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The concept of Essential in Christianity

The keyphrase "Essential" encompasses various interpretations across different belief systems. In Christianity, it signifies vital communication from God, the prioritization of faith over rituals, and the depth of longing for divine connection. Gnosticism views "Essential" as faith and love, particularly in mystical unity. The Catholic Church defines it in the context of valid marriage elements and the foundational nature of concepts like pride as a sin. Early Christianity highlights the essential truth of God's greatness, beyond human understanding.1
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Synonyms: Vital, Necessary, Important, Key, Significant

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Essential'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) Compared with faith, outward rites are of no avail, and union to Him depends on quite another order of facts.[1] (2) This refers to a key element, that God's communications are made to solitary souls, and His voice always summons us to forsake friends and companions, and to go apart with God.[2] (3) This refers to the longing and faith, as stated in the text.[3]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The key parts of marriage that make it valid or invalid, which are the basis for marriage.[4] (2) This term describes the fundamental nature of something, and the text uses it to argue that pride is the first sin because aversion from God, which is essential to pride, is also the formal complement of sin.[5]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The essential truth of God's name is the greatness, which, if fully known to man, would not be considered greatness.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Gnostic concept of 'Essential'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The concept of faith and love, that is the only essential, meaning by faith, mystical brooding of the mind absorbed in the original unity, according to the Monadic Gnosis.[7]