Novatianism
- noun
- /noʊˈveɪʃənɪzəm/
- Formal
- The church's leaders were accused of Novatianism after refusing to readmit members who had erred.
Examples
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Her approach to the rules was marked by a kind of Novatianism that left little room for compassion.
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Many criticized Novatianism for its harshness.
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Some historians argue that Novatianism influenced later debates about forgiveness and discipline.
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The church adopted a strict Novatianism approach to discipline.
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The church's leaders exhibited a strict Novatianism by refusing to allow any members to return after sinning.
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Critics of Novatianism often emphasize the need for forgiveness in the face of human weakness.
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Her strict Novatianism made it difficult for her to accept those who had faltered in their faith.
Antonyms
How Strict
Surface Forms
Morphology
Novatianism = Novatian (semi-transparent) = Novatian + ism
The suffix '-ism' marks an attitude or policy (doctrine), but the precise meaning relies on knowing Novatian's historical stance, which is not predictable for most learners.
Etymology
Novatianism is named after the priest Novatian, who chose to 'refuse to forgive' Christians who had lapsed. That's why Novatianism now means a strict policy of refusing forgiveness or reconciliation, especially in matters of church discipline.