Explaining some of those words you see or hear in our church diary, in our services and news items, in The Bible, on other church web sites and in publications. We started with a few words and are now working through the alphabet. If you would like to know more about any aspect of Christ's message or have our Christian beliefs and worship explained, send an email to church@highclerevillage.com or join us in one of our lovely churches where you will be warmly welcomed! We would also be delighted to hear from you if you have comments or suggestions on any of the explanations or have new words you'd like to see added here.

Cross references are not provided at this stage but will be added later.

Unless otherwise stated, explanations relate to broadly Anglican (Church of England) beliefs and practices.

AD - Anno Domini

Literally, 'the Year of the Lord' in Latin. Used as the basis for numbering the years since Christ's birth, eg 1986 AD. Nowadays, CE is more politically correct (Common Era) since non-Christians as well as Christians use this date system. BC (Before Christ) or BCE )Before the Common Era) is used to number the years backwards, ie 200 BC is after 300 BC.

Absolution

Release from sin. In Church of England services, after the congregation has confessed their sins, the priest pronounces the absolution of their sins, speaking on behalf of God.

Advent

From the latin, 'coming', used as a label for the coming of something important. In the church's year, Advent is the period before Christmas as we wait to celebrate Christ's birth.

Acts (or 'The Acts')

Abbreviation for 'Acts of the Apostles'. The book of the New Testament immediately following the four Gospels and believed to have been written by Luke, it describes events immediately following the Resurrection and the early beginnings of the Christian church.

Agnostic

In everyday language, to be agnostic about something is to hold the view that the facts cannot be known with any certainty. In religion, an agnostic is someone who thinks there may or may not be a God, or that a particular religious belief may or may not be true, but is not prepared to come to a conclusion either way. An agnostic might come to church 'just in case'!

Altar

Now often a simple table at which gifts (the collection) are presented to God and where the bread, wine and water of the communion are prepared and consecrated before being offered to the people. Originally the place of sacrifice, where the Israelites presented 'burnt offerings' to God.

Amen

From the Hebrew, meaning 'so be it!'. In public prayer (and often in private prayer) the congregation says 'Amen' as a way to show that we all participate in and confirm what is being said to God, whether we say a prayer together or it is said by the Minister or another member of the congregation.

Angel

The word means 'messenger' from the Greek 'angelos', a messenger. Angels are the beings created by God to deliver messages and undertake other roles. At the nativity, 'the Angel of the Lord' appeared to the shepherds. Angels are mentioned many times in the Bible but only three of them by name: Gabriel, Michael and Lucifer. Lucifer opposed God and became Satan - the fallen angel.

Anglican

Refering to the Church of England (from 'Angles', an early British tribe from which the word 'England' derives, and used in such contexts as 'I am an Anglican' (as opposed to I am a Methodist, Roman Catholic etc) or 'The Anglican Communion' - those churches across the world that follow broadly Anglican beliefs and practices and whose leaders meet regularly with the Archbishop of Canterbury as leader.

Anoint, Anointed, Anointment

To anoint (from the Latin inunguere, via the French enoint) means to sprinkle or smear with oil or some oily liquid. Anointment was and is a sign of blessing from God. The Hebrew 'Messiah' (mâšîah) means 'the anointed one', as does the Greek Khristos, from which we derive 'Christ'. In some cultures, brides are anointed, as are kings - the Queen of England was anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury at her coronation service. The Bishop anoints members of the church at their Confirmation.

Apocalypse

From a greek word meaning 'revelation' or 'revealing', it's a name given to the return of Christ and 'the end of the world'. In modern English, apocalyptic is used more loosely, refering to any supposedly 'earth-shattering' event.

Apocrypha

The direct translation means 'hidden', and it refers to books of the Old Testament that were accepted by the Catholic church as being inspired but not accepted by the Jews as part of scripture. These books are not printed in all Bibles but if they are included they appear after the book of Malachi at the end of the Old Testament. Today some are accepted by the Roman Catholic church but not by protestant churches, others are accepted by the Greek Orthodox and Slavonic churches but not by Roman Catholics.

