Definition

Noun: A Christian religious belief system centered on the conviction that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent, meaning it will happen very soon. This term broadly refers to Christian movements and denominations that emphasize the immediate expectation of Christ's return.

Usage

The term is used to categorize or describe specific Christian groups and their core doctrinal focus. * Second Adventism emerged as a distinct theological movement in the 19th century. * Some scholars study the historical impact of Second Adventism on American religious culture.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a historical context, particularly relating to the Great Disappointment of 1844, when the predicted return of Christ by William Miller and his followers did not occur.
• It functions as an umbrella term encompassing various groups that share this central belief, even if they differ on other points of doctrine.

Variants and Related Words

• Adventism (n): A more general term for Christian belief in the imminent Second Advent (coming) of Christ. "Second Adventism" is a more specific form of this.
• Second Coming (n): The event itself that these groups anticipate.
• Millenarianism / Millennialism (n): A broader religious concept involving a coming earthly paradise or a thousand-year reign, often associated with Second Adventist beliefs.

Synonyms

• Adventism
• Millenarian Christianity (in specific contexts)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Imminent return: The core belief that Christ's coming is about to happen at any moment.
• Eschatology: The branch of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, which is the central focus of Second Adventism.

Noun

1. any Christian religion that believes the second coming of Christ is imminent