sublapsarianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely low / TechnicalSpecialised, academic, theological
Quick answer
What does “sublapsarianism” mean?
The theological doctrine that God's decree of election (choosing who will be saved) logically occurred after or 'under' (sub) His decree to permit the Fall of humankind. It holds that God planned salvation in view of foreseen human sin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theological doctrine that God's decree of election (choosing who will be saved) logically occurred after or 'under' (sub) His decree to permit the Fall of humankind. It holds that God planned salvation in view of foreseen human sin.
In Protestant Reformed theology, it is a specific position on the order of God's decrees, contrasting with supralapsarianism. It addresses the relationship between divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the problem of evil, focusing on the logical sequence of divine intent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning. The term is used within the same global Reformed theological discourse.
Connotations
Neutral within its academic context. May carry negative connotations from critics (e.g., Arminians, other Reformed positions) who dispute its logical consistency.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US contexts, confined to seminaries, theological journals, and specific denominational debates.
Grammar
How to Use “sublapsarianism” in a Sentence
[Doctrine/View] of sublapsarianismDebate over sublapsarianismAdhere to sublapsarianismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sublapsarianism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sublapsarian scheme was defended by many of the Reformed divines at the Synod of Dort.
- He takes a broadly sublapsarian approach to the decrees.
American English
- The professor's sublapsarian perspective influenced his reading of Paul's epistles.
- Infralapsarian is another term for the sublapsarian position.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological papers, systematic theology textbooks, and historical analyses of Reformed doctrine.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The precise term for a specific logical ordering in Reformed covenant theology and debates on divine decrees.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sublapsarianism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sublapsarianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sublapsarianism”
- Misspelling as 'sublapsariannism' or 'sublapsarianizm'.
- Confusing it with 'supralapsarianism'.
- Using it outside its highly specific theological context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sublapsarianism holds that God's decree of election logically comes after His decree to permit the Fall. Supralapsarianism holds that election and reprobation logically precede the decree of the Fall.
Yes, in standard theological usage, they are synonymous terms. Both use Latin prefixes ('infra' and 'sub') meaning 'below' or 'after' to denote the same doctrine.
Almost exclusively in academic works on Calvinism, Protestant systematic theology, historical studies of the Reformation and Post-Reformation periods, and within certain Reformed denominational discussions.
It is a highly technical distinction. Most Christians, even within Reformed traditions, do not engage with this specific terminology, though the underlying concepts relate to common discussions about predestination and God's sovereignty.
The theological doctrine that God's decree of election (choosing who will be saved) logically occurred after or 'under' (sub) His decree to permit the Fall of humankind. It holds that God planned salvation in view of foreseen human sin.
Sublapsarianism is usually specialised, academic, theological in register.
Sublapsarianism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌb.læpˈsɛə.ri.ə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌb.læpˈsɛr.i.ə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ladder representing God's plans: SUPRAlapsarianism is at the TOP (supra) before the Fall. SUBLapsarianism is UNDER (sub) or after the step where the Fall happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGICAL DOCTRINE AS A BLUEPRINT (with a debated sequence of steps); LOGICAL ORDERING AS CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE.
Practice
Quiz
Sublapsarianism is primarily a doctrinal term within which tradition?