Biblism

/ˈbɪb.lɪ.zəm/ noun

Definition

Excessive devotion to or reliance upon the literal text of the Bible; fundamentalist biblical interpretation.

Etymology

From bibli- (Bible) + -ism (a system of beliefs or practices). This theological term emerged in the 19th century to critique those who prioritized scriptural text over interpretive tradition.

Kelly Says

This word shows how religious movements get their own -ism labels: biblism critiques the belief that if something isn't explicitly in the Bible, it's invalid—it's the theological version of 'textual fundamentalism.'

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