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Glite Dictionary
⛪ No error in doctrine 🧠 Absolute certainty
infallibilism

infallibilism

9.9
A belief that a person or group, for example the Pope, cannot be wrong about certain religious teachings
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈfælɪbɪlɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : infallibilismo
  • Many theologians have written extensively on the concept of infallibilism in church history.

Examples

  • The doctrine of infallibilism is central to Catholic theology.

  • Some critics argue that infallibilism can lead to unquestioned acceptance of official teachings.

  • The doctrine of infallibilism is central to some religious debates about papal authority.

  • Many followers believe in infallibilism as a guiding principle.

  • The concept of infallibilism suggests that the Pope cannot make mistakes in matters of faith.

  • Many followers believe in infallibilism when it comes to the teachings of their religious authorities.

  • Critics argue that infallibilism can lead to dogmatism and close-mindedness within religious institutions.

Synonyms

infallibility
vsinfallibilism
7 8.9

Being unable to make mistakes

is a belief that authorities cannot be wrong on specific faith or moral teachings
papal infallibility
vsinfallibilism
  • Formal
1 9.9

The belief that the pope cannot be wrong when speaking officially on faith or morals

is broader, applying to any person or institution seen as free from error

Antonyms

fallibility
4 7.2

A tendency to make mistakes

Surface Forms

infallibilism singular
infallibilisms plural

Morphology

infallibilism = infallible (semi-transparent) = in + fallible + ism

The step from 'infallible' to 'infallibilism' is a standard and clear use of '-ism' to name a doctrine or belief.

Etymology

Infallibilism comes from the parts in- ('not') and fallible ('able to be wrong'), so it means 'not able to be wrong'. In religion, it is the belief that a person or office, especially the Pope, cannot be wrong about certain teachings on faith or morals.