inspiring man to sinful rebellion against God. Lucifer in a very true sense stands for the self-conscious mind in man, which is at once tempter and enlightener -- tempter in its lower aspects and enlightener and inspirer in its higher.
Sadhana Sadhana: Spiritual discipline or exercise; self effort (BV-30), (BV-33) The essential ingredient of this Sadhana is Love. Sadhana without Love (Prema) towards all creation, will reveal only Satan. (SSS-III)
Satan Originally any angel of God sent as an adversary (Satan means adversary in Hebrew) On at least one occasion in the Old Testament Satan is a specific angel acting as God's agent to discover and punish sin. Modern Christian mythology teaches that Satan was a high ranking angel named Lucifer who wanted to be exalted to the position of God. Through this sin, Lucifer fell and became Satan, the Devil, leading a large number of rebellious angels with him who became the demons. The Jesus cult teaches that Satan and his host now seek to destroy the plan of God.
666 Many have been the designators of this apocalyptic finger, from Nero to the Popes, to Mohammed, to Ronald Wilson Reagan. But only through careful numerological analysis can we be certain of its true meaning. In The Dimensions of Paradise, John Mitchell shows clearly how this "number of the beast" is actually the Gnostic designation for Jesus Christ and the Crucifiction foisted on the world by the corrupt Church. Christ as an historical figure instead of a spiritual force was repugnant to the Gnostics. Decadent Babylon and the New Jerusalem are one and the same City of God, symbolizing the death rattle for the perverted religion and the birth of a new understanding. In Revelation, 666 refers to the phrase kai ho arithmos Chi-Xi-Sigma and stands for Jesus Christ as the idol on the cross rather than the Gnostic idea of the new Christ spirit, "the son of man," present in all men (much like our own "New Aeon" feeling). The New Jerusalem numbers are 3168, 1080, 1224 and 1764, but especially 864 and 666 (all of these, by the way, reduce to 9). New Jerusalem itself is 961 (seven), as is "the number of the leaves of the Tree of Life which are for the healing of nations." A similar attribution can be found in Kenneth Grant's work (Outside the Circles of Time). For him, as for the writer of Revelation, the number has special apocalyptic meanings: "The Christians misunderstood the Unspeakable Name (IHVH) and supposed that by causing a rift between the Old Ones and the life-wave on earth they could 'save' mankind, and incidentally [of course!] gain total mastery of the planet." In order to do this, they inserted the Hebrew letter Shin (Grant calls this the letter of "Spirit," others associate it with "fire") between IH and VH, the Sh of Spirit. Thus we derive the name Yeheshuah or Johoshuah (IHShVH), which in Latin we call Jesus. The Xtians proceeded from there to identify this mythological name with a real person who, as Gerald Massey demonstrated, could only have been -- in an historic sense -- Jesus ben Pandira, an Egyptian who lived a century earlier. This wizard's mother was named Mary Magdalene, and he was stoned to death for sorcery. But the letter Shin, Grant tells us, "represents the triple-tongued flame of the Great Old Ones, whose supreme concentration -- Choronzon -- exhibits the triple Firetongue in the number 333." The latter is "mirrored in the final Heh of Tetragrammaton, the daughter-letter, whose number becomes the trebled Hex and the Unholy Act of Earth's destruction, under the rule of the Son of Typhon who is Set/Satan and the Anti-Christ." Thus, to this very day, the idol that the entire "Christian" world bows down to is not the Christos spirit at all, but the Anti-Christ. The washed faces, the white gloves, the alb and pale lilies of Sunday worship cannot dispel the blood of ages. Average Galileans are unable to display love of any kind for their fellow-man. Instead, they constantly evoke the images of sin, corruption, misery and damnation. All "holy books" contain contradictions, lies and false teachings, but the Xtian Bible is a monument of fabrications and contradictions, second only to the Koran.
Daemon Est Deus Inversus (Latin) Daemon is divinity inverted; more commonly, the Devil is God inverted. An ancient Hermetic, and later Qabbalistic, aphorism referring to that polar power which is required by the equilibrium and harmony in nature. The One, when manifested, becomes Two, and from the Two are unfolded or evolved all the sequence of manifest existence. Spirit and matter, good and evil, as distinct conceptions exist only by their mutual contrast. There is no evil per se, but the human notion of essential evil arises from our inability to take in the whole at a single glance. Daemon is applicable in general to all formative power, from the highest to the lowest; in this aphorism it denotes the formative rays in their manifestation in and on the lower planes of prakriti, called by contrast the nether pole. Western monotheism, having anthropomorphized the higher creative powers into a personal God, personified the lower powers into a Devil and demons. But Satan or the Adversary is only God's messenger, because what is below reflects what is above. This aphorism, then, states that all the manifested universe is the representation or material inversion or reflection of the divine essence and its emanations which in their aggregate compose the spiritual background and causal forces of the universe. Furthermore, a reflected image reverses. Finally, the aphorism denotes the astral light, represented by a black triangle inverted on a white (SD 1:424).
Beelzebub, Beelzebul ba`al zebub (Hebrew) (from ba`al lord + zebub fly) Lord of the flies; a god of the Philistines, popularly worshiped as the destroyer of flies, to whom was erected a temple at Ekron. The mythical zoology of the ancients points directly to an inner and mystical significance: "flies" is used not in the sense of the insect, but for a certain class of elementals whose "flying" around and through the earth is governed directly by lunar influences. Thus Beelzebub is in this connection a lunar divinity. Ba`al-zebul, a form in the Old and New Testaments, is translated as Lord of the High House or Lord of the Habitation, the reference here being to the moon as the habitation or receptacle of these elemental souls at a certain time of their existence. In Christian demonology, Beelzebub is one of the gubernatores of the infernal kingdom under Lucifer: thus in Milton's Paradise Lost he is second to Satan. In Matthew 12:24, Beelzebub is referred to as the prince of the devils.
Devil, The “Heir of Man,” originally the Evil God of the Zoroastrians; later a creation of Christian and Islamic theologians (who called him Satan and Shaitan) consisting of old fertility gods, wisdom spirits and nature elementals combined with Ahriman into a figure of terror and malevolence fully equal to that of that Good God (Jehovah or Allah); the deity worshiped by Neogothic Witches.
Nidhi (Sanskrit) A treasure; the nine divine treasures or jewels of Kuvera, the Vedic Satan, each under the guardianship of some demon -- or rather a spirit more of the nature of the Greek daimon. These nine nidhis are popularly given as: padma (lotus), mahapadma (great lotus), sankha (conch shell), makara (marine animal or fish), kachchhapa (tortoise), mukunda (kettle drum), ananda (joy), nila (a dark color or blue), and kharva (dwarf). They are sometimes personified as attendants of Kuvera or of Lakshmi. All these nidhis are the objects of special worship by the Tantrikas. They differ from the nava-nidhi, or nine treasuries or jewels of wisdom referring to a consummation of spiritual development in occult training, occult life, or mysticism generally. In theosophy the "seven jewels of wisdom" are seven of the nine nava-nidhi.
Satan [from Hebrew satan adversary, opposer from the verbal root satan to lie in wait, oppose, be an adversary; or possibly from the verbal root shut to whip, scourge, run hither and thither on errands; Greek satan, satanas] Adversary; with the definite article (has-satan) the adversary in the Christian sense, as the Devil. This Satan of the exoteric Jewish and Christian books is a mere figment of the monkish theological imagination. From the second possible derivation many eminent Shemitic scholars have held that the Satan of the Book of Job was a good angel arranged by God to try the characters of men in order to help them; and therefore supposedly to be different from the Satan of other books of the Bible. The theosophist would not limit the good angel to the Book of Job alone, but would look upon the adversative or contrary forces of nature as being the means upon which each one tries his will, resolution, and determination to evolve and grow spiritually and intellectually. The Satan of this hypothesis is in a sense our own lower character combined with the lower forces of nature surrounding earth and elsewhere.
Michael micha'el (Hebrew) Who is as God; one of the seven archangels, in the Old Testament one of the chiefs of the heavenly host, regarded as the guardian angel or celestial patron of Israel. According to one legend, Michael was chief of the four or seven angels who surrounded the heavenly throne. The Roman Catholic Church regards Michael in much the same light, his festival, Michaelmas, being held on September 29. With the Gnostics, the first of the Aeons, called the savior. In the New Testament Michael leads the angelic host against the Apocalyptic Dragon, repeating the familiar tale of many ancient mythologies. Again, he is the chief opponent of Samael, the principal antagonist of the heavenly host. Originally, however, both Michael and Samael were as one, both proceeding from ruah (soul), neshamah (spirit), and nephesh (vitality) -- as taught in the Qabbalah (in the Chaldean Book of Numbers). "Samael is the concealed (occult) Wisdom, and Michael the higher terrestrial Wisdom, both emanating from the same source but diverging after their issue from the mundane soul, which on Earth is Mahat (intellectual understanding), or Manas (the seat of Intellect). They diverge, because one (Michael) is influenced by Neschamah, while the other (Isamael) remains uninfluenced. This tenet was perverted by the dogmatic spirit of the Church; which . . . made of Samael-Satan (the most wise and spiritual spirit of all) -- the adversary of its anthropomorphic God and sensual physical man, the devil!" (SD 2:378).
Muluk-Taoos (Arab.). From Maluk, "Ruler", a later form of Moloch, Melek, Malayak and Malachim, "messengers", angels. It is the Deity worshipped by the Yezidis, a sect in Persia, kindly called by Christian theology "devil worshippers", under the form of a peacock. The Lord "Peacock" is not Satan, nor is it the devil; for it is simply the symbol of the hundred eyed Wisdom ; the bird of Saraswati, goddess of Wisdom; of Karttikeya the Kumara, the Virgin celibate of the Mysteries of Juno, and all the gods and goddesses connected with the secret learning.
Salvation [from Latin salvatio from salvare to save] In Christianity, the saving of individual souls from supposed damnation, usually by faith in the Atonement. In theosophy, as concerns the individual, salvation is achieved by victory of his divine self over the illusions created by the contact of the intermediate nature with the lower planes. In this sense the serpent of Eden, Satan even, is man's savior, as are Prometheus, Lucifer, etc. Mankind as a whole is saved by those manasaputras who descended into intellectually senseless mankind of the third root-race and who, by thus enlightening the minds of early humanity, became the elect custodians of the mysteries revealed to mankind by its divine teachers. Again, the Silent Watchers in their various grades, who refuse to pass on into a greater light and maintain their post for the protection and guidance of humanity, are saviors also. Yet no one can be saved by the vicarious merit of another; his salvation is achieved by means of that very free will and enlightened intelligence of his own through which he at first risks falling. But the great ones maintain the ideal which the multitude elect to follow, and thus light the path mankind will ultimately tread.
Heaven and Hell In Christian theology, the abodes of Deity and the celestial hierarchy on the one hand, and of Satan and his fallen angels on the other hand; the final goal of those who are saved and of those who are damned. The origin of the doctrine is founded in the ancient Mystery teachings concerning the human afterdeath experiences and the corresponding experiences passed through by the candidate for initiation. Hell may be likened to kama-loka and also avichi, though neither is eternal. Kama-loka is better represented, however, by purgatory. Heaven is a reflection of devachan, blended also with ideas of nirvanic states. Thus heaven and hell should both be used in the plural, as is commonly the case in their non-Christian equivalents: Elysium, nirvana, Paradise, Valhalla, Olympus, and many other names for heaven; and Tartarus, Gehenna, She'ol, Niflheim, etc., for hell. Heaven and hell may denote states of consciousness experienced in daily life on earth. A rough division of cosmic spheres makes heaven the highest, hell or Tartarus the lowest, with the earth beneath heaven, and the underworld beneath it and preceding Tartarus. The crystalline spheres of medieval astronomy are called heavens surrounding the earth concentrically. Far from being adjudicated by a deity to happiness or torment, after death a person goes to that region to which he is attracted by the affinities which he has set up during his life. Thus theosophy teaches the existence of almost endless and widely varying spheres or regions, all inhabited by peregrinating entities; and of these regions the higher can be dubbed the heavens and the lowest the hells, and the intermediate can be called the regions of experiences and purgation. All spheres possessing sufficient materialized substance to be called imbodied spheres are hells by contrast with the ethereal and spiritual globes of the heavens. Therefore in a sense and on a smaller scale, the lower globes of a planetary chain may be called hells, and the higher globes of the chain, by contrast, heavens. All evolving entities go to both the heavens and the hells of our solar system in accordance with their evolutionary necessities, and for the purpose of purgation through the suffering of material experience; but in all cases such peregrinating egos are attracted at the different times of their long evolutionary schooling to those spheres by sympathy or psychomagnetic pull. The immense justice of this idea, from which the heavens and hells of the different religions have come, is readily apparent.
Ialdabaoth (Gnostic) (from Shem ilda + baoth) Child from the egg (of Chaos); the spirit of matter, the chief of the lower 'elohim and father of the six dark stellar spirits or terrestrial angels, and thus one of the lower group of the Qabbalistic Sephiroth, the shadow or reflection on the lower four cosmic planes of the arupa or formless higher Sephirothic range. These emanations from the stellar spirits become darker and more material as they recede in descent from their sources, and are thus properly represented as the seven planetary (and global) genii or rectors. Ialdabaoth's mother, Sophia Achamoth (wisdom of the lower four of the cosmic planes) is the daughter or manifested reflection of the Heavenly Sophia -- divine wisdom, or the mahat-side of akasa. Therefore Ialdabaoth is equivalent to the Nazarene Demiourgos of the Codex Nazaraeus, which makes him identical with the Hebrew Jehovah, the creator of the physical earth and the material side of the rector of the planet Saturn. He is also identical with Tsebaoth-Adamas, "the Pthahil of the Codex Nazaraeus, the Demiurge of the Valentinian system, the Proarchose of the Barbelitae, the Great Archon of Basilides and the Elohim of Justinus, etc. Ialdabaoth (the Child of Chaos) was . . . the Chief of the Creative Forces and the representative of one of the classes of Pitris" (BCW 13:43n). In the Ophite scheme he is the first of the superior septenate. As a creative spirit, Ialdabaoth generates six sons (the lower terrestrial angels or stellar spirits) without assistance of any female, and when these sons strive with him he creates Ophiomorphos, the serpent-shaped spirit of all that is basest in matter. When Ialdabaoth proclaims that he is Father and God, and that none is above him, Sophia tells him that the first and second Anthropos (heavenly man) are above him. So Ialdabaoth's sons create a man, Adam, to whom Ialdabaoth gives the breath of life, emptying himself of creative power. Having rebelled against his mother, his production is mindless and has to be endowed with mind by Sophia Achamoth -- a reference to the descent of the manasaputras. The man, thus informed, aspires away from his producer, who thereupon becomes his adversary, produces the three lower kingdoms of beings, and imprisons man in a house of clay (flesh). Ialdabaoth also makes Eve (Lilith) to deprive the man of his light powers. Sophia sends the serpent or intelligence to make Adam and Eve transgress the commands of Ialdabaoth, who casts them from Paradise into the world along with the serpent. Sophia deprives Adam and Eve of their light power, but eventually restores this power so that they awoke mentally. Here there is much the same confusion that surrounds the various meanings of Satan and the serpent. Ialdabaoth, who is lion-headed or in the form of a lion, represents the kama principle, the false light that draws the soul into matter and struggles against its rise again to spirit. Some Gnostics held that Sophia sent Christos to help humankind when Ialdabaoth and his forces were shutting out the divine light, and Ialdabaoth, "discovering that Christos was bringing to an end his kingdom of Matter, stirred up the Jews, his own people, against Him, and Jesus was put to death" (BCW 14:161).
CHURCH OF SATAN: The controversial form of Satanism founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, which split into several factions in 1975. Practitioners follow the Satanic Bible (written by LaVey) as scripture. The Church of Satan does not recognize the existence of Satan as an entity but uses the name as a symbol of the material world and the carnal nature of man. The Church of Satan renounce sacrifice and crime as conducive to meeting their spiritual goals.
AIWASS/AIWAZ Crowley's alter ego. One of the 3 keywords of the Aeon of Horus (with Thelema and Agapé). Its number is 418. Aiwass has been attributed to Satan or Lucifer.
MOTHER, MAIDEN, CRONE The three aspects of the Triple Goddess.
TRIPLE GODDESS Refer to MOTHER, MAIDEN, CRONE
Meaning of Dreams in Islam Few Western dream researchers have any familiarity with the rich dream traditions of Islam. The Muslim faith first emerged in seventh century B.C.E. Arabia as a profound revisioning of early Jewish and Christian beliefs and practices. One theme the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) drew from the scriptures of those two religions was a reverence for dreaming. In the Quran, as in the Jewish Torah and the Christian New Testament, dreams serve as a vital medium by which God communicates with humans. Dreams offer divine guidance and comfort, warn people of impending danger, and offer prophetic glimpses of the future. Although the three religions drastically differ on many other topics, they find substantial agreement on this particular point: dreaming is a valuable source of wisdom, understanding, and inspiration. Indeed, as I will propose in this brief essay, Islam has historically shown greater interest in dreams than either of the other two traditions, and has done more to weave dreaming into the daily lives of its members. From the first revelatory visions of Muhammed to the myriad dream practices of present-day Muslims, Islam has developed and sustained a complex, multifaceted tradition of active engagement with the dreaming imagination.
Psychic Reading The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a psychic as "a person susceptible to psychic influence," and a clairvoyant as having a "faculty of perceiving, as if by seeing what's happening or exists out of sight; exceptional insight." These terms define the new type of clairvoyant emerging in almost every city, town or area around the world. No longer does the word "psychic" bring forth an image of an old woman in a long dress or robe, ribbons streaming from her hair, shaking a tambourine and saying, "Cross my palm with silver and I'll tell your fortune," or the guru sitting with legs crossed on a snow-capped mountain contemplating the meaning of life.
Rabbinical demonology has three classes of, demons, though they are scarcely separable one from another. There were the shedim, the mazziḳim ("harmers"), and the ruḥin ("evil spirits"). Besides these there were lilin ("night spirits"), ṭelane ("shade", or "evening spirits"), ṭiharire ("midday spirits"), and ẓafrire ("morning spirits"), as well as the "demons that bring famine" and "such as cause storm and earthquake.
Eutheism dystheism and maltheism - Satanism. Satanists advocate rebellion against God because they also consider him evil, and (depending on the particular flavor of Satanism) may or may not believe in the existence of an actual Satan as a real entity, as described in various parts of the Bible and in Milton's Paradise Lost.
Leviathan The Christian interpretation of Leviathan is often considered to be a demon or natural monster associated with Satan or the Devil, and held by some to be the same monster as Rahab (Isaiah 51:9). Some biblical scholars considered Leviathan to represent the pre-existent forces of chaos. In Psalm 74:13-14 it says "it was You who drove back the sea with Your might, who smashed the heads of the monsters in the waters; it was You who crushed the heads of Leviathan, who left him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
Blanche Barton is Magistra Templi Rex, the chairmistress of the "Council of Nine" that serves as the governing body of the Church of Satan. Within the Church of Satan, Barton is known as The Reverend Magistra Blanche Barton, Magistra Templi Rex. Barton was previously the High Priestess of the Church, a position to which she was appointed by her consort and Church founder Anton LaVey shortly before his death on October 29, 1997.
Acorn The acorn is the fruit of oaks (genus Quercus, in the family Fagaceae). It is a nut, containing a single seed (rarely two seeds), enclosed in a tough, leathery shell, and borne in a cup-shaped cupule. Acorns vary from 1-6 cm long and 0.8-4 cm broad. Acorns take about 6 or 24 months (depending on the species) to mature; see List of Quercus species for details of oak classification, in which acorn morphology and phenology are important factors.
William ('Bill') Schnoebelen is an American Fundamentalist Christian who claims that he was once a Satanist. He was born in a devout Roman Catholic household and at the age of five, he desired to become a Catholic priest. However he claims that because of the changes made during the Second Vatican Council and the so called 'hypocrisy' of the Catholic clergy at his seminary, he began looking for other paths of faith.
Mephistopheles (also Mephisto, Mephistophilus, Mephist and Mephistophilis as referred to in the original text) is a name given to one of the chief demons of Christian mythology that figure in European literary traditions. The name is frequently used as an alternative form of Satan or the Devil. Because the name Mephistopheles evolved during the Renaissance, Mephistopheles makes no appearance in the Bible.

