Feminism refers to any movement that attempts to emphasize or recover female perspectives on reality and the world. In theology and biblical studies, feminism in its broadest sense has sought to show both God’s feminine characteristics and how Scripture has often been interpreted with male biases and assumptions (Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms).
Derived from the Greek term meaning “last,” eschaton refers to the ultimate climax or end of history wherein Christ returns to earth to establish his eternal kingdom of righteousness and justice among all nations. Eschatology, then, is the theological study that seeks to understand the ultimate direction or purpose of history as it moves toward the future, both from an individual perspective (What happens when a person dies?) and from a corporate perspective (Where is history going, and how will it end?) (Stanley J.
Epistemology is the philosophical inquiry into the nature, sources, limits and methods of gaining knowledge. In Western philosophy, epistemology has generally followed two main alternatives: rationalism (knowledge is gained through the mind’s use of reason and logic) and empiricism (knowledge is gained through the gathering of information through the use of the inner and external senses) (Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms).
Ecclesiology is the area of theological study concerned with understanding the church (derived from the Greek word “church”). Ecclesiology seeks to set forth the nature and function of the church. It also investigates issues such as the mission, ministry and structure of the church, as well as its role in the overall plan of God (Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms).
A book compiled in honour of a scholar, typically at the peak of his/her professional career. Individual chapters may be written by colleagues, former students, and/or academics with similar research interests.
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The process or act of interpreting (biblical) texts.