World Christian Database: glossary

Data source: Gina A. Zurlo and Todd M. Johnson, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2024).

Glossary item Definition
near-Bible For any no-scripture language, a Bible in a nearlanguage (qv) within its own cluster.
near-Bible A Bible translation in a language in the same cluster as languages without translations but sufficiently close for speakers of the latter to utilize it.
near-gospel For any no-scripture language, a gospel in a near-language (qv) within its own cluster.
near-gospel A gospel translation in a language within the same cluster as several languages without, but which can use it because they share 80% common vocabulary.
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.
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Religions

Data on 18 categories of religion, including non-religious, by country, province, and people.

Countries and regions

Data on all religions, Christian activities, and trends.

Denominations

Membership data, year begun, and rates of change.

Cities & provinces

Population and religion data on all major cities & provinces.

Peoples & languages

Detailed information covering religion, culture, and geography.

Archive

A repository of historical data, including a chronology of Christianity from the 1st to 21st centuries.