User:SkyWriter/GlossaryArchive2

Glossary Tables

The following sets of tables list terms that can sometimes be understood differently by Christians and Jews. Since Wikipedia articles are written for a universal audience, and not just a single group, it is helpful for editors to be aware of possible misdirection of terms, and to seek, when possible unambiguous language. The following definitions are not to be understood as statements of ultimate truth, but examples of perceived meanings in each group, followed by unambiguous synonyms.

The glossary is in alphabetical order, and the groups are listed in alphabetical order.

A-D

Term	possible Christian perception	possible Jewish perception	Unambiguous Terms
Apostasy	The complete and voluntary abandonment of Christian faith whether by embracing another religion or embracing a secular philosophy incompatible with Christian faith. Theoretically impossible for a "saved" person according to the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, but possible in an Arminian doctrinal system.	(1) rebellion against God and Torah and/or desertion of the faith of Israel; does not necessarily mean the adoption of a competing religion. The term acquired strongly negative connotations in the Middle Ages when a number of prominent baptized Jews publicly maligned Judaism and facilitated persecution of Jews. (2) Jews converting to another religion and persons of Jewish parentage raised within another religion Apostasy to Christianity or "Messianic Judaism" is considered idolatry. See Jews in apostasy.	1) Apostasy (when speaking only in terms of the religion being left). 2) Conversion (when also addressing a receiving religion). That is, in an article about only Christianity or Judaism, “Apostate” is unambiguous. But in an article addressing more than one religion, an “Apostate” from one religion could be a “Convert” to the other.
Antichrist	As a description, "antichrists" are anyone who denies that Jesus is the Messiah or Christ. As a title, "The Antichrist" is associated with the "False Prophet," a king or leader who makes the world worship "The Beast" and take its mark of 666, beheading others who refuse. He is then defeated by Jesus at the Second Coming. Among Christians there has been much speculation about his true identity.	Unused term (see Failed Messiah). The closest equivalent to an antagonistic future world power can be found in speculative writings about a future persecutor described by Saadia Gaon as “Armilus.”	Antichrist (when speaking in a Christian context). The term “Anti-Messiah,” however, could misdirect readers.
Atonement hilasterion selichah mechilah kapparah	(1) the work of Christ; the benefits of Christ received by believers on account of his death and resurrection. (2) the action by which God and the world are reconciled or made one. This is accomplished through Christ's satisfaction for all offense or injury to God. The specific method by which Christ accomplishes this has been a subject of long term debate among Christians.	Reconciliation or unification of two estranged parties. The concept has roots in the offering of sacrifices and the provision of ransom. However, the Biblical prophetic tradition and all later Jewish tradition has understood atonement as the process by which a person estranged from God is reconciled with God. Through this process a person experiences full regeneration and renewal of his or her original unbroken relationship with God. Jewish tradition recognizes a number of different actions and attitudes that have the power to effect this reconciliation and regeneration of spirit: teshuva (repentance), avodah (heartfelt prayer), tzedakah(charity), fasting, the experience of suffering, and the study of Torah. These actions can effect atonement because God is merciful in nature and desires reconciliation more than vengeance or punishment.	Atonement (but not to be used as a synonym for sacrifice).
