Chiliasm: meaning, definitions and examples

⛪

Add to dictionary

chiliasm

[ˈkɪlɪˌæzəm ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious belief

Chiliasm is a religious belief that there will be a thousand-year period of peace and happiness on earth, usually after the Second Coming of Christ. It is often associated with millenarianism and apocalypticism.

Synonyms

apocalypticism, millenarianism, millennialism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chiliasm	Used in a religious or theological context, predominantly in Christian eschatology to refer to the belief in a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. The early church held to a form of chiliasm, expecting Christ to return and establish a thousand-year kingdom.
millenarianism	Similar to chiliasm, this term is also used in religious contexts to describe the belief in a coming transformative period of peace and prosperity, typically lasting one thousand years. Several movements throughout history have been driven by millenarianism, expecting a utopian change in society.
millennialism	Often used interchangeably with millenarianism, particularly within Christian contexts, it also refers to the belief in a future golden age or paradise on earth, often lasting a thousand years. The preacher's millennialism was evident in his fervent sermons about the pending era of righteousness.
apocalypticism	Refers broadly to a belief in the imminent end of the world and the final judgment, often involving catastrophic events. It is applicable in both religious and secular contexts. Key texts in apocalypticism include the Book of Revelation and certain interpretations of the Mayan calendar.

Examples of usage

Many early Christians held to a form of chiliasm, expecting the imminent return of Christ to establish his millennial kingdom.
Chiliasm has been a recurring theme in various religious movements throughout history.
The concept of chiliasm has influenced the eschatological beliefs of different Christian denominations.
The idea of a future golden age is central to the doctrine of chiliasm.
In chiliasm, the thousand-year reign of Christ is seen as a time of perfect justice and peace.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Greek word 'chilioi,' meaning 'a thousand.'
It was popularized in Christian theology to describe a thousand-year reign of Christ.
The concept originates in ancient texts, where it was often associated with prophecy and the end times.

Religious Perspectives

Various Christian denominations interpret chiliasm differently; some expect a literal thousand years of peace, while others view it symbolically.
In Judaism, similar beliefs exist, anticipating a messianic era of peace and justice.
Certain sects of Islam also embrace themes of future redemption and a golden age, highlighting a cross-cultural resonance.

Historical Context

In the early 20th century, chiliasm fueled many revivalist movements, with believers expecting imminent divine intervention.
During the Reformation, reformers debated about the role of chiliasm, with figures like Luther expressing skepticism about its literal interpretation.
Utopian movements in the 19th century drew on chiliasm, advocating for societal changes that reflected a perceived coming age of harmony.

Pop Culture

Chiliasm can be found in various movies and books that speculate about a perfect future or post-apocalyptic salvation.
Popular games and sci-fi series often explore themes of utopian societies, suggesting a yearning for a brighter future.
Music and art have also engaged with chiliasm, expressing hope for change and the reimagining of human society.

Philosophical Views

Philosophers often debate on whether humanity can achieve such an ideal state, weighing progress against historical setbacks.
The idea prompts discussions about moral responsibility in shaping a better future, emphasizing individual and collective actions.
Critics of chiliasm argue that focusing solely on a future utopia may distract from addressing current social issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "chiliasm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quiliastismo

🇮🇳 हज़ार साल के शासन की मान्यता

🇩🇪 Chiliasmus

🇮🇩 chiliasme

🇺🇦 хіліазм

🇵🇱 chiliazm

🇯🇵 千年王国主義 (せんねんおうこくしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 chiliasme

🇪🇸 quiliásmo

🇹🇷 chiliasm

🇰🇷 천년주의 (cheon-nyeonjuui)

🇸🇦 الألفية

🇨🇿 chiliasmus

🇸🇰 chiliasmus

🇨🇳 千禧年主义 (qiānxǐnián zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 hilijazem

🇮🇸 chiliasmi

🇰🇿 милленаризм

🇬🇪 ახალგაზრდულობა

🇦🇿 kiliasm

🇲🇽 quiliásmo