anticlericalism
Noun: Anticlericalism is opposition to the influence and power of the clergy, especially in political and social matters. It is a political or ideological stance that criticizes or seeks to reduce the role of religious leaders and institutions in public life.
- (Opposition to clergy power influenced government reforms.)
- (His work criticized religious influence in schools.)
- (The stance targets institutional power, not personal belief.)
"militant anticlericalism": A particularly aggressive form of opposition that may seek to suppress or dismantle clerical institutions.
- The revolution was marked by militant anticlericalism, resulting in the closure of monasteries and seizure of church property. (A forceful, active campaign against clergy power.)
"secular anticlericalism": Opposition rooted in a desire for secular governance, rather than in anti-religious sentiment.
- Secular anticlericalism advocates for a clear separation of religious and state affairs without attacking personal faith. (A moderate form focused on institutional boundaries.)
Anticlerical (adj): opposing the power of the clergy.
- The anticlerical laws banned priests from holding public office. (Laws designed to limit clerical influence.)
Anticlericalist (n): a person who supports anticlericalism.
- Many anticlericalists were intellectuals who saw religious authority as a threat to democracy. (A supporter of the movement.)
Clericalism (n): the influence or power of the clergy, especially in politics.
- Clericalism often leads to resistance from those who advocate for secular governance. (The opposite concept.)
- Secularism: the principle of separation of religion from political and social institutions.
- Laicism: a policy or system that excludes the clergy from political power (especially in French contexts).
- Anti-clerical sentiment: a general feeling of opposition to clerical authority.
"to separate church and state": to establish a clear division between religious and governmental institutions.
- Anticlericalism often calls for the separation of church and state. (A key goal of the movement.)
"to curb clerical power": to limit the authority of religious leaders.
- The new constitution aimed to curb clerical power, reflecting the nation's anticlericalism. (A specific action stemming from the ideology.)