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millenarianism

millenarianism

1 9.9
Belief that society will change completely, often by a future thousand-year rule of Christ
  • noun
  • /ˌmɪlɪˈnɛəriənɪzəm/
: milenarismo
  • Losses he had reaped when he was still in his youth, Ken had outgrown millenarianism in his teens.

Examples

  • This laid the groundwork for the form of secular millenarianism that developed during and after the Enlightenment.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Hers was a decidedly nonrevolutionary millenarianism which stressed that the civil and ecclesiastical power structures of the present would continue into the next age.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Despite his continued millenarianism, Cherum from time to time acted as spokesman and advocate for his people on practical affairs.

    Academic text (1998)
  • For instance, the first hypothesis they put forward is that Otto III modified the calendar in order to reign in the year 1000 AD because this suited his understanding of Christian millenarianism.

    Blog text (11)
  • These visions, and this sequencing of events, fit squarely into the late medieval tradition of apocalyptic millenarianism that was common among both Christians and Jews.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Millenarianism, utopian ideals, and eschatological narratives are important aspects of both cults and Islamism.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Today, U.S. policymakers are engaged in a similar debate about the nature of the dangers emanating from Iran, a theocracy that dabbles in millenarianism, Holocaust denial, and uranium enrichment.

    Academic text (2011)
  • While clearly anxious to avoid any overt discussion of millenarianism, Burnet's use of obviously apocalyptic imagery nevertheless strongly suggests that he considered the introduction of godly rule and moral reform, which would surely be brought about by the Glorious Revolution, to be in preparation for the coming of the millennium.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Nevertheless, the theme of declining civilization, social degeneration, anxiety, and pending disaster, perpetuated through literature and the visual arts, encouraged a secular millenarianism and a pessimistic ennui that was amplified by mass communication.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Many religious groups promote millenarianism, anticipating a significant transformation in society.

Synonyms

millennialism
vsmillenarianism
1 9.5

Belief that a sudden big change will bring a new, better age in society

includes a religious prophecy element rather than only secular political change
chiliasm
vsmillenarianism
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A belief that Christ will rule on earth for a thousand years as said in the Book of Revelation

emphasizes the specific reign prophecy rather than a broader coming transformation
millenarism
vsmillenarianism
9.9

A belief that a thousand years of peace and happiness will come to earth, as some Christians expect

is the modern spelling used for that identical Christian belief
millenniumism
vsmillenarianism
  • Specialized
9.9

Belief that Christ will rule on earth for a thousand years as in the Book of Revelation

focuses on the religious prophecy rather than only general societal change

Surface Forms

Morphology

millenarianism = millenarian (transparent) = millennium + arian + ism

The addition of '-ism' to 'millenarian' yields a doctrine/belief term in a regular and predictable way.

Etymology

Millenarianism comes from Latin parts mille ('thousand') and annus ('year'), the same idea you see in millennium and annual. So millenarianism is the belief that a 'thousand-year' time or a big new era will come, which is why it means expecting a major change.