bibliolatry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “bibliolatry” mean?
The worship of books, especially the Bible, as objects possessing divine power or authority, rather than the ideas they contain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The worship of books, especially the Bible, as objects possessing divine power or authority, rather than the ideas they contain.
An excessive reverence, veneration, or devotion to a book or books, treating them as infallible and beyond critique. Can be applied outside a religious context to denote an idolization of any text.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Minor spelling conventions (e.g., 'criticise/criticize') apply in surrounding text.
Connotations
Identical. Strongly negative connotation in both varieties, implying a fundamentalist or anti-intellectual stance.
Frequency
A rare, specialized term in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in British theological/academic discourse due to historical church debates.
Grammar
How to Use “bibliolatry” in a Sentence
[Subject] is guilty of bibliolatry.[Critic] accused [group] of bibliolatry.To [interpret so literally] is bibliolatry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bibliolatry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One should be careful not to bibliolatrise the sacred texts.
- The movement was accused of bibliolatrising the founder's writings.
American English
- Critics argue they bibliolatrize the Constitution.
- The sect is seen as bibliolatrizing every word of their canon.
adverb
British English
- He adhered bibliolatrously to the letter of the law.
- The text was treated bibliolatrously.
American English
- They interpret the document bibliolatrously.
- She followed the instructions bibliolatrously, to the point of absurdity.
adjective
British English
- His approach was criticised as bibliolatrous.
- A bibliolatrous attitude can stifle spiritual growth.
American English
- The bibliolatrous veneration of the text ignored its historical context.
- They rejected what they called a bibliolatrous doctrine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'Their bibliolatry of the original business plan prevented necessary adaptation.'
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, literary theory, and history to critique dogmatic or uncritical approaches to canonical texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be considered an obscure, academic term.
Technical
A precise term in theological discourse to label a specific doctrinal error or hermeneutical stance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bibliolatry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bibliolatry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bibliolatry”
- Misspelling as 'biblolatry' (dropping the 'i').
- Confusing with 'bibliomania' (obsessive book collecting) or 'bibliophilia' (love of books).
- Using it in a positive sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively a negative, critical term used to accuse someone of an excessive, idolatrous reverence for a text.
Yes. While its etymology and primary use relate to the Bible, it can be extended metaphorically to describe an uncritical worship of any text treated as supremely authoritative, such as a constitution, legal code, or philosophical treatise.
Bibliolatry is the *worship* of a book's literal text as divinely authoritative. Bibliophilia is the *love* of books as physical objects to be collected and cherished. The former is doctrinal/critical; the latter is a hobby.
No. It is a rare, scholarly term used in specific theological, historical, or literary-critical discussions. It would not be understood in general everyday conversation.
The worship of books, especially the Bible, as objects possessing divine power or authority, rather than the ideas they contain.
Bibliolatry is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Bibliolatry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪbliˈɒlətri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪbliˈɑːlətri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BIBLE' + 'IDOLATRY' = worshipping the Bible/book as an idol.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOOK IS A SACRED OBJECT/TOTEM (to be worshipped physically rather than understood intellectually).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bibliolatry' MOST likely to be used?