Glossary

C

Canon names the scope of authority a text is granted within a community. In this church, canon does not mean universal control, but differentiated reception. Texts are received according to the work they do: some bear Witness to Christ, some train Recognition, and some govern Practice within a freely held Covenant. No text is granted authority beyond its proper Jurisdiction.

Christ names the anointed Jesus—Jesus Christ—who, through his teaching and manner of life, bears witness to God’s reign as exercised through a new Covenant of self-giving love, mercy, and freely chosen faithfulness.

Commandment names a binding obligation given within a Covenant that governs faithful conduct rather than enforces behavior.

Covenant names a relationship of binding obligation that may be received by inheritance or entered by choice, and that binds only those who hold it in trust and commitment rather than by coercion.

D

Discernment names the act of evaluating, distinguishing, or deciding according to a standard. In this church, discernment belongs to personal conscience and limited responsibility, but is never exercised as authority over others.

J

Jurisdiction names the legitimate scope and limits of authority to judge, command, or enforce.

K

Kingdom names the condition of life that emerges where Logos is received and Spirit abides, marked by love of God and neighbor, faithfulness to Covenant, and the absence of coercive authority.

L

Law names a system of binding requirements imposed by authority and maintained through enforcement.

Logos names God’s self-disclosure as address and presence that enters the world, gives form and coherence without coercion, and may be received or rejected.

P

Prophet names one who speaks truth that calls a Covenant back to faithfulness without claiming authority to command or enforce.

R

Recognition names the act of perceiving and acknowledging truth, presence, or harm without claiming authority to judge or enforce. It precedes doctrine, evaluation, and decision, and binds no one beyond the responsibility it awakens in the one who recognizes.

Rule names a freely undertaken pattern of conduct that binds only those who accept it and is sustained by commitment rather than enforcement.

S

Sin names the breaking of a Commandment within a Covenant one holds.

Spirit names the abiding work by which the address of Logos is remembered, interpreted, and lived in faithful conduct, without originating new revelation or granting authority.

Spirits names the various influences, dispositions, and claims upon human perception and conduct that may be tested, received, or rejected, but which possess no inherent authority or jurisdiction.