Avodah zarah	Unknown Term. (cf Idolatry)	Strange Worship / Idolatry. Forbidden for both Jews (as a violation of Torah) and Gentiles (as a violation of the seven Noahide Laws). There is a matter of dispute between Jewish authorities over whether Christianity is idolatry for non-Jews however, Orthodox Jewish authorities hold that regardless of its permissibility for Gentiles, it is considered idolatry for Jews, even if they profess themselves to be Christian or "Messianic".	Idolatry (the term Avodah Zara is not understood by most non-Jews).
Brit Chadasha	Unknown term.	New Covenant between God and Israel. Understood as applied in Jeremiah 31 to the end of time when the covenant at Sinai is reconfirmed.	New Covenant (the term Brit Chadasha is not understood by most non-Jews).
Chosen	1) Covenantal view: those with a saving faith in Jesus Christ who are individually elected to believe. 2) Dispensationalistic view: Israel (although this does not translate into a belief that Jews are “saved”). 3) Dual covenant view: Israel (and this does translate into a belief that Jews are “saved.”)	Phrase indicating that Jews have been chosen to fulfill a mission of proclaiming God's truth among the nations. Implies a greater level of responsibility. Does not imply any form of superiority.	Chosen (when speaking of the view each group has of itself, and not as an absolute term).
Christ	The Christian Messiah Jesus.	Septuagint translation of the Hebrew word Mashiach (anointed one). Used solely by Christians to describe Jesus of Nazareth.	1) Christ (when speaking in Christian terms). 2) Messiah (when speaking in absolute terms). That is, the statement “Jews and Christians believe they will one day agree who the true Christ is” is presumptive toward Christianity and not NPOV.
Christians	Self identification of people who believe in Jesus Christ, the majority of whom will hold a standard of belief in general agreement with the Nicene Creed, regardless of ethnic background.	People (presumed to be Gentiles) who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of doctrinal content.	1) Christians (when speaking of the self identified group, regardless of ethnic background). 2) Gentiles (if the presumption in a Jewish context could create confusion in a mixed audience, such as: "although Trinitarianism constituted idolatry for Jews, it did not for Christians" i.e. Gentiles).
Christian Bible	1) Protestants: the Old and New Testaments. 2) Roman Catholics include the Deuterocanonical books. 3) Eastern Orthodox include the Anagignoskomena of the Septuagint.	Books added by Christians to Tanakh to create their Bible	1) Protestant Bible (when meaning the Old and New Testaments). 2) Catholic Bible (when also including the basic Apocrypha). 3) Eastern Orthodox Bible (when also including the expanded Apocrypha). 4) New Testament (when only speaking of the New Testament). NOTE: this is primarily a Jewish term, since Christians normally call their own Bible with the simple term "the Bible."
Covenant (biblical) b'rit	Any of the biblically defined relationships between God and his people, unilateral or bilateral. Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism are highly regarded, but idiosyncratic, versions of this thinking. Covenant theology sees all Dispensations as expressions of a single relationship. Dispensationalist theology sees all Covenants as expressions of multiple, successive, relationships. Dual Covenant theology sees Jewish and Christian Covenants as parallel relationships with God. "B'rit" is a familiar term to adherents of British Israelism.	The biblical covenants, especially Sinai.	Covenant (in context of a religion’s self understanding, and not in an absolute sense).
Cross	The wooden structure used for the crucifixion of Jesus. The symbol of Christianity.	A wooden structure used by the Romans to inflict slow, painful, public death, for example after the Third Servile War, 6,000 rebel slaves were crucified along the road between Rome and Capua. The Christian use of the cross as a symbol resulted in the symbol being associated with hundreds of years of persecution.
Deicide	God-killing, historically used against the Jews, see also Responsibility for the death of Jesus. Considered Anti-Semitic by some Christians when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Jesus portrayed in the NT.	Considered Anti-Semitic when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Jesus portrayed in the NT.

