This article defines the doctrinal concepts of ‘preexistence’ and ‘incarnation’ as they are applied to Jesus Christ. It explores the doctrine of the incarnation in Christian scripture as it was interpreted by the first seven ecumenical councils of the ancient church. It argues that these ...
After tracing the evolution in meaning of the Greek word hairesis from ‘choice’ to ‘false belief’, this entry examines the criteria according to which a belief was judged to be heretical, either by particular controversialists or by bodies which purported to legislate on behalf of the Chris...
Ecumenism refers to the wide and multifaceted movement to advance Christian fellowship and the unity of the church. The contemporary ecumenical movement was preceded by nineteenth-century missionary and youth movements mobilizing Christians from various church backgrounds. Ecumenical pray...