neoorthodoxy
C1/C2 - Very Low Frequency (Specialist Term)Formal, Academic, Theological
Definition
Meaning
A theological movement of the 20th century, primarily associated with Karl Barth, that sought to reaffirm traditional Protestant doctrines (especially human sinfulness and divine sovereignty) in reaction to liberal theology, but using modern philosophical and critical methods.
More generally, any modern revival or reassertion of orthodox principles within a field (e.g., politics, economics, art), often in response to perceived excesses of liberal or progressive thought.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is specific and domain-dependent. In theological contexts, it refers precisely to the mid-20th century movement. In broader usage, it implies a conscious, intellectual return to foundational principles, not mere traditionalism. The 'neo-' prefix signifies a modern re-engagement, not a simple repetition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is used identically in academic theology in both regions.
Connotations
In theological discourse, the term is neutral to descriptive. In broader cultural/political commentary, it may carry a slightly pejorative connotation, implying a dogmatic or reactionary stance.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects. Its use is almost entirely confined to academic theology, religious studies, and high-level cultural analysis.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The rise of neoorthodoxy in...Neoorthodoxy, as defined by...A return to neoorthodoxyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this specialized term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in theology, religious studies, and intellectual history to describe a specific 20th-century movement or analogous revivals in other fields.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary technical context is academic theology. May appear in analyses of political or economic theory to label a 'back-to-basics' movement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- His neoorthodox position was at odds with the liberal faculty.
- The essay offered a neoorthodox critique of market economics.
American English
- Her neoorthodox views were shaped by her study of Barth.
- A neoorthodox approach to constitutional law has emerged.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too complex for A2]
- [Too complex for B1]
- Some theologians reacted to modern ideas by developing a movement called neoorthodoxy.
- The book explains the history of neoorthodoxy in simple terms.
- The professor's thesis argued that the neoorthodoxy of the mid-century had been misunderstood as merely reactionary.
- In political science, one can observe a kind of neoorthodoxy emerging that rejects the post-Cold War consensus.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NEW-ORTHODOXY': A NEW (neo-) way of defending the OLD, correct (ortho-) beliefs (doxy) in theology.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COURSE CORRECTION (steering theology back to its core tenets after it drifted into liberal waters).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'неоортодоксия'. The accepted Russian theological term is 'неоортодоксия' or often simply 'диалектическая теология'. Do not confuse with 'фундаментализм' (fundamentalism), which is a different, more literalist movement.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'neo-orthodoxy' (hyphenated form is less common in modern usage).
- Using it as a synonym for any kind of religious conservatism or fundamentalism.
- Pronouncing the 'th' in 'orthodoxy' as /θ/ (voiceless) instead of the correct /ð/ (voiced).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'neoorthodoxy' most precisely and originally defined?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both react against liberal theology, fundamentalism emphasises biblical literalism and separatism. Neoorthodoxy, by contrast, uses modern critical methods and emphasises God's revelation in Christ as encountered through faith, not propositional literalism.
The Swiss theologian Karl Barth is considered its founder. Other key figures include Emil Brunner, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Reinhold Niebuhr (though Niebuhr's relationship to the movement is complex).
Yes, but it's a metaphorical extension. It can describe a modern return to the core principles of any discipline (e.g., 'a neoorthodoxy in macroeconomic policy'). However, this usage is rare and academic.
The key is to stress the third syllable: 'or'. British: /ˌniː-əʊ-or-THOD-ək-see/. American: /ˌniː-oh-or-THAH-dək-see/. The 'th' is voiced, like in 'this'.