Terms and Definitions

Yesterday I found a new term - adiaphora - with which I was unfamiliar. It is the perfect word to describe religious beliefs which over time have taken on the mantle of doctrine yet which have no basis in scripture. I have added adiaphora to to a file which I have built over the years. I call it Terms and Definitions. I thought I would share that with you today. What follows is a concise list of technical terms that biblical scholars use to discuss their chosen field of study. Initially it was a memory aid for myself but later if anyone asked for a definition it became convenient to copy and paste from it. There is no pronunciation guide other than bullet points to separate syllables.  I am interested to see if there are any major faux pas to be found within it or if I should include some additions.  Your assistance is requested.
A·di·a·phor·a	The plural form of the Greek “adiaphoron”, which means “indifferent”. The ancient stoics used it in regard to those things they considered morally neutral or in other words neither good nor bad. Some denominations used it in regards to those religious practices or customs which the scriptures neither require nor forbid.
A·poc·ry·pha	From the Greek "apokruptein" meaning to hide away. Fifteen books of the Old Testament included in the Septuagint, Vulgate, 1611 King James Version and modern Catholic versions of the Old Testament but omitted in Jewish and Protestant versions. This term is primarily used by non-Catholics.  The term used by Catholics for these books is Deuterocanonical which means second canon.
A·poc·ry·phal	A Greek word which literally means to “hide from” or to “withhold”.  An apocryphal book is one which has claims to divine inspiration but which the much of Christianity has refused to recognize and canonize. Used in this manner it may or may not be referencing the Apocrypha.
A·pol·o·get·ics	From the Greek “apologia” which means defense. That branch of theology which explains and defends religious principles by use of language, logic, fact and evidence.
A·pol·o·gist	One who wields language, logic, fact and evidence in defense of religious principles like it is a sword of honor.
Bi·ble	A book believed by its adherents to be a Testament of Jesus Christ written by some of the ancient inhabitants of the Middle East.
Deut·er·o·can·on·i·cal	From the Greek “deuteros” which means second. Primarily used by Catholics. Synonymous term for Apocrypha.  See Protocanonical
Eis·e·ges·is	Personal interpretation of a religious text where the interpreter tries to impose their understanding of a particular issue onto the text to conform to an agenda, belief or doctrine.
Eis·e·get·i·cal	Reading something into the text that is not there. The meaning is based on information not found within the text, therefore the text loses its internal integrity.
Es·chat·ol·og·y	The branch of theology, dealing with death, resurrection, judgment, immortality, etc.
Ex·e·ges·is	The analysis and interpretation of scripture in an honest and sincere attempt to discover the writer's precise meaning and original intent.
Fi·li·o·que	A phrase inserted into the Latin version of the Nicene Creed which is not present in the original Greek text.  Its inclusion contributed to Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Schism of 1054. Greek: Latin: Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum, et vivificantem: qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. English: And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and giver of life, who from the Father and the Son proceeds.)
Herm·en·eut·ics	The science and art of interpretation of complex texts such as scripture or law.
Ket·u·vim	The eleven scriptural books from the Canon of Judaism commonly known as the “Writings.  From this come 13 books of Luthor’s Old Testament Canon or the Protestant Bible: 1.) Tehilim (Psalms), 2.) Mishlei (Proverbs), 3.) Iyov (Job), 4.) Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs), 5.) Rut (Ruth), 6.) Eikhah (Lamentations), 7.) Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), 8.) Esther (Esther), 9.) Dani'el (Daniel), 10.) Ezra v'Nekhemia (Ezra & Nehemiah), 11.) Divrei Hayamim (I & II Chronicles)
Nev·i’·im	The eight scriptural books from the Canon of Judaism commonly known as the “Prophets” From this come 21 books of Luthor’s Old Testament Canon or the Protestant Bible: 1.) Y'hoshua (Joshua), 2.) Shophtim (Judges), 3.) Sh'muel (I & II Samuel), 4.) M'lakhim (I & II Kings), 5.) Y'shayahu (Isaiah), 6.) Yir'mi'yahu (Jeremiah), 7.) Y'khezqel (Ezekiel), 8.) The Twelve Prophets [a. Hoshea (Hosea), b. Yo'el (Joel), c. Amos (Amos), d. Ovadyah (Obadiah), e. Yonah (Jonah), f. Mikhah (Micah), g. Nakhum (Nahum), h. Havakuk Habakkuk), i. Ts'phanyah (Zephaniah), j. Khagai (Haggai), k. Z'kharyah (Zechariah), l. Mal'akhi (Malachi)]
Pent·a·teuch	The first five books of the Old Testament – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronom. See Torah
Pro·to·can·on·i·cal	From the Greek “protos” which means first.  The 39 books of the Old Testament which are considered to be sacred by most of Christian denominations.
Pseud·e·pi·graph·a	A body of  spurious texts composed between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D, professing to be written by prophets, kings and other individual from Biblical history.
Tan·akh	The Bible used in Judaism. It conforms to Luthor’s Canon or the Protestant Bible.  It is also known the Mikra which translated means “reading.  It is divided into three parts: 1.)Torah (Teaching),2.) Nevi’im (Prophets and 3.)Ketuvim (writings.
Tor·ah	The first five books scriptural books Judaism commonly known as the Books of Moses – Bereshit (Genesis), Shemot (Exodus), Vayikra (Leviticus), Bamidbar (Numbers) and Devarim (Deuteronomy).  See Pentateuch.