# charisma (n.) [The concept of "charisma" as a special spiritual gift or power divinely conferred has deep roots in both religious and historical contexts. Here's a synthesis of its meaning, historical context, and applications: ### Definition and Meaning 1. **Charisma (χάρισμα):** - Derived from the Greek word "charis," meaning "grace" or "favor," "charisma" refers to a "gift of grace." - In Christian theology, "charismata" (plural) are considered gifts of the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon individuals to benefit the church community. ### Historical Context 1. **Early Christian Usage:** - The concept of charisma is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul the Apostle. He describes various spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. - These gifts were seen as divine empowerments for the edification and growth of the Christian community. 2. **Development Over Time:** - Throughout Christian history, different movements and denominations have emphasized the role of charismata. For instance, the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in the 20th century highlighted the active presence and operation of these spiritual gifts, often characterized by expressive worship and the use of gifts like speaking in tongues and healing. 3. **Broader Cultural Influence:** - Beyond religious contexts, the term "charisma" has evolved to describe a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others. This secular usage emerged in the 20th century, influenced by sociologist Max [[Weber]], who used it to describe a form of leadership characterized by extraordinary personal qualities. ### Applications 1. **Gifts of Healing and Teaching:** - **Healing:** Considered a miraculous ability to cure illnesses and ailments, often seen as a sign of divine intervention and a testament to faith. - **Teaching:** The gift of imparting knowledge and understanding of spiritual truths, crucial for the instruction and guidance of the Christian community. 2. **Prophecy and the Gift of Tongues:** - **Prophecy:** The ability to receive and communicate messages from God, often concerning future events or divine will. It serves as a means of guidance and encouragement for believers. - **Gift of Tongues:** The ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, seen as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. It is often accompanied by the gift of interpretation, allowing the message to be understood by others. In summary, "charisma" as a spiritual gift encompasses a range of divine empowerments intended to strengthen and build up the Christian community. Its historical development reflects both its theological significance and its broader cultural impact, illustrating the enduring influence of this concept across different contexts. #### Sources: - [Eucharistics](obsidian://open?vault=Obsidian%20Atomic%20Napkins&file=Eucharistics) - [Charisma](obsidian://open?vault=Obsidian%20Atomic%20Napkins&file=Charisma)](<1875, "special spiritual gift or power divinely conferred, talent from God" (as on the early Christians in "Acts," etc.), Latinized form of Greek kharisma "favor, divine gift," from kharizesthai "to show favor to," from kharis "grace, beauty, kindness" (Charis was the name of one of the three attendants of Aphrodite), which is related to khairein "to rejoice at" (from PIE root [*gher-](https://www.etymonline.com/word/*gher-#etymonline_v_52749 "Etymology, meaning and definition of *gher-") (2) "to like, want"). In the form charism (plural charismata) it is attested in the "special spiritual gift from god" sense from 1640s. Middle English, meanwhile, had karisme "spiritual gift, divine grace" (c. 1500). These gifts were of two classes, the gift of healing and gift of teaching, the latter again being of two kinds, the gift of prophecy and the gift of tongues. Such gifts have been claimed in later ages by certain teachers and sects in the church, as the Montanists and the Irvingites, and in recent times by some of those who practise the so-called faith-cure. The meaning "gift of leadership, power of authority" is from c. 1930, from German, used in this sense by Max Weber (1864-1920) in "Wirtschaft u. Gesellschaft" (1922). The more mundane sense of "personal charm" recorded by 1959. pie 'gher' supposedly related to Avestan 'zara': "effort, aim;" # chrestomathy (n.) "collection of literary passages" (especially from a foreign language), 1774, from French chrestomathie, from Latinized form of Greek khrestomatheia "desire of learning; book containing selected passages," lit. "useful learning," from khrestos "useful" (verbal adjective of khresthai "to make use of," from PIE root [*gher-](https://www.etymonline.com/word/*gher-#etymonline_v_52749 "Etymology, meaning and definition of *gher-") (2) "to like, want") + manthanein "to learn" (from PIE root [*mendh-](https://www.etymonline.com/word/*mendh- "Etymology, meaning and definition of *mendh-") "to learn"). Related: Chrestomathic. eu- (from eucharist): [eu-](https://www.etymonline.com/word/eu-#etymonline_v_32751 "Origin and meaning of eu-")  word-forming element, in modern use meaning "good, well," from Greek eus "good," eu "well" (adv.), also "luckily, happily", as a noun, "the right, the good cause," from PIE *(e)su- "good" (source also of Sanskrit su- "good," Avestan hu- "good"), originally a suffixed form of root [*es-](https://www.etymonline.com/word/*es- "Etymology, meaning and definition of *es-") "to be." In compounds the Greek word had more a sense of "greatness, abundance, prosperity," and was opposed to dys-.