Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Sportae, Sportellae, Sportulae (Lat. sportula, a basket), are fees paid to the clergy for service rendered. The allusion is probably to bringing the first fruits in a basket (sporta) (Deu 26:1-12); or perhaps this mode of paying the clergy may be traced to a Roman practice. In the days of Roman freedom, clients were in … Continue reading “Sportae, Sportellae, Sportulae”

Sport (some form of or , to laugh; but in Isa 57:4 , to mock; , 2Pe 2:13). The various events incident to domestic life afforded the Jews occasions for festivity and recreation. Thus, Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned (Gen 21:8). Weddings were always seasons of rejoicing; so, also, … Continue reading “SPORT”

Sporer, Patritius Moral theologian, born at Passau, Bavaria; died there, 29 May, 1683. In 1637 he entered the Order of Friars Minor in the convent of his native town, which then belonged to the religious Province of Strasburg. He taught theology for many years, obtained the title of Lector jubilatus, and was also the theologian … Continue reading “Sporer, Patritius”

Spoons, Apostle A set of thirteen spoons, usually silver, the handles of which are adorned with representations of Our Lord (the Master spoon) and the twelve Apostles. Anciently they were given by sponsors as baptismal gifts to their godchildren, the wealthy giving complete sets, others a smaller number, and a poor person a single spoon. … Continue reading “Spoons, Apostle”

Spoons SPOONS (Exo 25:29).See Tabernacle, 6 (a). Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible Spoons Of the tabernacle Exo 25:29; Num 4:7; Num 7 Of the temple 1Ki 7:50; 2Ch 4:22 Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible SPOONS Exo 25:29; Num 7:86; 1Ki 7:50; 2Ch 24:14 Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

Spooner, Erastus Carter a Presbyterian minister, was born at Brandon, Vt., July 18, 1815. He graduated at Middlebury College in 1839, after which he entered the Union Theological Seminary, where he remained over two years, and engaged in teaching in Brandon; and before he could prepare for the ministry, which was his design, he was … Continue reading “Spooner, Erastus Carter”

spoon In the celebration of the Eucharist in Eastern Rites (Uniat) a spoon is used for conveying a part of the Host soaked in consecrated wine to the communicant. In some places a spoon is used to measure the few drops of water mixed with wine at the celebration of the Mass. A spoonful of … Continue reading “Spoon”

Spontini, Gasparo Luigi Pacifico Composer, born at Magolati, near Jesi, Ancona, 14 Nov., 1774; died there, 14 Jan., 1851. He was intended for the Church, but decided on a musical career. In 1791 he entered the Conservatorio de’ Turchini at Naples, where he had Sala, Tritto, and Tarantino as masters, and soon displayed his skill … Continue reading “Spontini, Gasparo Luigi Pacifico”

spontaneous generation The origin of existence of living bodies from non-living or inert matter. In the strict meaning of the term it implies the origin of a living body from a non-living body, by the operation of some forms of energy or force such as the physicochemical powers of lifeless matter. In this sense it … Continue reading “spontaneous generation”

Spontaneity (Lat. sponte, of free will) The supposed ability of the will to act on its own initiative (sua sponte) and in independence of antecedent conditions. See Free-Will. — L.W. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy