supralapsarian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely lowHighly specialized/technical; theological
Quick answer
What does “supralapsarian” mean?
Relating to the theological doctrine that God's decree of election and reprobation logically precedes (is 'supra' or above) the decree to create the world and permit the Fall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the theological doctrine that God's decree of election and reprobation logically precedes (is 'supra' or above) the decree to create the world and permit the Fall.
In Calvinist theology, one who believes that God's sovereign election of some to salvation and others to damnation was decreed before (logically prior to) the creation of the world and the decision to permit Adam's sin. Can be used more loosely to describe a highly predestinarian, deterministic, or absolutist viewpoint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used within the same specialized theological circles in both regions.
Connotations
Highly academic and sectarian within Christian theology. May connote a particularly strict or logical form of Calvinism.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in academic theological texts, but still a niche term.
Grammar
How to Use “supralapsarian” in a Sentence
[be] supralapsarian[hold to] a supralapsarian [position][argue] from a supralapsarian [perspective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supralapsarian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctrine cannot be 'supralapsarianed'; it is a fixed position.
- He tends to supralapsarianise every theological debate.
American English
- You can't just supralapsarian the argument; it needs more nuance.
- Some theologians attempt to supralapsarianize early church writings.
adverb
British English
- He argued supralapsarianly for divine sovereignty.
- The decree was conceived supralapsarianly.
American English
- She interprets the canon supralapsarianly.
- They structured their creed supralapsarianly.
adjective
British English
- The supralapsarian position was defended in the treatise.
- His theology is rigorously supralapsarian.
American English
- A supralapsarian reading of the text is controversial.
- The debate centered on supralapsarian implications.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in theological studies, historical theology, and religious philosophy. Requires explanation even in most academic settings.
Everyday
Never used. Would be met with complete incomprehension.
Technical
The primary and only context. A technical term within systematic theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supralapsarian”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supralapsarian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supralapsarian”
- Confusing it with 'supernatural' or 'supramundane'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'strict' or 'religious' without the specific theological meaning.
- Misspelling: 'supralapsarian', 'supralapsarian'.
- Pronouncing the 'p' in 'laps' as a hard 'p' instead of linking it to 'sarian'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized term used almost exclusively in academic Christian theology.
The direct theological opposite is 'infralapsarian' or 'sublapsarian', which holds that God's decree of election logically follows the decrees to create and permit the Fall.
You should avoid it, as it will almost certainly not be understood unless you are speaking with a specialist in historical Reformed theology.
Yes, it is a technical term created for and confined to discussions within Calvinist theology regarding the order of God's decrees. Any metaphorical use outside this context would be highly atypical and require significant explanation.
Relating to the theological doctrine that God's decree of election and reprobation logically precedes (is 'supra' or above) the decree to create the world and permit the Fall.
Supralapsarian is usually highly specialized/technical; theological in register.
Supralapsarian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːprəlæpˈsɛːrɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːprəlæpˈsɛriən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUPRA' (above/over) + 'LAPS' (from 'lapse' or 'Fall') + 'ARIAN' (person who believes). Someone who believes God's decree is ABOVE the Fall.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOGICAL PRIORITY AS SPATIAL SUPERIORITY (God's decree is 'above' creation and fall in a logical chain).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of use for the term 'supralapsarian'?