[doo‘-uh-liz’-um]
(Latin duo, “two”)
Early philosophical system which sees the universe in terms of two antithetical forces which are continually at odds. These two forces are responsible for the origin of the world. Often the dualist worldview produced a metaphysical separation between the spiritual and physical, with the spiritual being good and physical being evil. Christianity has […]

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[pronounced “bart”]
A 20th century Swiss theologian who followed in the Reformed tradition. Considered by some as the father of neo-orthodoxy, he was an extreme opponent of 19th century liberalism and modernism. His influence on modern theological thought is nearly beyond compare. Thought by many to be the greatest theologian of the 20th century, Barth […]

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[doe‘-suh-tiz’-um]
(Greek dokeo, “to seem”)
Early Christian heresy heavily influenced by Gnosticism that affirmed Christ as God, but not man. Because of their dualistic philosophy (i.e., spiritual is good, physical is evil), docetism promoted that Christ could not have been truly man, for that would mean that he was physical, and hence, evil. Therefore, it only “seemed” […]

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A biblical interpretation paradigm common in conservative fundamentalist and Evangelical Christian theology. Originating from the Plymouth Brethren in the nineteenth century and popularized in the Scofield Reference Bible in the twentieth century, dispensationalism has three primary characteristics: 1) the call for a consistent literal or “normal” hermeneutic, particularly regarding biblical prophecy, 2) the separation of […]

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[seh-say‘-shun-iz’-um]
(Latin cessare, “to stop”)
The theological position which asserts the gifts of the Spirit have ceased after the apostolic era; gifts such as miraculous healings, tongues, and prophetic revelations. It is to be contrasted with continuationsim (i.e., the gifts are operative after the apostolic age). Though there are some variations in modern views,  the consensus agrees […]

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(Latin, “to the man”)
An argumentative tactic where a person fails to engage the substance of an argument, choosing instead to opt for a personal attack on the character of the one making the argument. A popular and humorous extreme of this would be to respond to someone by saying “Your a monkey’s uncle.” Another example […]

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(Latin “reduction to the absurd”)
The “reductio” describes an argumentative tactic where the benefit of the doubt is given to the argument. From there it is demonstrated that it leads to an absurd conclusion. This type of argument can be used both constructively and fallaciously. The fallacious side of it assumes that the absurd conclusion is […]

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[tee’-lee-awl‘-uh-jee]
(Greek teleos, “perfect” or “complete” from telos, “end” or “result”)
The study of the evidences of design or purpose in nature.
It is the school of thought that holds all things to be designed for or directed toward a final result, that there is an intrinsic purpose for everything that exists. In Christian apologetics, it represents the […]

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[ree-jehn’-uh-ray‘-shun]
(Latin regenerare, “to reproduce”)
The doctrine of spiritual renewal, otherwise known as being born-again. According to Titus 3:3-7, in his mercy God saves us by washing away our old nature through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life, […]

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[dawk’-trin]
(Latin docere, “to teach”)
A theological formation that summarizes belief about a particular theological subject or discipline. Doctrine is often a corpus of dogma endorsed by a particular religious institution or tradition. For example, the “doctrine of Christ” refers to one’s belief about the person and work of Christ which results in a “Christology.”
For the best […]

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