Dictionary

churchism en · NOUN

Etymology

From church + -ism.

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) Strict adherence to the forms or principles of some church organization; sectarianism.
   • This identification of himself with his denomination is the acme of consecration, and this aborption of individual consciousness in the common and larger consciousness of the Church is a sign of efficient churchism, which, well regulated, may contribute to the enlargement of Christ's kingdom. 1889 July, “Denominational Consciousness”, in Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review, volume 71, page 594:
   • The appellant's idea of religion , essentially different from churchism . 1768, Charles Chauncy, A letter to a friend, containing remarks on certain passages in a sermon, page 61:
2. (countable, uncountable) A cliché or overused saying uttered in church.
   • Christians resort to churchisms such as: “Let go and let God”; “Love the sinner, hate the sin”; “I have Jesus in my heart”; “God said it. I believe it. That settles it!" 2012, Bill Foster, Meet The Skeptic: A Field Guide to Faith Conversations, page 12:
   • One churchism (a term or phrase that we use in church that has almost become a cliché) that is used when talking about prayer is the phrase "touch and agree." 2022, Michele R. Minter Williams, Church Politics:: The Games We Play:
   • Kids kept yelling ingrained churchisms for us to debunk, a la MythBusters: " God helps those who help themselves! " " Cleanliness is next to godliness! " "A gate in Jerusalem was named Eye of a Needle, so it's fine to be rich!" 2024, Jason Kirk, Hell Is a World Without You:

Forms

Relateds

High-Churchism · Low-Churchism