ULTRAMONTANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Ultramontanism is a term used primarily in Catholicism to denote a particular perspective or movement within the Church. The term itself originates from the Latin word "ultra," meaning beyond, and "montes," meaning mountains, referring to its origins in the doctrinal debates between the papacy and local bishops across the Alps.
Ultramontanism is characterized by a strong emphasis on the authority and primacy of the Pope, as well as unwavering support for papal infallibility and the Pope's role as the visible head of the Catholic Church. It places great importance on obedience to papal decisions, doctrines, and teachings, and often sees the Pope as the sole interpreter of religious matters.
This perspective emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, in response to challenges from Protestantism and Enlightenment ideas that questioned the authority of the Church. Ultramontanists sought to reinforce the centralizing power of the papacy within the Catholic hierarchy, emphasizing the divine authority and universal jurisdiction of the Pope.
Ultramontanism has had a significant impact on the structure and governance of the Catholic Church, influencing its response to social, political, and theological developments over the years. However, its influence has varied over time, with periods of both widespread support and critique. Today, it remains a significant force within Catholicism, shaping debates, interpretations, and perspectives on various issues within the Church.
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The doctrines and tenets of those who hold extreme views as to the Pope's rights and supremacy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ULTRAMONTANISM
- yltramontanism
- hltramontanism
- jltramontanism
- iltramontanism
- 8ltramontanism
- 7ltramontanism
- uktramontanism
- uptramontanism
- uotramontanism
- ulrramontanism
- ulframontanism
- ulgramontanism
- ulyramontanism
- ul6ramontanism
- ul5ramontanism
- ulteamontanism
- ultdamontanism
- ultfamontanism
- ulttamontanism
- ult5amontanism
Etymology of ULTRAMONTANISM
The word "Ultramontanism" is derived from Latin roots. "Ultra" means "beyond" or "on the other side" in Latin. "Mons" means "mountain". In the context of the Catholic Church, "ultramontane" originally referred to individuals or ideas originating from places located beyond the mountains, particularly the Alps, in relation to Rome. This term emerged during the Middle Ages, when the Church was centered in Rome and the rest of Europe lay "beyond the mountains" to the north.
In the 19th century, "Ultramontanism" took on a more specific meaning within the Catholic Church: it referred to a movement that emphasized the authority of the Pope and centralization of power in Rome. This movement gained prominence particularly in response to challenges to the Church's authority during the Enlightenment and was associated with a strict adherence to Papal pronouncements and positions.
Similar spelling words for ULTRAMONTANISM
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