Theological/Intellectual Dictionary SEARCH A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Abash- bewilder, confuse, discompose, disconcert, mortify, shame, embarrass, humiliate, obfuscate, obscure.
Aberrant- in Christian Apologetics, teachings that do not fall within the pale (boundary) of orthodoxy; false teachings; twisted, distorted, irregular, abnormal, unusual.
Abiogenesis- false theory claiming that life can originate from non-life.
Abrogate- to abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority. Desist, abdicate, obliterate.
Absolute- that which is unconditioned, uncaused, not limited by anything outside itself.
Abstract- not applied or practical; theoretical, ambiguous, ethereal, academic, arbitrary, capricious.
Academic- (1) based on formal education. (2) Theoretical, speculative without practical purpose or intention; abstract, arbitrary, capricious.
Acclimate- become accustomed, adapt, adjust, conform.
Accomodate- to provide a favor, food or money. To make room for.
Accost- speak to, approach, greet, engage, address.
Acquiesce- to agree without arguing; surrender, submit, agree, concur, succumb, comply, consent, capitulate.
Acrid- bitter, sharp, nasty, harsh, stinging, austere, sardonic, sarcastic, testy: acrimony, acrimonious. Acerbic-acid in temper, expression, or tone.
Actualize- in theology, to change the nature of. When our bodies are glorified God will actualize us in our choices. We will forever be able to sin and die no longer. To make real or concrete; give reality or substance to.
Acumen- quickness of perception or discernment. Keen insight. From acute-accurate-to sharpen. Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgement or insight. Syn: Sharpness; sagacity; keenness; shrewdness; acuteness.
Adamant- unyielding, firm, obstinate, tenacious, determined, headstrong, immovable, stubborn.
Admissable- fair, acceptable, justifiable, permissable, tolerable.
Admonish- rebuke, warn, caution, reprove, advise, correct; admonition, chasten, chastise, council.
Adverse- against someone or something; opposed, contrary, inimical; adversary.
Aesthetics- the philosophical category within axiology concerned with values other than morality; e.g., art, beauty, creativity, etc.
Affront- defame, slander, insult, castigate, denigrate, dishonor, slur, subjugate, perjure.
Agnosticism- hyper agnostics believe God's existence cannot be known. More liberal agnostics believe though they do not know if God exists someone else may possibly know and God's existence could be possible.
Amalgamation- unify, consolidate, mix, blend materials, coalesce.
Ambiguous- uncertain, doubtful, dubious, unclear, cryptic, moot. Open to more than one interpretation.
Ambivalent- characterized by a mixture of opposite feelings or attitudes. Uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow; "was ambivalent about having children. Fluctuating, vacillating, oscillating, hesitating."
Amicable- characterized by or showing goodwill. Friendly, peaceable, agreeable: an amicable settlement. Antonym: hostile
Analogy- term describing how we compare things to each other based on their similiarities. We are analogous to God in that we are made in His likeness and image and possess His incommunicable attributes. We can use analogy when comparing man to God but we cannot use equivity or univocality.
Anecdote- short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.
Angelophany- an angel appearing with physical dimensions.
Animism- the world view that says all things, animate or inanimate, possess souls or spirits.
Annihiliationism- the false belief that anyone who does not qualify for heaven will not go to hell, but instead will be annihilated. Non-belief in hell.
Annotative- To furnish (a literary work) with critical commentary or explanatory notes. Gloss; to gloss a text.
Annunciation- the act of announcing. An announcement, a proclamation. Enunciate.
Anomaly- deviation or departure from the normal or common order, form, or rule. One that is peculiar, irregular, abnormal, or difficult to classify.
Antagonism- extreme ill-will toward another, enmity, hostility, animosity, malice, spite, anger, hatred. Acting in opposition. Ant. Synergy, Synergistic.
Antecedent- a preceding or prior circumstance, event, object, style, phenomenon, etc. Syn: precursory, preexistent, precursor, forerunner, ancestor. Ant: subsequent. Preceding in time or order.
Anthropocentrism- the belief that man is the center of all meaning in the universe.
Antithesis- direct contrast in a juxtaposed comparison. The second and contrasting part of such a juxtaposition. Directly opposed; antithetical.
Antipathetic- a feeling of intense dislike or distaste. The object of a feeling of intense aversion; something to be avoided; "cats were his greatest antipathy."
Antropomorphism- grammatical construction where God is described as having human, earthly, or material characteristics.
Antropas- Greek word for 'man.'
Apathy- non caring or concern, indifference, nonchalant, apathetic.
Apocrypha- meaning "hidden" or "doubtful," a group of 4th century books that were canonized by Roman Catholicism at the 1546 Council of Trent. Protestantism does not recognize the apocrypha as inspired by God therefore deeming the apocrypha non-canonical and not qualified as inspired biblical writing.
Apologetics- the defense of Historic Christianity against those who attempt to discredit it. Apologetics is the handmaiden of Evangelism and works toward the predication of Christianity through empiricism and historicity.
A posteriori- reasoning from facts or particulars to general principles or from effects to causes; inductive; empirical.
A priori- reasoning from a known or assumed cause to a necessarily related effect; deductive.
Arbitrary- determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle: stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice. Capricious.
Ascetic- a person who renounces material comforts and leads a life of austere self-discipline, especially as an act of religious devotion.
Aspersion- false charges or slander. Insult, dishonor, denegrate, defame.
Aspire- strong desire, ambition; aspiration, strive, excel.
Assimilate- to digest, comprehend, absorb, understand, take in.
Astute- keen discernment, sagacious. Clever, cunning, ingenious, shrewd, "an astute merchandising program, an astute manipulation of facts." Smart, quick, perceptive.
Atheism- belief that there is no God.
Atrophy- to waste away, wither, or deteriorate, degenerate, decline; decadence.
Attest- testify, vouch, certify, swear, witness.
Augment- enlarge, increase, expand, widen, broaden, extend.
Auspicious- lucky, fortunate, timely, favorable, promising, fortuitous.
Austere- stern, severe, harsh, strict, acrid, sardonic, callous.
Autonomous- not controlled by others. Independant. Self governing. Sets its own rules for establishing meaning. Autonomy.
Axiology- the branch of philosophy regarding values, usually divided into two categories; aesthetics and ethics.
Axiom- an established rule, principle, or law. A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument. Postulate.

