chiliasm

[ kil-ee-az-uhm ]

noun

, Theology.

1. the doctrine of Christ's expected return to reign on earth for 1000 years; millennialism.

chiliasm

/ ˈkɪlɪˌæzəm /

noun

1. Christian theol another term for millenarianism millennium

Derived Forms

• ˌchiliˈastic, adjective
• ˈchiliˌast, noun

Other Words From

• chil·i·ast [kil, -ee-ast], noun
• chili·astic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiliasm¹

1600–10; < Greek chīliasmós, equivalent to chī́li ( oi ) 1000 + -asmos, variant of -ismos -ism before stems ending in -i-

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiliasm¹

C17: from Greek khiliasmos, from khilioi a thousand

Example Sentences

By the early 18th century, moral instability encouraged both libertinism and chiliasm.

From Washington Post

It is distinguished by its missionary zeal for the conversion of the natives, pursues with special interest the study of the prophetic word, and makes chiliasm an open question which need not rend the church.

From Project Gutenberg

The Alogi in the 2nd century rejected the Apocalypse on account of its chiliasm, its teaching of a visible reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years.

From Project Gutenberg

By chiliasm, strictly speaking, is meant the belief that Christ was to return to earth and reign visibly for one thousand years.

From Project Gutenberg

That Jesus and His apostles, as well as the great body of primitive Christians, held and taught what some call chiliasm, or millenarianism, can as readily be substantiated.

From Project Gutenberg