Name by which believers in Christ were known soon after His Ascension; it occurs twice in Acts 11,26, and in 1 Peter 4. Also, the name of the religion which He founded, of its doctrines and precepts; of the life, habits of virtue, piety, spirit and character of His followers; of the Church which is rightly known by this name, as against sects which assume it (Christian Scientists, Christian Socialists); of the civilization which this religion developed in the world as distinguished from the civilizations of paganism, Islamism, Judaism.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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