ecclesiasticism
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A quality or practice characteristic of a church or its clergy: Refers to the distinctive principles, customs, or spirit associated with ecclesiastical (church) institutions and their activities.
- Excessive adherence to ecclesiastical forms, rituals, or activities: Implies an overemphasis on the external forms, ceremonies, or administrative structures of the church, sometimes at the expense of spiritual substance.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The medieval architecture reflected a profound ecclesiasticism in its design and purpose.
- Some reformers criticized the growing ecclesiasticism within the institution, arguing it had lost touch with its spiritual roots.
- Their religion became overshadowed by a rigid ecclesiasticism focused more on ritual than on faith.
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a critical or analytical tone when used to describe an over-institutionalized or formalistic approach to religious life.
- The historian's thesis explored how 19th-century ecclesiasticism influenced social policy.
Variants and Related Words
- Ecclesiastic (noun): A member of the clergy.
- Ecclesiastical (adjective): Relating to the Christian church or its clergy.
- Ecclesiastical law governs the administration of the church.
Synonyms
- Clericalism: A policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy.
- Ritualism: Excessive adherence to ritual.
- Formalism: Strict adherence to prescribed forms.
Antonyms
- Secularism: The principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.
- Spiritualism: A focus on spiritual matters rather than material or formal ones.
Noun
- religion appropriate to a church and to ecclesiastical principles and practices
- excessive adherence to ecclesiastical forms and activities
- their ecclesiasticism overwhelmed their religion