neo-orthodoxy
C2Academic / Theological / Specialized
Definition
Meaning
A 20th-century Protestant theological movement that reacted against liberal theology by re-emphasizing the sovereignty of God, human sinfulness, and divine revelation.
Any renewed emphasis on traditional doctrines or principles in religion, politics, or other fields, often in reaction to perceived excessive liberalism or revisionism. Can refer to modern revivals of orthodox positions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often capitalised when referring specifically to the 20th-century theological movement (Neo-Orthodoxy). The hyphen can be optional. Used both as a historical label and a descriptive term for contemporary movements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily associated with academic theology (e.g., Barth, Brunner). In broader use, may carry a slightly negative connotation of dogmatic reactionism.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Used almost exclusively in theological, historical, or political theory contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Neo-orthodoxy + [verb: emerged, reacted, declined]Adjective + neo-orthodoxy: theological, political, contemporaryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in theology, religious studies, intellectual history, and political theory to describe reactive, doctrine-centred movements.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise historical and theological label. Requires explanation for non-specialists.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- His neo-orthodox views were out of step with the liberal faculty.
American English
- She took a neo-orthodox approach to scriptural interpretation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Neo-orthodoxy was a major theological movement in the last century.
- The theologian's neo-orthodox critique of liberal modernity centred on the absolute transcendence of God.
- In political theory, a form of neo-orthodoxy has emerged, rejecting the relativism of postmodern thought.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NEW-ORTHODOXY'. It's a new (neo) wave that goes back to old, strict (orthodox) beliefs.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGICAL TRENDS ARE WEATHER SYSTEMS (neo-orthodoxy was a storm that cleared the liberal haze).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'неоортодоксией' как простым калькированием. В русском богословии часто используется термин 'неоортодоксия' или описательно 'диалектическая теология'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for general conservatism. Mispronouncing the 'th' as /θ/ (as in 'thin') instead of /ð/ (as in 'this'). Confusing it with Eastern Orthodoxy.
Practice
Quiz
Neo-orthodoxy is most closely associated with which field?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both react against liberalism, Neo-Orthodoxy (esp. Barthian) is more theologically sophisticated, critical of biblical literalism, and emphasizes God's revelation through Christ, not just scripture.
Yes, analogically. It can describe a renewed commitment to foundational principles in politics, economics, or philosophy, often after a period of radical change or liberalization.
'Orthodoxy' refers to established, traditional doctrine. 'Neo-orthodoxy' is a modern (20th/21st century) movement that consciously returns to or re-emphasizes those orthodox principles in a new historical context.
Primarily the Swiss theologian Karl Barth, along with Emil Brunner, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Reinhold Niebuhr in America. It is sometimes called 'Barthian' theology.