Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Theodicy Etymologically considered theodicy (théos díe) signifies the justification of God. The term was introduced into philosophy by Leibniz, who, in 1710, published a work entitled: “Essais de Théodicée sur la bonte de Dieu, la liberté de l’homme et l’origine du mal”. The purpose of the essay was to show that the evil in the … Continue reading “Theodicy”

Theodemir a Goth who was abbot of Psalmodi, in the diocese of Nismes, at the beginning of the 9th century. He was reputed to be very learned, so that even bishop Claudius of Turin (q.v.; comp. Illgen, Zeitschr. fliu die hist. Theologie, 1843, 2, 39 sq.) dedicated many of his commentaries to him. Theodemir wrote … Continue reading “Theodemir”

Theodelinda, queen of the Lombards Theodelinda, queen of the Lombards, daughter of Garibald, king of the Bavarians, married to king Authari probably in 589. On Sept. 5, 590, Authari died (Greg. Epp. i. 17). Theodelinda, taking counsel with her wise men, chose in Nov. Agilulf, the duke of Turin, a kinsman of her late husband … Continue reading “Theodelinda, queen of the Lombards”

Theodebert I., king of the Franks Theodebert (1) I., king of the Franks (534-548), the most capable and ambitious of the Merovingian line after Clovis. For the extent of the kingdom inherited from his father in 533 see THEODORICUS I. It was increased in 534 by a portion of the now finally conquered Burgundy (Marius, … Continue reading “Theodebert I., king of the Franks”

Theodat Sagard Seventeenth century Recollect lay brother, missionary, and historian; born in France. He was sent on the Huron mission in Canada in 1623, soon won the affection of his neophytes, and when sent back to France persuaded his superiors that a more powerful order should be introduced. They requested the Jesuits to take the … Continue reading “Theodat Sagard”

Theodard, Saint Archbishop of Narbonne, b. at Montauban about 840; d. at the same place 1 May, 893. He seems to have belonged to a noble and wealthy family and to have studied with great zeal both ecclesiastical and secular learning in his youth. He gave proof of his education and skill when he was … Continue reading “Theodard, Saint”

Theoctistus Psathyropola Theoctistus (3) Psathyropola (), or the cake-seller, the head of a sect among the Arians of Constantinople c. 390. His followers were called, from his occupation, Psathyrians. Led by a certain Marinus from Thrace, they maintained that the First Person of the Trinity was in a proper sense Father, and so to be … Continue reading “Theoctistus Psathyropola”

Theoctistus, bishop of Caesarea Theoctistus (2), bp. of Caesarea in Palestine, who on Origen’s visit to Palestine received him at Caesarea and, like Alexander of Jerusalem, permitted him, though still a layman, to preach before him (Phot. Cod. 118). On the remonstrance of Origen’s bishop, Demetrianus, he joined with Alexander in a letter defending their … Continue reading “Theoctistus, bishop of Caesarea”

Theocrasy (Gr. theos god, krasis a mixture) a) A mixture of the worship of different gods. b) The intimate union of the soul with God in contemplation as in NeoPlatonism. — V.F. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Theocracy A form of civil government in which God himself is recognized as the head. The laws of the commonwealth are the commandments of God, and they are promulgated and expounded by the accredited representatives of the invisible Deity, real or supposed—generally a priesthood. Thus in a theocracy civic duties and functions form a part … Continue reading “Theocracy”