Apologetics

Though not having quite the same meaning it comes from the same stem as our everyday word 'apology' and means 'a defence'. Apologetics describes methods (usually writings) that explain the Christian faith, especially when explaining why arguments against the faith are wrong, or why some beliefs about God and Christ are wrong.

Apostle

From the Greek, a messenger. Christ recuited twelve apostles to spread his good news of the kingdom of God. After his death and resurrection, Paul became an apostle, as did Barnabus. The apostles founded churches and were responsible for the early spread of Christian faith.

Apostles' Creed, The

A statement of our beliefs about God. It has its origins in the early church and 'Apostles' recalls lengends attributing its twelve statements of belief to the twelve apostles.

Archbishop

The most senior rank of ordained Minister in the Anglican church. The Church of England has two Archbishops - the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York. Canterbury is the senior and is regarded as the spiritual leader of the world wide Anglican church.

Ascension Day

After rising from death after His crucifixion, Christ appeared several times to various of his followers before 'He ascended into heaven' as we say in the Creed. The Christian feast of Ascension occurs 40 days after Easter. St. Augustine states that it was first celebrated by the apostles and it was certainly part of the church year from at least the 4th century AD.

Ash Wednesday

The first day of Lent. In an ancient tradition (thought to date from the 8th Century), the priest marks the forehead of each Christian with the sign of the Cross, having dipped his thumb in consecrated ashes.

Atheism

Literally meaning 'no god', those who subscribe to atheism firmly belief that there is no god. While many atheists are indifferent to religion and religious practices, some take a more missionary line, actively seeking to persuade otheres that there is no god and to reduce the influence of religion in society. See also 'agnostic'.

Atonement

To atone means to put something right. In Christian belief, 'the atonement' is the reconciliation between man and God through the suffering and death of Christ. Preachers are inclined to explain it through its syllables - 'at one': Christ bringing man and God together.

Baptism

Baptism is the way we welcome new members into the church. It has long been the custom for parents to bring their children to baptism while they are babies and infants - and its a very great joy indeed for our congregation to welcome them, which is why we very much like to have the baptism as part of our main Sunday service, rather than as a private affair for the parents, god parents, family and friends! Those who are baptised as children are 'members for life' - there is no way to cancel or repeat baptism. But when people are old enough to make decisions for themselves they take the further step of confirmation - see our other FAQ on this subject. If you were not baptised as a child, we warmly invite you to join the family of the church, and we regularly hold a service of baptism for people of any age - often as part of the process of confirmation. If you want to bring your infant child or come yourself to baptism, call our Rector, Revd Tim Horsington, on 01625 253991.

Bible, The Holy

'Bible' is from the Greek biblios, meaning simply 'book', but now and for many centuries referring to a book or collection of sacred writings. The Holy Bible of the Christian church comprises the Old Testament (the holy books of the Jews) and the New Testament (describing the life, death and resurrection of Christ, events in the early life of the church, and letters to the early church from St Paul and others). Although there are some variations as to what is included in the Bible by Protestant, Roman and Orthodox churches, the core is agreed among them.

Bishop

Derived from the Greek episkopos, via dog Latin biscopus. The bishop is a key appointment in the Anglican church, with powers to confirm members of the church (see Confirmation), and to ordain ministers. The bishop has oversight of a diocese (an area containing many parishes). The Church of England, other Anglican churches, the Roman Catholic  church and the Orthodox church all appoint bishops and are therefore 'episcopal' churches. The USA member of the Anglican churches is called 'The Episcopal Church of the USA' (ECUSA).

