CLERICALISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Clericalisms are a set of behaviors, attitudes, or practices that are characteristic of or exclusive to clerics. The term "clericalism" derives from the Latin word "clericus," which refers to someone who is a member of the clergy or has received religious ordination. In a broader sense, clericalism encompasses the tendencies or expressions that empower, emphasize, or prioritize the religious authority and role of clerics within a religious or organizational framework.
Common manifestations of clericalisms include the belief in the superior status or power of the clergy over the laity, the excessive reliance on clerics in decision-making processes, and the overarching influence of the clergy in shaping religious or institutional policies. Clericalisms can also manifest in the form of excessive bureaucracy, hierarchical structures, and rigid adherence to traditional religious customs or rituals.
Clericalisms are often criticized for fostering a sense of elitism or exclusivity within the clerical ranks, potentially leading to the marginalization of laypeople or diminishing their contributions within religious communities. Similarly, clericalisms may be associated with instances of abuse of power or unethical behavior among the clergy, as an overemphasis on clerical authority may create an environment conducive to such actions.
Generally, the term "clericalisms" is used in a critical or negative context, highlighting the potential drawbacks or adverse consequences associated with an exaggerated deference to clerical authority. The term can be applied to various religious contexts, such as Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism, and also extends to the non-religious sphere in instances where bureaucratic or hierarchical structures mirror those found within religious institutions.
Common Misspellings for CLERICALISMS
- xlericalisms
- vlericalisms
- flericalisms
- dlericalisms
- ckericalisms
- cpericalisms
- coericalisms
- clwricalisms
- clsricalisms
- cldricalisms
- clrricalisms
- cl4ricalisms
- cl3ricalisms
- cleeicalisms
- cledicalisms
- cleficalisms
- cleticalisms
- cle5icalisms
- cle4icalisms
- clerucalisms
Etymology of CLERICALISMS
The word "clericalisms" is derived from the root word "clerical" and the suffix "-ism".
The term "clerical" originally comes from the Late Latin word "clericālis", which signifies "pertaining to a clergyman or priest". It is derived from the Latin word "clericus", meaning "clergyman" or "scribe". The Latin term, in turn, can be traced back to the Greek word "klērikos", which means "of the clergy" or "clerical".
The suffix "-ism" is added to the end of a word to form a noun that denotes a particular belief, doctrine, practice, or characteristic. It comes from the Ancient Greek suffix "-ismos", which was used to create words related to actions, practices, or principles.
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