churchism
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Noun
[edit]churchism (countable and uncountable, plural churchisms)
- Strict adherence to the forms or principles of some church organization; sectarianism.
- 1768, Charles Chauncy, A letter to a friend, containing remarks on certain passages in a sermon, page 61:
- The appellant's idea of religion , essentially different from churchism .
- 1889 July, “Denominational Consciousness”, in Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review, volume 71, page 594:
- This identification of himself with his denomination is the acme of consecration, and this aborption of individual consciousness in the common and larger consciousness of the Church is a sign of efficient churchism, which, well regulated, may contribute to the enlargement of Christ's kingdom.
- A cliché or overused saying uttered in church.
- 2012, Bill Foster, Meet The Skeptic: A Field Guide to Faith Conversations, page 12:
- Christians resort to churchisms such as: “Let go and let God”; “Love the sinner, hate the sin”; “I have Jesus in my heart”; “God said it. I believe it. That settles it!"
- 2022, Michele R. Minter Williams, Church Politics:: The Games We Play:
- One churchism (a term or phrase that we use in church that has almost become a cliché) that is used when talking about prayer is the phrase "touch and agree."
- 2024, Jason Kirk, Hell Is a World Without You:
- Kids kept yelling ingrained churchisms for us to debunk, a la MythBusters: " God helps those who help themselves! " " Cleanliness is next to godliness! " "A gate in Jerusalem was named Eye of a Needle, so it's fine to be rich!"
Usage notes
[edit]- The first sense is often modified by a type of sect, such as high churchism, broad churchism, etc.