Data source: Gina A. Zurlo and Todd M. Johnson, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2024).
| Glossary item | Definition |
|---|---|
| near-language | For any language, any other language within its cluster (outer language). |
| near-NT | For any no-scripture language, a NT in a near-language (qv) within its own cluster. |
| near-NT | For a language without its own translation of the New Testament, any translation in a related-language within its cluster can be understood and used. |
| near-scripture | For any no-scripture language, a scripture in a near-language (qv) within its own cluster. |
| near-scriptures | Scriptures which can benefit a scripture-less language because the 2 languages concerned are within the same cluster. |
| negotiations | In ecumenical terminology, church union discussions between 2 or more churches after a public commitment has been made towards eventual organic union. |
| Negrito | An Austro-Asiatic ethnolinguistic family; Asiatic Pygmy. |
| Neo-Apostolic Reformation | Self-appellation of Postdenominationalists/Independents. |
| neo-Buddhist | Relating to a new or recent Buddhist sect or movement. |
| Neo-Christianity | A reinterpretation of Christianity in terms of a current philosophy, as rationalism in the 19th century. |
| Neo-Evangelicals | A term used by Fundamentalists (qv) to describe Evangelicals willing to co-operate with non-Evangelicals and to re-examine basic Evangelical dogmas and positions. |
| Neo-Fundamentalists | A term used by extreme Fundamentalists to describe Fundamentals willing to work with other types of Evangelicals. |
| Neo-Hawaiian | The populace of the state of Hawaii, USA; Aboriginal Hawaiians (pure Polynesians) now number only 2%, the rest being Neo-Hawaiians, a highly-mixed population with (blood-group admixture) 78% Polynesian origin, 14% Mongoloid (Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/ Korean), 8% Caucasian (European). |
| neo-Hindus | Followers of new or recent Hindu sects, offshoots, or movements, including Divine Light Mission. |
| neolinguasphere | The linguasphere since the invention of electronic communication. |
| neologism | A new word, usage or expression; word coinage or redefinition. |
| neologism | Any new word, or new meaning for an established word, with particular reference to explanation of religion, religions, and religious phenomena. |
| neo-orthodoxy | 20th-century movement in Protestant theology characterized by a reaction against liberalism, re-emphasis on some orthodox Reformation doctrines, and renewed stress on classic Protestant formularies. |
| neo-paganism | Revived or new paganism, as in Iceland. |
| Neopagans | New 20th-century attempts to revive long-dead traditional pre-Christian religion and beliefs. |
| neophyte | A recent convert, catechumen, proselyte; a newlyordained Catholic priest or novice in a convent. |
| Neo-Protestants | A term sometimes applied to newer Protestant traditions, including Adventists, Brethren, Pentecostals, etc. |
| Neoreligionists | Adherents of Hindu or Buddhist sects or offshoots, or new syncretistic religions combining Christianity with Eastern religions, mostly in Asia. |
| Nestorians | Assyrians (qv). |
| net | See language net, culture net. |
Data on 18 categories of religion, including non-religious, by country, province, and people.
Data on all religions, Christian activities, and trends.
Membership data, year begun, and rates of change.
Population and religion data on all major cities & provinces.
Detailed information covering religion, culture, and geography.
A repository of historical data, including a chronology of Christianity from the 1st to 21st centuries.