Erhalten Sie Zugang zu diesem und mehr als 300000 Büchern ab EUR 5,99 monatlich.
- Herausgeber: IVP Academic
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Serie: The IVP Pocket Reference Series
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018
The Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is an A to Z introduction and resource for curious newcomers and novice students of spirituality. From our first call to Abba until we arrive at Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, Don Thorsen charts the Christian spiritual pilgrimage through its many traditions, schools of thought, and tested practices. Among the over 300 definitions you'll find - terms and ideas - traditions and movements - practices and rituals - texts and theologyA reliable guide and launching pad for learning, the Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is a basic resource for the pilgrimage travel bag. Designed for students and pastors alike, the short and accessible volumes in the IVP Pocket Reference Series will help you tackle the study of biblical languages, church history, apologetics, world religions, Christian spirituality, ethics, theology, and more.
Sie lesen das E-Book in den Legimi-Apps auf:
Seitenzahl: 229
Das E-Book (TTS) können Sie hören im Abo „Legimi Premium” in Legimi-Apps auf:
Ähnliche
To my daughter Dana Thorsen who is an inspiration and encouragement to me as well as to others.
Contents
Preface
Spirituality has to do with the human spirit, and Christian spirituality has to do with our relationship with the divine Spirit—with God. In particular, Christian spirituality has to do with our relationship with God, who in Scripture is revealed as our heavenly Father, as Abba—a term of personal intimacy—by Jesus Christ. Jesus atoned for people’s salvation from sin and judgment through his life, death, and resurrection. Through him people are saved and are reconciled to God by grace through faith. However, the story of salvation does not end with conversion and the hope of eternal life. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would continue to work in and through the lives of believers—of Christians—in healing, restoring, and transforming them spiritually and holistically. Salvation is as much for this life as for life hereafter as God’s Spirit works sanctifying grace in the lives of believers. In Scripture as well as church history, many activities, exercises, and disciplines of spiritual import have been practiced. God graciously intends for them to serve as a means by which believers may grow in faith, hope, and love; in intimacy in their personal relationship with God; and in their obedient maturation into Christlikeness.
One should beware of having an exclusively spiritualistic understanding of Christian spirituality. On the contrary, Christian spirituality ought to be thought of as something that is holistic, embracing all aspects of life: spiritual and physical, supernatural and natural, individual and social, gift and task, justification and sanctification, love and justice, scriptural and traditional, rational and experiential, sacramental and symbolic, extemporaneous and disciplined, and so on. The study of Christian spirituality is not intended to limit but to expand on its holistic relevance to people here and now.
The Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is my contribution to the InterVarsity Press reference series of pocket dictionaries. Certainly these topics are just as important to Christians as the information found in the other pocket dictionaries. Because this book is a part of a reference series, it will be more descriptive than prescriptive with regard to defining spiritual formation and Christian living.
Because of the varieties of Christian spirituality, it is difficult to present evenhandedly all the beliefs, values, and practices of each church tradition—east and west; north and south; liturgical and evangelical; Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Because of the genre of the Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, terms have been defined simply, but not simplistically. If you want to learn more about specific beliefs, values, and practices related to Christian spirituality, then investigate them further as a spiritual study for yourself.
Let me give one example of differences among Christians with regard to spirituality. It has to do with the degree to which Christian spirituality (including its growth and formation) is considered a divine gift, and the degree to which it is considered a human responsibility or task. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:6, the apostle Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Christians believe that God alone provides the salvation and spiritual growth people experience. However, they disagree with regard to the degree to which people have the responsibility or task of “abiding” in Jesus Christ, cooperating with God’s Holy Spirit for their salvation and spiritual growth (see John 15:1-11). What does it mean for Paul to “plant” and for Apollos to “water”? What do these words of Scripture mean for us today for our role in salvation and for our spiritual growth?
In answering these questions, some Christians emphasize how God sovereignly decrees all matters related to salvation and spiritual growth. At most, people are thought to act compatibly with God’s grace, but in no way do they work for or merit their salvation and spiritual growth. Other Christians, while they agree that they cannot work for or merit their salvation and spiritual growth, emphasize that God self-limits divine power over people, and preveniently gives them grace to decide—accepting or rejecting—God’s salvation and aid for spiritual growth.
