chiliasm
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈkɪliˌæzəm/
- Specialized
- The concept of chiliasm is often discussed in sermons that focus on the end times as predicted in the Book of Revelation.
Examples
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Now, it is questionable whether there are actual examples of this kind of idolatry in the theological tradition, which, unlike the concrete chiliasm of the first kind of eschatological idolatry, would take the form of a spiritualized gnosticism.
Academic text (2006) -
Chiliasm is not a pressing theological problem in our time, although, as a warrant for ideological violence, it has increasingly become a political problem.
Academic text (2006) -
We have seen in our survey of the history and the evidence what the potentials are: a return to the Edenic state in the literal terms of primitive chiliasm - a new heaven and a new earth.
Blog text (33) -
But this kind of idolatry is perniciously accomplished in chiliasm—the literal reduction of God's actions to the events of history.
Academic text (2006) -
Many Christians hold to the belief of chiliasm, which envisions a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth.
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Some theologians interpret chiliasm as a literal future promise of Christ's return to establish His kingdom.
Synonyms
1
9.9
Belief that Jesus returns to earth before a thousand years of peace
1
9.9
Belief that society will change completely, often by a future thousand-year rule of Christ
Belief that Christ will rule on earth for a thousand years as in the Book of Revelation
A belief that a thousand years of peace and happiness will come to earth, as some Christians expect
Surface Forms
Morphology
chiliasm = chiliad (opaque) = chili + ism
The combining form 'chili-' (thousand) is not a familiar productive English base for learners, so the doctrinal sense is not transparently derived.
Etymology
Chiliasm comes from the Greek word chilia meaning 'thousand' and the ending -ism meaning 'belief' or 'system'. So chiliasm is the belief that Christ will rule on earth for a 'thousand' years, like the idea called the millennium.