The Christian Day of Atonement is based on the English translation of the the Jewish Holyday Yom Kippur. The Bible calls the day Yom Hakippurim (Hebrew, "Day of the Atonements"). The day is commemorated with a 25-hour fast by Jews, but normally a 24 hour fast by Christians who observe it.

Satan (שָׂטָן Standard Hebrew Satan, Greek and Latin Sátanas, Tiberian Hebrew Śāṭān; Aramaic שִׂטְנָא Śaṭanâ: both words mean "Adversary; accuser") is an angel, demon, or minor god in many religions. Satan plays various roles in the Hebrew Bible, the Apocrypha and the New Testament.

Jhonen Vasquez - Johnny the Homicidal Maniac. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, popularly referred to as JTHM, ran for seven issues. Early one-page strips featuring Johnny were published in Carpe Noctem magazine. Published as a trade paperback under the name Johnny the Homicidal Maniac: Director's Cut, a hardcover edition is also available. Both paperback and hardcover editions have "Z?" on the cover.

Baptism of Jesus, the is the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. The event is an important moment in the New Testament and is the foundation of the Christian baptism rituals. In the New Testament the baptism of Jesus is covered in Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-Luke 3:22, and John 1:29-34. The basic outline in all three synoptics Gospels is the same. They all begin by introducing the figure of John the Baptist and describing his preaching and his ritual of baptism.

Divine Comedy is composed of three canticas (or "cantiche"), Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise), composed respectively of 34, 33, and 33 cantos. The first cantica, Inferno, is by far the most famous of the three, and is often published separately under the title Dante's Inferno.

Alexander Hislop (1807-1862) was a Scottish Protestant minister famous for his outspoken criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church. He wrote several books, his most famous being The Two Babylons: Papal worship Revealed to be the worship of Nimrod and His wife. This book was initially published in 1853 as a pamphlet, then greatly revised and expanded and released as a book in 1858.

Kabah Over 4,000 years ago God asked Abraham to build the Kabah (house of worship) at Mecca and to call upon all people to make the pilgrimage to the House of God. Thus, it came to be obligatory for every Muslim to go for Haj at least once, provided good health and financial position permitted it. Over two million believers from all over the world gather every year in Mecca to perform this pious duty. The rites of Haj take about one week to complete, but the devout spend as many days as possible so that they may become spiritually enriched by the sacred atmosphere. All the acts and sites of Haj convey a spiritual message.
The end times are, in one version of Judeo-Christian eschatology and in Islam, a time of tribulation that will precede the Second Coming of the Messiah. Specifically, what is usually referred to as the 'end times' revolves around a cluster of beliefs in Christian or Rastafarian millennialism. These beliefs typically include the ideas that the biblical apocalypse is imminent and that various signs in current events are omens of Armageddon.
Holy water is used in Orthodox rites of blessing and exorcism, and is the water normally used for baptisms. A quantity of holy water is typically kept in a small font placed near the entrance of the church where it is available for anyone who needs it. Orthodox Christians most often bless themselves with holy water by drinking it, and they normally keep some at home for this purpose. Holy water is also sometimes sprinkled on items or people when they are blessed, as part of the prayers of blessing.
Abraxas The word Abraxas (or Abrasax or Abracax) was engraved on certain antique stones, called on that account Abraxas stones, which were used as amulets or charms by Gnostic sects. It was believed that Abraxas was the name of a god who incorporated both Good and Evil (God and Demiurge) in one entity, and therefore representing the monotheistic God, singular, but (unlike e.g. the Christian God) not omni-benevolent.
Stigmata (plural of stigma) are wounds that were, according to the Holy Bible, inflicted on Jesus during his crucifixion. There have been many reports of other individuals who display similar wounds, the causes of which have been subject to considerable debate. Some contend that stigmata are miraculous, others argue they are hoaxes or can be explained medically. The infliction of stigmata is called stigmatization.

Heaven in Protestant Christianity Historically, Christianity has been divided over how people gain entry into Heaven. From the 16th to the late 19th century, Christendom was divided between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox views on the one hand, and the Protestant views on the other. In the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, entry into Heaven depends upon the Christian receiving God's grace through the activities of the church. This would include sacraments such as Baptism, the Eucharist and Confession.

Trinity The word Trinity comes from a Latin abstract noun which most literally means "three-ness" (or "the property of occurring three at once"). The term Trinity does not appear in the Bible, and indeed did not exist until about AD 200 when Tertullian (who eventually converted to Montanism) coined it as the Latin trinitas and also probably the formula Three Persons, One Substance as the Latin tres Personae, una Substantia itself roughly derived from the Greek treis Prosoponoi, Homoousios in the early third century.

Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish, Vappu in Finnish, Volbriöö in Estonian, Valpurģu nakts or Valpurģi in Latvian, Walpurgisnacht in German) is a holiday celebrated on April 30 or May 1, in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Germany. Walpurgis Night - Origins. The festival is named after Saint Walburga (known in Scandinavia as "Valborg"; alternative forms are "Walpurgis", "Wealdburg", or "Valderburger").

Sabbat neopaganism In the Wiccan form of neopaganism, a Sabbat is one of the eight major seasonal festivals which make up the Wheel of the Year. These include the solstices and equinoxes, and four additional festivals sometimes referred to as the "cross-quarter days". The word derives from Old English "sabat", from Old French "sabbat", from Latin "sabbatum", from Greek "sabbaton" (or sa`baton), from Hebrew "shabbat" - to cease or rest - the same roots as "Sabbath (christian)" or "Shabbat (judaism)". See also "sabbath".

Seraph A seraph (Hebrew שרף, SRF; in the plural seraphim, שרפים, SRFYM) is one of a class of celestial beings mentioned once in the Old Testament (Tanakh), in Isaiah. Later Jewish imagery perceived them as having human form, and in that way they passed into the ranks of Christian angels.

Moloch as metaphor in art. The idol Moloch that devours its follower's children has appeared in at least two modern works of art. In Fritz Lang's 1927 dystopian film Metropolis, the hero, Freder, when he first witnesses the proletariat workers horrible conditions and watches an accident occur, has a delusion where the enormous machines of the city become anthropomorphic, with flaming mouths.

Seven deadly sins The seven deadly sins were first introduced by St. Gregory the Great in Moralia in Job. The sins were derived from the eight evil thoughts as described by Greek monastic theologian Evagrius of Pontus, and the eight principal vices as described by St. John Cassian. The 8 thoughts of evil as described by Evagrius are: gluttony, fornication, love of money, discontent, anger, despondency, vainglory, and pride.

Book of Enoch The Book of Enoch refers to several ancient works attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. Though many scholars consider the books to be pseudepigraphal, various groups, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Essenes, reguard parts or all of the books to be inspired Scripture. The currently known texts are usually dated to Maccabean times (ca. 160s BC).

Zoophilia - Psychological and research perspectives. DSM-III-R (APA, 1987) stated that sexual contact with animals is almost never a clinically significant problem by itself (Cerrone, 1991), and therefore both this and the later DSM-IV (APA, 1994) subsumed it under the residual classification "paraphilias not otherwise specified". The first detailed studies of zoophilia date from prior to 1910.




Backward satanic messages (backmasking) An alleged practice of certain evil people, especially rock musicians, of saying or singing words which, when listened to backward contain evil messages such as "My sweet Satan"* or "Kill yourself." Or they might contain messages such as "it's fun to smoke marijuana"* or "sleep with me, I'm not too young."* Of course, you probably won't hear these messages until somebody first points them out to you. Perception is influenced by expectation and expectation is affected by what others prime you for. Since most people do not listen to their music backward, the belief in such messages seems to be predicated upon one or two false notions. Either [1] the brain can be influenced subliminally by garbled words whose meaning is directly grasped by the subconscious or [2] the conscious mind translates clear speech into reverse speech where the "true" meaning is understood by the subconscious mind. In either case, the subconscious mind allegedly then directs the conscious mind to believe bad things or do bad deeds. There is no evidence that such mechanisms exist. The belief in the existence and efficacy of backward satanic messages probably derives from the ancient practice of mocking Christianity by saying prayers backward at the witch's Sabbath. The belief is mainly popular among certain fundamentalist preachers who cannot look at anything without wondering how Satan is involved. Perception is heavily influenced by one's belief system. We not only see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear, we see what we expect to see. The Beatles used tapes played backward for musical effect in some of their recordings, though they allegedly put in backward or subliminal messages announcing Paul McCartney's death when he was much alive. Jimmy Page, guitarist and occultist, is said to have inserted the backward message "here's to my sweet Satan" into his "Stairway to Heaven" song. The former was clearly intentional; the latter is said to be accidental by many of those who have listened before being told what to listen for. One practical problem emerged with using this backhanded way to communicate: the only way to hear the messages is to destroy your record. Fortunately, the digital age arrived and eliminated that problem while creating another: now it is first-grade simple to find hidden messages in every kind of speech.

Cross Many people assume that the cross is a Christian symbol. Christians have indeed adopted the cross but its origins date back long before the Messiah was ever born. The cross can be dated back to ancient Babylon and the worship of the sun-gods Mithra and Tammuz. In fact the cross was not used by Christians until the fourth century after Emperor Constantine (a pagan sun-worshipper) had a vision of the cross in front of the sun.

Peter’s cross - Satanists are not the brightest folks to begin with, but you would think they would check to see if a symbol already had a meaning before adopting it as their own. Satanist think if they invert a symbol, it will make it evil or if they spell something backwards it makes it cool. The fact is that this symbol has been known as Peter's Cross for the better part of two-thousand years. It is written and widely believed that Peter was crucified upside down by his own request.

ANKH - Also known as the Long Life Seal. While Christians try to say the ankh is not a cross, make no mistake about it, the ankh is indeed another rendering of a cross. This symbol originated in Egypt and symbolizes reincarnation. Egyptians were pagans and worshipped many gods like the sun-god Amen-Rah, and the pagan sun-trinity: Osiris, Isis and Horus. The ankh and the common cross were both used equally in ancient pagan sun-worship.





FISH SYMBOL - Also known as the Ichthys Symbol (Greek for fish). Another adaptation of a pagan symbol into Christianity. The fish was used worldwide as a religious symbol associated with the pagan "Great Mother Goddess." It was meant to represent the outline of her vulva. It is linked to the Age of Pisces and also has associations with the Hindu deity Vishnu but more so with Dagon the fish-god of the Philistines. The name Dagon is derived from dag which means fish. There have also been discoveries of the fish-god in sculptures found in Nineveh Assyria. Dagon is also found in the Scriptures (Judges 16:23-24; 1 Samuel 5:2-5).





TRIQUETRA SYMBOL - Another pagan symbol adopted by Christianity. This symbol used to symbolize the Christian trinity doctrine; the secretive sign of the Aquarian Conspirators; the symbol of the worshippers of the Black Madonna; the symbol plastered on the image of the face of holders of a coming, new universal smart card and we instantly recall that higher-level Masons worship a false god under the adulterous name, Jahbuhlun. The mark of Jahbuhlun is that of the Triquetra which is composed of three 6's, overlaid.





PROTECTION SYMBOL - Also known as the Ritual Circle. In the occult a circle always represents a boundary of power. If you see a symbol enclosed in a circle, more times than not it is a symbol of the occult. It is a common practice for those who claim to have outer body experiences to draw a circle around their bodies before leaving so that nothing else can enter it while they are away.
YIN-YANG symbol Together they are polar expressions of the martial art of t'ai-chi, and the eternal Tao in Chinese philosophy. Yin represents the moon, water and the earth. Yang represents the sun, fire and the heavens. More of the same song and dance but from another part of the world than the usual Babylonian paganism that we are so use to.
Earth symbol Also known as the sun cross, solar cross and as a Hopi medicine wheel. This is the symbol for mother earth in pagan religions such as wicca and other forms of witchcraft. the four sections sometimes represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter or the four elements of the earth: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. I have actually seen this symbol on the Calvary Chapel down the street from my house.

Peace symbol - Also known as the Cross of Nero. Many people are not aware of the origins of this symbol or how it became to symbolize peace. This is the cross of Nero, a broken and inverted cross, enclosed in a circle which represents Nero's vision. Nero believed that there would be world peace without Christianity, thousands of Christians were martyred under the rule of Nero. This is what the "peace symbol" represents regardless of what it means to you.

Anarchy symbol Also known as the Circle-A. Many people do not give it much thought but the anarchy symbol is also of the occult. Enclosed in a circle is the letter A, which represents anarchy. Anarchy is the absence of all law and disobedience to any existing law. This is the nature of Satan our adversary who rebelled against our creator, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law" is the one and law in the Satanic religion. When applied spiritually this doctrine is the doctrine of sin (I-John 3:4).

Gay symbol Also known as the Thaumaturgic Triangle. Ignorance is bliss amongst the homosexual community. The symbol they adopted to represent their sexual orientation has long been used by Satan worshippers to conjure demons from the bowels of hell. The triangle is used as a door and the circle as a boundary of power. Some Satanists admit doing away with the circle in hopes of being possessed.

Pentacle A real popular symbol used by many that dabble in the occult. Many pagans such as those who practice wicca and other forms of witchcraft wear the emblem as a pendant. Some even go as far as placing them in all the rooms of their homes, especially during pagan holy days such as: Christmas, Easter, Father's Day, Mother's Day, New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day, and last but not least, Halloween.

Pentagram Another rendering of the popular symbol, only inverted. Today, the pentagram may be even more common than the upright pentacle. Satanists, a more sinister breed of the underworld usually wear this symbol as a pendant or use this symbol in satanic rituals. It is found at many sites where sacrifices and other rituals have taken place. It is also found as art work on many Satanic heavy metal albums such as Slayer.

Hexagram Another star enclosed in a circle and another popular symbol used by those who practice various forms of witchcraft. This symbol is not as popular with Satanist and may even be used exclusively by those practicing other forms of the occult such as wicca and other forms of witchcraft. Some people confuse this symbol with the Magen David.

Magen David Also known as Solomon's Seal or the Star of David. This symbol used by Yahweh's chosen race (Debarim/Deuteronomy 7:14) is often confused with the hexagram by those not familiar with symbology but the Magen David lacks the all too familiar circle associated with most other popular occultic symbols. Magen is the Hebrew word for shield, this is why it is sometimes called the Shield of David. Legend has it that King David's shield was shaped as such. It is more likely to be associated to King Solomon than with King David as the symbol appears on the handle of King Solomon's Sword. Some critics claim that the Magen David is the Star of Kiyyan (also: Kijun, Kiyuhn, Rephan, Remphan, or Rhemphan) warned of in Scripture (Amos 5:25-27 & Acts 7:43). I am not fully convinced of there claims for several reasons. If it were such a whicked symbol then why don't the pagans wear it, and why don't you see it being sold at Spencers? Every vile creature that walks the earth seems to wear either a cross or a crucifix around their neck but I have yet to see any, not even one of them who will come within ten feet of the Magen David.


Various meanings of "Satanism:" When people think of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and many other religions, they have at least a general idea of what the religion involves. "Satanism" is an exception. In North America, many people use it as a general-purpose religious "snarl" word. Others consider a wide variety of beliefs and practices as Satanism.
Defining Satanists as followers of a Satanic religion: Most religious historians, mainline Christians, liberal Christians, etc., view Satanism as Satanists themselves do: as a very small religious group that is unrelated to any other faith, and whose members feel free to satisfy their urges responsibly, exhibit kindness to their friends, and attack their enemies. Some have suggested, tongue in cheek, that this form of Satanism is the official religion of the corporate boardroom. There are perhaps ten thousand Satanists in North America. By far the largest Satanic organization is the Church of Satan, founded by Anton LaVey. They generally regard themselves as strong Atheists, Agnostics, or Deists. Membership numbers are kept secret and are quite impossible to estimate.

Defining Satanists as followers of the Christian Satan: Theistic Satanists (a.k.a. spiritual Satanists, Devil worshipers) worship the Christian concept of Satan as an actual deity. 2 An invocation to Satan written by Diane Vera begins: "Satan, Lord of Darkness, King of Hell, Ruler of the Earth, God of this World!"

Defining Satanists as followers of a religion other than Conservative Protestantism: Fundamentalist and other evangelical Christians generally believe that there are only two powerful supernatural forces in the world: their God and Satan. A few of them believe that if a person does not worship their God and hold their beliefs, then they must be worshiping Satan. The latter are, by definition, Satanists. Thus, they view all religions different from their own to be are forms of Satanism. This would include established world religions from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism, and might even include liberal and some mainline Christians. Satanists would then make up in excess of 90% of the world's population -- i.e. everyone who is not a conservative Christian.Using this definition, the term "Satanism" becomes almost meaningless.

Defining all non-Christians as Satanists: Some feel that all non-Christian religions are forms of Satanism. This would imply that all Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims - in fact about 67% of the world's population are Satanists.