On the one hand, those who emphasize God’s sovereign decrees may understand the definitions in this Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality as descriptions of the effectual outworkings of God’s plan for their lives. On the other hand, those who emphasize God’s prevenient grace may understand the definitions as imperatives for synergistically cooperating with the Holy Spirit for their spiritual formation.
Both views believe that some degree of divine gift and human task is at work for people’s salvation and for their spiritual growth, despite differences with regard to the extent of their respective roles for people’s spiritual well-being, discipleship, and formation. As you read the Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, some definitions may seem to place greater emphasis on the role of God in people’s salvation and spiritual growth. Others may seem to place greater emphasis on God’s expectation that people act responsibly—aided by divine grace—in “planting” and “watering” for their salvific and spiritual well-being. All definitions affirm that it is God alone who gives the growth.
Acknowledgments
I want to thank Steve Wilkens for advising me to write the Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality and for his ongoing friendship and collegiality. I also want to thank Dan Reid for his editorial expertise and for patiently working with me on the dictionary. Special thanks go to Jini Kilgore Cockroft and Rebecca Russo for reading and commenting on my final manuscript. Jared Bjur provided invaluable help as my research assistant, and I am especially grateful to him. Others who gave input to the Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality include Kyle Fraser, Brian Eager, Jake Evers, Dan Lane, and Dan Tkach.
As always, I am thankful to my daughters Liesl and Dana Thorsen, and to Heidi and her husband Will Oxford, for their ongoing love and support of my writing habit, which for me is a spiritual discipline. In particular, I want to honor my daughter Dana, to whom this book is dedicated. Dana, blessings!
A
abandonment, spiritual. A *detachment from the anxieties of the world and entrusting oneself wholly to God for the sake of spiritual *contemplation. Related terms include the renunciation of self-centeredness and disinterested *love for God, advocated for example, by seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French *quietists.
Abba (Aram., “father”). The intimate term for one’s father that *Jesus Christ used for God. Although Jesus also used the Greek word pater to refer to his Father, the occasional appearance of this Aramaic word (transliterated into Greek) suggests it was his way of addressing God. The intimacy is thought to communicate a deeper, more filial relationship between ourselves and God. Later NT Christians also referred to God as Abba, showing that we may have the same kind of relationship with God as did Jesus (e.g., Romans 8:15). Spiritually, Abba helps Christians today to pursue God in a way that is filial, relational, and intimate.
abiding in Christ. Living in ways that acknowledge that *Jesus Christ is our source of spiritual power (John 15:4); Christians participate “*in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17), through the presence and power of the Holy *Spirit, and follow his teachings (1 John 2:27). Christians use the phrase to describe the proper place they should be spiritually in relationship with Jesus, both for their *salvation and spiritual growth.
absolution. The proclamation—for example, by a Roman Catholic or Orthodox priest—that the sins of a penitent have been forgiven by God after they have been *confessed and repented. Based on Matthew 18:18, a priest may choose to withhold absolution until a *penance (discipline) is completed, especially in cases of grave sin.
activist spirituality. A type of spirituality that emphasizes compassion and advocacy on behalf of those who are impoverished or unjustly treated, spiritually as in other ways— culturally, financially, and politically. Participation in compassion ministries and social activism is considered a heightened expression of Christian spirituality. Concerns of activist spirituality include advocacy for the poor, who have been ignored, marginalized, oppressed, and persecuted (seeliberation).
ACTS (prayer). An acrostic guide to prayer used as a mnemonic device for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.
administration, gift of. A special enabling of the Holy *Spirit that empowers believers for spiritual or church leadership, such as for vision casting and managing others.
adoration. Expression of affection, admiration, and love, especially toward God. Adoration is an important part of *praising God in *prayer and other aspects of one’s relationship with God.
