Erastianism: From a now obscure Swiss theologian named Erastus
(d. 1583), the view of an inÀ uential party within the Anglican tradition that
the government (especially the crown) is properly supreme over the church
in matters of discipline and ecclesiastical appointments.
eschatology: Greek for teaching about “the end” (eschaton), in New
Testament studies this term refers to early Christian understanding of the
drama of the world between the “already” (Christ is already raised from the
dead) and the “not yet” (Christ has not yet returned in the Parousia). In later
theology, eschatology means the doctrine of the four “last things,” namely
death, the last judgment, hell, and heaven.
essence: Translation of the Greek term ousia, sometimes translated “being”
or “substance” (because the Greek term was usually translated into Latin
as substantia). In ordinary philosophical usage, it refers to what makes
something what it is (for example, the essence of a human being is human
nature). In Nicene trinitarianism it refers to the unique divinity that the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have equally in common. (See homoousios
and energies.)
established church: A state church, such as the Church of England,
the Lutheran churches in Scandinavia and parts of Germany, and the
Congregationalist churches in Connecticut and Massachusetts until the early
19 th century. (The United States Constitution forbids a nationally established
church and was not to interfere with established churches in the states).
Established churches are typically supported by taxes (which pay ministers’
salaries), are usually under some degree of government control (for example,
in the appointment of ministers), and often subject other churches in the
territory to various penalties and sometimes persecution.
Eucharist: From the Greek word for “thanksgiving” (because the words of
institution grow out of the Jewish rite of thanksgiving over bread and wine at
the passover meal), it is the central Christian rite of a sacred meal in which
bread and wine are used to signify or present the body and blood of Christ.
Also called, in various traditions, “the sacrament of the altar,” “Communion”
or “the Lord’s Supper.”