Catholicity: meaning, definitions and examples
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catholicity
[ kæθəˈlɪsɪti ]
religious belief
Catholicity refers to the universality of the Christian church and the inclusiveness of its doctrine. It signifies the belief that the church, as the body of Christ, embraces all believers, transcending cultural, geographical, and temporal boundaries. In a broader sense, catholicity also suggests a commitment to inclusiveness and a respect for diversity within the global community. The term is central to discussions about ecumenism and the unity of different Christian denominations.
Synonyms
diversity, inclusiveness, universality.
Examples of usage
- The catholicity of the church is a fundamental principle of Christianity.
- Many theologians discuss the importance of catholicity in modern ecumenical dialogues.
- The concept of catholicity emphasizes that all are welcome within the faith.
- Catholicity also reflects the richness of various traditions within the church.
Translations
Translations of the word "catholicity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 catolicidade
🇮🇳 कैथोलिसिटी
🇩🇪 Katholizität
🇮🇩 katolik
🇺🇦 католицизм
🇵🇱 katolickość
🇯🇵 カトリック性
🇫🇷 catholicité
🇪🇸 catolicidad
🇹🇷 Katoliklik
🇰🇷 가톨릭성
🇸🇦 الكاثوليكية
🇨🇿 katolicita
🇸🇰 katolicita
🇨🇳 天主教性
🇸🇮 katoličnost
🇮🇸 kaþólskur
🇰🇿 католиктік
🇬🇪 კათოლიციზმი
🇦🇿 katoliklik
🇲🇽 catolicidad
Etymology
The term 'catholicity' has its roots in the ancient Greek word 'katholikos,' which means 'universal' or 'general.' The use of the term in a religious context dates back to the early Christian Church, where it was used to describe the universal nature of the Christian faith, particularly in relation to the church's mission to spread the word of God to all nations. Throughout history, the term has been associated with the notion of the church's embrace of all believers, regardless of their background or location. The concept of catholicity has also played a significant role in the development of Christian ecumenism, emphasizing the need for unity among different Christian denominations while recognizing the value of diversity. This understanding has evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in theological thought and the church's engagement with the world.