hopkinsianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Historical / Theological
Quick answer
What does “hopkinsianism” mean?
The theological system of Samuel Hopkins, an 18th-century American Calvinist, emphasizing disinterested benevolence and the doctrine that sin consists in selfishness.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theological system of Samuel Hopkins, an 18th-century American Calvinist, emphasizing disinterested benevolence and the doctrine that sin consists in selfishness.
A specific school of thought within New England theology, also known as Consistent Calvinism, which developed the ideas of Jonathan Edwards further, stressing that true virtue requires a willingness to be damned for the glory of God.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in American historical and theological contexts, as Hopkins was an American theologian. British usage would be exceptionally rare and only in specialized academic studies of American religious history.
Connotations
In American usage, it connotes a specific, historically situated theological debate. In any potential British usage, it would be a purely referential, academic term with no cultural resonance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in specialized American theological or historical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “hopkinsianism” in a Sentence
Hopkinsianism [verb: emerged/developed/flourished] in the late 18th century.The historian [verb: explained/analyzed/critiqued] Hopkinsianism in her thesis.His theology was influenced by Hopkinsianism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hopkinsianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theologian sought to Hopkinsianise the local church's doctrines.
- His sermons were clearly Hopkinsianising in their emphasis.
American English
- The minister attempted to Hopkinsianize the congregation's understanding of virtue.
- His writing Hopkinsianizes the concept of disinterested benevolence.
adverb
British English
- He argued Hopkinsianly for the necessity of disinterested love.
- The sermon was interpreted quite Hopkinsianly.
American English
- The theologian interpreted the text Hopkinsianly, focusing on self-denial.
- He preached Hopkinsianly about the glory of God.
adjective
British English
- His Hopkinsian leanings were evident in the treatise.
- The Hopkinsian view of sin was controversial.
American English
- The Hopkinsian emphasis on benevolence shaped the movement.
- She wrote a paper on Hopkinsian doctrines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and religious studies papers and texts to denote a specific 18th/19th-century American theological movement.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used as a precise classificatory term in the history of theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hopkinsianism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hopkinsianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hopkinsianism”
- Misspelling as 'Hopkinsonism' or 'Hopkinism'.
- Using it as a general term for any strict Calvinist belief.
- Pronouncing the 's' in Hopkins as /s/ instead of /z/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Samuel Hopkins (1721–1803) was an American Congregationalist theologian and a major follower of Jonathan Edwards, whose ideas formed the basis of Hopkinsianism.
Its core tenet is 'disinterested benevolence'—the idea that true virtue requires a willingness to be damned for God's glory, as all actions should be motivated purely by love for God and neighbour, not self-interest.
Not as a distinct, organised denomination. Its influence persists in the historical development of Reformed theology in America, but it is studied as a historical movement rather than a living tradition.
It pushed Calvinist logic to extreme conclusions, notably redefining sin as 'selfishness' and virtue as 'benevolence', and emphasizing that the truly regenerate must be indifferent to their own salvation if it serves God's greater glory.
The theological system of Samuel Hopkins, an 18th-century American Calvinist, emphasizing disinterested benevolence and the doctrine that sin consists in selfishness.
Hopkinsianism is usually academic / historical / theological in register.
Hopkinsianism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒpkɪnzɪənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːpkɪnziənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HOPKINS + IAN + ISM. Samuel HOPKINS' personal (IAN) system of belief (ISM).
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGICAL SYSTEM AS A CONSTRUCTED EDIFICE (e.g., 'the architecture of Hopkinsianism was built on Edwards' foundation').
Practice
Quiz
Hopkinsianism is primarily associated with which field?