Bishops, Priests and Deacons, Rectors, Vicars, Curates, Readers, Sidesemen, Churchwardens

Many people are confused by the multiplicity of labels attached to people who play a recognised role in Church activities. Each of these terms is or will be further defined in separate entries. Bishops, priests and deacons are all 'ordained' ministers - they have followed a rigorous course of training and are consecrated by a bishop as the main spiritual leaders of the church. A Vicar or Rector is the person placed in charge of a parish - the basic geographical unit through which the church is organised. A Curate is usually an ordained minister appointed to assist a vicar or rector. A Reader has undergone extensive training and is licensed by the bishop to preach the word of God and to undertake other work in a parish, on a voluntary (unpaid) basis. Churchwardens are members of the congregation who have volunteered to play a key role in their parish and been chosen at their annual parish meeting. A sidesman is often the first person you meet on entering church for a service - a member of the congregation who helps to make the service successful.

Blasphemy

From a Greek word, it means showing contempt for God or saying something demeaning about God. Until quite recent times there were statute laws making blasphemy illegal in the UK.

Born again

When an adult converts to the Christian faith he or she is said to be 'born again'. The old self has 'died to sin' and the new self is committed to Christ.

CE - Common Era

See AD, Anno Domini.

Calvary

The site of Christ's crucifixion. In the original Aramaic language, Golgotha, the place of the skull, translated into latin as calvaria. The word has also more widely used in English to mean a place or moment of sacrifice.

Canon

Deriving from an Egyptian word meaning 'rule', a 'canon' is widely used to define the accepted set of some class of things, most usually writings. For example 'the English canon' means the set of texts accepted as being the great works of English literature. In church terms we have 'canon law', meaning the basic rules by which the church and its activities are governed, and the scriptural canon, meaning those texts that are accepted as making up the Bible.

Catholic

Originally meaning 'universal' and describing the whole Christian church. Over time the church separated in various ways, for example into East (Orthodox) and West (Roman) and then into Roman Catholic and Protestant. The Church of England regards itself as part of the catholic or universal church and this belief is embedded in our creeds (which see). In general use outside the Anglican community 'the catholic church' is usually taken to mean The Roman Catholic Church.

Charismatic

Originally used in 'charismatic gifts' meaning the gifts given by God (through the Holy Spirit) to enable the church to carry out Christ's mission in the world. In everyday English we speak of someone having (or not having) charisma, meaning the power to attract and influence people - it especially is used of politicians. In today's church the 'charismatic movement' signifies an emphasis on the overt evidence for and use of charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues (which see), healing, prophesying (which see).

Charity

In the King James version of the Bible, the Greek agape, which today is usually translated as (Christian) love, is given as 'charity'. A modern translation might be 'brotherly love', as distinct from 'erotic' or 'sexual' or 'romantic' love. However, the church also teaches that charity in its everyday sense is important to Christians, as a practical example of response to Christ's teaching that we must 'love our neighbours', with 'neighbours' interpreted in the widest sense, and must generally help anyone who needs help.

Christ

Although it became used as a name (Jesus Christ), the original meaning in Jesus' time was as a title, 'the Christ', similar in meaning to 'the Messiah' (which see). The name derives from the Greek khristos (the anointed one).

Christian

A follower of Christ. When asked their religion, many people will say 'Church of England', or 'Methodist' or such; some may say 'Christian' or 'Muslim'. The true Christian is one who has committed their life to Christ, to following His precepts and example to the best of their ability and to bringing others to know him.

Church

A word used in many ways - 'church' can mean a physical building (the village church, the parish church) or a particular religious organisation (the Church of England), but can also mean the whole community of followers of Christ.

Churchwarden

Each parish church appoints churchwardens, who become the key members of their congregation, responsible to the Bishop for many aspects of church life as well as for the maintenance and upkeep of the physical buildings. How they work in particular parishes can vary considerably. Excellent comprehensive information about the role and work of a churchwarden is at http://www.churchcare.co.uk/newchurchwardens.html.

Clergy, Clergyman

The clergy comprises all those who are ordained to fill posts in the church and to carry out religious tasks. Laity are those who are members of a church but not ordained. 

