Glossary of terms.

Agnostic:  Although a well known term, few people understand it's meaning.  It literally means "against knowledge".  The term describes how a person sometimes doesn't have the information or knowledge to make a decision.  So if you ask an Agnostic if they believe in God, they will tell you they are not sure.  The Agnostic requires certain information, facts or knowledge to be able to make an intelligent decision about many of the issues related to religious belief. (Read more here)

Apocrypha:  The word means secret or hidden and refers to a number of books included in the Catholic (Roman) Scriptures.  The Apocrypha was included in the translation by King James but later removed by other Protestants.  They were removed because they were believed to be either inauthentic or simply not appropriate for inclusion in their version of the Bible.  The most significant teaching that Protestants reject is the idea of purgatory, the half way house between heaven and hell.

Capitalism:  Capitalism is an evolving word, like many words.  Its original meaning applied to someone who invested money (or capital) in business.  Today it represents a system where production of goods and services are controlled by the competition and profit.

Churchianity:  The system or institution of Christianity.  Some Christians separate the formal system of church from the way of Jesus.

Christi-Anarchy:  A word used by some to describe a radical version of Christianity much different from mainstream Christianity.  It focuses on radical social action as opposed to regular pew sitting belief.

Evangelical Christian:  Again this is a word pregnant with different meanings.  It is usually applied to Christians who place emphasis on the 4 gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The word evangelical comes from the Greek word "euangelion" meaning good news so it literally means "good news Christians".  This brand of Christian usually believes in the Bible as God's authority and the literal story of virgin birth, death and resurrection from the dead of Jesus.  It also places crucial value on the saving death of Jesus to determine the destiny of heaven or hell. 

Humanist:  Another term with a variety of meanings.  Human nature, dignity, values and worth are emphasised.  In my own philosophy it involves a deep concern for human welfare, dignity and values.

Protestants:  Basically, people who protested against the Roman Catholic teachings. 

Philanthropist:  Literally means love human being.  A philanthropist loves humanity and committed to making society a better place.  I believe that each individual, dollar and action makes a difference. 

Pseudepigrapha:  A collection of writings that has been excluded from the New Testament because some believe they are not canonical or revelations from God.  They cover a period between 200BC and 200AD. The process of determining what should be included or excluded has been a point of debate for thousands of years.  Many different groups of Christians have different opinions and versions of the Bible.  They were rejected by the councils but accepted by early Christians.

Messianic:  A word from Messiah.  It usually refers to a person who saves or rescues a group of people.  Moses of the Bible was a Messiah.  The Jews have had hundreds of Messiahs, Jesus is considered one of them by Christians.  Back to fulfilled prophecies.

Socialism:  An economic idea that focuses on the equal distribution of wealth.  It often advocates government ownership.  In my own view government ownership can be good or bad.