Defining all Non-Abrahamics as Satanists: Others feel that all religions other than three Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are inspired by Satan and are thus a form of Satanism. By this reasoning, about 45% of the people of the world are Satanists.

Defining followers of certain small religions are Satanists: Still others feel that the major world religions are not Satanism. However, they view a wide variety of unrelated religions and practices (such as Santeria, Vodun, other Caribbean religions, New Age, Druidism, Wicca, other Neopagan religions and religious Satanism) to be various forms of Satanism. They often include some non-religious groups and activities -- as varied as the Masonic order, the Occult, astrology, and tarot card reading -- within their definition of Satanism.There would be millions of Satanists in North America by this definition.

Historical beliefs about Gothic Satanism: The public's beliefs in past centuries about Satanism were largely based on religious propaganda. Both the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches in Western Europe and North America created an imaginary religion that has been called "Gothic Satanism." This belief system was originally circulated centuries ago during the "Burning Times" in order to justify the churches' extermination of what were believed to be Satan worshiping "Witches" and other heretics. The churches taught that Witches:
These ideas were widely accepted among the public, starting circa 1450 CE. Some investigators believe that these beliefs about Satan worshipers in the late Middle Ages developed from theological debates about theodicy -- the philosophical and religious discussion of how evil can exist in a universe created and controlled by an omnipotent and omnibeneficient God. Others believe that the church wanted to exterminate any residual minority belief systems still in existence, and have exclusive control of the religious live of western Europe.
The beliefs in the existence of profoundly evil Satan worshipers with magical powers had largely dissipated by 1792, when the last victim was executed in Western Europe. However, the concept of the evil Witch as a worshiper of Satan had entered into religious legends, fairy tales, children's stories, and more recently into Hollywood horror movies. A few of these beliefs were still regarded as accurate by a significant percentage of the public as late as 1995.

Aalu Alternatively Yaaru, Iaru, and Aaru. In Egyptian mythology, the word for Heaven, the Elysium, a place of ecstasy and delights where you go after dying, Paradise. According to Egyptian lore, when a person died, the deceased expected to appear before Osiris, who would be sitting upon his throne, waiting to pass judgment on him or her. The departed would be led in by the jackal-headed god Anubis, in his role as psychopomp ('conductor of souls'), followed by the goddess Isis, the divine enchantress, representing life, and the goddess of the underworld, Nephthys, representing death. At the judgment hall there were also 42 divine judges, to assess the life of the one coming before them. The deceased would then be allowed to deny 42 misdeeds, one for each arbitrator. Thoth was the one prosecuting and recording the results.

Amon Also spelled Aamon. In demonology Amon is a Grand Marquis of Hell, a demon commanding forty infernal legions. He is the seventh of the 72 spirits of Goetia (see King Solomon). According to some descriptions, Amon vomited flames and had the head of a serpent with the body of a wolf (and vice-versa). Other demonologists described him as a man with a raven's head. He could discern the past and foretell the future, and supposedly reconciled friends and foes. He was also said to procure love.

Aaronic Order Also known as the Order of Aaron, it is an organization founded in 1942 by Maurice Glendenning in Murry, Utah, after he was excommunicated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for receiving and publishing revelations ― supposedly directives conveyed by the angel Elias in 1937 ― later known as the Levitical Writings. The Aaronic Order mission statement is "to participate in and hasten the preparation of the Body of Jesus Christ for His second coming." Their vision statement is "to restore the Biblical, Levitical ministry to its prophesied fullness in Jesus Christ and to reconcile individuals, families, and fellowships to their places in the Body of Christ."

Abacomancy Also known as Amathomancy (from the Greek amathos, for sand), it is the art and practice of foretelling future events by the observation of omens in patterns of dust (or in the dust), dirt, or sand. The precise origins and method for this mode of prognostication have been lost in time, but it is with certainty, like most divination techniques, quite ancient. In one of the forms of this type of divination, the diviner would use the ashes of the recently deceased. On the tenth night after the death of a person, he who fired the funeral pyre was required to sift some of the ashes, near which a lamp was placed. The whole was then covered with a basket. The next morning the ashes were examined, and the deceased ghost was said to have migrated into the animal whose mark appeared on the ashes.

Abaddon Also Apollyon, Appolyon and Appolion (Greek). Abaddon — literally meaning destruction, ruin or perdition — is the Hebrew name of the demon identified as the 'angel' of the bottomless pit, or the abyss, in Revelation, 9:11, who ties up the Devil for a millennium. Also known as 'The Destroyer', from his role as one of the destroying angels of the Apocalypse. In Job 26:6, and Proverbs 15:11, the word Abaddon arises in conjunction with Sheol. He is further identified as the Devil himself in the 3rd century Acts of Thomas, as well as in John Bunyan's Puritan classic, Pilgrim's Progress. Abaddon/Apollyon is the chief of the demons of the seventh hierarchy, the king of the grasshoppers, or demon locusts (described as having the bodies of winged war-horses, the faces of humans, and the poisonous curved tails of scorpions).

Abraxas Also Abracax, Abrasax, Abanathabla and Ablathanabla. A mystical word, probably of Gnostic or Kabbalistic origins, which conveys gematrically the number 365 and is connected with the solar cycle. The word is also associated with the highest Gnostic deity, represented by the image of a man with the head of a cock and serpents for feet, holding a shield and whip. The image is often found on ancient gems or stones of Basilidian origin, that were commonly used as amulets. These were inscribed with bizarre symbols and formulas and were called Abrasax as well. The Gnostics, a Basilidian sect of the 2nd century, claimed Abraxas as their supreme god, and said that Jesus Christ was only a phantom sent to earth by him. They believed that his name contained great mysteries, as it was composed of the seven Greek letters that formed the number 365, which is also number of days in a year. Abraxas, they thought, had under his command 365 gods, to whom they attributed 365 virtues, one for each day. "Abrasax represented the 365 Aeons or emanations from the First Cause, and as a Pantheus, i.e. All-God, he appears on the amulets with the head of a cock (Phoebus) or of a lion (Ra or Mithras), the body of a man, and his legs are serpents which terminate in scorpions, types of the Agathodaimon. In his right hand he grasps a club, or a flail, and in his left is a round or oval shield."
(E. A. Wallis Budge's Amulets and Talismans). Ancient mythologists placed Abraxas among the Egyptian gods. Abraxas was also the Persian sun god, and in Syria he was a form of Iao (aspect or name for Yahveh, Yahweh, or Jehovah). It is said that the name was created to replace the unmentionable name of the Supreme Being. Other occultists, mainly demonologists, thought of Abraxas as a demon, with similar appearance to the Gnostic god of the same name (the head of a king and serpents forming his feet, with a whip in his hand). It was very common for the gods and goddesses of pagan religions and heretic cults to be lessen to the status of demons by Christian writers. In fact, deities of heretic religions were the main source for Christian demons.

Abaris Said to be the teacher of Pythagoras, Abaris was a legendary magician, diviner and hermeticist of Scythia, an ancient culture on the north shore of the Black Sea. Abaris claimed to possess a golden arrow — the "dart of Abaris" — given to him by Apollo (Abaris was one of his priests), by means of which he could travel through the air and become invisible. Pythagoras stole — some accounts say that it was freely given — this arrow from him, and accomplished many wonderful feats by its aid. Abaris was also said to have lived without eating or drinking, besides foretelling the future, pacifying storms and banishing disease. With the help of Apollo, Abaris fled from Scythia to Greece, apparently to evade a deadly plague. In fact, in apocryphal legends, he is said to have visited Greece several times around 770 BC. Abaris was mentioned by several Greek celebrities, including Plato (in connection with the "Thracian" physicians, which he insisted knew the secrets of immortality and cured all disease with incantations, ointments and plants), Herodotus and Pindar. He was surnamed 'the Hyperborean'. Later neoplatonists, including Porphyry and lamblichus Chalcidensis, also wrote about Abaris. According to other legends, with the bones of Pelops Abaris made a statue of Minerva, which he sold to the Trojans as a talisman descended from heaven. This was the famous Palladium, which protected and rendered impregnable the town wherein it was lodged. A temple to Persephone at Sparta was also attributed to Abaris by Pausanias. Suidas as well credits Abaris with several works: Scythian oracles, the visit of Apollo to the Hyperboreans, expiatory formulas and a prose theogony.

Abatwa In African folklore, a legendary little people from the southern regions, supposedly the tiniest living things in human form, being a mere 5mm tall. A Zulu spirit species, they are clan-like creatures said to be so small they hide under blades of grass and sometimes sleep in anthills. They are also said to be seen riding the ants themselves at times. According to myth, the Abatwa live in the mountains and hills, but are nomadic hunters, having no central village. They follow the game, greedily eat their kill in its entirety, and then move on. When out on a hunt, or traveling to distant lands, they ride horses, usually the entire group upon a single animal, sitting from the neck to the tail, one behind another. If they fail to make a kill, they will devour their communal horse. Although the Abatwa is thought to like aiding humans by giving good advice, they are said to be very shy, sighted only by the very young children, magic wielders, and pregnant women. If a woman in her seventh month of pregnancy happens to see a male Abatwa, it is a definite omen that she will give birth to a boy. If a person sees and talks to an Abatwa, they better be very careful to pretend that they are of the same size, because even though they are a peaceful race, if offended they might shoot the human with tiny, but deadly, poison arrows. In real life, the Abatwa are an aboriginal African people also known as Twa, Bushmen or Bosjesmans, whom are thought to be the primordial inhabitants of Burundi and Rwanda.

Abduscius In demonology, an obscure nature demon whose main duty was to uproot large trees and use them to crush any unfortunate human being that crossed his path. In Judaism it was believed that demons inhabited desert wastes, ruins, and graves and inflicted physical and spiritual disorders on humankind.

Almas Also Almasty, Almati and Albasty. Strange hominid creatures allegedly resembling Neanderthal man that reportedly live in the Caucasus and Pamir Mountains of central Asia, in the area of the republic of Kazakhstan, and the Altai Mountains of southern Mongolia. Mainstream science considers the Almas to be an entirely legendary creature. However, in the Caucasus, Almas (which in the Mongolian language means 'wildman') are well known by the local people, who tell numerous stories of an apparent familiarity between humans and these creatures. Eyewitness accounts dating back hundreds of years describe Almas communicating with humans by means of gestures and their ability to make stone tools. There are even stories of Almas bartering food for trinkets.

Aborigines Tribal or ethnic groups that have lived without migrating for many thousands of years. Aboriginal peoples lived in areas remote from other cultures, and their existence became known to the rest of the world only when outsiders intruded upon their territories. By virtue of their name, the Australian aborigines are probably the best known of aboriginal societies. It is believed that they came from somewhere in Asia more than 40,000 years ago. At the time of the first European settlement about 200 years ago, the aboriginals occupied all of Australia and the island of Tasmania. The estimate of the 18th-century population was at least 300,000, comprising more than 500 tribes speaking about 200 different languages or dialects. About 50 of these dialects are now extinct. Contact with European settlers was catastrophic to the aboriginal population, bringing economic marginalization, a loss of political autonomy, and death by disease. The so-called 'pacification' led to massive depopulation and extinction for some groups. By the 1940s almost all aborigines were assimilated into rural and urban Australian society as low-paid laborers with restricted rights; many aborigine children were taken from their natural parents and given to foster parents to promote integration. In the 1980s there were about 230,000 aboriginals. Of these, only a fourth were pure aborigines still pursuing the traditional semi-nomadic life of hunter-gatherers and following a seasonal, cyclical calendar. Another fourth lived in big cities. The remainder lived in rural areas.

Abracadabra Also spelled Abrakadabra and Abrahadabra. A word with many ties to the occult and the ancient world of Mythology, Numerology, Kabbalism, Magic, Witchcraft, the Gnostics and folkloric medicine; possibly derived from the initials of the Hebraic words Ab, Ben and ruach a Cadesch ('Father, Son and Holy Ghost'). The term has been used for Kabbalistic charms, magical connotations in Gnostic writings, and it could also be related to the Greek word Abraxas, which also happens to be the name of the supreme deity of the ancient Assyrians. It often appeared on amulets, and it is said to have been used by ancient Jewish physicians to cure fevers and certain ailments. The first written record of the word is by the 3rd-century physician Quintus Severus Sammonicus, a Gnostic physician to Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. Sammonicus used the word as a 'shrinking formula' to treat tertian fever, asthma and agues. Abracadabra is often used by stage magicians and conjurors during the performance and culmination of tricks, and by conjuretors to invoke and banish certain spirits.

