(Encyclopedia) atonement, the reconciliation, or “at-one-ment,” of sinful humanity with God. In Judaism both the Bible and rabbinical thought reflect the belief that God's chosen people must be pure…
(Encyclopedia) acrostic acrostic əkrŏˈstĭk [key], arrangement of words or lines in which a series of initial, final, or other corresponding letters, when taken together,…
(Encyclopedia) prodigal son, in the New Testament, parable of Jesus about heaven and the sinner who repents. A young man leaves home and becomes a wastrel; repentant, he returns to be received with…
The start of the Christmas season
by Holly Hartman Want to know what day Advent begins next year? Use the perpetual calendar. The Advent wreath is a symbol of ongoing life…
(Encyclopedia) Lainez, DiegoLainez, Diegodēāˈgō līnĕthˈ [key], 1512–65, Spanish theologian, leader of the Counter Reformation; general of the Society of Jesus. He was one of the small band that…
(Encyclopedia) Hinckley, Gordon Bitner, 1910–2008, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons; see Latter-day Saints, Church of Jesus Christ of), b. Salt Lake City, grad. Univ…
(Encyclopedia) EpiphanyEpiphanyĭpĭfˈənē [key] [Gr.,=showing], a prime Christian feast, celebrated Jan. 6, called also Twelfth Day or Little Christmas. Its eve is Twelfth Night. It commemorates three…
(Encyclopedia) Second Shepherds' Play, an English miracle play by the Wakefield Master (fl. 1425–50). The play portrays the adoration of Jesus by the shepherds. It is noteworthy for its introduction…
(Encyclopedia) Theresa or Teresa, Saint (Theresa of Ávila)Theresa or Teresa, Saintboth: tĭrēˈsə, –zə [key], 1515–82, Spanish Carmelite nun, Doctor of the Church, one of the principal saints of the…
