Sacrament A sacrament is a Christian rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. There are various views on the existence and meaning of such rites. Many Christians consider the sacraments to be a visible symbol of the reality of God, as well as a means by which God enacts his grace. Many denominations,...
Confirmation In Christian denominations that practice infant baptism, confirmation is seen as the sealing of Christianity created in baptism. Those being confirmed are known as confirmands. In some denominations, such as the Anglican Communion and Methodist Churches, confirmation bestows full membership in a local congregation upon the recipient. In others, such as the Roman Catholic Church,...
Baptism Baptism, from Greek βαπτίζω (baptízô), is a religious act of purification by water usually associated with admission to a Christian church. Although the primary meaning of the Greek word for baptism is dip or plunge, the term was used also historically to mean perform ablutions. The Christian ceremony of baptism evolved from the Jewish tradition of purification by immersion...
Minor Exorcism In Christianity This article covers the minor exorcism in Christianity in detail. The expression minor exorcism can be used in a technical sense or a general sense. The general sense indicates any exorcism which is not a solemn exorcism of a person believed to be possessed, including various forms...
Holy Spirit In Christian Denominational Variations Holy Spirit in Christian Denominational Variations shows different philosophical understandings of The doctrine of the Trinity. Early Christian theologians speculated in many ways on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, no one clearly and fully asserted the doctrine of the Trinity as explained at...
What Is Holy Spirit? This article covers the answer to the question in detail: “What Is Holy Spirit?“ The Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, is a part of the triune godhead (three in one God) of Christianity. The Holy Spirit is probably the least understood person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God’s power...
Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is a term found in English translations of the Bible that are understood differently among the Abrahamic religions. The term is also used to describe aspects of other religions and belief structures. In Judaism, the Holy Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost, is the divine force, quality,...
Historicity of Jesus The historicity of Jesus is the question of Jesus of Nazareth can be regarded as a historical figure. Virtually all New Testament scholars and Near East historians, applying the standard criteria of historical-critical investigation, find that the historicity of Jesus is effectively certain, although they differ about...
Historical Jesus The term “historical Jesus” refers to the reconstruction of the life and teachings of Jesus by critical historical methods, in contrast to religious interpretations. It also considers the historical and cultural contexts in which Jesus lived. Virtually all scholars of antiquity accept that Jesus was a historical figure, and attempts to deny his historicity have been...