CONGREGATIONALIST Meaning and
Definition
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Congregationalist refers to a person associated with or adhering to Congregationalism, which is a religious movement or tradition within Christianity. Derived from the word "congregation," Congregationalism places emphasis on the autonomy and self-government of individual local churches.
The term "congregationalist" can also refer to a member or practitioner of Congregationalism, a system of church governance where each individual congregation holds the ultimate authority in making decisions. This decentralized structure allows members to participate in the governance and administration of their own church. Congregationalists believe in the priesthood of all believers, meaning that each member has a unique role to play in the community, and decisions are made through consensus or democratic processes.
Congregationalists generally hold the Bible as the authoritative source of faith and guidance, and they value freedom of conscience and the right of each congregation to interpret scripture independently. The movement emerged during the Protestant Reformation but gained significant momentum during the Puritan movement in 16th and 17th century England. Today, Congregationalism is practiced by various denominations, including the United Church of Christ, the Congregational Federation, and several others.
In summary, a congregationalist is someone who identifies with or practices Congregationalism, a religious movement defined by autonomous local church governance, emphasis on the priesthood of all believers, and the authority of the Bible in matters of faith and practice.
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One who holds to the complete independence of each church.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CONGREGATIONALIST
- congregationlists
- congretionalist
- xongregationalist
- vongregationalist
- fongregationalist
- dongregationalist
- cingregationalist
- ckngregationalist
- clngregationalist
- cpngregationalist
- c0ngregationalist
- c9ngregationalist
- cobgregationalist
- comgregationalist
- cojgregationalist
- cohgregationalist
- confregationalist
- convregationalist
- Congregationalest
- Congregasionlist
Etymology of CONGREGATIONALIST
The word "congregationalist" originates from the term "congregation", which can be traced back to the Latin word "congregatio". The English word "congregationalist" emerged in the 17th century, primarily in reference to a Protestant Christian denomination known as Congregationalism.
The term "congregationalism" refers to a form of church organization where each local congregation has autonomy and is governed by its own members. This concept emerged from the Puritan movement in England during the 16th and 17th centuries. One of the key proponents of this system was Robert Browne, an English separatist, who advocated for the independence and democratic governance of individual churches.
The word "congregationalist" was subsequently used to describe those who adhered to the principles of Congregationalism, forming a distinct Protestant tradition.
Similar spelling words for CONGREGATIONALIST
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