E-J

Term	possible Christian perception	possible Jewish perception	Unambiguous Terms
Elect	People with a saving faith in Jesus Christ, either 1) individually elected to believe (classical Calvinism, Arminianism, Roman Catholicism) or 2) corporately elected by being in the body of believers (Pelagianism, Dispensationalism).	Unusual word for “Chosen.”
False Messiah	Associated with False Christs, the Antichrist, and those claiming to be Jesus.	One who claims to be the Messiah (or others claim to be the Messiah) and fails to rebuild the temple, gather all Jews to Israel, set up worldwide peace, and bring knowledge of God to entire world. Commonly held examples are Jesus, Bar Kochba, Shabbatai Z’vi, and Menachem Schneerson, see also Jewish Messiah claimants. Jesus is associated with the opposite of Messianic expectations (his biography is close in time to the destruction of the temple, the scattering of Jews from Israel, catastrophic war, and the founding of a religion that has sometimes been hostile to Jews).
Faith	A prerequisite for entering the Christian covenant (i.e. state of salvation). Cannot be produced without the Holy Spirit.	Not a prerequisite for entering the Mosaic or Noachide covenant, but a response to God. A reliance that God will do as He promised, which enables and encourages His faithful to do the same in return.
God	Triune God: The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit in single essence. This is not a compound unity; each personal dimension is fully God. This is not modalism; God is always Father, Son, and Spirit. This is not tritheism; there is only One God and not two or three. God relates to His faithful as a distant Judge (Father), an ever present Love and Help (Son), and an invisible inspiration (Spirit) – but it is the same God being experienced .	One God: single Infinite Person who is a distant Judge, an ever present Love and Help, and an invisible inspiration – with the multiplicity of experiences being a reflection of mortal limitations, and not of God’s infinite nature. However, Jews do sometimes speak of this single God in different ways: Elohim (when thinking of judgment), the Divine Name (when thinking of mercy). Also, God is seen both in masculine ways (judgment) and feminine ways (shekinah, mercy).
Gospel	1) the Good News (Greek: Eu-angellion, good-message). Evangelism is bringing someone the Good News of Jesus. Acceptance or belief in the good news essential to becoming a Christian. 2) one of the four books in the New Testament about the life of Jesus. 3) Colloquially, something absolutely certain and trustworthy ("it's the gospel truth!").	1) one of the four books in the Christian Scriptures (i.e. New Testament) about Jesus. 2) Something a Christian is preaching.
Grace	charis: Unmerited favor, and the basis of God's mercy (i.e. if "mercy" were earned, it would be unnecessary).	(1) Birchat HaMazon - a prayer of thanks after eating (2) Chen/Chanun - gracefulness, charm (3) Chesed - mercy (4) Rachamim/Rachum - loving kindness kindness.
HaShem	Unknown term. The Christian equivalent to the Jewish concept is the use of “GOD” or “LORD” when translating the Divine Name. Although sometimes accused of being a “Jewish superstition” (see articles on the American Standard Version and the New World Translation), the Christian practice is based on New Testament translation of the Divine Name in quotations of the Hebrew Bible as kyrios (Lord) or theos (God). The justification is that there are no other gods to distinguish God from, and use of the name is redundant.	Literally “The Name” as a substitute for the Divine Name when not in prayer. When in prayer, “Adonai” (my lord) is substituted. The practice is based on the commandment to “not take the name of the LORD in vain”. If the Divine Name is not used in general practice, it will not be taken in vain. Historically the use was reserved for the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. Tetragrammaton.
Hebrew Bible	Old Testament	Tanakh, specifically the Masoretic Text
Hebrew Christians	Generally an unused term, instead: Jewish Christians or Messianic Jews.	Members of a Christian group who may or may not be Jewish, but who use claims of Jewish identity as a means to convince Jews to convert to Christianity.
Hell	Place of eternal punishment, Lake of Fire or "outer darkness." Roman Catholics also believe in Purgatory which is temporary punishment for those already destined for Heaven.	Gehenna is a place of purification for sinners that usually lasts up to a year, though some extremely wicked people may simply cease to exist after that time as Judaism does not typically promote the idea of eternal torment. Similar to Catholic purgatory, prayer from loved ones may speed and ease the process. Sometimes Gehinnom is seen below the earth, sometimes above, sometimes wholly distant.
Holy Spirit	1) 3rd person of the Triune God, 2) the influence (spirit / wind) of God.	Term generally not used. (1) English translation for Ruach HaKodesh in the Tanakh. (2) Circumlocution for biblical terms Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God) and Ruach YHWH (Spirit of the LORD) in Talmud and Midrash. Conceived as something distinct from God, associated with noise and light, and speaks in both a feminine and masculine voice. Dwells in generation in proportion to its worthiness. The books of the bible are the visible result of its activity. The gift of prophesy is a sign of its presence.
Hosanna	Term shouted by the crowds to Jesus in Matthew 21:9 as they waved palm branches just before Passover in the spring	"part of the Hallel ... familiar to everyone in Israel." A petition for deliverance spoken as branches are waved during Sukkot in the fall
Idolatry	Generally used against Paganism or non-Abrahamic religions. The worship of multiple beings, or a physical representation of a being, even if that representation were monotheistic.	See Avodah Zara
Jesus	Latinized and Anglicized transliteration of Koine Greek Ίησους (elsewhere translated: Joshua). The Christian Messiah.	The Greco-Anglicized form of the name Yehoshua, or its shortened form Yeshua, claimed by Christians to be a deity. The Christian Messiah.
Jews	1) The Biblical Israelites. 2) People who practice Judaism with or without belief in Jesus.	People who were born Jewish or had a valid conversion to Judaism. Note: valid converts are treated as if they are naturally born Jewish -- even if they later convert to another religion.
Judaizers	Early Christians opposed by Paul, and modern Christians who try to pressure Gentile Christians to more fully observe Torah.	Christians who adopt some Jewish customs for missionary purposes or a slur against Jewish practice in general.