Communion

'The communion' is The Lord's Supper. At his last meal with the disciples before his crucifixion Christ broke bread and blessed wine and gave it to them saying that these were his body and blood that he gave for their salvation. Today followers of Christ meet regularly to 'take communion', where the minister breaks bread and blesses wine and we eat and drink them together in memory of Christ's sacrifice for us. It is the most sacred and solemn part of Christian worship.

Confirmation

An infant child or an adult becomes a member of the church through baptism. Later, when they wish to confirm their faith in Christ they come to 'confirmation', when they repeat the baptismal vows and the Bishop anoints them with the sign of the Cross.

Congregation

Any gathering of believers, but most usually those gathered in the church for a service of worship, thanks and praise to God.

Conversion

The point at which a person turns from the world to faith in God. This can be gradual, brought about by coming to church, hearing the Word of God and meeting other believers, or it can be sudden and dramatic. An early example of the sudden and dramatic was Paul's conversion. He was confronted at the roadside by Christ (after His crucifixion and resurrection) and arrived at his destination an active and effective preacher of the Gospel, having set out as a committed persecutor of the Christians. Many people today have a conversion experience.

Covenant

A binding agreement or contract. It's Christian use derives from the Old Testament (God's promise to the people of Israel and their agreement to worship him and him alone) and the New Testament - Christ's 'new covenant' that through his crucifixion mankind can be reconciled with God.

Creation

'Creation' refers to everything that exists except God himself. 'The creation' refers to God's act of creating the Universe, told in allegorical terms in the Book of Genesis.

Creationsim

Although most Christians now perceive that God's creation of the world worked through creating the laws of the Universe including the processes of star formation, evolution etc, some Christians hold to the belief that Genesis is a factual account of the creation and that the Universe is some thousands of years old rather than the billions of years suggested by mainstream research in fields such as cosmology, geology, palaenontolgy. 'Creation scientists' produce research findings that purport to refute the (more generally accepted) theories of mainstream science.

Cross

The instrument of Christ's crucifixion. A method of execution reserved for revolutionaries and other serious criminals, the person is nailed or tied to a horizontal beam at the top of an upright beam and left to die a lingering and extremely painful death. The Cross became and remains the symbol of the Christian church.

Crucifixion

Rome's extreme method of executing serious criminals, see above. 'The crucifixion' refers explicitly to Christ's death by this method.

Cult

Originally meaning any group that follows a particular set of beliefs or practices; also can be used to refer to the set of beliefs and practices. The mainstream Christian churches use 'cult' to describe those who use the Bible but are thought to have distorted its meaning sufficiently to have become a barrier to fellowship with Christ and to salvation through Him. For example the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Jehovah's Witnesses are regarded by the mainstream denominations as cults, although they are large organisations with a widespread following,  along with the Moonies (The Unification Church), who would be regarded as a cult by more of society at large. See also 'denomination' and 'sect', and the explanatory 'Cults, Denominations and Sects'.

Cults, Denominations and Sects

The use of these terms varies according to who is using them. Leo Pfeffer wrote: '...if you believe in it, it is a religion or perhaps the religion; and if you do not care one way or another about it, it is a sect; but if you fear and hate it, it is a cult' - a little tongue in cheek but illuminating. In general speech and in much of the public media, the terms 'cult' and 'sect' are used indiscriminately. Technically, 'cult' refers to any particular set of religious beliefs or practices. More usualy it refers to an organisation whose beliefs and/or practices are regarded as bad or dangerous by whoever is using the term. 'Sect' tends to refer to a relatively small group holding that are an offspring of a mainstream denomination and is used in a less pejorative way than 'cult'.   

Denomination

This refers to a particular branch of mainstream Christianity, for example The Church of England, The Methodists and The Roman Catholic Church are Christian 'denominations'. (This is not an inclusive list!)

Deacon

A deacon is an ordained minister in the Church, who may baptise new members (children or adults) and conduct marriage services (the church says 'solemnise' marriages, but not preside at Holy Communion, a role that is reserved for ordained priests. See also the explanatory 'Bishops, Priests and Deacons, Rectors, Vicars and Curates'.


