What is another word for chiliastic?

Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˌɪlɪˈastɪk] (IPA)

Chiliastic is a rather uncommon word which describes a belief in the coming of an idealized society or a utopia. There are a variety of synonyms that can be used to describe this concept, including utopian, millenarian, apocalyptic, prophetic, and eschatological. Each of these terms emphasizes a slightly different aspect of chiliastic thinking, but all share the notion of a future, idealized state that is hoped for or prophesied. Other related terms include messianic, transformative, and visionary, all of which suggest a fervent belief in the possibility of a radically different and better world to come. Despite its relative obscurity, chiliastic thinking continues to have a significant impact on religious, political, and philosophical thought around the world.

What are the hypernyms for Chiliastic?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

Usage examples for Chiliastic

This notion grew within the Church as chiliastic and apocalyptic Christianity faded away.
"Christian Mysticism"
William Ralph Inge
A.D. 95, shows the effects of the Palestinian importation extending down from generation to generation, first in the long chiliastic controversy against the Doketic Gnostics, including Montanist 'prophecy'; secondly, in the growth of a claim to apostolic succession from John.
"The Making of the New Testament"
Benjamin W. Bacon

Famous quotes with Chiliastic

  • "Progress" is for the convinced ochlocrats a consoling Utopia of madly increased comfort and technicism. This charming but dull vision was always the pseudoreligious consolation of millions of ecstatic believers in ochlocracy and in the relative perfection and wisdom of Mr. and Mrs. Averageman. Utopias in general are surrogates for heaven; they give a meager solace to the individual that his sufferings and endeavors may enable future generations to enter the chiliastic paradise. Communism works in a similar way. Its millennium is almost the same as that of ochlocracy. The Millennium of Lenin, the Millennium of Bellamy, the Millennium as represented in H. G. Wells's, "Of Things to Come," the Millennium of Adolf Hitler and Henry Ford — they are all basically the same; they often differ in their means to attain it but they all agree in the point of technical perfection and the classless or at least totally homogeneous society without grudge or envy.
    H. G. Wells
  • Almost all the prophecies of Marx and his followers have already proved to be false, but this does not disturb the spiritual certainty of the faithful, any more than it did in the case of chiliastic sects.
    Karl Marx

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