Advent. The “coming” (Lat., adventus; cf. Gk., parousia) of *Jesus Christ, especially in reference to his birth. Nowadays Advent primarily refers to the beginning of the Christian church year (seecalendar, Christian), and the four Sundays preceding it (seeChristmas). The Advent may also refer to Jesus’ second coming.
affection. A human emotion or desire; it may have to do with a liking for someone or something. The spiritual dimension of human experience has sometimes been described as the religious affections. Historically, Christians have been wary of religious affections, considering them to be secondary—even disrupting—to Christian faith, hope, and love (seevirtues, theological). Be that as it may, there is thought to be an interconnectedness between human and religious affections. According to Jonathan Edwards, proper religious affections, as typified by the *fruit of the Spirit, moderate the extremes of Christian intellectualism and emotionalism.
agapē. A Greek word for *love, thought to be the highest form of unconditional, self-giving love. Although various Greek words are translated in Scripture as “love,” agapē was used most often to describe God’s love for people, and the kind of love people are to have for God and for others. Throughout church history, agapē has been the goal of perfect love for which Christians have aspired in their spiritual pursuit of *holiness.
amen. A Hebrew word of acclamation, meaning “so be it” or “let it be.” Both Jews and Christians use amen in *prayer and *liturgy as a response to religious affirmations, *thanksgivings, and *benedictions (e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:20). In some translations of *Scripture, amen is translated as “verily” or “truly” (e.g., John 5:24). Spiritually, amen is used as a solemn and fervent conclusion to people’s prayers, individually or collectively.
amulet. An item of religious significance, often worn around the neck or on other parts of the body. The Jews wore phylacteries, which were receptacles that usually contained scriptural texts. Later, Christians wore religious jewelry as simple as a *cross or crucifix, or as complex as a locket containing a holy relic. Amulets serve to remind people of God and matters related to God, or serve as a witness to others.
angels. Heavenly beings, created by God, who serve as celestial messengers and servants of God. Angels aid people for salvation and also for their *spiritual formation, sometimes described as ministering angels (see Hebrews 1:14). Some Christians consider angels to be guardians of individuals, or of entire groups, cities, and regions, and believe they engage in *spiritual warfare with *demons.
antinomianism. The belief that Christians are not bound by *laws, but are morally free due to *grace. The term antinomianism combines Greek words that mean “against” (anti) and “law” (nomos). This belief asserts that Christians are exempt from the moral teachings of *Scripture, including those of *Jesus Christ. Most Christians have been as critical of antinomianism as its opposite: works righteousness. Although Christians are saved by grace through *faith, they are not exempt from God’s *holiness and justice, and Christlike living.
apologetic spirituality.Seestudious spirituality.
apostleship, gift of. A special enabling of the Holy *Spirit that empowers believers for spreading the *gospel, especially in new ways or areas. The original disciples were called apostles. So also was Paul and some others (e.g., Andronicus, Junia). Some Christians believe in a limited and authoritative view of apostolicity that ceased in biblical times, whereas other Christians believe that God continues to enable apostles today. See alsogifts of the Holy Spirit.
arts. Various arts, *music, and *dance used for promoting spirituality and worship. Historically, *icons have been important artistic expressions of Christianity. Spirituality and *worship take many forms, and the arts can creatively contribute to their development through engaging multiple senses in celebration of and meditation on God.
asceticism. The practice of self-denial. Asceticism consists of extreme self-discipline for the sake of spiritual *purification, insight, and pursuit of other practices that enable Christians to abstain from physical and earthly concerns. Ascetics practice physical ascesis (i.e., self-denial) in aid of mental and spiritual ascesis, leading to tranquility as well as to *union (or communion) with God. Asceticism may be individual or collective. In the ancient church, there were various ways that Christians took “flight from the world” (Lat., fuga mundi). For example, *martyrs were viewed as those who most exemplified fuga mundi. After Constantine, fuga mundi expanded into communal withdrawal from the world, resulting in various *monastic movements.
ashram, Christian. Originally a monastic dwelling for Hindus. Catholic and Indian converts adopted them in emphasizing a similar lifestyle defined by external quiet, *simplicity, *meditation, and *worship. Christian ashrams—both Catholic and Protestant—became places of spiritual *retreat, or sometimes small communities in which members contribute to one another’s needs.
assurance of salvation. The confidence people have of their *salvation, attested to by God and other evidences. *Scripture promises that those who *repent and believe will receive eternal life; Scripture also says that the Holy *Spirit bears “witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). These assurances, along with other evidences that occur in the lives of believers, contribute to the confidence they may have for salvation—for example, “peace of God” (Philippians 4:7) and “*fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). The assurance of salvation frees Christians to focus more on *spiritual formation and in expressing love to God and others. See alsoperseverance of the saints.
