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Study Guide: The Etymology and Theological Evolution of Anathema

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The Etymology and Theological Evolution of Anathema Study Guide

Etymological Origins and Early Meanings

The original Greek root of 'anathema' signified 'a curse' or 'condemnation.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The original Greek meaning of the root word 'anathema' was 'an offering' or 'anything dedicated,' not 'a curse' or 'condemnation.'

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In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term *herem*, associated with anathema, exclusively denoted items dedicated to God for sacrifice.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hebrew term *herem* encompassed items consecrated to God or, conversely, items dedicated to destruction, not solely those for sacrifice.

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The Septuagint utilized the Greek term *anathema* to translate the Hebrew word *cherem*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, employed the Greek term *anathema* to render the Hebrew word *herem*.

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The meaning of the Hebrew term *herem* shifted towards personal conduct enforcement concurrent with the rise of the temple.

Answer: False

Explanation: The meaning of *herem* shifted towards personal conduct enforcement with the rise of the synagogue, not the temple.

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The etymological connection between the Greek term *anathema* and the Hebrew term *herem* resides in their shared meaning of 'dedication to destruction.'

Answer: False

Explanation: While both terms relate to dedication, *anathema* originally meant 'offering,' and *herem* encompassed both dedication to God and dedication to destruction, not solely 'dedication to destruction' as a shared meaning.

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In Judaism, *herem* (rendered as *anathema* in the Septuagint) evolved to function solely as an instrument for communal purification.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Judaism, *herem* evolved not only as an instrument for communal purification but also for enforcing personal conduct and public morality.

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What was the original etymological meaning of the word 'anathema' in Ancient Greek?

Answer: Offering or anything dedicated

Explanation: The term 'anathema' originates from Ancient Greek, signifying 'an offering' or 'anything dedicated.'

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Trace the semantic evolution of 'anathema' from its Greek roots to its application in the New Testament.

Answer: It shifted from 'dedication' to 'curse and expulsion.'

Explanation: The meaning evolved from the Greek 'offering' or 'dedication' to the New Testament sense of 'curse and expulsion,' influenced by the Hebrew *herem*.

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The Greek term *anathema* was employed in the Septuagint to translate which Hebrew word?

Answer: *Herem*

Explanation: The Greek term *anathema* was used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word *herem*.

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Concurrent with the rise of the synagogue, how did the meaning of the Hebrew term *herem* evolve?

Answer: It evolved into a tool for enforcing personal conduct and public morality.

Explanation: With the rise of the synagogue, the meaning of *herem* shifted from communal purification to enforcing personal conduct and public morality.

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The Hebrew term *herem*, translated as *anathema* in the Septuagint, originally encompassed:

Answer: Things consecrated to God or dedicated to destruction.

Explanation: The Hebrew term *herem*, translated as *anathema* in the Septuagint, originally encompassed items consecrated to God or dedicated to destruction.

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Biblical and Patristic Development

The term 'anathema' exclusively denotes formal church excommunication.

Answer: False

Explanation: While formal church excommunication is a primary meaning, the term also signifies something intensely detested or shunned.

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St. Paul's usage of 'anathema' primarily signified a dedication or offering to God.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to its original Greek meaning, St. Paul utilized 'anathema' primarily to signify a curse and expulsion from the community.

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The noun 'anathema' appears in the Greek New Testament more than ten times.

Answer: False

Explanation: The noun 'anathema' appears six times in the Greek New Testament.

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In the Greek New Testament, 'anathema' specifically denotes the favor of God.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Greek New Testament, the term 'anathema' signifies divine disfavour or condemnation, not the favor of God.

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The Rite of Orthodoxy references passages from the Book of Proverbs concerning church discipline.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rite of Orthodoxy references passages from Romans and Matthew, not the Book of Proverbs, concerning church discipline and avoiding divisive individuals.

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The phrase '*anathema sit*' was employed in early Christian councils to affirm the faith through the condemnation of opposing views.

Answer: True

Explanation: The phrase '*anathema sit*' was used in early Christian councils to formally condemn heretical doctrines and individuals, thereby affirming orthodox faith.