Baptismal regeneration- heretical teaching that water baptism provides grace necessary for salvation from sin.
Beg the question- take for granted or assume the truth of the very thing being questioned. For example, Shopping now for a dress to wear to the ceremony is really begging the questionshe hasn't been invited yet. To assume an answer to an unstated question or premise.
Belie- twist, distort, misrepresent, disappoint.
Benevolence- act of kindness. Kind-hearted, tender, merciful, generous, good, unselfish, benign, altruism, anti-malevolent.
Bias- predilection, prejudice, presupposition.
Bibulous- windbidding, alcoholic, drunk.
Bouyancy- tendancy to remain afloat. Ability to recover quickly. Bouyant.

Capitulation- the act of surrendering or giving up; acquiesce.
Capricious- governed or characterized by impulse, whim, or unpredictability. Lacking a rational basis. Likely to change suddenly. Not supported by the weight of evidence or established rules of law. Arbitrary, unstable, fickle, volatile, changable, mercurial, oscillating, fluctuating, undulating, hesitating, vacillating.
Canon- measuring rod. When applied to the Bible it describes the criteria for determining the inspiration of individual biblical books.
Caricature- exaggeration, parody, lampoon, spoof. A representation, especially pictorial or literary, in which the subject's distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.
Castigate- to punish or criticise severely. Chide, scorn, inveigh, fulminate. A diatribe. An invective.
Cavalier- showing arrogant or offhand disregard. A cavalier attitude toward the suffering of others. Arrogant, haughty. insolent, contemptuous, callous. Austere.
Certitude- the state of being certain. Complete assurance or confidence. Sureness of occurrence or result. Inevitability, indubitibility, confidence, belief, conviction, inexorable, immanent.
Cessationism- orthodox teaching that believes the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, passed away with the Apostolic Era. Perpuity of spiritual gifts is also orthodox.
Charismatic- orthodox teaching that believes the spiritual gifts are still extant today.
Chivalry- brave, courteous, nobility, politeness, gentleman like, hospitality.
Christology- the study of Jesus Christ.
Christophany- a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ in another form; e.g. Moses' encounter with the Burning Bush.
Circumspection- caution, care, worry, concern, prudence, solicitude, discretion, fore-thought, fore-sight, scruples.
Circumvent- 1) to avoid defeat, failure, unpleasantness, etc. by artfulness or deception. Avoid by anticipating or outwitting. "He circumvented capture by anticipating their movements." 2) to go around, bypass, or avoid. 3) to surround or encompass, as by stratagem. To entrap: to circumvent a body of enemy troops.
Coalesce- to mix together different elements, to come together, unite, amalgamate.
Codify- to reduce, arrange, or systematize to a code. Codify laws.
Cogent- convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation, demonstartion or telling. To the point, relevant, pertinent. Appealing to the intellect or powers of reason, convincing; a cogent argument. Having the power to influence or convince; powerfully persuasive.
Cogitate- to consider carefully and deeply reflecting upon and turning over in one's mind. The use or exercise of the mind or one's power of reason in order to make inferences, decisions, postulations, or arrive at a solution or judgment. Rationalize.
Cognitive dissonance- a harsh disagreeable awareness. Discord awareness.
Cognizant- cognitive, conscious, aware, mindful, observant, perceptive, alert, sober.
Coherent- logical, intelligable, rational, sensible, reasonable. Incoherent.
Collusion- collude, plan, conspiracy, plot, scheme. Collude; to conspire.
Colossal- huge, immense, enormous, gigantic, prodigious.
Comely- beautiful, charming, lovely, becoming.
Commensurate- having the same measure of equal extent or duration. Corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree; Your paycheck should be commensurate with the amount of time worked. Proportionate, conducive.
Concur- 1. to have the same opinion. To agree. 2) to cooperate; work together; combine; be associated: Members of both parties concurred. 3) to coincide; occur at the same time: His graduation concurred with his birthday.
Concurrent- 1) occurring or existing simultaneously or side by side: concurrent attacks by land, sea, and air. 2) acting in conjunction; cooperating: the concurrent efforts of several legislators to pass the new law. 3) having equal authority or jurisdiction: two concurrent courts of law. 4) accordant or agreeing: concurrent testimony by three witnesses. 5) tending to or intersecting at the same point: four concurrent lines. 6) something joint or contributory.
Conducive- tending to produce, contributive, helpful, favorable for producing something. Good eating habits are conducive to good health. To bring about or be partly responsible for; working conditions are not conducive to productivity, commensurate.
Conjecture- inference or judgment based on inconclusive or incomplete evidence, guesswork. The formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof. Surmise, supposition, theory, hypothesis.
Connotative- the associated or secondary meaning of a word or expression in addition to its explicit or primary meaning; “home” is “a place of warmth, comfort, and affection.” The set of associations implied by a word in addition to its literal meaning. Having the power of implying or suggesting something in addition to what is explicit. Ambiguous, equivocal.
Contingent- dependant on another for existence. Humanity is contingent upon God for existence. God is contingent upon nothing and no one.
Contrast- to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc. Antitheses.
Contravene- to act or be counter to. To oppose in argument; to contradict. Advesarial.
Contrite- Deeply affected with grief, remorse, and regret for having done wrong. Filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement. Contrition. Conversant- familiar by use or study (usually fol. by with): conversant with Spanish history. Syn. versed, learned, skilled, practiced, well-informed, proficient.
Corollary- (n.) A proposition that follows with little or no proof required from one already proven. An immediate consequence, effect, or easily drawn conclusion. A natural consequence or result.
Corpulent- fat, obese, chubby, over-weight, stout.
Correlation- mutual relation of two or more parts, things, etc. Similarity, analogy.
Cosmological Argument- the Theological argument using the design of the cosmos and a fine tuned intelligently designed universe to prove the existence of an Intelligent Designer.
Covert- not openly practiced, avowed, engaged in, accumulated, or shown. Covered, covered over, or sheltered. Clandestine.
Crass- so crude and unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility.
Culminate- to reach the highest point or degree. To come to the conclusion.
Culpable- deserving of blame or censure as being wrong, evil, improper, or injurious. Reprehensible.
Cursory- going rapidly over something, without noticing details; hasty, non-thorough.

