infralapsarian
Very low frequencySpecialist, theological, academic
Definition
Meaning
In Christian theology, specifically Calvinist theology, relating to the view that God's decree of election (choosing some for salvation) logically follows (comes after, 'infra') his decree to permit the Fall of humanity.
Pertaining to the theological doctrine that God's election of some individuals to salvation occurred after and in view of the foreseen Fall of humanity, as opposed to the supralapsarian view which places election logically before the Fall. In modern, extended usage, it can describe a retrospective or consequentialist viewpoint in other contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in historical and systematic theology, particularly in debates about the logical order of God's decrees in Calvinism. It is a niche term even within religious studies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally specialised in both varieties. Spelling follows standard patterns (no 'z' substitution).
Connotations
Neutral within its technical theological context. Outside of that context, it is an obscure, polysyllabic term likely to be misunderstood.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, limited to theological textbooks, historical debates, and highly specific academic discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Theology/Noun Phrase] + is + infralapsarianto hold + an + infralapsarian + view/positionthe + infralapsarian + position/doctrine/schemeVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical theology, religious studies, and systematic theology courses. Appears in scholarly articles and textbooks on Calvinism or the history of Christian doctrine.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Its appearance would be remarkable and likely require immediate explanation.
Technical
Technical term within its specific theological domain. Precision is paramount when distinguishing it from 'supralapsarian'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This theological school does not verb the term; one 'holds' or 'subscribes to' infralapsarianism.
American English
- The term is not used as a verb in theological discourse.
adverb
British English
- He argued infralapsarianly that election must be considered in light of the Fall.
American English
- The decree was ordered infralapsarianly in his systematic framework.
adjective
British English
- The Westminster Confession is often interpreted in an infralapsarian direction.
American English
- His infralapsarian stance was clear from his published works on divine decrees.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The term 'infralapsarian' is used in some Christian theological debates.
- He encountered the word 'infralapsarian' in a book about church history.
- The professor distinguished between the supralapsarian and infralapsarian positions within Reformed scholasticism.
- Her thesis explored the rise of infralapsarian thought among 17th-century Dutch theologians.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'INFRAstructure' (below) + 'LAPS' (from lapse/fall). The infralapsarian belief is that election comes BELOW (after) the Fall in God's logical plan.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOGICAL ORDERING AS TEMPORAL/SPATIAL SEQUENCE (a before/after or above/below schema applied to divine decrees).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Прямой перевод 'инфралапсарианский' возможен, но будет совершенно непонятен без пояснения контекста кальвинистской теологии. Не следует пытаться переводить по частям ('инфра-' + 'лапс-').
- Ключевая идея — 'после падения', поэтому объяснительный перевод 'учение об избрании после (с учётом) грехопадения' будет яснее калькированного термина.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'supralapsarian'.
- Using it outside of its very specific theological context, leading to confusion.
- Misspelling: 'infa-lapsarian', 'infralapsian', 'infralapsarian'.
- Assuming it has a general English meaning related to 'lapse' as in a mistake or time period.
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'infralapsarian'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The direct opposite is 'supralapsarian,' which is the view that God's decree of election logically preceded (was 'supra,' or above) the decree to permit the Fall.
No, it is an extremely rare and specialised term. It is not part of general vocabulary and is almost exclusively used in academic theological writing.
While its core meaning is theological, it could be used metaphorically or analogously to describe any viewpoint that sees a key decision as being made in consequence of a prior event. However, such usage is highly unusual and would require explanation.
It comes from the Latin 'lapsus,' meaning 'a fall.' In this context, it refers specifically to the Fall of humanity (the biblical event of Adam and Eve's sin).