Augustinianism. The theology of Augustine of Hippo (354–430), which distinctively emphasizes the sovereignty of God, human depravity, and God’s unconditional decree of *salvation. In the fifth century, Augustine championed the biblical emphasis on salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). He condemned the teachings of *Pelagius, whom Augustine accused of works righteousness in regard to both salvation and *spiritual formation. Because God is sovereign, it is hubris (Gk., “pride”) on the part of people that they—as humans—contribute anything to the work of God. Lutheran and Reformed traditions have been greatly influenced by Augustinianism. See alsosemi-Augustinianism.
B
baptism. A *ritual of initiation into Christianity that involves water. In *Scripture, baptism occurs as a faithful act of obedience, and it serves to incorporate people into the *church. Some Christians consider baptism a *sacrament, which serves as a means of saving grace; other Christians consider baptism to be more of an ordinance, which serves as a symbol of *salvation. Jesus served as the model for participation in baptism, and baptism was repeatedly commanded of those who become part of the church. Sacramental views of baptism emphasize the spiritual empowerment mediated by participation in it. Ordinance-oriented views of baptism emphasize the unmerited favor of God’s *grace, and the ongoing spiritual empowerment available through the Holy *Spirit.
baptism, believer’s. The affirmation that only believers, who have reached an age of accountability (or *reason) and made a profession of *faith, should be baptized. Advocates for believer’s baptism argue that people experience the greatest spiritual benefit through their conscious *conversion and instruction in the meaning of baptism.
baptism, infant (or paedobaptism). The affirmation and practice that infants should be baptized, based on the *faith and authority of *churches to administer *sacraments. Advocates for infant baptism argue that people experience the greatest spiritual benefit through the faithful decision by parents and the church, emphasizing that *salvation is a gift, given by God’s *grace. There are biblical examples of entire households being baptized, presumably including children (e.g., Acts 2:38-39; 16:15). In both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, biblical instruction is later given to those who are baptized as infants, so that they may grow in faith and confirm their salvation when they reach an age of accountability (or reason). In Catholic traditions, the sacrament of *confirmation is received when baptized children reach this age and affirm their faith. In the Orthodox tradition, infants are baptized and then immediately *chrismated (anointed with *oil as a seal of the gift of the Holy *Spirit). Chrismation is a sacrament in Orthodox churches. Infant baptism is also practiced by some Protestants—for example, in the Lutheran, Reformed, and Anglican traditions.
baptism with the Holy Spirit. That which John the Baptist promised would go together with the ministry of *Jesus Christ (e.g., Matthew 3:11). It occurred, at least, at the time of *Pentecost in fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 (see Acts 2:16-21). Traditionally, baptism with the Holy Spirit has been thought to occur at the time of conversion. However, *Pentecostals believe that it occurs subsequent to conversion, as a distinct experience of divine *grace. Classic Pentecostalism believes that speaking in *tongues is the initial evidence of baptism with the Holy Spirit and is followed by other *gifts of the Holy Spirit, which empower Christians for *spiritual formation and ministry. Some Pentecostals distinguish between baptism “by” the Holy Spirit, referring to conversion, and baptism “with” (or “in”) the Holy Spirit, referring to the empowerment and spiritual fullness available to Christians.
basic prayer. Formulaic prayers commonly prayed by Christians. Basic Catholic prayers, for example, include the *Our Father (*Lord’s Prayer), *Hail Mary, Apostles’ Creed, *Glory Be, and prayerful *petitions to *saints and guardian *angels.
beatific vision. The experience of immediate presence and *union (or communion) with God. In medieval Christianity, the beatific vision generally referred to a final reward, where after death a Christian sees God face-to-face (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13:12). This experience of the beatific vision is thought to be accompanied by the fullest experience of human *joy.