Decadence- the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state, deterioration, or decay. Period of decline; turpitude. (2) Unrestrained or excessive self-indulgence.
Deduce- derive a conclusion by reasoning from empirical or objective proofs; predicate, corroborate.
Deign- to grant based on worthiness.
Denigration- the attack of a reputation. Subjugation, defamation.
Denotative- having the power of explicitly denoting, designating, or naming. In accordance with fact or the primary meaning of a term, [ant: connotative]. Univocal, specific, unambiguous.
Diatribe- malicious criticism, castigation.
Dichotomy- division into two usually contradictory parts or opinions.
Didactic- 1) intended for instruction; instructive: didactic poetry. 2) inclined to teach or lecture others too much: a boring, didactic speaker. 3) teaching or intending to teach a moral lesson. 4) didactics: the art or science of teaching.
Diffident- lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness. Restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc. Synonyms; self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident, shy, timid.
Dissuade- to deter by advice or persuasion. Persuade not to do something: She dissuaded him from leaving home.
Dogmatism- the false belief that we can know everything about God.

Eccentric- odd, peculiar, abnormal, irregular, unusual.
Echelon- rank, status, level, degree.
Effigy- (1) a representation or image, especially sculptured, etc., as on a monument. (2) a crude representation of someone disliked, used for purposes of ridicule.
Efficacious- producing or capable of producing a desired effect.
Effulgence- the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light. Shining brilliantly. Lucidity.
Egregious- extremely or outrageously bad or reprehensible; "a crying shame"; "an egregious lie"; "flagrant violation of human rights"; "a glaring error"; "gross injustice."
Eisegete- to add meaning to scriptural passages that God never intended. To superimpose an unintended meaning on a biblical text or teaching.
Elicit- to draw or bring out or forth; evoke, summon.
Emaciated- starved, wasted, withered, thin, forlorn.
Emanate- to flow out, issue, or proceed, as from a source or origin; "Water emanates from this hole in the ground". Emit.
Emmisary- messenger, diplomat, envoy, minister, agent, delegate, representative, ambassador.
Empirical- gained from observation or experience. Based on experiment (experience) and not theory. Objective.
Emulate- ape, mimic, strive to equal, recaptulate, imitate, copy.
Enervate- debilitate, weaken, exhaust, devitalize.
Entropy- the 2nd law of thermodynamics. A universal law of decay effecting all matter. The tendency for all matter and energy in the universe to devolve toward a state of inert uniformity. Inevitable and steady deterioration of a system or society.Complexity to randomness, order to disorder.
Epistemic- of or pertaining to knowledge or the conditions for acquiring it.
Epistemology- branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions and foundations, and its extent and validity.
Epithet- (n.) A term used to characterize a person or thing, such as The Great in Catherine The Great. A term used as a descriptive substitute for the name or title of a person, such as The Great Emancipator for Abraham Lincoln.
Epitome- quintessential, typical example. Greatest of all examples of a class or type; paragon.
Equivocate- to use ambiguous (uncertain or doubtful) language; hedge. To avoid making an explicit statement. To be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information. Equivocal.
Eschatology- the study of end things. The study of the end of the present time-space continuum. Eschaton.
Essence- The intrinsic, inherent, unchanging, innate, or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify beings. The most important ingredient or property; time is of the essence.
Eternal- being without beginning or end. Quality of essence rather than quantity. God's intrinsic nature is of eternal essence; qualatative, unchanging, divine, timeless. Existing outside of time (transcendant).
Ethereal- characterized by lightness or nonsubstance, intangible, impalpaple, subjective.
Ethics- branch of axiology concerned with moral values. The "good", "the right", "the noble"; what one ought to or should do.
Etiology- the study of causes or origins (creation). The branch of medicine that deals with the causes or origins of disease. The cause or origin of a disease or disorder as determined by medical diagnosis.
Etymology- history of word origins and study of the sources and development of words.
Evince- 1) to show clearly, make evident or manifest; evince distaste by grimacing. 2) to reveal the possession of (a quality, trait, etc.) Syn: express.
Exacerbated- to increase the severity, violence, or bitterness of. Aggravate. A speech that exacerbated racial tensions; a heavy rainfall that exacerbated the flood problems.
Ex cathedra- (Latin: from the chair), the Chair of Peter. Roman Catholic dogma that teaches 'when a Pope speaks from the chair (cathedra) of authority as the visible head of all Christians, his teaching is infallibly Christ’s true teaching.'
Exclusive- not divided or shared with others. "They have exclusive use of the machine." "Sole rights of publication."
Excruciating- (exit, crucifix, crux) literally "out of the cross." This became a word to describe Christ's death on the cross.
Ex materia- unorthodox, heretical doctrine teaching that God created the universe out of a material substance that was divine in itself.
Ex nihilo- God's creation out of nothing.
Ex deo- creation out of the essence of God. *see pantheism, imminence, omni-presence.
Exegete- to correctly interpret scripture applying the hermeneutical principles of biblical interpretation. To draw from scriptural passages the meaning God intended.
Exonerate- clear, acquit, vindicate, defend, uphold, support, refute, supplant.
Explicit- plainly expressed detailed description. Straight forward, overt and unambigious; expressed, denotative. Fully and clearly expressed leaving nothing implied.
Exposit- to expound, as a theory, cause, or the like. Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way.
Expunge- blot out, cancel, delete, annul, erase, nullify.
Extant- still in existence. Not destroyed, lost, or extinct. Subsisting.
Extrapolate- to infer (unknown information) from known information; imply.
Extrinsic- outside the nature of something. External.

