Homologoumena is a transliterated Greek word used in Christian theology to refer to books of the New Testament that are universally accepted as divinely inspired. The word is pronounced as [hɒmələguːˈmiːnə] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "h" at the beginning of the word is silent, and the first syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The "u" in the middle is pronounced with a long "ooh" sound, and the word is stressed on the fifth syllable from the end.
Homologoumena is a term used in the field of biblical studies to refer to the collection of books or writings that are generally accepted as part of the biblical canon by a particular religious community or tradition. The term is often contrasted with the term "antilegomena," which refers to those books or writings that are disputed or questioned regarding their authorship, authenticity, or inclusion in the canon.
The word "homologoumena" is derived from the Greek words "homos," meaning "same," and "logos," meaning "word" or "speech." Thus, it can be understood as a compilation of writings that are in agreement or consensus amongst a specific religious community.
The homologoumena include the core and widely recognized texts that are integral to the religious teachings, beliefs, and practices of a particular religious tradition. These texts often contain foundational narratives, teachings, laws, rituals, prayers, and other significant aspects of faith and spirituality. The acceptance of these writings as authoritative and inspired forms the basis for religious doctrine, theological interpretation, and ethical and moral teachings within the community.
It is important to note that the composition of the homologoumena may vary across different religious communities and traditions. For example, the homologoumena of the Christian canon include books such as the Gospels, the Epistles of Paul, and the Book of Acts, among others, while excluding books such as the Gospel of Thomas or the Epistle of Barnabas. Therefore, the concept of homologoumena is relative and context-dependent, reflecting the particular beliefs and practices of a religious group.
The word "Homologoumena" is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek words "homo" meaning "same" or "similar", and "logos" meaning "word" or "reason". Together, "homologoumena" can be translated to mean "those things agreed upon" or "those things acknowledged". In the context of theology and biblical studies, "Homologoumena" refers to the books of the New Testament that were generally accepted and agreed upon by the early Christian community as authentic and canonical.