Search the Dictionary

One of a sect which opposes the observance of the Christian Sabbath.

Specif.: Certain writings which are received by some Christians as an authentic part of the Holy Scriptures, but are rejected by others.

Apollinaris, Bishop of Laodicea in the fourth century, who denied the proper humanity of Christ.

defense of a faith, a cause, or an institution; especially, one who argues in defense of Christianity.

To defend. [Obs.] The Christians . . . were apologized by Plinie. Dr. G. Benson.

, or of what may be liable to disapprobation; justification; as, Tertullian's Apology for Christianity. It is not my intention to make an apology for my poem; some will think it needs no excuse, and others will receive none. Dryden.

ciples, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as, Julian's apostasy from Christianity.

To apostatize. [Obs.] We are not of them which apostate from Christ. Bp. Hall.

Literally: One sent forth; a messenger. Specifically: One of the twelve disciples of Christ, specially chosen as his companions and witnesses, and sent forth to preach the gospel. He called unto him his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles. Luke vi. 13.

r Brief. -- Apostolic canons, a collection of rules and precepts relating to the duty of Christians, and particularly to the ceremonies and discipline of the church in the second and third centuries. -- Apostolic church, the Christian church; -- so called on account of its apostolic foundation, doctrine, and order. T…

One of a sect of ancient Christians, who, in supposed imitation of the first believers, renounced all their possessions.

One of a sect of Christian in the primitive church who used water instead of wine in the Lord's Supper.

f the church of Alexandria, in the fourth century, or to the doctrines of Arius, who held Christ to be inferior to God the Father in nature and dignity, though the first and noblest of all created beings. -- n.

rraign you for want of knowledge. Dryden. It is not arrogance, but timidity, of which the Christian body should now be arraigned by the world. I. Taylor.

ve utterance to. Luther articulated himself upon a process that hand already begun in the Christian church. Bibliotheca Sacra. To . . . articulate the dumb, deep want of the people. Carlyle.

in theology: The expiation of sin made by the obedience, personal suffering, and death of Christ. When a man has been guilty of any vice, the best atonement be can make for it is, to warn others. Spectator. The Phocians behaved with, so much gallantry, that they were thought to have made a sufficient atonement for thei…

ays, or halo of light, with which painters surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ, saints, and others held in special reverence.

modern religious sect, which originated in Persia in 1843, being a mixture of Mohammedan, Christian, Jewish and Parsee elements.

med the title of Bab-ed-Din (Per., Gate of the Faith). Babism is a mixture of Mohammedan, Christian, Jewish, and Parsi elements. This doctrine forbids concubinage and polygamy, and frees women from many of the degradations imposed upon them among the orthodox Mohammedans. Mendicancy, the use of intoxicating liquors and…

A child or baby; esp., a representation in art of the infant Christ wrapped in swaddling clothes.