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The New Testament usage of 'anathema' effected a semantic shift from dedication to condemnation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The New Testament usage of 'anathema,' particularly influenced by St. Paul, shifted its primary connotation from its original Greek meaning of dedication to one of curse and condemnation.

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In the Early Church, an anathema primarily resulted in temporary suspension from communion.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Early Church, an anathema represented a complete separation from the Church, not merely a temporary suspension from communion.

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Which biblical figure significantly contributed to the New Testament usage of 'anathema' as a curse and expulsion?

Answer: St. Paul

Explanation: St. Paul's epistles significantly contributed to the New Testament usage of 'anathema' to denote a curse and expulsion from the Christian community.

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How many times does the noun 'anathema' appear in the Greek New Testament?

Answer: 6 times

Explanation: The noun 'anathema' appears six times within the Greek New Testament.

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In the Greek New Testament, 'anathema' signifies:

Answer: God's disfavour or condemnation.

Explanation: Within the Greek New Testament, the term 'anathema' specifically denotes the 'disfavour of God.'

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Which biblical passage advises marking those who cause divisions, as referenced in the Rite of Orthodoxy?

Answer: Romans 16:17-20

Explanation: Romans 16:17-20 advises marking those who cause divisions and offenses, a passage referenced in the Rite of Orthodoxy.

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What does the term 'anathema' signify in its religious sense concerning an individual's relationship with God?

Answer: A curse from God or separation from divine favor due to sin or heresy.

Explanation: In its religious sense, 'anathema' implies a state of being cursed by God or estranged from divine favor due to sin or heresy, signifying a rupture in the relationship with the divine.

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Which of the following is NOT a biblical passage explicitly mentioned as referenced in the lections for the Rite of Orthodoxy?

Answer: John 1:1

Explanation: The Rite of Orthodoxy lections reference Romans 16:17-20 and Matthew 18:10-18, but not John 1:1.

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Christian Traditions and Historical Usage

By the 6th century CE, the liturgical interpretation of 'anathema' had shifted to primarily express strong personal aversion.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the 6th century CE, the liturgical meaning of 'anathema' had evolved to denote a formal ecclesiastical curse of excommunication and condemnation of heresy.

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The Latin phrase '*anathema sit*' signifies 'let him be blessed.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The Latin phrase '*anathema sit*' translates to 'let him be anathema,' signifying condemnation or excommunication.

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The mutual anathematization in 1054 constituted a minor event with negligible impact on church relations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mutual excommunications of 1054 significantly escalated the estrangement between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, contributing to the Great Schism.

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The term 'anathema' first appeared in modern English during the 17th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'anathema' first appeared in modern English in 1526, initially signifying 'something accursed.'

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The Council of Elvira, convened circa 306 AD, represents the earliest recorded instance of 'anathema' employed as an extreme religious sanction.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Council of Elvira, convened circa 306 AD, is documented as the earliest instance of 'anathema' being formally utilized as an extreme religious sanction.

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During the 5th century, 'anathema' and 'minor' excommunication were considered synonymous, both entailing exclusion from the Eucharist.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 5th century, anathema signified complete separation from the Church, whereas minor excommunication involved exclusion from the Eucharist and worship.

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Within Catholic dogmatic canons, 'anathema' signifies exclusion from the faithful predicated upon heresy.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Catholic dogmatic canons, 'anathema' formally signifies exclusion from the community of the faithful due to heresy.

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Documents from the 9th and 12th centuries posited anathema as a lesser form of excommunication compared to general exclusion from sacraments.

Answer: False

Explanation: Documents from the 9th and 12th centuries considered anathema a 'major excommunication,' signifying exclusion from the faithful, distinct from 'minor excommunication' (exclusion from sacraments).

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The solemn form of Catholic anathema was frequently pronounced utilizing the ceremonies of 'bell, book, and candle.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The solemn form of Catholic anathema was often pronounced using specific ceremonial rites, including the use of a bell, book, and candle.

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The 1917 Code of Canon Law maintained a clear distinction between major and minor excommunication, designating only the latter as anathema.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1917 Code of Canon Law abandoned the distinction between major and minor excommunication, equating excommunication with anathema, particularly when solemn.

