Glossary
communicatio idiomatum: Latin for “the sharing of characteristics,” the
phrase refers to a Christological doctrine developed most importantly by
Cyril of Alexandria, who taught that because of the Incarnation, divine
characteristics belong to the man Jesus (for example, he does miracles; he is
worshiped) and human characteristics belong to God (for example, he has a
mother; he suffers and dies).communion: From the Latin word communio, which can be translated
“sharing,” “partaking,” or “fellowship” (the root idea is found in the English
phrase “to have in common”). It is a theological term with many meanings,
including a fellowship of churches (such as the Anglican communion) and
the act of partaking in the Eucharist, a sacrament which is therefore often
called “Communion.”confession: A word with many theological uses. It can mean the act of
confessing the faith (for example, by reciting the creed) or a written
confession of faith adhered to by a particular group of churches (such as
The Augsburg Confession, which is the standard of faith for the Lutheran
churches). It can also mean the act of confessing one’s sins, including
especially private confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance,
which is why the sacrament itself is often called “Confession.”confessor: A priest who hears confessions in the sacrament of Penance.con¿ rmation: From a Latin term for “strengthening,” one of the seven
sacraments of Roman Catholicism (also in Eastern Orthodoxy, where it is
usually called chrismation, after the consecrated oil that is used, which is
called chrism). This sacrament includes anointing with oil and laying on
of hands (in Roman Catholicism, this must be done by a bishop) for the
purpose of bestowing the Holy Spirit upon the baptized, strengthening
them in faith, and bestowing a sacramental character upon the soul. Usually
this is done when young people are entering early adulthood. In other high
church traditions, such as Anglicanism and Lutheranism, con¿ rmation is an
important practice but is not regarded as a sacrament.conformity: (See nonconformist.)