Facade- guise, deception, front, feign, synthetic, bogus, counterfeit, fake, phony, artificial.
Facsimile- reproduction, likeness, copy, emulation, recapitulation.
Fallow- idle, unprepared, unproductive, inactive, latent.
Fastidious- discreet, scrupulous, picky, meticulous, selective, prudent, discriminating, circumspect.
Feigned- 1) pretended; sham; counterfeit: feigned enthusiasm. 2) assumed; fictitious. To give a false appearance of: feign sleep. To represent falsely; pretend to: feign authorship of a novel. To imitate so as to deceive: feign another's voice. To fabricate: feigned an excuse. Guise, deceived, faked, counterfeited, false, falsified, forged.
First Cause- in Theism, this designation is given to God who is the cause of all things. God is the first cause causing effects and other contingent causes. God is also an uncaused first cause; for any to have caused God would negate Him as the first cause.
Flippant- insolent, rude, disrespectful, mean, evil, malevolent.
Forlorn- desolate, woeful, wretched, wasted, destitute.
Formidable- ferocious, frightful, terrible, menacing, threatening, terrifying, fearful.
Frugal- stingy, parsimonious, temperate, greedy, sparing, economical, miserly.
Fruition- accomplishment of something worked for or desired. The state of bearing fruit. Causing an effect.

Gamut- scope, range, extent.
Gap theory- unsupported biblical theory claiming the earth was created, then destroyed, then recreated. This gap theoretically falls between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.
Genre- Literary, music, or art type, class, or category marked by distinctive style, form, or content. The genre of epic poetry; the genre of symphonic music. Hyperbolic, historical narrative, novel, fiction, non-fiction, metaphoric, allegorical, parody, spiritulized, literal, poetic, parabolic, figure of speech, idiomatic.
Geocentrism- a false theory that taught the sun and all planets revolved around the earth.
Gnosticism- doctrine of certain pre-Christian pagan and Jewish sects.
Grade 5 syndrome- a condition whereby a person can hold 2 or more opposing world views and not be able to see or understand the distinct differences.
Gratuity- a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip. Something given without claim or demand. Bonus.
Gregarious- outgoing, social, affable.
Gullible- trustful, naive, deceivable, believing, unsuspicious, indiscreet.

Haphazard- aimless, random, purposeless, impulsive, chance, accidental, arbitrary, capricious.
Heliocentrism- science that teaches that the earth and the planets revolve around the sun.
Heterodox- unorthodox. Not in agreement with excepted beliefs.
Hermeneutics- the science and art of Biblical interpretation which is regulated by principles. The basic principles necessary to exegete and interpret Biblical literature.
Hyperbole- a figure of speech where exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. From the Greek word huperbole meaning excess (huper) and throw (ballein).
Hypostatic union- The dual nature of Christ being both 100%God and 100% man dwelling together as one person.
Hypothesis- a proposition or set of propositions set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation (working hypothesis) or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts. A proposition assumed as a premise in an argument. An assumption or guess.
Ideology- credo, principles, belief, motif.
Idiom- a specialized vocabulary used by a group of people. A form of expression having a meaning that is not readily understood from the meaning of its component words. A kind of language within a language that is not readily understood by those of a different sect.
Idiosyncrasy- a structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group. (See Idiom)
Ignoble- dishonorable, lowly, sordid, vile, shameful, ignominious.
Immanent- term for God's nature whereby He is actively present (not spacily; see transcendent, omni-present) throughout all of creation.
Immutable- in theology and philosophy, outside of time and therefore eternal, uncreated, and unchanging. Pure actuality without any chance for potential change transcending all matter and ontology.
Impalpable- difficult to perceive or grasp by the mind. Not easily distinguished. Not perceptable to touch, intangible. Ethereal, inexplicable. Palpable.
Impasse- stand-still, deadlock, stalemate, stasis, conundrum (also a riddle with a fanciful answer).
Impervious- 1) not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable: The coat is impervious to rain. 2) incapable of being injured or impaired: impervious to wear and tear. 3) incapable of being influenced, persuaded, or affected: impervious to reason; impervious to another's suffering. 4) incapable of being penetrated: a material impervious to water. 5) incapable of being affected: impervious to fear.
Implicit- contained in the nature of someone or something but not readily apparent. Implied or understood but not directly expressed, complete, or absolute, i.e., implied.