Vasitri Alternatively known as Salvaje, Achi, and Aigypan. Allegedly, another mysterious primate from South America, this time from the Venezuelan jungles and the Colombian Andes. The Vasitri are described as wild men-like hairy creatures that, according to the local Amerindians, construct primitive huts and crude weapons. These beings are said to be extremely dangerous, ill-tempered and carnivorous, eating men but carrying off women for breeding purposes. At the banks of the Upper Orinoco, at the valley of Upar near the lake of Maracaybo, at the mountains of Santa Martha and of Merida, at the provinces of Quixos, and at the banks of the Amazon near Tomependa, belief in these creatures is prevalent, particularly among the native peoples. In all these places, so distant one from the other, it is asserted that the Salvaje is easily recognized by the traces of its feet, the toes of which are turned backward. But if there really exists a hominid, monkey or ape of large size in the New Continent, how has it happened that for three centuries no man worthy of belief has been able to procure the skin or the carcass of one? A mystery indeed.

Satanism, is the worship and imitation of the biblical Satan or Lucifer. It is the antithesis of Judaism and Christianity. Satan is referred as the brother of Christ, the one who was cast out of heaven, and whom the Satanists worship. Condemned by the Bible and the Church, see The Occult. The "emblem", is a pentagram, like the one of witchcraft, but inverted, with the face of Satan on it. It is not witchcraft, although in practice the edges of Satanism and Witchcraft are blurred. The "credo", is summed up in "do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law", coined by Crowley in "The Book of the Law". There are two kinds of Satanism: 1- Those who believe that Satan exists and is a powerful force... with animals and children sacrificed to worship him and get his favors, and the Black Mass as the main rite. 2- Those who believe that Satan does not exist, but it is merely the symbol or personification of fleshy human desires and appetites... and they try to imitate it, with all kind of sins, pleasures and selfishness, lying, steeling, killing...
Categories of Satanists: 1- Group secretive Satanists: They believe that Satan really exists. - The "Traditional", hate Christianity, celebrate the Black Mass, in the cup they drink blood of a sacrificial animal or human, to mimic the Mass. - "Nontraditional", from Neo-Platonism, Eastern Mysticism, and Islam, or off-shots of the Kabbalah, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry... the "blood" they drink is not necessarily a parody of the Catholic Mass, but to partake of the "fire energy" that blood provides. 2- Public Church Satanists: No secret, hold worship services open to the public, based mostly on the writings of Anton LaVey's "Satanic Bible", and they believe that Satan is a symbolic force: The Church of Satan of LaVey, Temple of Set. The Church of Thelema of Crowley, the Order of the Golden Down, and derivations of the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), may also be included in this category. 3- Youth Gang Satanists, that may or may not believe that Satan exists: "Dabblers" who see Satanism as a symbol of rebellion against any authority. For most, interest in Satanism is a passing fad influenced by drugs, sex, and rock-and-roll, but with serious consequences, like in the spectacular case of Charles Mason, or Andrew Newell who stabbed his mate to death, or Peter McKenzie who sexually abused 13 children. 4- Individual Satanists, often disturbed individuals, neurotic or psychotic, like most Satanists!.
Fetish A Portuguese word meaning "enchantment", is an object or potion or writing given by a witch with false magic powers.
Talisman An Arabic word, "tilsman", meaning "magnet of power", is an object held to have magical or protective powers: A rock, a crystal, a metal, a doll, a cloth... a ring, a bracelet, a chain... throw them away!... Trust in Jesus!... get a crucifix... the rings, bracelets, and colors of Astrology honor Satan... those wore just for adornment or therapy have nothing to do with this.
Amulet An Arabic word, "hamelet", which means "hanging": It is like a talisman against evil or injury, or for good luck: A medal with a chain around the neck, a stone hanging in the neck, a pendent... the difference between an "Amulet" and a "Christian Medal", is that the Amulet honors Satan and his Demons, placing the trust in them, while the Christian Medal honors God and his Saints, placing the trust in them.
Char A small ornament worn on a chain or bracelet. When worn for its purported magical or luck effects, they are of Satan, like any amulet or talisman.
Superstition It is a believe, practice, or rite, that is maintained despite evidence that it is unfounded or irrational... we all know about them... forget them!, don't place your life on an irrational chance or magic, place it in the hands of the real God... trust in God!.
Potions, "Spells", "Curses", "Magic Prayers. A "Christian Prayer" is more powerful than all the prayers of the Witches and Satanists and Santeros put together, because a Christian Prayer has the power of God, who is a million times more powerful and wise than Satan, in whom the prayers of the Witches and Satanists and Santeros are based... and if someone places a "curse" on you, don't be afraid, just an Our Father, or a Hail Mary is more powerful than all the curses put together!... they can't even touch you!... you just live in the "grace of God", not in "sin"!...
Velaciones "Vela" means "candle"; the client is placed on the floor surrounded by candles to keep vigil over him until the candles extinguish, while praying or making curses.
Despojos and "Riegos", are the work of Santeria: The "Despojos", are baths taken daily with herbs given by the Santero after using the snail shells divination. The "Riegos", is to fill the home with smoke and odors from incense to cast out curses or any bad influence on the home.

Aberration a departure from rational thought or behavior. It means basically to err, to make mistakes, or more specifically to have fixed ideas which are not true. The word is also used in its scientific sense. It means departure from a straight line. If a line should go from A to B, then if it is aberrated it would go from A to some other point, to some other point, to some other point, to some other point, to some other point, and finally arrive at B. Taken in this sense, it would also mean the lack of straightness or to see crookedly as, for example, a man sees a horse but thinks he sees an elephant. Aberrated conduct would be wrong conduct, or conduct not supported by reason. When a person has engrams, these tend to deflect what would be his normal ability to perceive truth and bring about an aberrated view of situations which then would cause an aberrated reaction to them. Aberration is opposed to sanity, which would be its opposite. From the Latin, aberrare, to wander from; Latin, ab, away, errare, to wander.
ABLE an acronym for Association for Better Living and Education International.
Action phrases word phrases contained as part of the content of engrams which dictate some type of “action” in the mind.
Affinity the degree of liking or affection or lack of it. It is the feeling of love or liking for something or someone.
Affinity-reality-communication (ARC) triangle a triangle which is a symbol of the fact that affinity, reality and communication act together to bring about understanding. No point of the triangle can be raised without also raising the other two points, and no point of it can be lowered without also lowering the other two points.
Analytical mind that part of the mind which one consciously uses and is aware of. It is the portion of the mind which thinks, observes data, remembers it and resolves problems.
Antisocial personality a person who possesses a distinct set of characteristics and mental attitudes that cause him to suppress other people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior is calculated to be disastrous. Also called suppressive person.
AO abbreviation for Advanced Organization.
Apparency something that seems to be, that appears to be a certain way; something that appears to be but is different from the way it looks. In Dianetics and Scientology apparency is used to mean something that looks one way but is, in actual fact, something else. For example, a person “gives an apparency of health,” whereas he is actually sick. From the Latin, apparere, to appear.
Applied religious philosophy: having to do with doing and action. Applying to living — not just a theory, but one where the theory can be used to help you get on better in life. Implies study of spiritual manifestations; research on the nature of the spirit and study on the relationship of the spirit to the body.
ARC: a word coined from the initial letters of affinity, reality and communication.
ARC break: a sudden drop or cutting of affinity, reality or communication with someone or something. Upsets with people or things (ARC breaks) come about because of a lessening or sundering of affinity, reality or communication or understanding. Scientologists usually use the term ARC break instead of upset, because if one discovers which of the three points of understanding have been cut, one can bring about a rapid recovery in the person’s state of mind.
Assessment: an auditing technique which helps to isolate specific areas or subjects on which a preclear has charge so that they can be addressed in auditing.
Auditing: Scientology counseling, taken from the Latin word audire which means “to hear or listen.” Auditing is a very unique form of personal counseling which helps an individual look at his own existence and improves his ability to confront what he is and where he is.
Auditing by List: a technique used in certain auditing procedures.
Auditor: a minister or minister-in-training of the Church of Scientology. Auditor means one who listens, from the Latin audire meaning “to hear or listen.” An auditor is a person trained and qualified in applying auditing to individuals for their betterment. An auditor does not do anything to a preclear, he works together with the preclear to help the preclear defeat his reactive mind.

Beingness: the assumption or choosing of a category of identity. Beingness can be assumed by oneself or given to oneself or attained. Examples of beingness would be one’s own name, one’s profession, one’s physical characteristics, one’s role in a game – each or all of these could be called one’s beingness.
Book One: a colloquial term for the first book published on the subject of Dianetics, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. A Book One Auditor is someone who knows the data in this book and uses it to audit others.

Case: a general term for a person being treated or helped. It is also used to mean the entire accumulation of upsets, pain, failures, etc., residing in a preclear’s reactive mind.
Case gains: the improvements and resurgences a person experiences from auditing; any case betterment according to the preclear.
Case Supervisor: a highly trained auditor who is also trained in the technology of supervising auditing. The Case Supervisor reviews all auditing sessions done by auditors under his charge. His purpose is to see that the technology is standardly applied for the greatest possible benefit for the preclear.
CCHR: abbreviation for Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
Charge: harmful energy or force contained in mental image pictures of experiences painful or upsetting to the person, which is handled in auditing.
Claims Verification Board: an official group within the Church of Scientology which facilitates refund requests.
Clay Table Processing: a particular process used in certain types of auditing.
Clear: a highly desirable state for the individual, achieved through auditing, which was never attainable before Dianetics. A Clear is a person who no longer has his own reactive mind and therefore suffers none of the ill effects that the reactive mind can cause. The Clear has no engrams which, when restimulated, throw out the correctness of his computations by entering hidden and false data.
Control: the ability to start, change and stop something. One is successful in his life to the degree that he can start or change or stop the things and people within his environment. For example, a driver who cannot exert control over a car by making it start, move about and stop when he wants it to is quite likely to have accidents. A person who can control a car, on the other hand, will be able to arrive where he intends to.
Counter-effort: an effort of something or someone in a person’s environment against that person.
C/S: abbreviation for Case Supervisor. Also used to designate a Case Supervisor direction of what to audit on a preclear (as in “he was given a new C/S”), or the giving of such a direction by the Case Supervisor (as in “the preclear was C/Sed for his next action”). See also Case Supervisor in this glossary.
CSI: abbreviation for Church of Scientology International.

Data Series: a series of policy letters written by L.Ron Hubbard which deal with logic, illogic, proper evaluation of data and how to detect and handle the causes of good and bad situations within groups and organizations.
Determinism: the ability to direct or determine the actions of someone or something. Thus something done “on one’s own determinism” would be caused by the person himself, not by a force exterior to him.
Dianetics: comes from the Greek words dia, meaning “through” and nous, meaning “soul.” Dianetics is a methodology developed by L.Ron Hubbard which can help alleviate unwanted sensations and emotions, irrational fears and psychosomatic illnesses. It is most accurately described as what the soul is doing to the body through the mind.
Dramatization: the acting out of an engram in its entirety or in part by an aberrated person in his current environment. Aberrated conduct is entirely dramatization. For example, a woman receives an engram in which she is kicked in the side and told that she is no good, that she is always changing her mind. At some time in the future, this engram could be reactivated and the woman might experience a pain in her side, feel that she is no good or get the idea that she is always changing her mind. This would be a dramatization of the engram.
Dwindling spiral: a condition characterized by continuous worsening, decreasing or shrinking.
Dynamics: the eight urges, drives or impulses of life.

E-Meter: short for Electropsychometer, a specially designed instrument which helps the auditor and preclear locate areas of spiritual distress or travail. The E-Meter is a religious artifact and can only be used by Scientology ministers or ministers-in-training. It does not diagnose or cure anything. It measures the mental state or change of state of a person and thus is of benefit to the auditor in helping the preclear locate areas to be handled.
Engram: a recording made by the reactive mind when a person is “unconscious.” An engram is not a memory – it is a particular type of mental image picture which is a complete recording, down to the last accurate detail, of every perception present in a moment of partial or full “unconsciousness.”
Enturbulence: turbulence or agitation and disturbance.
Est Repair Rundown: an auditing action designed to repair the damage done to a person mentally and spiritually by the practice of est (Erhard Seminars Training). Est was an offbeat group which used destructive techniques, and some people new to Scientology are found to have been previously involved with est. It is necessary to undo the harmful effects of est before such persons can make adequate progress in Scientology auditing.
Exteriorization: the state of the thetan being outside his body with or without full perception, but still able to control and handle the body. When a person goes exterior, he achieves a certainty that he is himself and not his body.

