Christian language can feel unfamiliar — even alien — if you’re new to it.
This glossary keeps things simple, clear, and free from insider assumptions.
Use it as a reference as you explore.
A
Agnostic
Someone who isn’t sure whether God exists.
Apostle
One of Jesus’ original messengers, sent to spread his teaching.
Often refers to the Twelve plus Paul.
Anglican
A Christian tradition that began in England and now exists worldwide.
Known for blending Catholic and Protestant elements.
Atheist
Someone who believes there is no God.
B
Baptism
A ritual using water that marks entry into the Christian community.
Practised differently across traditions, but universally respected.
Bible
The Christian Scriptures — Old Testament + New Testament.
A library of books, not a single long document.
Bishop
A senior church leader responsible for a region’s churches.
Present in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions.
C
Catholic (Roman Catholic)
The largest Christian tradition, led globally by the Pope.
Christian
Someone who follows Jesus Christ and trusts in his death and resurrection.
Communion / Eucharist
Bread and wine shared in worship, given by Jesus.
Different traditions explain it differently, but all treat it as central.
Confession
Admitting wrongs.
Can be private prayer or, in some traditions, spoken to a priest.
Creed
A short statement summarising core Christian beliefs (e.g. Apostles’ Creed).
D
Denomination
A distinct Christian tradition (e.g. Anglican, Catholic, Baptist, Orthodox).
Disciple
A follower or student of Jesus.
E
Episcopal
A church structure led by bishops (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican).
Eternal Life
Life with God that doesn’t end with death.
Central to Christian hope.
F
Faith
Trust in God — not blind belief, but relational trust.
Forgiveness
Letting go of a wrong instead of holding it against someone.
A core Christian practice.
G
Gospel
(1) The “good news” of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
(2) The first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Grace
God’s generosity and kindness given freely, not earned.
Great Schism
The split in 1054 between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
H
Holy Communion
Another term for Eucharist — the bread and wine in worship.
Holy Spirit
The presence and power of God active in the world and in believers.
Holy Trinity
The Christian belief that God is one being in three persons:
Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
I
Incarnation
The belief that God became human in Jesus.
J
Jesus
The central figure of Christianity.
Believed to be God in human form, risen from the dead.
Justification
Being made right with God.
Traditions differ on how it works but agree it’s by God’s grace.
K
Kingdom of God
Jesus’ term for God’s rule — where love, justice, and peace prevail.
L
Liturgy
Structured prayers and readings used in worship services.
Lord’s Prayer
The prayer Jesus taught his disciples; used across all denominations.
M
Messiah / Christ
Means “anointed one.”
Christians believe Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Miracle
An act of God that goes beyond ordinary natural processes.
N
New Testament
The second part of the Bible, about Jesus and the early church.
Nicene Creed
An ancient statement of Christian belief used across many traditions.
O
Old Testament
The first part of the Bible; shares much with Jewish Scripture.
Orthodox (Eastern Orthodox)
A major Christian tradition centred around ancient Eastern churches.
P
Parish
A local church community.
Pastor / Priest / Minister
Different terms (depending on tradition) for someone who leads and serves a church.
Pentecost
The event when the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus’ followers after his resurrection.
Protestant
Christian traditions that emerged from the Reformation in the 1500s.
R
Resurrection
Jesus rising from the dead.
The central claim of Christianity.
Revelation
God making himself known — through Scripture, creation, or Jesus.
S
Sacrament
A physical act (like baptism or communion) through which God gives grace.
Different traditions count them differently.
Salvation
God rescuing and restoring humanity through Jesus.
Scripture
Another word for the Bible.
Sin
Not just “bad actions,” but the deeper break in relationship with God.
T
Theology
Thinking carefully about God, faith, and Christian belief.
Tradition
The wisdom, practices, and teachings passed down through the church.
W
Worship
Honouring God through prayer, song, Scripture, and community.
Z
Zeal
Passionate commitment — sometimes healthy, sometimes excessive.
Mentioned often in Christian Scripture.
Using This Glossary
You don’t need to memorise any of this.
It’s here to make the rest of the site easier to explore.
If you ever feel lost or confused, return here anytime.
Toward The Good 