Implore- beg, pray, request, solicit, beseech, suplicate, petition, appeal, ask, beckon.
Inclusive- Taking a great deal or everything within its scope; comprehensive: an inclusive survey of world economic affairs. Including the specified extremes or limits as well as the area between them, inclusion.
Incognito- having one's identity concealed as under an assumed name, especially to avoid notice or formal attentions. Having the real identity concealed; to travel incognito.
Inculcate- to impress something upon the mind of another by frequent instruction or repetition: inculcating sound principles. To teach others by frequent instruction or repetition; indoctrinate, instill, ingrain.
Incur- acquire or come into (something usually undesirable); incurred substantial losses during the stock market crash. To become liable or subject to as a result of one's actions. Bring upon oneself; incur the anger of a friend.
Indifferent- apathetic, apathy, non-caring, non-concern, nonchalant.
Indigenous- Originating and living or occurring naturally in an area or environment, native. Intrinsic, innate, inherent.
Indolent- lazy, slothful, idle, lethargic, faineant.
Indubitable- too apparent or obvious to be doubted, unquestionable, incontrovertible, indisputable, certain.
Inexorable- 1) inevitable, unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth. 2) not to be persuaded or moved. Syn. unbending; severe, relentless, unrelenting, implacable, merciless, cruel, pitiless, adamant, unyielding, firm, obstinate, tenacious, determined, immovable. Ant. flexible, merciful.
Inexplicable- not explicable; incapable of being accounted for or explained. Syn: unaccountable, mysterious, mystifying, incomprehensible, impalpable, explicable.
Infamy- extremely bad reputation, public reproach, or strong condemnation as the result of a shameful, criminal, or outrageous act; a time that will live in infamy. Infamous character or conduct. An infamous (bad reputation) act or circumstance.
Infantile- (1) characteristic of or befitting an infant; babyish; childish, infantile behavior. (2) of or pertaining to infants or infancy; infantile diseases.
Inference- The act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. Reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence. To extrapolate.
Infinite- Countless. Univocally unknowable. No boundaries or limits.
Inherent- Existing in someone or something as an essential constituent or characteristic or a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute: an inherent distrust of strangers. Intrinsic, innate, native, inbred, ingrained.
Inhibit- restrain, constrain, hinder, repress, suppress, limit, prevent, obstruct, preclude.
Innate- inborn and not acquired. Possessed at birth. Indigenous, inherent, endemic, congenital, intrinsic.
Insidious- 1) intended to entrap or beguile: an insidious plan. Stealthily treacherous or deceitful: an insidious enemy. Operating or proceeding in an inconspicuous or seemingly harmless way but actually with grave effect: an insidious disease. Developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent.
Inspired- (Greek: theoneustis) term meaning "Breathed by God" applying to the receiving and writing of scripture given directly by God and the transformation power received by people through reading or hearing God's Word.
Intermittent- stopping and starting at intervals.
Intricate- having many interrelated parts or facets; entangled or involved; an intricate maze. Complex, complicated, hard to understand, work, or make; an intricate machine. Convoluted, involved, labyrinthine, tangled, tortuous.
Intrinsic- belonging to the true or fundamental nature of a thing; inherent, congenital, innate, indigenous, endemic. Love is intrinsic to the nature of God because God is love.
Invective- to protest strongly or attack vehemently with words; complain bitterly. Diatribe, castigation, invection, chiding, fulmination. Inveigh.
Inverse- reversed in position, order, direction, or tendency.
Iterate- 1) to utter again or repeatedly. 2) to do (something) over again or repeatedly. 3) to operate or be applied repeatedly, as a linguistic rule or mathematical formula. Reiterate, repeat, rehearse.

Jettsion- discharge, throw, cast off, eject.
Judicious- well advised, sensible, wise, having, showing or exercising good judgment; prudent, circumspect, discreet, scrupulous.
Jurisprudence- 1) the science or philosophy of law. 2) a division or department of law: medical jurisprudence. 3) decisions of courts. From juris "of right, of law" and prudentia "knowledge, a foreseeing."
Juxtapose- to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

Kinetic- vigorous, dynamic, forceful, energetic.
Knowledge- familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study. The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned.

Lascivious- sinful, lustful, lude, nasty, perverted, sensual, carnal, lasciviousness.
Lavish- waste, dissipate, squander, splurge.
Liaison- union, link, connection, agreement, alliance.
Litigious- argumentive, quarrelsome, disputatious, debatable.
Loathe- hate, dislike, abhor, detest, despise, antagonize.
Lucid- easily understood. Mentally clear. Explicit, effulgent, intelligable. Rational.

