Biblicism

/ˈbɪblɪˌsɪzəm/ noun

Definition

Strict adherence to the Bible as the literal, infallible authority; a belief system centered on biblical literalism and authority.

Etymology

From 'biblic-' (relating to the Bible) plus the suffix '-ism' (a system or practice). The term emerged in 19th-century theological discourse to describe fundamentalist approaches to scripture.

Kelly Says

Biblicism as a self-conscious movement is actually quite modern—it formed partly as a reaction against scientific and historical challenges to traditional readings. It's not 'original Christianity' but a specific modern choice about how to read old texts.

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