Atonement

The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, describing how humanity is reconciled to God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term itself implies “at-one-ment,” the restoration of a broken relationship, and addresses the problem of sin that alienates humanity from God. Atonement answers the question of how justice and mercy can coexist—how God, in his holiness, deals with sin while extending grace to sinners. Through the cross, Jesus bore the consequences of sin, offering himself as a sacrifice on behalf of humanity. Theories of atonement, such as substitutionary atonement, Christus Victor, moral influence etc., provide different perspectives on how this redemptive act achieves reconciliation. At its heart, though, atonement demonstrates the depth of God’s love and the lengths to which he goes to restore his creation, making possible the renewal of relationships between God, humanity, and the world.

Bible

See entry under Scripture.

biblical theology

The study of the themes, narratives, and teachings that emerge throughout the Bible, tracing how God’s revelation unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. It focuses on understanding the distinct message of each biblical book while also exploring how these messages interconnect to reveal a unified story of God’s relationship with humanity. Unlike systematic theology, which organises beliefs by topics, biblical theology stays close to the text to illuminate its original meaning and context, making it a valuable tool for grasping the Bible’s overall message in an accessible way.

Charismatic

In Christianity, the term charismatic generally refers to a movement that emphasises the ongoing work and gifts of the Holy Spirit, including prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues, and other manifestations of spiritual power. While rooted in the early 20th-century Pentecostal revival, the charismatic movement, in the mid-20th century, spread across many denominations, influencing Catholic, Anglican, and mainline Protestant churches. Charismatic Christians seek a personal, experiential relationship with the Spirit, often expressed in lively worship, spontaneous prayer, and an openness to God’s immediate guidance. The movement has inspired profound spiritual renewal and deep devotion, but it has also faced criticism for emotionalism, excess, or practices that can obscure the Spirit’s true work. For those seeking further study, start at Christianity.com or biblehub.com.

Covenant

A covenant is a relationship established through a binding agreement. In the unfolding plan of God revealed in the story of the Bible, the practice of covenant making in the ancient world is used to show something of the nature of God’s relationship with people. God binds himself to people, promising them blessings but also requiring commitment and loyalty from them. These covenants are not negotiated agreements or treaties between equals but are initiated by God as their Lord. They are usually sealed in blood in some way to show the seriousness of the bond. The relationships are also partnerships in taking forward the purpose of God. There are several covenants that God makes with people in the OT and they all, in different ways, point and lead to the new covenant mediated by Christ through his own blood. See my longer article on covenant here, written for The Bible Tour. Also, see this excellent video from the Bible Project. For a much longer and more academic introduction to covenant see this article from Baker’s Dictionary of Biblical Theology.

Dominion Theology

Dominion theology (or dominionism) is the belief that Christians are called not only to influence the world but to bring all areas of life—government, education, media, law, and culture—under the authority of God’s rule. It is based on a particular reading of Genesis 1:28, where God commands humanity to “have dominion” over the earth. Some forms of dominionism teach that establishing God’s kingdom on earth is a responsibility of the Church before Christ returns. While many Christians believe in engaging culture with gospel values, dominion theology goes further, often advocating for explicitly Christian control of public institutions. Critics argue that it can blur the line between church and state and risk imposing a narrow interpretation of Christianity on a pluralistic society.

election

Election, in Christian theology, refers to the belief that God, in his sovereign grace, chooses certain individuals or groups for a special relationship with him, particularly in matters of salvation. This doctrine has been understood in various ways: some traditions, notably within Reformed theology, teach that election is unconditional—God’s choice is based solely on his divine will and not on any foreseen merit or action in the individual. Others, such as Arminian perspectives, view it as conditional, based on God’s foreknowledge of who will choose to embrace the gospel. More recently, some theologians have suggested that election should be thought of as corporate and vocational. Corporate means that it refers to all those who are included in the people of God. In the new covenant, this includes all those who are ‘in Christ’. Vocational means that election refers not to those who are saved but to those who are chosen for the mission (or vocation) of proclaiming the gospel of salvation. Despite these differences, the concept of election reminds us that salvation comes from God’s gracious initiative rather than human effort, inviting believers to trust in his purposeful and loving plan.

evangelical

Evangelicalism is a worldwide and diverse movement within the Protestant tradition of Christianity and which includes many individuals, churches and organisations. The word evangelical comes from the Greek word ‘evangel’ which means gospel. An evangelical is committed to believing and proclaiming the Christian gospel. They especially emphasise the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our salvation; the need for individuals to personally put their faith in this and to consequently experience conversion, or be ‘born again; the importance of accepting the inspiration and authority of the Bible; and the importance of proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel in word (evangelism) and deed (social reform). For a fuller explanation from a US perspective see here and from a UK perspective see here. For a more global perspective see here (current problem with link to website).

exegesis

This refers to the process of critically interpreting a biblical text to uncover its intended meaning in its original historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. By analysing grammar, vocabulary, and background information, exegesis aims to draw meaning out of the text (rather than read meaning into it), helping readers understand the author’s purpose and message. This careful, methodical approach is foundational in theological study, guiding both scholars and laypeople to handle Scripture accurately and apply its truths faithfully.

exposition

The methodical interpretation and explanation of Scripture, aiming to uncover the original meaning intended by the author and apply it to contemporary contexts. This process involves a deep engagement with the text, considering its historical, cultural, literary, and linguistic backgrounds but then explaining the application of its message in accessible ways. Expositional preaching, teaching or writing ensures that the message conveyed aligns closely with the message of the biblical passage, allowing the text to guide the content and purpose of the sermon or writing. This approach emphasises faithfulness to the Scripture, making its truths clear and relevant to the audience.