theologoumenon
9.9
An idea about God or religion that is not an official belief
- noun
- /θiˌɑləˈɡumənən/
- Specialized
:
teologúmeno
- This theologoumenon then passed to the Alexandrian School, in particular to Athanasius, Cyril, Evagrius, and Ps.-Dionysius, before it received its most systematic development in Maximus the Confessor.
Examples
-
The concept of original sin is often discussed as a theologoumenon rather than an official doctrine in some Christian circles.
-
Many scholars regard the idea of moral freedom as a theologoumenon that stimulates philosophical debates.
-
In modern theology, the notion of human nature is frequently seen as a theologoumenon that differs across various denominations.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A belief or opinion many people accept without careful thought
is a theological opinion that lacks official doctrinal status
How Authoritative
dogma
48
7.7
48
7.7
doctrine
205
6.0
205
6.0
theology
41
7.8
- Specialized
41
7.8
theologoumenon
- Specialized
personal belief
21
3.9
21
3.9
Surface Forms
theologoumenon singular
theologoumena plural
Etymology
Theologoumenon comes from Greek parts theo- meaning 'god' and -logoumenon meaning 'something said', and you can see these roots in words like theology and dialogue. A theologoumenon today is a theological opinion or idea that people may discuss but that is 'not official doctrine'.