K-P

Term	possible Christian perception	possible Jewish perception	Unambiguous Terms
Messiah	Christ, Divine, God the Son, eternal king who saves sinners from sin and will judge the living and the dead at the end of time.	Future king who will rebuild the temple, gather all Jews to Israel, set up worldwide peace, and bring knowledge of God to entire world.
Messianic…	Jewish Christians who believe in Jesus, whether or not they worship in Judaic ways.	Having to do with the Messiah.
Messianic Gentiles	Generally an unused term: Christians	Generally an unused term: Christians
Messianic Jews	Messianics / Christians	Members of a Christian group who may or may not be Jewish, but who use claims of Jewish identity as a means to convince Jews to convert to Christianity.
New Testament	The Christian 27-books of Matthew through Revelation, the Greek Orthodox use the term Καινή Διαθήκη.	Term for the Christian books of Matthew through Revelation that implies the Tanakh has been replaced or relegated to a lesser status. Jews often use the term "Christian Scriptures" or “Christian Bible” (see entry for Christian Bible)
Olam HaBa	See entry for Heaven	The world to come. Speculations are that (with very few exceptions) "all Israel has a share in the world to come." Also, "the righteous of all nations have a share in the world to come."
Old Testament	Protestant: The books of the Hebrew Bible; Roman Catholic include the Deuterocanonicals; Greek Orthodox: Septuagint, see also Template:Books of the Old Testament.	Dismissive term for the Tanakh, implying that it has been replaced.
Paul the Apostle	"The Apostle". Pharisee who converted to Christianity. Understood as an expert scholar in Pharisaic Judaism, "Apostle to the Gentiles".	Hellenistic theological founder of Christianity. Understood as being generally ignorant of Judaism.
Pentecost	The day the Holy Spirit descended on the Church.	Greek term for Shavuot.
Pharisees	A first century Jewish sect depicted in the N.T. as self-righteous, see also Woes of the Pharisees. The term is generally negative in common English usage.	Predecessors of Rabbinic Judaism, such as Hillel the Elder.

Q-S

Term	possible Christian perception	possible Jewish perception	Unambiguous Terms
Rabbinic	Teachings of and related to rabbis.	The body of Rabbis in the 1st to 4th centuries C.E. who created the Talmud. Although there are "Rabbis" in modern Judaism, the self identification is "Judaism" and not "Rabbinic Judaism".
Redemption ge'ulah	Christ's sacrifice and intercession for human salvation. Various theologies of redemption within Christian denominations.	A recurrent theme in the Hebrew Bible, especially in respect to land and liberty, underscoring the lasting dignity of individuals and families within the community of Israel. Hebrews could not be kept in debt slavery, nor could family land be sold (rather rented). Guaranteeing the inheritance of future generations. God will bring the ge'ulah through His messiah, which will redeem the Jewish People from exile and oppression. A go'el is the person who is the vehicle of ge'ulah.
Religious	A state of belief or practice.	A state of practice according to halakhic standards.
Sabbath	1) Sunday (for first-day Sabbatarians). 2) Saturday (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, for seventh-day Sabbatarians).	Saturday (Friday sundown until nightfall on Saturday), the day of rest.	First-day Sabbath, Seventh-day Sabbath, Shabbat.
Saint Peter	Apostle. Name given to Simon by Jesus, meaning “Rock.” The New Testament sometimes uses the Aramaic equivalent of Cephas (also meaning “Rock”). See also Primacy of Simon Peter.	Christian Apostle.
Salvation	1) Redemption from the penalty of sin (hell). 2) Redemption from the bondage to sin (transformed life)	Not a commonly used term. Since Judaism lacks a concept of Original Sin, there is no use of the term for redemption from the bondage to sin. However, the term is sometimes used in reference to inheritance of the world to come.
Satan	The serpent who tempted Adam and Eve and deceives the world into sin, and fallen angel Lucifer also called the Devil. Defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire before the Final Judgment of humanity. Note: Calvinists see Satan as a tool of God, and not as a rival power (compare Jewish view).	1) Any enemy or accuser (in Job, an angel; in the garden, the serpent; in human relations, any enemy), 2) The embodiment of Yetzer HaRa. Note: Unlike the Christian perception of a rebellious angel, Satan does God's work by revealing hidden character flaws in humans so they may be improved upon in order to strengthen desire to avoid evil and embrace goodness.
Second Coming	The return of Jesus to earth from heaven, to fulfil the rest of Messianic prophecy such as the Resurrection of the dead, last judgment, and full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth including the Messianic Age. Christians believe Jesus is the prophesied Suffering Servant who is wrongly rejected the first time, thus Christians view the failure to establish Jesus as Messiah as not being his own failure, but of those who refuse to follow him.	Judaism waits for the coming of the Jewish messiah. In the Jewish view there is only one "coming," and a messianic candidate is considered to be a Failed Messiah if he dies before accomplishing his mission. Judaism rejects that Jesus is the "Suffering Servant" and does not view that prophecy as justification for his failed first attempt of being Messiah.
Seven Laws of Noah	Generally unknown, except to students of the Council of Jerusalem, see also Biblical law in Christianity	Teachings of God applicable to all humanity.
Shema Yisrael	Generally unknown, biblical term used by Jesus, translated "Hear O Israel ..." (Mark 12:28–34).	Considered the most important prayer in Judaism, and its twice-daily recitation is a mitzvah (religious commandment).
Shituf	Unknown term. See Arianism "There is in the Divine Being but one indivisible essence." "The whole undivided essence of God belongs equally to each of the three persons."	Worship of deities other than God along with God. There are varying views amongst the rabbis as to whether this is considered idolatry for non-Jews. The dominant view is that it is not. However, the unanimous view is that constitutes idolatry for Jews, even if they self-identify as Christian or "Messianic".
Sin	Both an action and a state. Humankind commit sins because of being born sinful. The measure is against the sinless perfection of Christ. According to 1 John 3:4, "sin is lawlessness."	Acting in a way that has been forbidden by God, or refusing to act in a way commanded by God. Transgressing against God's commandments. An action, and not a state, and something which may be corrected through repentance.
Sin, Original	Catholic term, rarely used elsewhere. The state of sinfulness that humankind are born into, making the human condition imperfect, prone to sin, and unworthy to be in the presence of a sinless God.	Not a Jewish term. Known as a Christian idea that people are born inherently with sin.
Sin, Unforgivable	Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable (Mark 3:28–29).	Any sin (transgression of the torah) is forgivable by God.
Son of God	A biblical title of Jesus that expresses divinity.	A biblical phrase applied to angels or demigods (see Sons of God) or to the ideal King of Israel or to human beings in general. "Yet the term by no means carries the idea of physical descent from, and essential unity with, God the Father."
Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)	The Passion	Israel
Supersessionism	The New Covenant between God and Christianity supersedes the Mosaic Covenant between God and Israel.	Cultural imperialism