Floating needle: a rhythmic sweep of the needle on an E-Meter dial at a slow, even pace, back and forth, back and forth. A floating needle means that the charge on a subject being audited has dissipated, and is one of the indications of a process being complete.
FSO: abbreviation for Flag Service Organization.
FSSO: abbreviation for Flag Ship Service Organization.

Genetic entity: a term coined in early Dianetics research to denote that part of a human being which takes care of the automatic mechanisms of the body, such as heartbeat, respiration, etc.
Gradient: a gradual approach to something, taken step by step, so that, finally, quite complicated and difficult activities or concepts can be achieved with relative ease.
Grant beingness: to let someone else be what he is. Listening to what someone has to say and taking care to understand them, being courteous, refraining from needless criticism, expressing admiration or affinity are examples of the actions of someone who can grant others beingness.

HASI: an acronym for Hubbard Association of Scientologists International.
Hat: a Scientology slang term for a particular job, taken from the fact that in many professions, such as railroading, the type of hat worn is the badge of the job. The term hat is also used to describe the write-ups, checksheets and packs that outline the purposes, know-how and duties of a job in a Scientology organization.
Hatting: the training given to a person so that he or she can successfully perform the functions and produce the products of a specific job, duty or activity. See also hat in this glossary.
Havingness: the concept of being able to reach. By havingness we mean owning, possessing, being capable of commanding, taking charge of objects, energies and spaces. Specific processes exist in Scientology to help a preclear increase his havingness, and these are appropriately called Havingness Processes.
HCO: abbreviation for Hubbard Communications Office.
HGC: abbreviation for Hubbard Guidance Center.
Hubbard Consultant Outpoint-Pluspoint List: a list of illogics (outpoints) and logics (pluspoints) used in an auditing process to help the preclear locate and handle illogical thinking in the area being addressed.

lAS: abbreviation for International Association of Scientologists.
I HELP: an acronym for International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors.
Int: short for interiorization, the action of going into something too fixedly and becoming part of it too fixedly. Int is also used to refer to the auditing procedure which handles the adverse mental and spiritual effects of interiorization.
Invalidate: refute, degrade, discredit or deny something someone else considers to be fact.

Knowledge-responsibility-control (KRC) triangle: a triangle which is a symbol of the fact that knowledge, responsibility and control act together as a whole entity. In order to handle any area of one’s life, it is necessary to know something about it, take some responsibility for it and control it to the degree necessary to achieve the desired result. This triangle interacts best when used with high ARC, thus it interlocks with the ARC triangle. See also affinity-reality-communication (ARC) triangle and control in this glossary.

Listing and Nulling: a specialized technique used in certain auditing processes.
Lock: a mental image picture of an experience where one was knowingly or unknowingly reminded of an engram. It does not itself contain a blow or a burn or impact and is not any major cause of upset. It does not contain unconsciousness. It may contain a feeling of pain or illness, etc., but is not itself the source of it. For example, a person sees a cake and feels sick. This is a lock on an engram of being made sick by eating cake. The picture of seeing a cake and feeling sick is a lock on (is locked to) the incident (unseen at the moment) of getting sick eating cake.

Mental image pictures: three-dimensional pictures which are continuously made by the mind, moment by moment, containing color, sound and smell, as well as other perceptions. They also include the conclusions or speculations of the individual. Mental image pictures are composed of energy, have mass, exist in space and follow definite routines of behavior, the most interesting of which is the fact that they appear when somebody thinks of something.
Mest: a word coined from the initial letters of matter, energy, space and time, which are the component parts (elements) of the physical universe.
Meter: short for E-Meter. See E-Meter in this glossary.
Missed withhold: a withhold which has almost been found out by another, that leaves the person who has the withhold in a state of wondering whether or not his hidden deed is known. See also withhold in this glossary.

NCLE: abbreviation for National Commission on Law Enforcement and Social Justice.
NED: an acronym for New Era Dianetics.
New Era Dianetics for OTs (NOTs): a series of auditing actions, delivered as part of the OT levels, developed by L.Ron Hubbard during his research into New Era Dianetics in the late 1970s.
NOTs: an acronym for New Era Dianetics for OTs. See New Era Dianetics for OTs (NOTs) in this glossary.

Objectives: short for Objective Processing, an auditing action which helps a person to look or place his attention outward from himself.
OCA: abbreviation for Oxford Capacity Analysis.
Operating Thetan: a state of being above Clear, in which the Clear has become refamiliarized with his native capabilities.
Organizing board: a pattern of organization which expresses every function a Scientology church needs to attend to in order to minister to its congregation.
OSA: an acronym for Office of Special Affairs.
OT: abbreviation for Operating Thetan. See Operating Thetan in this glossary.
Overrun: continue an auditing process or a series of processes past the point of completion.
Overt: a harmful act or a transgression against the moral code of a group. When a person does something that is contrary to the moral code he has agreed to, or when he omits to do something that he should have done per that moral code, he has committed an overt. An overt violates what was agreed upon. An overt can be intentional or unintentional.

Pan-determined: able to view both sides. Pan-determinism is across determinism or determinism of two sides. If a person were playing both sides of a chess game, he would be exercising pan-determinism. See also determinism in this glossary.
PDH: abbreviation for pain-drug-hypnosis, a behavioral modification technique used by military and intelligence services in which pain, drugs or hypnosis, or any combination of these, are administered to drive an individual into a state whereby he can be given suggestions or commands subconsciously. Dianetics auditing can undo the effects of PDH. For more information.
Perceptic: any sense message such as sight, sound, smell, etc.
Postulate: a conclusion, decision or resolution made by the individual himself to resolve a problem or to set a pattern for the future or to nullify a pattern of the past. For example, a person says, “I like Model T Fords. I am never going to drive another car.” Years later, no longer consciously aware of this postulate, he will wonder why he is having so much trouble with his Buick; it’s because he has made an earlier promise to himself. In order to change he has to change that postulate.
Potential trouble source: a person who is in some way connected to and being adversely affected by a suppressive person. Such a person is called a potential trouble source because he can be a lot of trouble to himself and to others. See also suppressive person in this glossary.
Preclear: a person who is receiving Scientology or Dianetics auditing on his way to becoming Clear, hence pre-Clear. Through auditing he is finding out more about himself and life.
Process: an exact set of questions asked or directions given by an auditor to help a person locate areas of spiritual distress, find out things about himself and improve his condition.
Processing: another word for auditing. See auditing in this glossary.
PTS: abbreviation for potential trouble source. See potential trouble source in this glossary.

Qual: short for Qualifications Division.

RD: abbreviation for rundown. See rundown in this glossary.
Reactive mind: that part of the mind which works on a totally stimulus-response basis, which is not under a person’s volitional control, and which exerts force and the power of command over his awareness, purposes, thoughts, body and actions.
Reality: that which appears to be. Reality is fundamentally agreement — what we agree to be real is real.
Rehab: short for rehabilitation, an auditing action which is used to help a person regain a former ability, state of being or more optimum condition which has been discredited, denied or suppressed.
Restimulation: the “awakening” of an old engram, which occurs when a person’s present environment contains enough similarities to the elements found in the engram to cause a reactivation of it. When an engram is restimulated, a person can experience similar pains and emotions to those contained in the original incident.
R6EW: the designation for the auditing process used on Grade VI.
RTC: abbreviation for Religious Technology Center.
Rundown: a series of related actions in Scientology which culminate in a specific end result. For example, the Drug Rundown consists of several different auditing processes and actions which, done fully and in sequence, result in the freeing of a person from the mental and spiritual effects of drugs.

Scientology: comes from the Latin scio, which means “know” and the Greek word logos, meaning “the word or outward form by which the inward thought is expressed and made known.” Thus, Scientology means knowing about knowing. Scientology is an applied religious philosophy developed by L.Ron Hubbard. It is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life.
Sea Org: short for Sea Organization.
Self-determinism: the condition of determining the actions of self; the ability to direct oneself. See also determinism in this glossary.
Service facsimile: a consideration that one must be consistently in a certain state in order to survive. This consideration will cause the individual to deliberately hold in restimulation selected parts of his reactive mind to explain his failures in life. For example, a person may keep an old injury in restimulation so that his family has to look after him.
SHSBC: abbreviation for Saint Hill Special Briefing Course.
SMI: an acronym for Scientology Missions International.
SP: abbreviation for suppressive person. See suppressive person in this glossary.
Stable terminal: someone who is reliable, responsible and who can be depended upon to competently perform the duties of his job.
Standard memory banks: recordings in the analytical mind of everything perceived throughout the lifetime up to the present by the individual except painful emotion and physical pain, which are recorded in the reactive mind.
Suppressive person: a person who possesses a distinct set of characteristics and mental attitudes that cause him to suppress other people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior is calculated to be disastrous. Also called antisocial personality.

Theta: energy peculiar to life which acts upon material in the physical universe and animates it, mobilizes it and changes it; natural creative energy of a being which he is free to direct toward survival goals. The term comes from the Greek letter theta (), which the Greeks used to represent thought.
Thetan: an immortal spiritual being; the human soul. The term soul is not used because it has developed so many other meanings from use in other religions and practices that it doesn’t describe precisely what was discovered in Scientology. We use the term thetan instead, from the Greek letter theta (), the traditional symbol for thought or life. One does not have a thetan, something one keeps somewhere apart from oneself; one is a thetan. The thetan is the person himself, not his body or his name or the physical universe, his mind or anything else. It is that which is aware of being aware; the identity which IS the individual.
Time track: the consecutive record of mental image pictures which accumulates through a person’s life. It is a very accurate record of a person’s past. As a rough analogy, the time track could be likened to a motion-picture film — if that film were three-dimensional, had fifty-seven perceptions and could fully react upon the observer.
TRs: abbreviation for training routines, practical drills which can greatly increase a student’s ability in essential auditing skills, such as communication.

Unmock: become nothing, disappear, cease to exist.

