CONCILIARISM Meaning and
Definition
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Conciliarism is a term derived from the Latin word "concilium," meaning "council." It refers to a religious and political theory that places ultimate authority in matters of doctrine and Church governance in an ecumenical council, rather than in the pope or other hierarchical figures.
In the context of Christianity, conciliarism emerged as a response to the growing centralization of power in the papacy during the Middle Ages. Its proponents argued that the authority of a council, composed of bishops, should be equal to or even superior to that of the pope. This theory gained prominence during the Great Schism of the 14th and 15th centuries when the Western Church had multiple claimants to the papacy. Conciliarists believed that a general council had the power to resolve the schism and establish reforms.
Conciliarism also encompasses political theories that advocate for councils as the primary or exclusive source of governmental authority. It suggests that decisions regarding legislation, policy, and governance should be made collectively by representatives rather than by a single ruler or monarch.
Scholars often discuss conciliarism in relation to historical events, theological debates, and its implications for the power dynamics within religious institutions and governments. While conciliarism was influential during its heyday, it largely waned in the 16th century with the rise of the Counter-Reformation and reaffirmation of papal authority. However, its ideas continue to be studied and debated as a significant episode in church history and theories of governance.
Common Misspellings for CONCILIARISM
- xonciliarism
- vonciliarism
- fonciliarism
- donciliarism
- cinciliarism
- cknciliarism
- clnciliarism
- cpnciliarism
- c0nciliarism
- c9nciliarism
- cobciliarism
- comciliarism
- cojciliarism
- cohciliarism
- conxiliarism
- conviliarism
- confiliarism
- condiliarism
- conculiarism
- concjliarism
Etymology of CONCILIARISM
The word "conciliarism" comes from the Latin term "concilium" meaning "council". Conciliarism refers to a theological and political theory that emphasizes the authority of church councils over the authority of the Pope. It emerged during the conciliar movement of the 14th and 15th centuries, which sought to limit the power of the papacy and promote the supremacy of general councils consisting of bishops, clergy, and sometimes theologians. The term "conciliarism" was derived from the Latin word "concilium" to describe this theoretical framework.
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