Congregatio de Auxiliis: A series of formal debates about the help of
divine grace (de Auxiliis means “about the help”) held in Rome from
1598–1607, to settle the controversy between Jesuits, who advocated
Molinism, and Dominicans who advocated the Augustinian doctrine of grace
as developed by Thomism. In the end the pope declared both viewpoints
legitimate, prohibited either side from calling the other heretics, and forbade
further discussion.
congregationalism: (See polity.)
contrition: Hatred of one’s own sin, which produces sorrow of heart and
the intention not to sin again. It is one of the four parts of the sacrament
of Penance.
conversion: From a Latin word meaning “turning,” as a theological term
this refers to a turning of the will from evil to good, typically by coming to
Christian faith and joining the church.
corporeal: An adjective formed from the Latin word corpus, meaning
“body.” In ancient philosophy, this is a word that could be translated
“bodily,” referring not just to the human body but to anything that we would
now call “physical.” (See materialism.)
Councils of the Church: (See ecumenical.)
covenant theology: A major element in Reformed theology, beginning with
Calvin’s contention that the Old Testament promulgated the same covenant
of grace as the New Testament, but under a different form of administration.
This covenant of grace is contrasted with the covenant of works which God
made with Adam.
created grace: Catholic concept of grace as an inherent quality or habit of
the soul, distinct from uncreated grace, which is the action of God, the Holy
Spirit. (See sanctifying grace.)