Magnanimous- unselfish, giving, bountiful, beneficient, generous.
Malady- disease, ailment, illness, infirmity, disorder, affliction.
Malevolent- having or exhibiting ill will. Wishing harm to others. Malicious, spite, malice, enmity, animosity.
Mandate- An authoritative command or instruction. To make mandatory, as by law or decree. Demand, require.
Mariology- the unbiblical teachings and adoration of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Materialism- the metaphysical theory that views reality as only matter. All metaphysical processes including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena.
Matter- that which has extension and occupies space and can be discovered or discerned empirically or with the senses.
Maxim- rule, code, law, proverb, principle, saying, adage, motto.
Melee- free-for-all, fight, brawl, ruckus.
Menial- lowly, humble, unskilled, degrading, insignificant, unimportant.
Mercurial- unstable, fickle, volatile, capricious, changable, arbitrary, fluctuating, oscillating, hesitating, undulating, vacillating.
Meritorious- deserving, laudable, praise worthy.
Metaphysics- branch within philosophy that examines the nature of reality, especially the substance, attributes, and value of being, existence, and matter. Ontology.
Microcosm- a small representative system having analogies to a larger system in constitution, configuration, or development. A miniature model of something.
Milieu- The totality of one's surroundings. A social or cultural environment.
Modalism- heresy stating that the 3 Persons within the Godhead are really 1 Person who changed into the other; i.e., God turned into Jesus, Jesus turn into the Holy Ghost.
Moil- work hard, slave. Confusion turmoil, or trouble.
Monism- theory that all reality is one or of one substance with no qualitative difference between humans and matter.
Monolithic- acting in unity and agreement. Characterized by massiveness and rigidity and total uniformity. (a monolithic religion or society.)
Monomania- Pathological obsession with one idea or subject, as in paranoia. An inordinate or obsessive zeal for or interest in a single thing, idea, subject, or the like.
Monotheism- the doctrine or belief that there is only one God.
Motif- theme, subject, topic, precept.
Motley- diverse, assorted, mixed, miscellaneous, multifarious.
Mutual- having the same relation each toward the other; to be mutual enemies. Pertaining to each of two or more; that which is held in common or shared; mutual interests.

Necessary Being- a Being that exists necessarily. God cannot not exist. Existence and Pure Actuality are a part of the nature of God.
Nefarious- extremely wicked or villainous, heinous, vile, atrocious.
Nonchalant- unconcerned, indifferent, apathetic, easy-going, casual, cool.
Non-coporeal- not coporeal or material; insubstantial, incoporeal. Non-material beings.
Nuance- a subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, response, etc. An Idiomatic language or idiosyncrasy. A subtle difference in meaning, opinion, or attitude; "without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the city history. Subtlety, refinement.

Objective- having to do with a material object. Having actual existence or reality.
Obscurantist- a person who is deliberately vague or witholding information. Person practicing ambiguity.
Obstinate- firm, headstrong, immovable, stubborn, unyielding, determined, adamant, tenacious.
Ominous- Having the significance of an omen. Portending (portentous) evil or harm; foreboding (fore-telling, notion, or inner feeling); threatening; inauspicious, portent.
Omnipresent- that attribute of God whereby God is actively present (not physically present *see pantheism) to all of creation simultaneously.
Ontology- the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being and existence. From the Greek word 'Ontos,' 'To Be.'
Ontological Argument- the argument for the existence of God based on the aprehension and understanding of what exists. Contingent material being demands non-contigent being.
Orthodoxy- correct adherence to specific rules.
Ostentatious- pretentious or conspicuous show, as of wealth or importance; display intended to impress others. Lack of elegance as a consequence of being pompous and puffed up with vanity. Syn: Parade; pageantry; show; pomp; pompousness; vaunting; boasting.
Overt- open and observable. Not hidden, concealed, or secret.

Paleontology- the study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times.
Panacea- A remedy claimed to be curative of all problems or disorders; a cure-all. From the Greek pan, & akos, meaning all-healing.
Pandemic- Prevalent, general, universal, geographically widespread. Epidemic over a wide geographical area; "a pandemic outbreak of malaria." Existing everywhere; "pandemic fear of nuclear war."
Panentheism- .
Pantheism- the pagan belief that God exists physically throughout creation. In trees, animals, people, etc.
Paradigm- A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.
Paradox- a statement which seems opposed to common sense or contradicts itself. A problematic situation. Antimony, dilemma.
Paragon- model or pattern of excellence. Paragon, quintessential
Parlance- way or manner of speaking in a discussion or debate; vernacular, idiom, legal parlance. Manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language.
Parse- to analyze a word or sentence in terms of grammatical constituents identifying the parts of speech, syntactic relations, inflectional form, etc.
Parsimonious- stingy, miserly, greedy, frugal, temperate, economical.
Passive- not reacting visibly to something that might be expected to produce manifestations of an emotion or feeling.
Pejorative- word or words having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling effect or force. To belittle or express disapproval.
Perspicuity- clearness & clarity that God used in transferring & giving the scripture understanding.
Phenomenological- subjective, sensationalistic, esoteric.
Phenomenon- An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses. Ant:noumenal.
Philosophy- the love of wisdom. From the Greek "philos," (love), and "sophia," (wisdom).
Placid- serene, tranquil, calm, peaceful.
Plenary- Complete in all respects (pertaining to the Bible). Unlimited or full.
Plethora- a superabundance or excess.
Poignant- (1) keenly distressing to the feelings; poignant regret. (2) keen or strong in mental appeal; a subject of poignant interest. (3) affecting or moving the emotions; a poignant scene. (4) pungent to the smell; poignant cooking odors. A poignant pain shooting down the neck. Exasperating.
Polemics- the art of refutation, controversy, or debate. From the Greek 'polemos' meaning war.
Polytheism- the belief in multiple Gods.
Pontificate- to express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way. To give an apologetic or defense; polemic.
Portentous- critical, significant, momentous, essential, supreme, prevalent, predominant, highest, rudimentary, fundamental.
Posit- to place, put, or set. Lay down or assume as a fact or principle; postulate, assumption. To put forward, as for consideration or study; suggest: Take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom; "He posited three basic laws of nature."
Postulate- To posit, suggest, make claim for, demand. To assume or assert the truth, reality, or necessity of, especially as a basis of an argument. Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted. Axiomatic.
Potentiality- the term in philosophy meaning a being has the abiltity to change. Unlike God who is immutable, humans have the potential for change. God is uncaused actuality who has no potentiality.
Practical- relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory, speculation, or ideas. Manifested in or involving practice. Can mean level-headed, efficient, and unspeculative.
Pragmatic- dealing or concerned with facts or actual occurrences; practical.
Precarious- perilous, menacing, dangerous, hazardous.
Precept- doctrine, tenet, belief, rule, principle, creed, teaching, motif.
Preclude- hinder, prevent, obstruct, omit, inhibit.
Predicate- prove or establish an argument based on the facts; deduce, corroborate.
Predilection- a partiality or preference in favor of something. Bias, presupposition, favoritism, premise.
Predominant- supreme, essential, prevalent, highest, rudimentary, paramount, fundamental, portentious, critical, significant.
Premise- predilection, bias, presupposition, assumption, presumption.
Preposterous- contradictory, unreasonable, inconsistent, absurd, irrational.
Prerequisite- essential, requirement, necessity.
Prerogative- an exclusive right, power, immunity, or privilege, etc., exercised by virtue of rank, office, or the like; the prerogatives of a Christian.
Presupposition- initial assumption upon which all thought and argument is based; predilection, presupposition.
Pretense- disguise, mask, deceit, fabrication, hoax.
Prevalent- ordinary, usual, common, familiar, universal, predominant.
Pristine- having its original purity; uncorrupted, unadulterated, undefiled, unpolluted, untouched, unused. Pertaining to the earliest period or condition; primitive excellent condition.
Process Theology- a form of panentheism that holds that God is infinite and constantly changing, having two poles or dimensions (bipolar).
Procreate- infanticate, beget, propagate, generate.
Progeny- 1) a descendant or offspring, as a child, plant, or animal. 2) Something that originates or results from something else.
Prolific- 1) producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful: a prolific pear tree. 2) Producing in large quantities or with great frequency. Highly productive: a prolific writer.
Propensity- leaning, proclivity, trend, drift, aim, inclination, bias, predisposition, tendency.
Proselytize- to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit. To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith, cause, political party, or to espouse one's doctrine. Proselyte; one who converts as such.
Prudence- discretion (wise self-restraint), foresight, forethought, circumspection (moral or social repercussion awareness). Careful management, good judgment, caution, wisdom, judicious, sapient.

