Glossary
liberalism: Not to be confused with political liberalism with which it is
sometimes but not always in alliance with theology, liberalism is rooted
in developments in German universities of the 19th century led initially by
Friedrich Schleiermacher. It is characterized by criticism of ancient orthodox
dogmatic formulas (such as “two natures” Christology) and by the attempt to
¿ nd a new basis of Christian faith in a turn to inner experience.light of Tabor: (See Tabor.)limited atonement: Also called, more accurately, “particular redemption,”
the most controversial point in the “¿ ve point Calvinism” taught by the
Synod of Dordt, according to which Christ died to redeem only those whom
he actually does redeem, which does not include everybody.liturgy: A form of worship, characteristic of the high churches, using an
ancient and venerated written text (such as the Roman Rite in the Catholic
church, the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom among the Eastern Orthodox,
or the Book of Common Prayer in the Anglican Communion).logos: A Greek word meaning, among other things, “word” and “reason.”
Logos is a central term in trinitarian and Christological discussions because
of the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, which identi¿ es Christ as the
“divine Logos made À esh.”low church: Originally an Anglican term, this describes churches that have
a low view of the sacraments (for example, teaching that baptism and the
eucharist are not means of salvation) and typically also having a strong
emphasis on conversion. Among non Anglicans, this is often joined by a
suspicion of liturgy and a rejection of hierarchy. (Contrast high church.)maranatha: An Aramaic term meaning “O Lord, come,” which Paul used
in 1 Cor. 16:22, it was probably a familiar piece of liturgy calling upon
the exalted Lord Jesus in the Jewish Christian church. (Aramaic was the
common spoken language of 1st century Israel.)Mariology: Teachings concerning the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus’s
mother—an important branch of Roman Catholic theology.