oikonomia
- noun
- /ˌɔɪkəˈnoʊmiə/
- Formal
:
oikonomía
- In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, oikonomia allows priests to use discretion when addressing unusual pastoral situations.
Examples
-
Oikonomia cannot be used to contradict dogma, for revealed truth places limits on oikonomia.
Academic text (2004) -
While the East took the path of oikonomia, the West developed a substantial body of law and jurisprudence on marriage which followed the thought of the TOOLONG tradition.
Academic text (2004) -
Oikonomia cannot be used to contradict dogma, for revealed truth places limits on oikonomia.
Academic text (2004) -
As Ladislas Orsy writes: "Dogma should not be wronged in the process, but this Orthodox rule cuts the other way too: whenever there is no dogma, the use of oikonomia... should not be impeded."
Academic text (2004) -
The church leaders emphasized that oikonomia should be applied with wisdom to ensure spiritual care without contradicting essential dogma.
-
Understanding the principle of oikonomia is crucial for interpreting how rules can be flexibly applied in the context of faith.
How Lenient
Surface Forms
Etymology
Oikonomia comes from the Greek parts oikos 'house' and nemein 'manage', the same root as the English word economy. In church use it pictures the community as a household, so leaders may be flexible with rules to care for people and their spiritual needs.