Theological Terms in Layman Language |
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$ 8.95 USDThis book is written so that simple words like faith or not so simple words like aseity are explained in plain language. Although there are numerous dictionaries, concordances, and encyclopedias that define theological words, phrases, and concepts, there are few that are concise and simple. Theological Terms in Layman Language is easy to read and designed for people who want a brief definition for theological terms. The terms are in layman friendly language. Every attempt has been made to keep the definitions as objective as possible. It is a great resource to have for Bible study or sermon preparation. |
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Theological Terms in Layman Language is now available in Kindle e-book from Amazon.
Over the years I’ve read hundreds of books relative to Christian doctrine and theology. The number of lectures and sermons are innumerable. During that time hundreds of theological words, terms, and concepts were unknown to me. I started collecting a list of unfamiliar words and defining them based on my understanding of that particular topic or in the case of a person at least a brief study of his life and work.This work began and as it remains in progress, every attempt has been made to keep the definitions as objective as possible.
Although many of these terms are commonly known, this brief work is based on my understanding of the classical meaning. The student may benefit by simply perusing the content. I hope this will help Christians better understand the nature and character of God.
Although there are numerous dictionaries, concordances, and encyclopedias that define theological words, phrases, and concepts, there are few that are concicse and simple. Theological Terms in Layman Language is easy to read and designed for people who want a brief definition for theological terms.
The terms and phrases are in alphabetical order. I’ve tried to show relationships with other terms by using brackets []. Greek and Latin words and phrases are often used in theological and doctrinal writings. When a Greek or Latin word or phrase is being defined the actual translation to English immediately follows the Greek or Latin word in brackets ().
The following are a few examples of definitions you will find in "Theological Terms in Layman Language":
Allegory. In biblical interpretation, the interpreter seeks to find a “deeper” or “spiritual” meaning in a text. The Greek word allegoria may be literally translated as “speaking one thing, but signifying something else.” The allegorical concept is explicitly found in Galatians 4:24 where Paul speaks allegorically saying: “for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.” The misuse of the allegorical method is common and leads to multiple meanings of Scripture. The allegorical method should be used with the greatest of care with the most skilled of godly men engaged in the interpretation of Scripture. [See Grammatico-Historical; Hermeneutics]
Causality. The relationship between cause and its effect. Every effect must have a sufficient cause. It is a practical application of the law of non-contradiction. God is independent of creation thus it may be said that God is the first cause of all things. The Bible teaches that God ordained everything that has or will ever happen. His ordination included the instruments and occasions which are called second causes. For example, God the first cause ordained that the apple would fall to the ground, but He also ordained gravity which is the second cause to bring about the apple falling to the ground. [See Heisenberg principle]
Deus absconditus. (that which God has not revealed to us). A phrase used by Luther to describe the knowledge of God which remains a mystery to man because God has chosen not to reveal certain information about Himself. [See Mystery]
Emotions. The aspect of the soul that communicates the decision of the will and of the thinking mind. Another word used to describe human emotions is affections. Emotional responses or affections are expressed by love, fear, grief, joy, and many more similar words. [See Mind; Soul; Will]
Orthodoxy. (from the Greek orthos meaning right and doxa meaning opinion, thus having the right opinion) This generally refers to the fundamental tenets of the Christian religion. For instance an orthodox view of Christ is that He was very God and very man in two distinct natures, but one person. The orthodox Christian religion begins with a belief in the Triune nature of God, the authority of Scripture, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the bodily return of Jesus Christ to judge the world. There are degrees of orthodoxy within the Christian religion. The Apostles’ Creed establishes an orthodox doctrine for a much larger segment of the body of Christ than a more specific creed such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. This word stands in contrast to heterodoxy which means “other opinion.” [See Heresy]
Reconciliation. Man was created in the image of God, but man’s sin disenfrancished him from a favorable relation with God. We are reconciled with God through the death of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Reconciliation will be the result of forgiveness. If one Christian forgives another Christian, they must be reconciled. [See Forgiveness]
Simul justus et peccator. (at once righteous and a sinner) This Reformation concept explains the relationship between regeneration, justification, and sanctification and the human sinful condition. Martin Luther used this expression to indicate that the justified sinner is just synthetically because Christ’s righteousness has been added to the sinner, but at the same time the sinner is a sinner analytically. Professor John Murray explained this to mean that "sin remains, but sin does not reign." [See Justification; Sanctification]
Transcendent. Christian theology uses this term to mean that God is higher than the created universe. He is the only Being who is self existent. He is the only One with the power of Being within Himself. [See Aseity]
Pastor James Vickery reviewed this book before it was published and said "without a doubt, I believe this will be a great tool for studious pastors and layman alike."
One Reviewer said: "This is a wonderfully written book that explains terms is an alphabetical easy to read style that taught me some new terms, that I found in one volume, not numerous books spread out all over tables or a desk. This reviewer could hold one book in his hands and learn in the comfort of an easy chair." - Robert Medak
Theological Terms in Layman Language
Reviewed by Lonna H. – Posted on Amazon.com
If you have ever tried to read the Bible or any other theological work and found yourself lost in an unknown language then "Theological Terms in Layman Language" is a must have for you. Martin Murphy has taken concepts commonly found in theological text and put them in terms that everyone can understand. From Actus forensis to vorverstandis, by the time you have finished this book you will be well versed in theological terms.
This book is one that should be added to your collection and referred to when needed. It is a great companion for any theology enthusiast and will not disappoint. I enjoyed reading this book because I was able to learn new things and correct some things I thought I knew.
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Theological Terms in Layman Language Theological Terms in Layman Language is an easy to read and understand reference for every student of the Bible. Written by Martin Murphy who has twenty years experience as both a pastor and a teacher, Bible terms and concepts are explained in simple, easy to understand language. If you have ever questioned what certain theological words, terms, and concepts really meant then this is a must have reference for you. The layout of the book is like a dictionary with words and phrases listed in alphabetical order so they are easy to reference and find in an orderly fashion.
I recommend this book to every student of the Bible and am delighted to have it among my reference materials for Bible Studies.
Book Review by Terry Delaney. See it here
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