(German, “setting in life”)
In biblical hermeneutics (methods of interpretation) or biblical criticism, this refers to the “situation in life” that gave rise to the various genres or literary forms used to communicate the message of Scripture in a particular sociological context.

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A method of textual criticism (reconstructing the original text of Scripture) which believes that the most accurate reading of the Scripture comes from an approach that takes into account all the evidence. It deals with each variant (differences in the manuscripts) by examining them on a case-by-case basis, believing that the variant that best accounts […]

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A literary device that gives human characteristics to non-personal objects. A good example of personification is in Proverbs 4 as wisdom is portrayed with a feminine pronoun as one who will honor those who embrace “her.”

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[puh-rik’-uh-pee]
(Greek peri, “around” + Greek koptein, “a cutting out”)
A single unit of thought in the Scripture. This could comprise a sentence or verse (as in the Proverbs), a paragraph, or a series of paragraphs which makes up one argument or narrative. For example, the story of Abraham’s encounter with the angels and the destruction of […]

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(Latin, “outside the church, no salvation”)
This phrase has a long theological history, being coined by Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, in third century, but its meaning today is debated among scholars. While it expresses the belief that the church is necessary for salvation, this does not speak to the issues raised by the multiple divisions within […]

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The study of the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Christian faith. This discipline has traditionally been seen more in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions as the veneration of Mary is more pronounced and creedal. While Protestants have traditionally rejected the Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church, most would believe that she […]

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The belief among Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox that Mary remained a virgin her entire life, never having sexual relations with Joseph after the birth of Christ. Most Protestants object to this doctrine believing that the Bible teaches that Mary had other children and that this doctrine arose out of a philosophical disdain for the […]

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The belief among Roman Catholics that Mary was conceived without original sin. Though not taught in the Scripture, Roman Catholics believe that this doctrine is a theological necessity in order for Christ to be born without the stain of sin. Protestants reject this doctrine citing insufficient biblical support. As well, Protestants would argue that the […]

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A literary device of ascribing animal characteristics to humans or God.
See Psalm 91:4

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(Latin vulgo, “to make common”)
The fourth century Latin translation of the Bible produced by Jerome after being commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to make a revision of old Latin translations. Jerome produced the Old Testament portion of this translation, not from the Greek Septuagint, but from the original Hebrew. The Vulgate became the […]

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