annihilationism

Definition

1. Noun (Theology):
   • The doctrine that the wicked will be completely destroyed after death, rather than suffering eternal torment: "Annihilationism" is the belief that unrepentant sinners will cease to exist entirely, rather than experiencing everlasting punishment in hell.

Usage Examples

• (The belief that the wicked are destroyed, not tormented forever.)
• (The idea that destruction, not endless suffering, is the ultimate fate of the unrepentant.)

Advanced Usage

• "Conditional annihilationism": a variant of annihilationism that holds that only believers receive immortality, while the wicked are annihilated after judgment.
  • Conditional annihilationism teaches that human souls are not inherently immortal, but are granted immortality through faith in God. (The view that annihilation applies to those without faith.)

Variants and Related Words

• Annihilate (verb): to destroy completely; to reduce to nothing.
  • The explosion annihilated the entire building. (The building was utterly destroyed.)
• Annihilation (noun): the act or state of being completely destroyed.
  • The threat of nuclear annihilation loomed during the Cold War. (The possibility of total destruction.)

Synonyms

• Destructionism: a similar theological view emphasizing the final destruction of the wicked.
• Extinctionism: another term for annihilationism, focusing on the cessation of existence.

Related Idioms

• "To go to nothing": a colloquial expression meaning to cease to exist entirely.
  • The old town seemed to go to nothing after the war. (It was completely destroyed.)

Usage Instructions

• Context: Primarily used in theological discussions, especially within Christian eschatology (the study of end times). It is less common in general conversation.
• Formality: Formal or academic; avoid in casual speech unless discussing religion.
• Regional Variation: More prevalent in evangelical and Protestant circles; less common in Catholic or Orthodox traditions.