premillennial
- adjective
- /ˌpriːˈmɪl.ə.ni.əl/
- Specialized
- In church discussions, the premillennial belief is often contrasted with other eschatological perspectives.
- premillennial dispensationalism
- premillennial theology
Examples
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I couldn't decide whether they were yet another premillennial nut group, the start of a real movement, or just more people living in their own brand of artificial reality.
Fiction book (1991) -
The most dramatic religious expression of the importance of the Old Testament in American culture today is the rise of premillennial dispensationalism, an interpretation of biblical prophecies.
Academic text (2008) -
Although the premillennial majority is less optimistic about the ultimate success of such efforts, American evangelicals are often optimistic about the short-term prospects for human betterment.
Academic text (2006) -
The Italian Pentecostals were also premillennial dispensationalists, believing in the imminent Second Coming, the "Rapture," and the subsequent earthly reign of Christ before the end of time.
Academic text (2000) -
The popularity of these narratives suggests to Schaeffer that mainstream evangelicals "hate America (as it is)" and are eager to get the whole premillennial dispensation thing on the road.
Blog text (34) -
Many Christians believe that the premillennial doctrine emphasizes the return of Christ before a peaceful reign on Earth.
-
The premillennial view asserts that there will be a significant transformation before the thousand years of peace.
Synonyms
About the belief that Christ will return before a thousand years of peace
Surface Forms
Morphology
premillennial = millennial (semi-transparent) = pre + millennial
While 'pre-' and 'millennial' are clear, the specific theological meaning requires additional context.
Etymology
The word premillennial comes from pre- meaning 'before' and millennium meaning 'a thousand years'. In Christian use, a premillennial view expects Christ to return before a coming thousand-year reign on earth, so the word describes that belief.