Latitudinarianism is a term used to describe a religious ideology that emphasizes tolerance, individuality, and rationality. The word is spelled /ˌlætɪtjuːdɪˈneəriənɪzəm/ in IPA phonetic transcription, which can be broken down into individual sounds. The first syllable "lati" is pronounced "lat-eye" with stress on the first syllable. "Tu" sounds like "too," and the "dinarian" part is pronounced "dinar-ee-un." The word ends with the suffix "-ism," pronounced "iz-uhm." Overall, the word might seem daunting to spell, but with practice, it becomes easier to understand and use correctly.
Latitudinarianism is a theological and philosophical concept that emerged in the 17th century, particularly in the Church of England, which advocates for a broad or tolerant approach to religious beliefs and practices. The term "latitudinarian" is derived from the Latin word "latitudo," meaning width or breadth, indicating the desire to encompass a wide range of beliefs within a religious context.
This school of thought emphasizes individual freedom of conscience and rejects narrow dogmatism or rigid adherence to specific doctrines. Latitudinarians seek to promote unity and harmony among different religious factions by encouraging a spirit of tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
Key tenets of latitudinarianism include a focus on reason and rationality in interpreting religious texts, a willingness to reinterpret traditional teachings in light of contemporary understanding, and an emphasis on moral and ethical values rather than strict adherence to rituals or external practices.
Latitudinarianism is often associated with liberal or moderate religious movements that aim to bridge the gaps between different religious denominations or traditions. It is characterized by a willingness to engage in open dialogue and intellectual exploration, while promoting social harmony and cooperation among believers.
In summary, latitudinarianism is a theological and philosophical approach that advocates for a broad and tolerant perspective on religious beliefs, emphasizing individual freedom of conscience and a rejection of rigid dogmatism.
Freedom or laxity of opinions, usually applied to religious opinions; latitude of a heavenly body, the angular distance of the body from the ecliptic; parallels of latitude, the small circles drawn parallel to the equator on the terrestrial globe, or on a map of the world; high latitudes, the parts of the earth's surface lying near or beyond the arctic circle in the northern, and the antarctic circle in the southern hemisphere; low latitudes, the parts of the earth's surface lying near the equator; middle latitudes, the parts of the earth's surface lying within the temperate zones. Note.-The terms longitude and latitude had their origin from the notion of the ancients, that the earth was longer from east to west than from south to north,-these terms expressing length and breadth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Latitudinarianism" derives from the Latin word "latitudo", meaning "breadth" or "width". In English, "latitudinarian" initially referred to someone who held broad or liberal views, especially in matters of faith or doctrine. Later, "Latitudinarianism" emerged as a noun to describe the belief system or religious philosophy associated with individuals who adopted a broad, tolerant, or inclusive approach to religious doctrines and practices. Ultimately, it is a combination of "latitude" (meaning freedom or flexibility) and the suffix "-arianism", indicating a system of beliefs or practices.