Deism




Epistle

At Holy Communion services we have two readings, 'The Epistle' and 'The Gospel'. 'Epistle' simply means a letter, as in 'he wrote a letter'. A large part of the New Testament comprises letters, many of them written by or attributed to St Paul, who travelled widely across the Roman world spreading the Gospel ('Good News') of Christ's life, death and resurrection. The letters he wrote to churches he either founded or visited provide on of the richest sources of Christian understanding.

Last Supper

When Christ went with his disciples to Jerusalem it was the time of the Passover (which see below) and it was at the Passover meal that he gave his instructions that "This is my Body which is given for You", and "This is my Blood which is shed for You", and which we remember with great joy tinged with sadness at the Holy Communion.

Lent

Lent is the period before Easter during which Christians traditionally observe a fast, abstaining from some activity or restricting their diet or something similar. The word has Teutonic origins and its early meaning was 'the Spring season'. Today Lent runs for forty days, which we tend to link with the forty days and nights that Christ fasted in the wilderness (Matthew chapter 4 verse 2).

Litany

A litany is a series of petitions to God forming a prayer sequence that is used in most Church of England and many other services. The usual form is that the Minister or a member of the congregation says a series of short prayers, and the congregation responds with the same answer after each prayer. From the Greek litaneia, meaning prayer.

Passover

The Passover (Hebrew Pesach) is one of the greatest feasts of the Jewish calendar and for Christians the meal (Pesach Seder) Christ was celebrating with his disciples on the night that he was arrested and taken for the trial that led to his crucifixion. We remember this on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday). For more background click on Passover .

Prayer

Prayer is how we speak to and listen to God. Many people who are not regular churchgoers pray at moments of particular stress or anxiety; practising Christians pray regularly - on any day at any time, not just in church. You can pray for something or someone or about something or someone, or you can simply sit or kneel silently, waiting for God. In the Church of England's main services we always pray for: the church and all Christians; all mankind and the peace of the world; our leaders and politicians, that God will guide their judgements; the sick; the recently dead and their families and friends; the local community and ourselves. God does answer prayer, but not necessarily in the way we expect or in ways that we like. In a telling phrase in the Book of Common Prayer we ask God's help 'as may be most expedient for us' - in other words, we ask God to do what he knows is best for us, not what we may desire.

Rogation, Rogation Day

'Rogation' is from the Latin rogare, to petition earnestly. Traditionally on rogation days the church sang or chanted or said litanies to God and the saints while processing through their parish to bless the land and the crops and property. This practice is inherited by the Christian church from Old Testament days, long before the birth of Christ. In the church calendary Rogation Sunday falls immediately before Ascension Day.

Septuagesima, Sexagesima

In the Spring you may see references to 'Septuagesima Sunday', or 'Sexagesima Sunday'. In modern language they are respectively the third Sunday before the start of Lent and the second Sunday before the start of Lent. The words come from the Latin, Septuagesima meaning seventieth day (seven weeks). Why these names were given to these Sundays remains something of a mystery - experts disagree about it!

The Trinity

Or 'The Holy Trinity'. We believe in and worship God in three different aspects: God the Father, Jesus Christ, the son of God, and the Holy Spirit. This is called 'the Trinity'. This aspect of our beliefs can be a bit of a puzzle, since we say that God is one person but also three persons. One way to think about this is that because its so difficult for us as humans to fully appreciate and understand God, he reveals himself to us in three aspects, each showing us a part of his power and his love. God our Father is the all-knowing creator. God the Son is our saviour who became a man and fully experienced our human condition, dying for us on the cross. God the Holy Spirit draws us towards God and equips us with various gifts and talents.

Whit, Whit Sunday, Whitsuntide

Also known as Pentecost. Christ promised his followers that he would send the Holy Spirit, to be with them at all times. For a Christian, the presence and help of the Holy Spirit is one of the most powerful aspects of our faith. This happened soon after the Ascension in a very exciting and dramatic way when the apostles were gathered together in what the New Testament calls 'an upper room'.