Catechumenism

/ˌkætɪˈkjuːmənɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The system, practice, or principles of catechumenal instruction and preparation in the church; the doctrines or beliefs taught to catechumens.

Etymology

From 'catechumen' plus the abstract noun suffix '-ism,' creating a noun that describes a system or ideology related to catechumenal education.

Kelly Says

Catechumenism as a system was incredibly strict—candidates could be rejected for moral failures, asked invasive questions about their lives, and had to wait years for baptism, reflecting how seriously the early church guarded its membership.

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