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The concept of Whole in Christianity

In Christianity, the concept of Whole encompasses various interpretations. It refers to the entirety of the earth and the interconnectedness of communities, highlighting the impact of sin. Additionally, Whole signifies complete entities, both spiritually and physically, emphasizing the importance of integrity and unity within the divine plan. It embodies a holistic view, which includes the entirety of creation, underscoring the interconnectedness of all elements in relation to God and the divine idea that permeates everything.1
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Synonyms: Entire, Complete, Total, Full, Comprehensive, Unbroken, Undivided

In Swedish: Hela; In Finnish: Koko; In Dutch: Geheel; In Spanish: Entero; In German: Ganz; In Malay: Keseluruhan; In French: Entier

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

Christian concept of 'Whole'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This term emphasizes the totality of something, and that it is either good or evil, and it is not affected by its aspects.[1] (2) This term describes all parts of something, and it is mentioned in the context of the text.[2] (3) This refers to the whole substance, and the Father is referred to as such, and it is a key element in the discussion.[3] (4) This phrase refers to the complete dissolution of the human body, and the text says that God knows the location of the particles after this.[4] (5) The text suggests that if one gains this, but loses their own soul, it is not profitable for them.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) A term used in the text to describe the completeness of something, with the lost sheep being an integral part of it.[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.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Referring to Hermon, the highest peak of the Antilibanus range, which is located at the southern end, northeast of Palestine, and borders Bashan, also known as Sion, the lofty, is considered the whole, represented by N., S., E., and W.[7] (2) This refers to the whole country, which Chaldaea was used to designate, properly the southern part of Babylonia.[8] (3) This refers to the entire translation.[9] (4) Nebuchadnezzar controlled the inundation by turning the water through sluices into channels for distribution over the whole country, showcasing his engineering.[10] (5) The whole refers to the whole earth, which the Saviour is the inheritor of, according to the text.[11]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The whole refers to the community, such as families, churches, and nations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals and the impact of sin.[12] (2) This term refers to the entirety of something, and it is mentioned as being guaranteed to come in due time, and is related to the inheritance or of the pay, in the context of the text.[13] (3) The whole is united by the corner-stone, and it is the foundation-stone and not 'the head-stone of the corner', according to the text.[14]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) The spiritual substance of the whole, the divine idea which pervades and combines all its details, is in itself such a miracle, such a peculiar and wondrous phenomenon, as to lend natural support and undeniable confirmation to the isolated and physical wonders themselves.[15]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This phrase refers to the entirety of Europe, Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and the north-west of Africa, which was under Roman control.[16]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The complete entity or being, whose identity is affected by changes in its parts, particularly its essential components, highlighting the importance of the whole's integrity.[17] (2) This refers to the entirety of a substance, and it is used to determine whether a mixture has fully integrated, and the effects of mixing are applied throughout the entire substance.[18] (3) The parts do not exceed the whole, and the text uses this principle to explain how various elements are considered parts of prudence.[19] (4) It is described as more like God than the parts because it is more perfect, and is referenced in relation to the Word's assumption of human nature.[20] (5) This refers to the complete entity, and is not supposed to be divided with the parts.[21]

From: The city of God

(1) This refers to the concept that the Creator knows where and when each thing ought to be created, and sees the similarities and diversities that contribute to it.[22]

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

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This expression describes the entirety of a person's being, emphasizing that devotion to the divine being is essential for achieving complete fulfillment and a life of purpose.[23]

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.