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The current 1983 Code of Canon Law frequently employs the term 'anathema' for solemn excommunications.

Answer: False

Explanation: The current 1983 Code of Canon Law has entirely omitted the term 'anathema.'

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Within the Eastern Orthodox Church, *epitemia* signifies complete separation from the Church until repentance.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Eastern Orthodox Church, *epitemia* involves restricted participation while remaining in the Church, whereas anathema signifies complete separation until repentance.

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Heresy and schism constitute the two primary causes for anathema within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Answer: True

Explanation: Heresy and schism are identified as the two principal grounds for anathematization within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

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The purpose of public anathema within the Eastern Orthodox Church is solely to punish the condemned individual.

Answer: False

Explanation: The purpose of public anathema in the Eastern Orthodox Church is twofold: to warn the condemned and encourage repentance, and to caution others.

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The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' within the Eastern Orthodox Church involves public pronouncements against numerous heresies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' involves public anathemas against numerous historical heresies, commemorating the triumph over Iconoclasm.

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The Synodicon is a decree associated with the Council of Nicaea and is proclaimed during Advent.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Synodicon is related to the Council of Constantinople (843 AD) ending Iconoclasm and is proclaimed during the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy,' not Advent.

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The image associated with Pope Gregory XI depicts an anathema in the sense of a blessing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image related to Pope Gregory XI depicts an anathema in the sense of a curse, not a blessing.

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The *Southwick Codex* contains an image depicting the solemn pronouncement of an anathema.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Southwick Codex* mentions anathema but does not contain an image depicting its solemn pronouncement.

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Within Catholicism, the 1983 Code of Canon Law entirely removed the term 'anathema.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The current 1983 Code of Canon Law has omitted the term 'anathema,' and the revised *Pontificale Romanum* no longer specifies solemn ceremonies for excommunication.

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The Eastern Orthodox Church views anathema as a final, irreversible damnation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eastern Orthodox Church views anathema as a temporary state that can be lifted upon repentance, not as final damnation.

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The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' commemorates the conclusion of the Arian controversy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' commemorates the restoration of icons after the period of Byzantine Iconoclasm, not the end of the Arian controversy.

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By the 6th century CE, what did the liturgical interpretation of 'anathema' primarily denote?

Answer: A formal ecclesiastical curse of excommunication and condemnation of heresy.

Explanation: By the 6th century CE, 'anathema' primarily denoted a formal ecclesiastical curse of excommunication and the condemnation of heretical doctrines.

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What is the meaning of the Latin phrase '*anathema sit*?'

Answer: Let him be anathema.

Explanation: The Latin phrase '*anathema sit*' translates to 'let him be anathema,' signifying condemnation or excommunication.

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The historical event of mutual anathematization in 1054 is significant primarily because it:

Answer: Was a key escalation point in the Great Schism between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

Explanation: The mutual excommunications of 1054 significantly exacerbated the estrangement between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, contributing to the Great Schism.

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When did the term 'anathema' first appear in modern English, and what was its initial sense?

Answer: 1526, meaning 'something accursed'.

Explanation: The term 'anathema' first appeared in modern English in 1526, initially signifying 'something accursed.'

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What constitutes the earliest recorded instance of 'anathema' being formally utilized as an extreme religious sanction?

Answer: The Council of Elvira (c. 306 AD)

Explanation: The Council of Elvira, convened circa 306 AD, is documented as the earliest instance of 'anathema' being formally utilized as an extreme religious sanction.

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What was the principal distinction between 'anathema' and 'minor' excommunication as differentiated in the 5th century?

Answer: Anathema involved complete separation from the Church, while minor excommunication excluded one from the Eucharist and worship.

Explanation: In the 5th century, anathema signified complete separation from the Church, whereas minor excommunication involved exclusion from the Eucharist and worship services.

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In Catholic dogmatic canons, for what reason is 'anathema' formally declared?

Answer: For exclusion from the faithful due to heresy.

Explanation: Within Catholic dogmatic canons, 'anathema' is formally declared for exclusion from the community of the faithful due to heresy.

