teleology: From the Greek word telos, meaning “end” in the sense of goal,
completion, or perfection. Teleology is a philosophical view of nature typical
of ancient philosophy, according to which everything acts and moves in
accordance with a goal inherent to its nature. For instance, human nature is
inherently oriented toward the ultimate goal of happiness.
temporal: A technical theological term meaning the opposite of eternal,
equivalent to “in time” as opposed to in eternity. Not to be confused with the
ordinary, non technical term “temporary.”
theologia: Greek for “theology,” the Eastern Orthodox often use this term
as a synonym for the doctrine of the Trinity. It is paired with the term
oikonomia, which refers to the Incarnation; thus, theologia and oikonomia
designate the two prime concerns of Christian doctrine. (See economy.)
theopaschite formula: The formula “one of the Trinity was cruci¿ ed in the
À esh,” an expanded version of which was accepted by the Second Council
of Constantinople 553, that is, “our Lord Jesus Christ who was cruci¿ ed in
the À esh is true God and the Lord of glory and one of the holy Trinity.”
(See Deipassionism.)
theotokos: A Greek term meaning literally “God bearer” (the translation
preferred by Protestants) or more loosely translated, “Mother of God” (the
traditional Roman Catholic term). This title was given to Mary by orthodox
Christians not because she originated God—for of course she didn’t—but
because the baby Jesus to whom she gave birth is the Word, which is God
incarnate. Nestorius was condemned for denying that Mary was theotokos.
Thomism: Roman Catholic thought based on the work of medieval
theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas, especially prominent in 19th
and 20th centuries, when it is often called “neo-Thomism.”
total depravity: This term is a Calvinist label for a doctrine shared with
Lutheranism, according to which every aspect of human life is corrupted by
sin, including not just free will but also reason. Total depravity thus does
not mean humans are pure evil (for like all Augustinians, Calvinists teach
that there can be no such thing as pure evil, because everything that exists is