Whole track: the whole span of the time track. See also time track in this glossary.
WISE: an acronym for World Institute of Scientology Enterprises.
Withhold: an overt a person has committed but is not talking about; an unspoken, unannounced transgression against a moral code by which a person was bound. Any withhold comes after an overt. See also overt in this glossary.
WW: abbreviation for Worldwide – the worldwide headquarters of the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill, where management was located until the early 1970s.
Baptism: The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “sacraments of initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on the head while pronouncing the invocation of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Book of the Elect: The book the catechumens for election are to sign for the Enrollment of Names in the Rite of Election. In the Diocese of Richmond, this is done at the parish Rite of Sending just prior to the Rite of Election. Godparents may sign the book, and the name of the bishop is inscribed as well. Candidates do NOT sign the Book of the Elect.
Candidate: One who is already baptized in another Christian tradition and who is now preparing to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. At the time of full reception, he or she will make a profession of faith, be confirmed, and receive Eucharist. In the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, “candidate” is also used for those participating in the pre-catechumenate (baptized and unbaptized). It is also used for an uncatechized Catholic who has received neither Confirmation nor Eucharist.
Catechesis: Catechesis is the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways.Catechesis (Greek "to echo the teaching") is an interactive process in which the Word of God re-sounds between and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the Holy Spirit! It is a life-long process of initial conversion, formation, education, and on-going conversion. Through word, worship, service and community, it seeks to lead all God's people to an ever deepening relationship with God who reveals himself in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Catechumen: An unbaptized person who has entered the order of catechumens in the Church through celebration of the Right of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. Catechumens are preparing for full initiation at the Easter Vigil through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Catechumenate: Second period of Christian initiation of adults and children, which involves intense preparation in word, worship, community life, and apostolic works. This should last at least one year, so as to experience a full liturgical year.
Chrism: Oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop, used to anoint newly baptized persons and newly ordained priests and bishops. Sacred Chrism is also used in the consecration of churches and altars.
Confirmation: One of the ensemble of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or “confirm” the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.
Doctrine: The formal teachings of the Church.
Easter Season: A period of seven weeks beginning with Easter Sunday and ending with the feast of Pentecost.
Elect: The name given to catechumens who celebrate the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent, signifying their being chosen by God for the initiation sacraments.
Election: The process of selecting those catechumens who are considered ready to take part in the next celebration of the sacraments of initiation. The celebration of the Rite of Election takes place the first Sunday of Lent. The bishop declares in the name of the Church that these catechumens are ready and chosen for the sacraments at Easter. The Book of the Elect is presented to the bishop at this celebration.
Enlightenment: The period of Lent during which the elect are involved in the final stage of preparation for celebrating the rites of initiation. (also called illumination and purification)
Enrollment: The rite of enrolling into the Book of the Elect the names of those catechumens to be elected to celebrate the sacraments of initiation at the next Easter Vigil. While an essential part of the Rite of Election, the actual inscription may take place at the parish Rite of Sending.
Eucharist: The ritual, sacramental action of thanksgiving to God which constitutes the principal Christian liturgical celebration of and communion in the paschal mystery of Christ. The liturgical action called the Eucharist is also traditionally known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is one of the seven sacraments of the Church; the Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Evangelization: The proclamation of Christ and his gospel (Greek: evangelion) by word and the testimony of life, in fulfillment of Christ’s command. In the context of the initiation of adults, evangelization is the task of the church during the pre-catechumenate. It involves the inviting, welcoming, witness, and sharing of faith and the proclamation of the Gospel to inquirers/candidates.
Exorcisms: Prayers for the deliverance from the powers of evil and falsehood, and for the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are part of the Rites of Scrutiny. (See RCIA #90-94)
Fasting: This is a form of sacrifice by which faithful Christians join themselves to the suffering and death of Jesus by foregoing food for a specific period of time. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics are obliged to fast in a modified way.
Godparent: The sponsor of one who is to be baptized, who assumes a lifelong responsibility to assist the newly-baptized –child or adult – on the road to the Christian life. During the RCIA process the role is assumed at the Rite of Election. The requirement is that one must be fully initiated, over 16 years of age, and not a parent.
Immersion: Baptism in which the person is partially or entirely submerged in the baptismal waters.
Infusion: Baptism by pouring water over the head of the person.
Initiation: The extended process by which a person enters the faith life of the Church and celebrates the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
Inquirers: Those who participate in the pre-catechumenate of a parish. They are “inquiring” into Christianity in the Catholic Tradition.
Lectionary: The book containing the assigned Scripture readings of the liturgical calendar for the celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments.
Lent: A six-week period extending from Ash Wednesday to sundown on Holy Thursday. It is a retreat time for the Church in preparation for the Easter Triduum.
Minor Rites: Rites during the period of the catechumenate which includes exorcisms, blessings, and anointings.
Mystagogy: The fourth and final period of Christian initiation of adults, which is from Easter to Pentecost. The U.S. National Statutes envision an extended mystagogy for one year. This centers on catechesis and the meaning and experience of the mysteries of baptismal faith.
National Statutes of the United States: Particular law for the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the United States approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Located in the back of the book of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Neophyte: One who has been fully initiated at the Easter Vigil. The term comes from the Greek word meaning new plant, as in a new sprout on a limb/branch. The newly baptized person in the final period of Christian initiation: mystagogy.
Ninety Days: A term used to mean the combination of the Period of Purification and Enlightenment and the Period of Mystagogy which corresponds with Lent (40 days) and the Easter Season (50 days).
Oil of Catechumens (OC): Oil blessed by the bishop at the Chrism mass; may be used often in anointing catechumens as a sign of their need for and God’s offer of strength in overcoming difficulties in the faith. Done by a priest or deacon.
Penitential Rite: Celebration for candidates, similar to Rite of Scrutiny, usually celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, or 4 weeks prior to the Rite of Reception.
Periods (stages): Times of growth in the initiation process: (1) Inquiry or pre-catechumenate; (2) Catechumenate; (3) Purification and enlightenment; (4) Mystagogy.
Pre-catechumenate: First period of the Christian initiation of adults, which is the initial introduction of an inquirer into the Christian way of life in the Catholic Tradition. It is also the period of evangelization on the part of the Church.
Presentations: During the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, the elect are presented with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer through special rites. For pastoral reasons, both presentations can be anticipated during this Period of the Catechumenate.
Purification and Enlightenment: Third Period of the Christian initiation of adults, which usually coincides with the Season of Lent. It is the final period of preparation for initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): English title of Ordo initiationis christianae adultorum. This is the official collection of rites of the Roman Catholic Church for the process by which adults (including children of catechetical age) enter the faith life of the Church, culminating with the celebration of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This also includes the rites for the reception of baptized Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens: The liturgical rite that is the bridge between the pre-catechumenate and the catechumenate for the unbaptized.
Rite of Welcoming the Candidates: The liturgical rite that is the bridge between the inquiry period and the period of pastoral formation that coincides with the catechumenate. It is for those already baptized.
Rite of Election: Presided over by the bishop, this rite inaugurates the final period of preparation for the catechumens (unbaptized) before initiation. It is the bridge between the catechumenate and purification and enlightenment. It is about discernment, God’s choosing, the Church’s choosing, the testimony of godparents, the assent of the elect, and the enrollment of names. (See Election above.) It is for the unbaptized.
Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion: Coincides with election, but is the rite for the already baptized (candidates).
Rite of Scrutiny: Three rites of exorcism for elect (unbaptized) during Lent. (See Scrutinies below.)
Sacraments of Initiation: Usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil; includes baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.
Scrutinies: Rites celebrated with the elect, on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent, petitioning for the spirit of repentance, an understanding of sin, and the experience of the true freedom of the children of God.
Sponsors: Persons who accompany the inquirers and remain with them as companions through the catechumenate until the Rite of Election. They may also be chosen as godparents for the Initiation sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Candidates also choose sponsors to accompany them from the Rite of Welcoming until reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Triduum: The “three days” of the celebration of Easter, which begins with sundown on Holy Thursday evening and ends with evening prayer on Easter Sunday evening. This includes the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.
Year-Round Inquiry & Catechumenate: The on-going process of a parish's welcoming inquirers as the Holy Spirit brings them, freed from the limitations of an academic year model. This entails celebrating the various rites (Acceptance, Welcoming, Reception, etc.) several times a year as needed.
Abba: An Aramaic word for father, typically used by a child when addressing their own parent. Jesus used the term when addressing God. "Papa" might be the best translation in English. Not to be confused with a really neat Swedish singing quartet.

Abortifacient General medical definition: A drug which causes the interruption of a pregnancy and the death of an embryo or fetus. (Pregnancy begins when the pre-embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus.). Common pro-life definition: A drug which causes the death of any form of human life after conception. The difference in definitions makes dialog concerning emergency contraception (a.k.a. the morning after pill) very difficult. More info.

Abrahamic: (a.k.a. Abramic) A group of religions that recognize Abraham as a patriarch. This includes Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Sometimes, the Baha'i World Faith is included in the list. Many smaller non-Jewish groups such as Samaritans, Falashas, Karaits, etc, also trace their spiritual roots back to Abraham, but are not often cited as Abrahamic religions.

Absolution: In legal terms, it is the act of a judge or jury declaring a person innocent of a crime. In a religious sense, it involves a person being freed from guilt or sin. In the Roman Catholic Church, a priest can declare the sins of a penitent person to be forgiven if they sincerely plan to avoid such behavior in the future.

Acolyte: (From a Greek word for "follower") A layperson who performs minor duties during a religious service.

Activism: Promoting social change. In a religious sense, the term is often used by Fundamentalist and other Evangelical Christians to refer to the expression of the gospel in various ways, including missionary outreach and social reform.

Adhan: The Muslim call to prayer, typically from the minaret at a mosque.

Adoptionism: A belief, universally held within the earliest Christian movement, and still active in the 2nd and 3rd century CE, that Jesus was a normal human being, a prophet, who was born as any other human, and is not a deity. God later gave him supernatural powers at his baptism when God chose Jesus as his "adopted" son. Adoptionism was declared a heresy b a number of early church councils.

Advent: From the Latin word "adventus" or coming: A period of time before Christmas, beginning on the Sunday closest to NOV-30 when the birth of Jesus is recalled. Advent candles are often lit.

African Independent Churches (AICs; a.k.a. African Indigenous Churches): African-based Christian faith groups which range from variations of Western denominations to syncretistic tribal groups which combine selective elements of Christianity with local existing traditions.

Agape: A Greek word for love that is found frequently in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) in noun form as "agape" and in verb form as "agapao." 1 It is different from erotic love. It is supposed to be the characteristic attitude of Christians toward one another, (John 13:34), and toward all humanity, 1 Thessalonians. 3:12; 1 Corinthians 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7.

Agnostic: a person who believes that, at our present level of knowledge, we cannot know whether or not a God exists.Some Agnostics believe that we can never know whether a deity exists.

Alexandrian School: One of the two great schools of biblical interpretation in the early Church. They incorporated Greek Pagan philosophical beliefs from Plato's teachings into Christianity. They interpreted much of the Bible allegorically. It was established in Alexandria, Egypt in the late second century CE.

Alim (single), Ulama (plural): Islamic scholar(s).

Aliyah: A Jewish term which means an immigration of Jews to Israel. An "oleh" is a single Jew immigrating into Israel. (Plural is "olim").

Allah: This is an Arabic word which means "the One True God." Most Muslims in the West use Allah and God interchangeably.

Al-Hijra: An Islamic holy day that recalls the trek by Mohammed and his followers to Medina.

Al-Sajdah: This is the the act of prostration by a Muslim during which seven parts of the body are to touch the ground: the forehead, palms, knees and big toes.

All Saints Day: A Christian day of remembrance of the saints of the faith- both recognized and unknown. It has been observed since 609 CE. The Western church celebrates it on NOV-1; Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate All Saints Day in the springtime -- on the Sunday after Pentecost.

All Souls' Day (a.k.a. the Day of the Dead), is celebrated yearly on NOV-2. This is a day for prayer and almsgiving in memory of ancestors who have died. Believers pray for the souls of the dead, in an effort to hasten their transition from Purgatory to Heaven. It is primarily observed by Roman Catholics.

Amen: The word is related to "Emunah" in Hebrew, which means faith and/or belief. Adding "Amen" at the end of "...a blessing or a prayer demonstrates a statement of affirmation that the blessing is true and hope that the prayer will be answered." "Amen" is also a near acronym; its four letters stand for the three Hebrew words: "Aiy'l Melech Ne-eman" which mean that God is a true and faithful king.

Amillennialism: (a.k.a Nonmillennialism) A belief taught by Roman Catholicism, and some Reformed Protestantism and Baptist churches concerning the end of the world. We are currently in the "millennium." End time events described in the book of Revelation and elsewhere in the New Testament have mostly taken place. The Antichrist is viewed figuratively and not as a real person. This was the universal belief of Christianity up until the 19th century.

Amish: A very conservative Christian group which broke away from the larger Anabaptist movement in the Alsace region in France during the late 17th century. Most Amish now live in the U.S. and Canada -- largely in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. They isolate themselves from the larger American/Canadian culture. Most are farmers. More details.

Anabaptists: A European Christian movement at the time of the Protestant reformation, whose origins are a matter of debate. They believed in adult baptism, freedom of belief, separation of church and state, the rejection of war, and other beliefs that were rather advanced for their time. They were terrible persecuted, both by Roman Catholicism and Protestant churches. The Amish and Mennonites trace their origins to the Anabaptists. Some theologians and historians include the Society of Friends (Quakers) and Moravians among the Anabaptist denominations.

Anagogy: From the Greek word "anago" - to lead. Interpreting the scriptures, or other writings, mystically, in order to uncover a hidden meanings.

Ancestor worship: The veneration or worship of deceased people by their living kin. It exists, sometimes integrated as part of a world religion, in about 60% of the world's cultures.

Angel: The English word comes from the Greek "angelos" (messenger). In the Bible they were described as an intelligent and immortal species, usually presented as being visually indistinguishable from humans -- i.e. with a human body and without wings. They delivered messages from God, and either harmed or helped humans. Satan is described in the Bible as an evil angel. Because the Bible's cosmology asserts that the earth was flat, that it was covered by a metal firmament or dome, and that God resided in Heaven above the dome, angels have often been portrayed as having wings so that they could fly from Heaven to earth and back.

Angelology: The theological study of angels. This is primarily found in Christianity.

Anglicanism: The beliefs and organization of the Church of England and the national churches that together form the Anglican Communion. The Communion includes the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and the Anglican Church of Canada. The denomination is theologically diverse, having members whose beliefs range from Fundamentalism to liberal Christianity. The Communion is coordinated by the Lambeth Conference which meets once every decade.

Anglo-Catholicism: A movement within the Anglican Communion which promotes a return to pre-Reformation beliefs and rituals, including the mass, confession and monasticism.