beatitude, beatitudes. A literary form expressing great blessedness. In beatitudes, blessings are pronounced over people (or groups of people) on the basis of an action or state of being. Beatitudes are found in both the OT (e.g., Psalm 106:3) and the NT (e.g., Matthew 5:3-11). The most famous beatitudes are those found at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Beatitudes encourage faithful living through the promise of *blessing.
bedtime prayer. Prayer before going to sleep, often done by parents with children. Topics tend to include thanks for the day past, concerns for others or oneself, and trust that God will look after things while one sleeps.
belief. An affirmation about God and matters related to God, including people’s biblical and theological affirmations. Spiritually, people’s belief (or *faith) pertain to the particular beliefs, values, and practices that undergird their Christian life and *spiritual formation.
Benedictine spirituality. The *monastic spirituality inspired by Benedict of Nursia, which follows the *Rules of Benedict for community life and *spiritual formation. In the sixth century, Benedict wrote guidelines for monastic living, which helped establish independent monasteries, with ordered living and spiritual guidance, without being overly ascetic. Individuals in Benedictine monasteries vowed to remain within the community and to obey the community’s superior (abbot, vicar), for the sake of *praying and working (Lat., ora et labora, “pray and work”). A long-term practice of Benedictine spirituality is *lectio divina.
benediction. A closing spoken *prayer for divine assistance or parting exhortation, usually in public *worship. Benedictions were notably included in biblical writings (e.g., Numbers 6:23-27; Ephesians 6:23). The pronouncement of a benediction is a long-standing church tradition, emphasizing the importance of prayer, in particular, prayers of *blessing and *intercession.
Bible.SeeScripture.
biographies, spiritual. *Stories about the spiritual lives of people that inspire spirituality in others. Such stories may be biographical or autobiographical. Some find spiritual autobiography helpful in gaining greater insight into their *spiritual formation.
black spirituality. A spirituality distinctive of some black Christians. Although many types of spirituality exist, African American Christians and churches emphasize certain characteristics of their collective spirituality. For example, characteristics of black spirituality may include beliefs, values, and practices reflective of African heritage. The impact of centuries of slavery and ongoing racism in the United States have also influenced liberative expressions of black spirituality (seeliberation). Other characteristics include gospel *music, *singing, and other *worship practices distinctive of African Americans (e.g., spirituals, blues). Black spirituality has heightened contemporary awareness of the *contextual nature of spirituality and the importance of being responsive to the influence of race, ethnicity, and culture on Christian living and *spiritual formation. Exemplars of black spirituality in the United States include Sojourner Truth in the nineteenth century and Martin Luther King Jr. in the twentieth.
blessing. A spiritual and physical benefit given by God. In *Scripture, God blesses all of creation, as well as individuals and groups of individuals (e.g., Israel). There are conditions for receiving God’s blessings, and disobedience toward God results in the removal of blessings, and possible curses. Those who bless God express their *praise and *thanksgiving (e.g., Nehemiah 9:5), and people may bless others in the name of God (e.g., Numbers 6:24-26). Public blessings may be spoken or read in church services, for example, in a *benediction. Spiritually, stating blessings for others is a common way of *praying for their spiritual and physical well-being.
bondage. The state of being bound, physically or spiritually, to a power or behavior, which cannot be escaped. In *Scripture, God liberates Israelites from the bondage of slavery. Spiritually, people may experience bondage to sin and death, demonic bondage, or bondage to addictive behaviors or habits. *Jesus Christ worked to set free, physically and spiritually, those who are in bondage (e.g., Luke 4:18). See alsoliberation.
