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Introduction: Glossary of Terms

Writer's picture: Bradley SliedrechtBradley Sliedrecht

The Bible Study Leaders Manual is available on Amazon.


Introduction

This document contains two glossaries: one simplified for new Bible students and another theological for advanced Bible students. Both glossaries explain the same concepts, but the simplified glossary is designed to make these ideas easier to understand for those who are just starting their Bible study journey. The theological glossary introduces terms commonly used by Bible teachers, offering a deeper look into the same topics.


If you find the theological glossary challenging, don’t panic! You can rely on the simplified glossary to grasp the essential meanings. Over time, comparing the two glossaries will help you become familiar with the terminology often used in advanced biblical discussions.


Simplified Glossary

1. Hermeneutics

  • Definition: The method of studying and understanding the Bible.

  • Relevance: Helps us read Scripture correctly, understanding what it really says instead of adding our own ideas.


2. Prosperity Theology

  • Definition: A belief that God promises wealth and health if we have enough faith, speak positively, or give money.

  • Relevance: Helps us recognize false teachings that misuse the Bible.


3. Narrative

  • Definition: A story in the Bible that shows how God worked through people and events.

  • Relevance: Reminds us to focus on the story’s lessons instead of treating it as a direct command.


4. Tithe

  • Definition: Giving 10% of your income, as practiced in the Old Testament.

  • Relevance: Helps us understand its biblical background and avoid misusing it as a promise of blessings.


5. Historical-Cultural Context

  • Definition: The customs, culture, and history of Bible times.

  • Relevance: Helps us understand what the Bible meant to its original audience.


6. Literary Context

  • Definition: The surrounding text and its connection to the bigger story.

  • Relevance: Keeps us from misunderstanding by taking verses out of context.


7. Theological Context

  • Definition: How a Bible passage fits into the overall message of the Bible.

  • Relevance: Ensures we see the big picture of God’s plan for salvation.


8. Genre

  • Definition: The type of writing in the Bible, like poetry, history, or letters.

  • Relevance: Guides us in reading and understanding each type of writing correctly.


9. Positive Confession

  • Definition: Believing that saying certain things can make them happen.

  • Relevance: Warns us against misinterpreting Bible verses about our words.


10. Canonical Context

  • Definition: Understanding a verse in light of the whole Bible.

  • Relevance: Helps us see how all parts of the Bible work together.


11. Application

  • Definition: Living out what the Bible teaches in daily life.

  • Relevance: Makes the Bible practical and meaningful for today.


12. Proof-texting

  • Definition: Picking a Bible verse to prove a point without looking at its context.

  • Relevance: Helps us avoid twisting Scripture to fit our ideas.

_____________________


Theological Glossary

1. Hermeneutics

  • Definition: The art and science of interpreting the Bible to understand its original meaning and apply it accurately.

  • Relevance: Forms the foundation for studying Scripture contextually and avoiding misinterpretation.


2. Prosperity Theology

  • Definition: A belief system teaching that faith, positive confession, and giving will guarantee material wealth and physical health. Also known as the "health and wealth gospel."

  • Relevance: Central to the lesson as it highlights the dangers of misusing Scripture.


3. Narrative

  • Definition: A literary genre that tells a story, often conveying theological truths through events and characters.

  • Relevance: Requires careful interpretation to understand the intended message rather than drawing direct applications.


4. Tithe

  • Definition: A tenth of one's income, given as an offering. In the Old Testament, it was commanded as part of Israel’s covenant obligations.

  • Relevance: Often misapplied in Prosperity Theology to promise material blessings.


5. Historical-Cultural Context

  • Definition: The social, political, cultural, and historical background in which a biblical text was written.

  • Relevance: Helps uncover the original audience’s understanding of Scripture.


6. Literary Context

  • Definition: The placement of a passage within the surrounding text and its relationship to the broader narrative or argument.

  • Relevance: Ensures accurate interpretation by avoiding isolated readings of Scripture.


7. Theological Context

  • Definition: The relationship of a passage to the overarching message of the Bible, particularly God’s redemptive plan.

  • Relevance: Prevents doctrinal errors by aligning individual texts with biblical theology.


8. Genre

  • Definition: A category of literature (e.g., poetry, prophecy, epistle, narrative) that determines how a text should be interpreted.

  • Relevance: Different genres require distinct interpretive methods.


9. Positive Confession

  • Definition: The belief that spoken words have the power to shape reality, often linked to Prosperity Theology.

  • Relevance: Frequently misapplies verses like Proverbs 18:21.


10. Canonical Context

  • Definition: Understanding a passage in light of the entire Bible, recognizing Scripture’s unity and coherence.

  • Relevance: Scripture interprets Scripture, providing clarity and consistency.


11. Application

  • Definition: The process of applying biblical truths to modern life in a way that aligns with the text’s original meaning.

  • Relevance: Ensures Scripture is lived out faithfully.


12. Proof-texting

  • Definition: Using isolated verses to support preconceived ideas without considering context.

  • Relevance: A common error in Prosperity Theology.


Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht | Faith, Finances, and True Prosperity Bible Study Series

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