Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Luciferus I, bishop of Calaris Luciferus I., bp. of Calaris (Cagliari) ] in Sardinia, mentioned first in a letter of pope Liberius to Eusebius of Vercelli. Moved by great anxiety about the efforts then being made (a.d. 354) to procure a condemnation of Athanasius by the Western bishops, Lucifer had come from Sardinia to Rome, … Continue reading “Luciferus I, bishop of Calaris”

Luciferites (1) A class name for a number of early sects which revived Gnostic and Manichean principles and worshiped the devil, in some instances cursing God while they did so. They are also known as Luciferites, e.g., the Stedingers in northern Germany (13th century); also a similar group of sectarians in Austria (14th century). (2) … Continue reading “Luciferites”

LUCIFERIANS A sect who adhered to the schism of Lucifer, bishop of Cagliara, in the fourth century, who was banished by the emperor Constantius, for having defended the Nicene doctrine concerning the three persons in the Godhead. It is said, also, that they believed the soul to be corporeal, and to be transmitted from the … Continue reading “Luciferians”

Lucifer of Cagliari (LUCIFER CALARITANUS) A bishop, who must have been born in the early years of the fourth century; died in 371. His birthplace and the circumstances of his youth are unknown. He first appears in ecclesiastical history, in full maturity of strength and abilities, in 354 when he was deputed by Pope Liberius, … Continue reading “Lucifer of Cagliari”

Lucifer, Bishop Of Cagliari in Sardinia, surnamed Calaritanus, a noted character in ecclesiastical history, the founder of an independent sect known as Luciferians, flourished about the middle of the 4th century. At the Council of Milan, held in 354, he appeared as joint legate with Eusebius of Vercelli from pope Liberius, and here he displayed … Continue reading “Lucifer, Bishop Of Cagliari”

LUCIFER Light-bringer, the Latin name of the morning-star, or “son of the morning.” In the figurative language of Scripture, a brilliant star denoted an illustrious prince, Num 24:17 . Christ was given to men as the “bright and morning Star,” Jer 2:28 ; 22:16. The word Lucifer is used once only in the English Bible, … Continue reading “Lucifer”

Lucidus a presbyter in the Gallic Church in the 5th century, was one of the most distinguished members of the ecclesiastical party which in that period defended the doctrines of St. Augustine against Semi-Pelagianism then greatly preponderating in the Church. The views of Lucidus are to be ascertained from the works resulting from the controversy … Continue reading “Lucidus”

Lucic, John (Or LUCIUS) Croatian historian, b. early in the seventeenth century, at Trojir, or Tragurion, in Dalmatia; d. at Rome, 11 January, 1679. He was descended from an ancient and noble Croatian family. After making his college course at his birthplace, he took up the study of law, first at Padua (1620) and later … Continue reading “Lucic, John”

Lucianus, priest of Antioch, martyr Lucianus (12), priest of Antioch, martyr; born at Samosata c. 240, educated at Edessa under a certain Macarius, a learned expounder of Holy Scripture (Suidas, s.v.). Lucianus went to Antioch, which held a high rank among the schools of the East and was then, owing to the controversies raised by … Continue reading “Lucianus, priest of Antioch, martyr”

Lucianus, a famous satirist Lucianus (8), a famous satirist, the wittiest, except Aristophanes, of all the extant writers of antiquity. Born (probably c. 120) at Samosata on the Euphrates, the son of poor parents, he gradually betook himself to the composing and reciting of rhetorical exercises, which he did with continually increasing success as he … Continue reading “Lucianus, a famous satirist”