Book of Common Prayer. A prayer book created by Thomas Cranmer and the Church of England in the sixteenth century that contains numerous aids for *worship, including the *liturgy (or structured order) of public *worship services, daily prayers (e.g., Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer; seeHours), wording for occasional services (e.g., *baptism, *marriage), and other scriptural and liturgical readings. The Book of Common Prayer has been edited and revised many times, and in some churches has been replaced, for example, by the book titled Common Worship. But many Christians, both inside and outside of Anglicanism, continue to use the Book of Common Prayer as a guide for their personal *spiritual formation as well as for public worship.
bread. Religiously, unleavened bread was important for Judaism because of its use in celebrating Passover. With regard to *salvation, *Jesus Christ called himself the “bread of life” (John 6:35). Bread became ritualistically important for Christians when Jesus blessed and served bread to his disciples during their last supper together. Bread then became sacramentally important, along with *wine, in partaking of the *Eucharist (or *Lord’s Supper, *Communion). The use of bread in the Eucharist represents Jesus’ physical death and resurrection in order that people may be saved by *grace through *faith. The Catholic and Orthodox churches believe that the bread of the Eucharist becomes the actual body of Jesus through the calling down of the Holy *Spirit through the prayers of the priest. Protestants often talk about bread as a sign of Jesus’ body.
breath prayer. Repetition of breathy prayers, either of one’s own creation, from *Scripture, or from the *liturgy, in order to clear the mind of other thoughts and replace it with thoughts about God. The breath prayer may be inaccurately named; if prayer is talking to or with God, then breath prayer is, strictly speaking, not conversation but *meditation, with the exception of petitionary forms of the breath prayer. For instance, the *Jesus Prayer is an ancient form of breath prayer, and it is a *petition: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
C
calendar, Christian (Christian Year, Church Year, or Liturgical Year). An annual calendar of seasons based on key events of the life, death, and resurrection of *Jesus Christ. These seasons include *Advent (and Christmas), Epiphany, *Lent, *Easter, and Ordinary Time (though certain names vary by tradition). Also included are major church events, *holy days, and the celebration of *saints. Participation in this calendar is intended to enrich the lives of believers through creating opportunity for remembrance and through leading believers through spiritual practices, such as mourning, *fasting, and celebration, on an annual cycle. The seasons also enhance expectation and anticipation of the major church events, celebrating all that Jesus has done for our *salvation and *spiritual formation. The rhythm of the Christian year helps believers maintain their own spiritual rhythm, which aids their spiritual development and ministry to others.
calling. A strong sense of divine leading. It may involve an individual call to *salvation; it may also involve a call to ministerial *service (e.g., Ephesians 4:1, 4). Callings to ministerial service may occur individually, or they may occur in response to a corporate or church calling. Although a call or calling is most often associated with ordained ministry, Christians may experience a divine call to lay ministries or to secular *vocations.
calling, effectual. The affirmation that God’s call to individuals for their *salvation is irresistible. Reformed theology considers God’s election of people to be decreed by God, unconditionally predetermined (e.g., John Calvin). The *grace of God works effectually for people’s salvation and for their spiritual development.
candles, prayer (or votive candles). Candles lit in offering a *prayer, wish, or desire to God. Sometimes called votive candles, they suggest the making or fulfillment of a vow made to God. In Orthodox churches, candles represent a prayer, and the flame of the candle signifies the light of *Jesus Christ.
canticle. A song, generally a *hymn or *psalm, taken from biblical texts outside the book of Psalms (e.g., *Magnificat, Song of Zechariah). Typically, these songs are used liturgically as part of the daily *Hours and focus on praising God.
Carmelite spirituality. A *monastic spirituality shaped by an eleventh-century religious order of the Roman Catholic Church, whose members became well-known proponents of *contemplative and mystical spirituality. In the sixteenth century, Teresa of Ávila founded the Discalced Carmelites (or Barefoot Carmelites), which was a mendicant offshoot of the Carmelite order in Spain. Teresa emphasized the ascent of the *soul to God through four stages of *prayer: mental prayer (or contemplative prayer), quiet prayer, devotion of union, and devotion of ecstasy. Teresa was joined in Spain by John of the Cross, who is prominent for his description of mystical ascent after needed *purification, known as the *dark night of the soul.
catechism. A summary of *Scripture and Christian teachings that provides an outline of Christian beliefs, values, and practices. Sometimes called an outline of the faith, catechisms are used by both Catholic and confessional Protestant churches for teaching foundational doctrines to new believers and children (seeconfirmation) before becoming full members of a *church. Catechisms may be used to inspire *spiritual formation as well for instruction in basic Christianity.
celebration.