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How did the 1917 Code of Canon Law redefine the relationship between excommunication and anathema?

Answer: It equated excommunication with anathema, especially when solemn.

Explanation: The 1917 Code of Canon Law equated excommunication with anathema, particularly when solemn, abandoning the prior distinction between major and minor excommunication.

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What is the status of the term 'anathema' within the current (1983) Code of Canon Law?

Answer: It is no longer present in the code.

Explanation: The current 1983 Code of Canon Law has entirely omitted the term 'anathema.'

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In the Eastern Orthodox Church, what is the principal difference between *epitemia* and anathema?

Answer: *Epitemia* involves restricted participation but remaining in the Church, while anathema is complete separation.

Explanation: *Epitemia* entails restricted participation while remaining an Orthodox Christian, whereas anathema signifies complete separation from the Church until repentance.

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Which two actions are cited as the primary causes for anathema within the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Answer: Schism and heresy

Explanation: Heresy and schism are identified as the two principal grounds for anathematization within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

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What is the intended purpose of public anathema within the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Answer: To warn the condemned and others, encouraging repentance.

Explanation: The objective of public anathema in the Eastern Orthodox Church is to admonish the condemned, encourage repentance, and caution the wider faithful.

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The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' in the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates:

Answer: The end of Byzantine Iconoclasm.

Explanation: The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' commemorates the restoration of icons following the period of Byzantine Iconoclasm.

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What is the Synodicon proclaimed during the Rite of Orthodoxy?

Answer: An anathema against Iconoclasm and previous heresies.

Explanation: The Synodicon is a decree proclaimed during the Rite of Orthodoxy, containing an anathema against Iconoclasm and other historical heresies.

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What does the image from the Ter Doest abbey manuscript depict?

Answer: An anathema, or curse.

Explanation: The image from a manuscript of the Ter Doest abbey is described as depicting an anathema, signifying a curse.

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Historically, the distinction between 'major' and 'minor' excommunication in Catholicism signified:

Answer: Major was complete separation from the faithful; minor was exclusion from the Eucharist.

Explanation: Historically, 'major' excommunication (often equated with anathema) meant complete separation from the faithful, while 'minor' excommunication involved exclusion from the Eucharist.

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What specific ceremonies were historically associated with a solemn Catholic anathema?

Answer: Using a bell, book, and candle.

Explanation: Solemn Catholic anathemas were historically pronounced using specific ceremonial rites, including the use of a bell, book, and candle.

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The Eastern Orthodox Church employs public anathema primarily to:

Answer: Encourage repentance and warn the faithful.

Explanation: Public anathema in the Eastern Orthodox Church primarily aims to encourage repentance in the condemned and serve as a warning to the faithful.

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How does the Eastern Orthodox Church regard the finality of an anathema?

Answer: As a temporary state that can be lifted upon repentance.

Explanation: The Eastern Orthodox Church views anathema as a temporary state that can be revoked upon genuine repentance, not as final damnation.

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What is the primary purpose of the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy'?

Answer: To celebrate the restoration of icons after Iconoclasm.

Explanation: The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' primarily celebrates the restoration of icons following the period of Byzantine Iconoclasm.

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Contemporary and Secular Applications

In contemporary secular contexts, 'anathema' is commonly employed to describe something highly praised or admired.

Answer: False

Explanation: In contemporary secular contexts, 'anathema' is commonly used to describe something or someone intensely detested or shunned.

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According to the source material, what are the two principal meanings of the word 'anathema'?

Answer: Something intensely hated or avoided, and a formal church excommunication.

Explanation: The term 'anathema' possesses two principal meanings: something or someone intensely detested or shunned, and a formal excommunication issued by a church.

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In contemporary secular discourse, what does 'anathema' most commonly describe?

Answer: Something or someone intensely detested or shunned.

Explanation: In contemporary secular discourse, 'anathema' is predominantly used to denote something or someone held in intense detestation or actively shunned.

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In secular contexts, describing racial hatred as 'anathema' implies that it is:

Answer: Intensely detested or shunned.

Explanation: In secular contexts, describing something as 'anathema' means it is intensely detested or shunned.

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