Cabala or Kabala (Kah-BAHL-lah)-A complex system of MYSTICAL teachings used by the JEWISH faith. "It consists of a model of creation (TREE OF LIFE), and a complex system of symbols and principles for developing the inner potential of human nature, leading to the stage of conscious service to the DIVINE powers at the source of all creation." Its teachings involve the light of the CREATOR, and the vessel that receives it, and other guarded lessons of Jewish MYSTICISM and issues raised by the teachings of the TORAH. The letters of the Torah can be arranged in various ways for understanding complex MYSTICAL ideas and tradition, depending on the addition of vowels before or after vowel-less MYSTICAL messages of the Torah, which are in Hebrew.
Calvinism-A body of RELIGIOUS ideas that were influenced by PROTESTANT 16th century church reformer, John Calvin, whose church government was classified as PRESBYTERIANISM. It was first seen in Scotland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Its central DOCTRINE is that certain SOULS are predestined by GOD through JESUS CHRIST, then SALVATION, and then the rest to DAMNATION. This group emphasizes the supremacy of the scriptures when establishing the truth, and the scriptures are to be used as the guidelines for FAITH and practice. Apparently it is a rare following in today's society.
Canaan-The promised land of rest and sanctuary in JUDAISM. In ancient Palestine, the region between Palestine, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.
Canon-Authoritative church texts, church law, or RELIGIOUS code.
Canonization-An official decree of a CHRISTIAN CHURCH whereby a deceased person is declared a SAINT.
Catechism (Catholic)-An extensive reference manual, originally published in the 8th century and was designed for use for RELIGIOUS instruction of children. Later, it was published in large and small versions. It was designed to systematically present the teachings of the church as well as the SPIRITUAL heritage of the various church leaders and SAINTS.
Catholic Church-See ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Catholicism (Roman Catholicism)-Any teaching or explanation of CHRISTIANITY which must ultimately defer to the authority of the Pope of Rome.
Causal (Egoic) Body-One of the four higher bodies of ESOTERIC teachings having to do with the ego and the SPIRIT. The other three bodies being PHYSICAL, ETHERIC, and ASTRAL.
Cave of the Heart-Indicating the deepest place of the heart, where one is one with GOD.
Celestial-Suggesting of something HEAVENLY, or indicating DIVINE influence.
Celibacy-Abstaining from sexual relations and from marriage, usually for RELIGIOUS reasons.