T-Z

Term	possible Christian perception	possible Jewish perception	Unambiguous Terms
Tanakh	In missionary work, used instead of the term "Old Testament."	An acronym for Torah—Neviim—Kethuvim, i.e. T—N—K, i.e. TaNaKh.
Testament	Latin term adopted for the two parts of the Christian Bible, attributed to Tertullian but some propose Marcion	Christian term
Torah	The Laws of Moses or Pentateuch.	The teaching, both oral and written, received by Moses from God on the Biblical Mount Sinai.
Trinity	One God in three Hypostases. Not a partnership or compound unity. Each “person” (the common, but inaccurate, English term) is fully God.	See Shittuf.
Tzitzit	Generally unknown, but scholars think Jesus wore the Tzitzit, see also Christianity and fringed garments	One of the 613 Mitzvot: Tassels worn on the corner of a garment.
The Word	1) Christ the Logos -- the eternal Word, Principle, of God. Foundation for all existence. Enfleshed in the person of Jesus Christ. 2) The Bible.	Not a normally used term. The Torah -- the eternal Word, Principle of God. Foundation for all existence.
Works	Good and evil deeds, performance of Christian religious rituals, or observance of Jewish Torah. Major source of division between Catholics and Protestants regarding salvation: Catholics teach Faith and Works, see Epistle of James and The Sheep and the Goats, while Protestants teach Faith Alone. See also Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, Legalism (theology), Covenantal nomism.	Performing mitzvot, or God's commandments, are encouraged to be an expression of an existing relationship and Covenant with God, and not an attempt to obtain one.
Yeshua	Understood by some Christians as a Hebraic synonym for Jesus.	Word for “salvation” used in many prayers. Also a common name for Jews, and related to “Joshua.” Used without a Christian context, will not be associated with “Jesus”.
Yetzer HaRa	Unknown term.	Literally “Evil Inclination.” A part of human nature, which is most commonly understood as a tendency to commit wrongful acts. It is not viewed as a state of being, but as one of two competing tendencies (good and bad). Understood as the animal nature, responsible for desires to eat, procreate, etc. There would be no earthly survival without it, and though Jews are encouraged to rise above it, they are not encouraged to eliminate it. Instead, when a child comes of age (13 for boys and 12 for girls) he is considered to have added the “Yetzer HaTov”; literally “Good Inclination.” As the Yetzer HaRa is responsible for personal survival, the Yetzer HaTov is responsible for helping others to survive. Without the Yetzer HaRa, there would be no sex and no children. Without the Yetzer HaTov there would be no feeding and nurturing of children. Both are essential (and when in harmony, good) aspects of humanity. It cannot be equated with the Christian concept of Original Sin (which has no good aspects). Further, although Original Sin condemns a person to hell without salvation, the Yetzer HaRa does not. The Jew does not need to be saved from his humanity, but instead needs to “grow up” in it.

See also

• Christianity and Judaism
• Cultural and historical background of Jesus
• Christianese