Quagmire- stalemate, deadlock, dilemma, fix, quandary, impasse, standstill, entanglement.
Quell- hush, pacify, appease, suppress, silence, extinguish, assuage.
Quintessential- the pure and concentrated essence of a substance. The most perfect embodiment of something. Representing the perfect example of a class or quality, epitome.

Ramification- aftermath, effect, result, consequence, repercussion.
Recapitulate- to repeat in concise form, summarize.
Refute- to prove false or incorrect. To overthrow or dispute using evidence.To deny the accuracy or truth; exonerate, repudiate, clear, acquit, vindicate, defend, uphold, support, supplant.
Reiterate- to say, state, or perform again. Recaptulate, repeat.
Relative- something dependent upon external conditions for its specific nature, size, etc. Existing or having its specific nature only by relation to something else; not absolute or independent. Having relation or connection. Contingent.
Renunciation- the act of renouncing.
Replete- filled to satiation. Abundantly supplied and abounding. Copious, rife.
Repose- (1) to lie or rest on something. To depend on a person or a thing. The state of reposing or being at rest, sleep, peace, tranquillity, or calmness. (2) dignified calmness, as of manner; composure. (3) absence of movement, animation, etc.
Reprehensible- bringing or deserving severe rebuke, blame, punishment, or censure.
Repudiate- (1) to reject as having no authority or binding force. To repudiate a claim. (2) To cast off or disown; to repudiate a son. (3) To reject with disapproval or condemnation. To repudiate a new doctrine. (4) To reject with denial. To repudiate a charge as untrue. To refuse to pay an invalid debt. Disavow, disclaim, refute.
Reputable- honest, upright, reliable, trustworthy, scrupulous, respectful.
Repute- character, nature, standing, reputation, name.
Requisite- required or necessary for a particular purpose, position, etc. Necessary quality, thing, etc.
Rife- widespread, rampant, abundant, innumerable, replete, copious, prolific.
Rogue- criminal, outlaw, villian.
Ruminate- contemplate, reflect, meditate, cogitate, ponder, mull.

