Words of the Word (Glossary)

 

Glossary of Glossolalia*

We in the church use certain words that, though their meaning is imprecise, have, for most of us in the in-group, a comforting sound.  For those outside the church, they are just ‘churchy’ words that, if understood at all, are probably misunderstood. In this section, we will try to unpack some of the more common ‘words of the Word’.  (Click on the words below to reveal their meaning.)

If there are any terms that you would like to see in this glossary, please contact Rev. Bob (bobuc4@bigpond.com), and he will be pleased to try to define them.

The words are in alphabetical order except for the first three, which are of particular importance.

 

 *Note: “Glossolalia” is the term used for speaking in an unknown language, particularly in religious worship. Although it refers to the phenomenon as it appears in (mainly) Pentecostal churches, I suggest that, with our jargon-loaded religious language, we do it all the time 🙂

Faith

Grace

Salvation

Atonement

Church

Confirmation

The Devil, a.k.a. Satan

Eternal (as in eternal life)

Freedom

Fundamentalism

Glory

G-O-D

Heaven/Hell

Inspiration

Judgment

Kingdom (Realm) of God

Law

Love

Messiah or Christ

Pentecost/Holy Spirit

Prayer

Progressive Christianity

Prophecy

Religion/Theology

Repentance

Resurrection

Resurrection

Sacrament (Baptism & Communion)

Sin

Son (of God?) (of Man?)

Trial (as in “save us from/in the time of…”)

The Trinity

Worship

An open, virtual door to the world