Friday, 26 April 2024, 5:04 PM
Site: Birmingham Theological Seminary
Course: Making Biblical Decisions (Making Biblical Decisions)
Glossary: Glossary for Lessons 1-6

Theology

Dr. Frame defines it as the application of the Word of God to all of life.

Light

Figure used by John in Scripture to indicate righteousness.

Darkness

Figured used by John in Scripture to indicate sin.

Amoral

Not subject to ethical evaluation

Normative Perspective

Ethical perspective that considers the standards as given in God's Word.

Existential Perspective

Ethical perspective that considers the person, the motives, and the inner leading of the Holy Spirit.

Teleological

Related to the purpose of something. Another name give by Dr. Frame to the "situational" perspective.

General Revelation

Revelation through creation and history

Special Revelation

Revelation that transcends the normal workings of creation

Existential Revelation

Revelation through persons

Perspicuity

In theology, this is another term for clarity, used in reference to the Scriptures.

Adiaphora

Term used by some theologians to refer to things that are morally indifferent.

Aquinas

Medieval theologian who believed that general revelation and existential revelation were sufficient to communicate many moral principles, and that the Scriptures supplemented those teachings.

Hyperbole

The use of exaggeration to make a point.

Moral Law

Aspect of the law that gives general ethical principles, often identified with the Ten Commandments.

Civil Law

Aspect of the law that gives principles for governing society.

Pedagogical Use

Use of the law to expose sin and drive an unbeliever to Christ.

Civil Use

Use of the law to restrain sin in society.

Normative Use

Use of the law to show Christians how to live a more ethical life.

Abrogate

To repeal or do away with a law or agreement.

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase represents something else.

Machiavelli

Sixteenth century author who wrote The Prince. Known for arguing that "the end justifies the means."

Nicea

City where Church council was held in 325 AD, in which they affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity and refuted Arianism.

Arianism

Doctrine taught in the fourth century AD that denied the Trinity.

Sirmium

City where Church council was held in 357 AD, in which they affirmed Arianism

Athanasius

Theologian of the fourth century AD who affirmed the Trinity and refuted Arianism.

Bereans

People who are praised in the Book of Acts for examining the Scriptures to see if the words of Paul were true.

Cultural Mandate

God's command that humans expand his kingdom to the ends of the through the development of human culture.

Great Commission

Christ's appointment of the eleven faithful apostles as his authoritative representatives, and his charge to them to spread the kingdom of God throughout the whole world.

Creation Ordinance

A command revealed through God's first acts of creation when He made the heavens and the earth.

Sarcasm

The use of language contrary to its literal meaning in order to criticize or taunt.

Situational Perspective

Ethical perspective that considers the problem itself, the goals, and the consequences.

Euthanasia

The practice of deliberately intervening to terminate someone's life in order to relieve their suffering.

Ethics

Dr. Frame defines it for Christians as theology viewed as a means of determining which human persons, acts and attitudes receive God's blessing and which do not.

Ceremonial Law

Aspect of the law that gives instructions for worship and the sacrificial system.