Animism: a type of religious belief that all components of the universe, including humans, animals, plant life, rocks, etc. contain some form of life force, soul or spirit. Some are seen as friendly spirits; others as tricksters. "While animists can be found in almost all Asian countries, they are more than 5% of the population only in Laos. Animists are between 1% and 5% of the population in Burma, India, Indonesia, Kampuchea, Malaysia, and Vietnam." 3

Annihilationism: (a.k.a. conditionalism and conditional immortality). From the Latin word "nihil" -- which means nothing. This an umbrella term used to refer to a group of beliefs about life after death. They are: After death, unsaved people will immediately cease to exist in any form. This is taught by most Adventist groups, by the Jehovah's Witnesses and other Christian groups. This contrasts with the historical Christian belief that the unsaved will be tormented for all eternity in Hell without hope of mercy or cessation. Both views can be supported by selected biblical passages. The belief that unsaved people spend an interval of time in Hell. Their length of stay is matched to the frequency and seriousness of their evil deeds. They are then exterminated and cease to exist. This view is also supported by some biblical passages. The belief -- common among Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, secularists and others -- that after death everyone will automatically cease to exist. After death, we live on only in the DNA that we have passed on to the next generation, and in the influences that we have had on other people and society.

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This is a Christian holy day which recalls the Archangel's announcement to Mary of her pregnancy.

Annunciation: This refers to the announcement to Joseph (in Matthew 1:20) and to Mary (Luke 1:26-35) of Jesus' future birth.

Antedeluvian: The interval of time preceding the great flood of Noah, described in Genesis 2:6-8. Some Christians believe that the climate was more uniform that it is at the present, and that the earth was surrounded by a gigantic vapor cloud. Essentially all geologists reject these beliefs.

Anthem: A Christian term for a hymn whose words come from the Bible.

Anthropology: The study of humanity and human cultures.

Anthropomorphism: The representation of a non-human as a human. God in the earlier parts of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) is described in human terms, as having a body. Sometimes anthropomorphism is extended to animals who are assumed to have human feelings.
Antibaptists: (not to be confused with Anabaptists): Christians who deny the validity of baptism. Most believe that water baptism has been replaced by spirit baptism. Christians who do not recognize earlier baptism that convert's from other denominations had received.

Antichrist: An individual whose appearance is prophesized in two books of the Christian Scriptures (1 John and 2 John). He is expected by some Christians to appear near the End Time, when he will act as Satan's chief representative. The pope, Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates, Hitler, Stalin, and many other people have been called the Antichrist. So has at least one computer.

Anticult Movement (ACM): A mainly secular movement which opposes new religious movements (NRMs) because of their perceived deceptive recruiting practices and mind-control techniques which they believe permeates new faith groups. Many small ACM groups coalesced into several large ACM organizations starting in the early 1970's. Their beliefs that many NRMs drive their members to suicide and reduce their followers to near-zombie status has been widely accepted among the public. However, most sociologists and other academics reject these teachings. Counter-cult organizations -- groups that oppose NRMs on theological grounds -- are considered by some to be part of the ACM. More details.

Antidisestablishmentarianism: Being opposed to the belief that there should no longer be an official church a the country. The word is sometimes quoted as the longest word in the English language. The longest word in any language may well be the Welsh name of a town in Wales: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

Antinomianism: The belief that once a believer is saved, they are not bound to follow moral laws. The belief that a saved believer can freely sin because he is forgiven of past and future transgressions.

Antiochan School: One of the two great schools of biblical interpretation in the early Church. They incorporated Greek Pagan beliefs from Aristotle's teachings into Christianity.

Anti-semitism: Hatred, prejudice, oppression, or discrimination against Jews or Judaism. Actually, the term is usually spelled with a capital "S" in "Semitic." Semites originally meant the descendents of Shem, which include both Jews and Muslims in the Middle East. Now, the term is used mainly to refer to Jews. Alan Dershowitz, in his book "The Case for Israel" defines anti-semitism as "taking a trait or an action that is widespread if not universal, and blaming only the Jews for it."

Antitrinitarians: Christians who deny the Trinity.

Apocalypse, apocalyptic: A style of mainly Jewish and Christian writing that was common from about 200 BCE to 200 CE. The writings prophesized the destruction of evil and triumph of good. Sometimes narrowly used to refer to the Book of Revelation in the Bible.

Apocatastasis: The belief that all living entities will eventually attain Heaven, including individuals sent to Hell, Satan, demons, etc. Hell will thus eventually be cleared of all of its inhabitants. This is considered a heresy by most Christian denominations. One meaning of the term "universalism" is similar to "Apocatastasis," and is a lot easier to pronounce.

Apocrypha: A collection of fourteen books written after the last book of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and before the first book of the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). It is accepted by the Roman Catholic Church as part of the inspired cannon of the Bible, but is rejected by most Protestant denominations.

Apologetics: A systematic defense of a belief system. It is derived from the Greek "apologia" which means to create a defense. See 1 Peter 3:15. Most apologetics texts are directed to members of another religion, or to secularists. However they tend to be read in practice by the faith group whose beliefs are defended. See Polemics. In Christianity: Classical Apologetics: uses rational arguments to prove that God exists, and relies on evidence to support biblical claims and miracles. Presuppositional Apologetics: starts with the assumption that God exists and that the Bible is true. They argue from this that their particular belief of the Trinity, salvation, Heaven, Hell, etc. is valid. Evidential Apologetics: uses evidences such as miracles, fulfilled prophecies, etc. to prove that God exists and that the biblical account of Christ and his message are valid and trustworthy.

Apologist: A Christian who gives an intellectual defense of their religion.
Apostate: From the Greek apo - histanai ("depart from a stand.") A person who was once affiliated with a faith group, but has since "fallen away" and left the group. One group's apostate is generally another group's convert. Very severe penalties exist in some countries of the world against individuals who abandon the state religion in favor of another faith. It can theoretically mean execution in some Islamic countries. The Roman Catholic church stopped burning European apostates at the stake in 1792 CE.

Apostle: A Christian term to refer to Jesus' immediate followers. An apostle must generally a man was personally chosen by Jesus, and to have seen him. Sometimes, the term is used to refer only to the twelve disciples, or to the twelve disciples and Paul. Other times, it has been used to refer to the 70 disciples selected by Jesus. In Romans 16:7, Paul refers to a female apostle, Junia, as "outstanding among the apostles." (NIV)

Apostle's Creed: A summary of Christian beliefs. Many Christians believe that the Apostles personally wrote the creed so that they could coordinate their missionary efforts as they spread out through the known world. However, there is evidence that the creed was written near the end of the second century CE, about a century after the time of the apostles.

Apostolic succession: The Catholic belief that the twelve apostles ordained bishops who ordained their successors in an unbroken sequence up until the present day.

Apparition: From the Latin word "apparere:" to appear). A paranormal incident involving the appearance of a non-existent entity or object. A visual apparition is generally called a ghost.

Appollinarianism: An early Christian belief promoted by Apollinarius (b 310) who lived in Syria. He believed that Jesus was entirely divine and had no human nature. The belief was declared a heresy, first at the Council of Alexandria (378 CE) and later at two subsequent Councils.

Archangel: a member of the highest rank of angels. Only two are mentioned in the Bible: Gabriel and Michael.

Archbishop: (Derived from a Greek word for "chief overseer"). A bishop who has administrative responsibilities over an archdiocese.

Archdiocese: A diocese -- a geographical area -- that is particularly large or has an important past. Its priests are under the direction of a single archbishop. The term isused by the Roman Catholic church, the Greek Orthodox churches, and the Anglican Communion.

Archon: A Gnostic term which refers to the Demiurge -- the creator of the material world -- and his angels.

Arhat: A Buddhist saint who has liberated themselves from samsara: the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth into the world. They typically lead a monastic live.

Arianism: An early Christian heresy named after Arius (250-336 CE). He taught that Jesus was not in existence for all time, but was created by God near the end of the first century BCE. He also taught a form of monotheism in which there is only one person in the Godhead -- the Father -- and not a Trinity. The church at the time was evenly divided over whether Arianism was truth or a heresy. Constantine's vote swayed the balance, and it became a heresy.
Armageddon: A battle that is prophesized to occur in the plain of Megiddo, Israel. Jesus and Satan, and their armies, will fight a final battle (as stated in the biblical Book of Revelation).

Arminianism: A set of Christian beliefs suggested by Arminius, a theologian from the Netherlands, in reaction to Calvin's five points. He maintained that Everyone has free will and can chose to be saved; God selected some individuals to be saved on the basis of his foreknowledge of who would respond; Jesus died for all; People can resist the call of God. One cannot lose one's salvation unless they abandon it. Calvinists regard these as a heresy. The controversy continues to the present time, because both Calvinists and Arminians can justify their positions through reference to biblical passages.

Aryan: A term used by the German Nazi government to refer to Caucasians of the Nordic type. Originally, the term referred to persons who speak an Indo-European language.

Asa, Бs. Жsir: The name for the Gods in Norse Heathenism, either as individuals or as a collective.

Ascended Masters: A New Age belief that there are spiritual, non-physical, entities who live on an astral plane and can communicate spiritual truths to humans through channeling.

Ascension: This refers to the Christian belief that Jesus ascended to heaven to sit at God's right hand. According to two gospels, Mark and Luke, Jesus ascended to heaven on the same day as his resurrection. Acts explained that it occurred 40 days later.

Ascension, feast of: A Christian holy day celebrating Jesus' ascension up to heaven. It is celebrated on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday.

Ascension of Abdul Baha: A celebration by the Baha'i world faith of Abdul Baha's spirit rising to heaven.

Ascension of Baha'u'llah: A remembrance by the Baha'i world faith of the death of its founder, Mirza Husayn Ali, and the ascension of his spirit to heaven.

Asceticism: The belief that a conflict exists between one's body and spirit. By renouncing the needs and desires of the body, one can attain a higher spirituality. This is concept is found in many religions and faith groups, from Christianity to Native American spirituality.

Ashoora: A one-day fast in which Muslims recall the death of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam. He sacrificed his life and the lives of many of his family members and friends in Karbala Iraq, in order to preserve the teachings of Islam. 6

Ashram: A Hindu term for a religious retreat center where a student can learn under the guidance of a guru (teacher).

Ash Wednesday: This is the first day of Lent, observed by Christians. It is held on the Wednesday which is 40 days prior to Easter.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A Roman Catholic holy day which commemorates the Virgin Mary's death and direct ascension to heaven. The declaration on 1950-NOV-1 that the Virgin Mary's body and soul directly ascended to heaven.This event does not appear in the Bible. However, it has been argued on the basis that Jesus would not have allowed his mother's body to decay in the earth.

Astrology: a belief that the positions of the planets affect events and states of being on earth. It was developed independently in Greece and India circa 300 BCE.

Atheism: According to many Atheists: having no belief about a deity. According to most non-Atheists, actively denying that a deity exists.

Atheist: A person who believes in Atheism.

Atlantis: An sunken island. generally believed to be in the Atlantic ocean, which some people assert once held an advanced civilization.

Atonement: In general, an act that unites enemies as friends. In Christianity, the doctrine that Christ's death has the power of canceling the sins of those Christians who are "saved."

Atonement, limited: One of the five points of Calvinism: Christ died to atone for certain sins of specific individuals -- only those who are elected by God to be saved. He did not die for the all sins of all humanity.

Attributes of God: God, as viewed by followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is traditionally thought to be omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere) and omnibeneficient (all loving). The theodicy paradox addresses the apparent impossibility of God holding these four attributes simultaneously. Other attributes include holy, good, wise, and just.

Aura: An energy field believed by some to surround humans or objects. Some people believe that they can detect an aura visually and determine an individual's emotional and physical state from its color and variation. 5

Authority, Bible: Biblical authority is the belief -- near universally held among conservative Christians -- that: "the Bible, as the expression of God's will to us, possesses the right supremely to define what we are to believe and how we are to conduct ourselves." 7 Steven Ibbotson states: "The Bible is authoritative because it is God's inspired word to humanity." 8 Religious liberals commonly discount some sections of the Bible as authoritative because they are judged to be profoundly immoral when compared to today's religious and secular moral standards.

Authorized Version: Synonym for the King James Version of the Bible.

Autosoterism: The belief that a person is responsible for their own salvation which is attained through their good works.

Avatar: A Hindu concept of a God adopting a human or animal form. A God-man Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu.

Ayyam-I-Ha: The first intercalary day, required to balance the Baha'i calendar. Members of the Baha'i world faith engage in acts of hospitality and charity towards others on this day.

Babel, tower of: A tower mentioned in