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The concept of First Principle in Christianity

The concept of First Principle varies significantly across different faiths and philosophies. In Christianity, it represents foundational teachings essential for understanding faith, including the oracles of God and teachings like the laying on of hands. For Gnosticism, First Principle is seen as the originating cause or ultimate reality, while in Protestantism, it emphasizes God as the source of all existence. Eastern Orthodoxy and the Catholic Church also view First Principle as fundamental truths guiding moral behavior and understanding the nature of good and evil, highlighting the diverse interpretations across belief systems.

Synonyms: Fundamental principle, Core concept, Basic principle, Essential principle, Basic concept, Essential truth, Underlying principle

In Dutch: Eerste principe; In Finnish: Ensimm盲inen periaate; In Spanish: Primer principio; In German: Erstes Prinzip; In Malay: Prinsip Pertama; In Swedish: F枚rsta principen; In French: Premier principe

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

Christian concept of 'First Principle'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This refers to the basic concepts of a subject, and it is used to understand the role of faith in salvation.[1] (2) The first principle is referenced in the context of duration, specifically in the discussion of why time is one. The diversity of things receiving duration from the influx of the first principle is mentioned.[2] (3) This describes the Father in the context of the Trinity, and it emphasizes the Father's role as the ultimate source, who is not from another, and is the origin of the other persons.[3] (4) These are fundamental truths that are known naturally, and the text uses them to illustrate how demons cannot know the truth through their own nature, or by revelation, or through learning.[4] (5) A fundamental or initial cause of something, and it is not essential for a voluntary act to have this, as the intrinsic principle can be caused by an extrinsic principle.[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) This phrase describes the fundamental starting point or most basic element of the universe, which the Naasseni identify as a Man.[6] (2) The first principles of things are veiled by those who have spoken of divine things, delivering the truth in enigmas, symbols, allegories, metaphors, and such like tropes.[7] (3) The text mentions the first principles of things in the context of the prophet's mind, examining with keener glance the first principles of things, separating in thought between matter and its qualities.[8] (4) The initial and fundamental element of all things, which Pythagoras identified as unity, considering it the primary source and origin of everything that exists.[9] (5) According to Plato, there are three fundamental elements that constitute the foundation of all existence, while Aristotle proposes a different perspective with only two.[10]

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.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The early congregations needed to be taught these of the oracles of God, according to the provided text.[11] (2) Fundamental truths of worship and religion that are considered universal and binding.[12]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) These are foundational teachings of the Christian faith, as the text references the laying on of hands as one of them.[13]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) In Hebrews, the word is used to refer to the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God, which are the basic and simplest truths of God's revelation in the prophets and Christ.[14]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The foundational concept that asserts God is the origin of all things and goodness.[15] (2) The idea that God is the original source and creator of all, which is denied when man asserts himself as the ultimate authority.[16] (3) The fundamental truth or origin from which all other truths derive.[17]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) The foundational concepts that serve as the basis for understanding the nature of Good and Evil, suggesting that there are two opposing principles that exist within a larger framework.[18]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Gnostic concept of 'First Principle'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) The First Principle of all things was Fire, to which the Six Radicals were subordinate, according to the axiom upon which the new religion was based, as described in the text.[19] (2) The ultimate source or origin from which all things emanate, representing the highest reality in the context of successive Emanations.[20] (3) The originating cause or ultimate reality that produces successive powers, integral to the philosophical concepts presented in the text.[21]

Plural form: First principles.