Sagacity- sapient, discretion, wisdom, foresight, intelligence, knowledge, prudence, age, fore-knowledge.
Sardonic- bitter, caustic, acrimonious, severe, harsh, austere.
Scrupulous- fastidious, principled, conscientious, exact, painstaking, meticulous, cautious, careful, circumspect. Having or showing a strict regard for what one considers right. Punctiliously or minutely careful, precise, or exact; a scrupulous performance.
Semantics- the study or science of meaning in language(s).
Senescence- the process of growing old and aging, senility, seniority.
Skepticism- the doctrine that absolute knowledge is impossible.
Sojourn- to stay in a place for a time; live temporarily. A temporary stay. A brief period of residence.
Sophistry- a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning. A false argument; sophism, sophistication, obscurantism. A deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone.
Solace- contentment, comfort, relief, rest, ease, peace, tranquility.
Somatic- material, physical, coporeal, bodily.
Soteriology- the study of the doctrine of Christian salvation.
Soul sleep- false teaching stating that man's soul lies dormant in the grave until it is joined with the resurrection body.
Staunch- faithful, true, reliable, loyal, devoted, avid.
Stipulate- require, demand. Prerequisite, mandate, requisite.
Stoicism- a philosophy that teaches being free from passion and passively accepting everything in life as inevidable.
Strawman- an argument or opponent set up so as to be easily refuted or defeated.
Subjective- taking place within, and relating to or proceeding from an individuals emotions or mind. Not physically or materially related.
Subjugate- To bring under control, to make subservient, to enslave, to put down by force or intimidation. To subject someone to something.
Subsistence- in Christian Theology, any of the three Persons of the Godhead constituting the Trinity predominantly the Person of Jesus Christ in which divine and human natures are united; hypostasis.
Subterfuge- an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc. Deception, scheme, trick, dodge, ruse. Something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity; "he wasn't sick--it was just a subterfuge". An artifice, artificial, bogus, sophistry, counterfeit, phony, facade, fake. To evade, escape, flee (fugutive) secretly by stealth," from subter "beneath".
Succinct- pithy, short, brief, cursory.
Supplant- overturn, overthrow, exonerate, refute, replace.
Surmise- believe, assume, presume, suppose.
Swoon Theory- false teaching basic to Islam that Jesus Christ was given narcotics while on the cross, faked his death, then was pulled off the cross while still alive and taken secretly away, while a replacement died in his place.
Synergistic- using sections of knowledge together to produce an enhanced effect. Using knowledge or ideas together so the total effect is greater than the sum of the two (or more). Ant. antagonistic.
Synthesis- the combination of thesis and antithesis in the Hegelian dialectical process whereby a new and higher level of truth is produced.
Synthetic- bogus, counterfeit, phony, facade, artificial, fake, feigned, forged, false, falsified.

Teleological Argument- the argument used in Theism to prove the existance of God by drawing attention to the precision and design of the created universe.
Temerity- recklessness, rashness, fool-hardiness, audacity, gall, nerve.
Tenable- correct, rational, logical, reasonable, sensible, logical, believable, acceptable.
Tenacious- persistent, unyielding, adamant, determined, obstinate, headstrong.
Theantropas- Greek word meaning "GodMan." Term forJesus Christ who possesses both a Divine nature and a human nature.
Theism- the belief in One God who created the world out of nothing, and who occasionally intervenes in His creation.
Theocentrism- the orthodox philosophy that states God is the Designer, Object, and center of all created things.
Theophany- a material or physical appearance of God. God taking on physical dimension.
Theoretical- restricted to theory. Not practical. Suppositional, hypothetical.
Thesis- the first stage of the Hegelian dialectic process. An unproven statement put forward as a premise in an argument.
Transcendent- term describing God's nature whereby God exists beyond the earth, heavens, and time.
Trichotomy- division into three usually contradictory parts or opinions.
Trinity- the belief in One God (monotheism) who reveals Himself in 3 distinct Persons; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (trinitarianism).
Tritheism- the heretical belief that the Bible teaches there are 3 Gods.
Truncate- shorten, prune, curtail, summarize, abbreviate.
Teleological Tutelage- the act of guarding, protecting, or guiding. Instruction, teaching, guidance, direction, supervision, tutoring, coaching. The state of being under a tutor.
Transmute- To change from one nature, form, substance, or state into another; to transform. To undergo transmutation. From trans- "across" + mutare, "to change."

Ubiquitous- existing or being everywhere, esp. at the same time; omnipresent.
Unadulterated- genuine, immaculate, clean, spotless, pure, unstained, pristine.
Unfeigned- not pretended. Genuine, true. (Her feelings for the poor were unfeigned.) Feigned.
Universe- from uni or unit meaning "one." And verse meaning "sentence." Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." God made the worlds in one sentence.
Univocal- admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding. Having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion. Explicit, unambiguous.
Utopian- perfect, ideal, exemplary, faultless.

Vacillate- oscillate, hesitate, undulate, fluctuate, vary, waver, ambivalent, arbitrary, capricious.
Veracity- conformity to truth or fact; accuracy or correctness: to question the veracity of his account. Something veracious; a truth; truthful, factual, correctness, verity.
Verbatim- to repeat word for word. To quote.
Verbose- characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy. Voluble, chatty, talkative, glib, loquatious, communicative.
Vernacular- (of language) native or indigenous. 2) the native speech or language of a place. 3) the language or vocabulary peculiar to a class or profession, idiomatic.
Vicariously- performed, exercised, received, or suffered, in place of another; vicarious punishment. Taking the place of another person or thing. Acting or serving as a substitute. Substitutionary.
Vice- ungodliness, corruption, immorality, sin, depravity, evil, iniquity, ludeness, perversion.
Vindicate- clear, refute, defend, uphold, support, exonerate, absolve from suspicion, doubt, or blame.
Virtual- (1) simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't really there. An imaginative child's doll may be a virtual playmate. (2) Existing or resulting in essence or effect though not in actual fact, form, or name; the virtual extinction of the buffalo; the temple lay in virtual ruin; we are virtually dependent on charity.
Vitiate- 1) to impair the quality of; make faulty; spoil. 2) to impair or weaken the effectiveness of. 3) to debase; corrupt; pervert. 4) to make legally defective or invalid; invalidate: to vitiate a claim.

Wily- cunning, sly, crafty, slick.
Word-Faith- the teaching that faith is a force, and spoken words are the containers of the force of faith. By a positive confession one activates the positive side of the force of faith, and by a negative confession one activates the negative side of the force of faith. Word-Faith teaches that God operates by faith and since man is a little God, he to controls his destiny by the words he speaks.

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